Are you planning a family trip to Portugal? Wondering how to keep your kids entertained and ensure that they have a great time during your visit? Look no further! Check out our comprehensive guide for Portugal travelers with kids, which covers everything from the top places to visit, ideal duration of stay, helpful weather tips, transportation options, and budget considerations. We've got you covered, so let's begin planning a memorable and enjoyable trip for your entire family!
Content Preview
Step 1: Choose the Best Places to Visit for Your Family
Portugal offers numerous family-friendly destinations where kids could have a fantastic time while also learning about the country's history and culture. If you're planning your first family trip to Portugal, here are some top recommendations for you.
1) Lisbon — the Capital of Portugal (a Must-Visit for First-Timers)
Yellow tram in LisbonIn Lisbon, there are plenty of entertaining places and activities for kids to enjoy, including cave exploring, learning about marine ecosystems by visiting an aquarium as well as riding the vintage yellow trams that navigate the narrow streets of Lisbon.
One must-visit destination is the impressive Grutas de Mira de Aire, the largest underground network of caves in Portugal and one of the "seven natural wonders" of the country. Follow your guide as you descend 683 steps, about 110 m (360 ft), into a fascinating world of stunning mineral formations.
Other exciting child-friendly activities include taking an electric tuk-tuk tour and zooming through the ancient and modern districts of the capital to uncover Lisbon's captivating history. Another option is to embark on a boat tour along the Tagus River, providing a unique perspective of the heart of Lisbon.
2) Porto — Harry Potter Library
Ribeira, the old town of Porto, and the river Douro,Porto offers a wonderful combination of history, entertainment, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for families traveling with kids.
Spark your children's imagination by visiting one of the most stunning bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello. Its breathtaking architecture and magnificent staircase served as inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Book enthusiasts of all ages would be mesmerized by its enchanting atmosphere.
Take another 2 hours to explore a tile-painting workshop and gain insight into the tradition of tile-covered buildings that adorn Portugal. Let your kids experience the joy of painting their own unique azulejo tiles using traditional techniques and create some unique artwork.
If your kids love nature and animals, embark on a hiking trip to Peneda-Gerês National Park, a vast protected area spanning 696 square km (269 square miles) near the Spanish border. Discover the abundant local flora and fauna, including Garrano (wild horses), wild boar, wildcats, deer, otters, and three species of endangered bats.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
|
|
Excellent experience in Bangkok
Ying was our guide in Bangkok. She was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. She knew exactly how to move us through crowds quickly so that we could see all we wanted to say and made good recommendations for other things we were interested in. I would not hesitate to recommend Ying or anyone that helped us at Asia highlights More
Dr. Meshagae Hunte-Brown, Aug 2024
|
Excellent travel advisor, itinerary and tour guides
Miss Tanny, our guide in Bangkok, was personable and very patient. She kept us informed of the day's activities and kept us entertained with her sense of humor. Miss Lisa, our Phuket guide, was very polite and soft spoken. The young people in our group relate well with her. More
susan edwards, Jul 2024
|
Our guide went out of his way to make the trip enjoyable
We met our guide BANG at the airport for a very brief Bangkok stay as part of our overall SEA trip. He went out of his way to make the trip enjoyable and informational. 10/10! More
customer, Jul 2024
|
3) Coimbra — the Oldest University in the World
Coimbra offers a compelling reason to visit with your child — the internationally-renowned University of Coimbra, which is considered to be the oldest university in the world. Enjoy a captivating journey through time as you explore the university's magnificent buildings, including the Joanina Library. Admire the intricate architecture and delve into the vast collection of ancient books housed within.
Immersing your family in Coimbra's rich heritage extends beyond the university. Make sure to visit the iconic Old Cathedral of Coimbra, an awe-inspiring Romanesque structure that provides breathtaking panoramic views from its rooftop. Stroll through the narrow streets of the medieval district and let your children's imaginations soar as they visualize what life was like centuries ago.
Nature-loving families should not miss a trip to the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra. Your kids would be fascinated by the diverse plant species and enchanted by the tranquil atmosphere. Additionally, take the opportunity to walk along the Mondego River, where you could enjoy a delightful picnic or rent bicycles for an enjoyable family ride.
4) Faro — Famous for Beautiful Beaches and Museums
Faro beachLocated in the sun-soaked Algarve region, Faro offers an ideal combination of sandy beaches, rich cultural heritage, and exciting activities to keep your children entertained throughout your vacation.
Faro's stunning coastline is a paradise for beach-loving families. With miles of golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it provides the perfect setting for building sandcastles, playing beach games, and enjoying refreshing swims. Grab your buckets and spades, let the kids dig into the sand, and immerse yourselves in the laid-back coastal atmosphere.
If your children would like a cultural experience, Faro has a wealth of historical and cultural sites to explore. Take a trip to the Old Town of Faro, the Faro Municipal Museum, and the Algarve Regional Museum. There, your little ones could learn about local traditions and history through a variety of engaging exhibitions.
5) Sintra — Known for Its Palaces and Castles
Palace of Pena in SintraLocated near Lisbon, Sintra is a magical and enchanting destination that's perfect for families with children. It is renowned for its fairytale-like palaces and castles. A visit to the iconic Pena Palace is a must. Perched on a hill, this vibrant palace boasts intricate architecture, beautiful gardens, and stunning views.
Take your kids to Monserrate Park, an enchanting garden with lush greenery and exotic plants. Explore winding trails, cross picturesque bridges, and discover hidden waterfalls. The park also offers a playground area for children to run, climb, and play.
6) Madeira — Boat Tour, Beach, and Dolphin Watching
If you're looking to explore an Atlantic island with your kids, then Madeira should definitely be on your list. This stunning destination offers a diverse range of attractions and activities that cater to the interests of children, ensuring unforgettable experiences for the whole family.
Start your family adventure at the lush Monte Palace Tropical Garden and thrill your little ones with a ride on the Monte Toboggan. Dive into Madeira's fascinating history at the interactive Madeira Story Centre. There, you and your family could relax on beaches or take an exciting boat tour to spot playful dolphins. Take a ride on the Monte Cable Car and treat yourself to panoramic views of the island. Don't forget to indulge in delicious local cuisine.
Step 2: Decide How Long to Stay
In general, it takes about 7–8 days to cover the must-see highlights of Portugal, which include Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region. However, if you wish to explore the country at a comfortable pace, it is recommended to allocate 10–12 days for a more relaxed and immersive travel experience. With a tour of more than 2 weeks, you could explore the country deeply and widely.
Here are some top recommended tour itineraries with some ideas for families:
- 7-Day Portugal Classic Family Itinerary: Lisbon + Sintra + Porto — this is suitable for most first-time family travelers with kids.
- 10-Day Portugal Itinerary for Family: Lisbon + Sintra + Porto + the Algarve — this is recommended for family travelers who want to travel at a comfortable pace.
- 2-Week Portugal Itinerary for Families: Lisbon + Sintra + Porto + the Algarve + Madeira — this is good for summer vacation travelers with school-age children.
Please don't hesitate to contact us to inquire about customizing the above and for a personalized itinerary and quote for your family trip to Portugal. We pride ourselves on creating tailor-made tours that cater to your specific needs and preferences.
Step 3: Weather Tips for a Family Trip
In general, the summer season is the preferred time for family travel due to children's summer vacations. In most parts of Portugal, average high temperatures during the summer months range from 25℃ to 30℃ (77–86°F). Although, occasionally, temperatures could reach even higher levels, particularly in inland areas during July and August. In coastal cities, the sea breeze provides relief from the heat, making it more comfortable for you to travel with kids.
If you plan to travel in July and August, it is advisable to take it easy and not rush your itinerary. The hot weather and long hours of sunshine may be overwhelming for your kids. To keep them comfortable, consider visiting indoor attractions or breaking up your outdoor activities with breaks in shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces.
If you are looking for some less crowded attractions and comfortable weather during the summer vacation, it is recommended to start your trip in late May or at the beginning of June. The weather during this time is not too hot and the crowds of summer tourists have not yet arrived.
As the summer season is the busiest time of the year, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience, it is highly recommended to book your tickets for museums and attractions in advance. To help you secure your bookings and avoid the hassle of long queues, you could opt for a private tour that takes care of your bookings for you.
Step 4: How to Choose Family-Friendly Accommodation
When selecting a family-friendly hotel in cities across Portugal, there are several key factors to consider to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for your children. For instance, in Lisbon, you could choose hotels in Baixa, as this central neighborhood is an excellent choice for families due to its convenient location and abundance of family-friendly hotels.
When traveling with kids, you can choose hotels that cater to family travelers in the main cities of Portugal. Many hotels provide standard or double rooms with the possibility of adding an extra bed or rollaway bed.
For families with multiple kids, there are hotels that offer dedicated family rooms designed specifically to accommodate families. These rooms are thoughtfully arranged with a combination of beds. You could expect a comfortable double or queen-size bed for the parents, along with one or two single beds or practical bunk beds for the children. This ensures that everyone has a comfortable and well-spaced place to sleep during their stay.
Moreover, the facilities and amenities provided by the hotel could significantly impact your children's experiences. It is important to check if the hotel offers amenities suitable for families. Look for features such as swimming pools, playgrounds, kids' clubs, and family rooms or suites with ample space for everyone. Additionally, consider whether the hotel provides essential amenities, such as cribs, high chairs, and babysitting services if needed.
If you would like some help booking, contact our trip advisor and we'll suggest the best handpicked hotels for you in Portugal.
Step 5: About the Budget for Family Tours
According to our experience, a family of four planning a 1-week tour of Portugal could anticipate expenses ranging from 11,000 to 14,000 USD. It is worth noting that children under 10 years old may be eligible for a travel discount ranging from 30% to 50%.
This price range is based on a comfortable private family tour, which includes services such as a private car and driver, private guide, intercity transportation by train or flight within Portugal, accommodation in 4-star hotels, tickets for attractions, and full-day itineraries.
Step 6: How to Get Around in Portugal
Portugal is a relatively small country. There are two recommended modes of travel between cities: train and private car transfers.
Trains serve as the primary transportation method for both tourists and locals exploring Portugal. The travel time between major cities typically ranges from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the distance. While train journeys could become a part of the overall travel experience, managing children and luggage simultaneously could be quite challenging.
To alleviate this challenge, we suggest booking first-class seats. This allows for more luggage space and a more comfortable cabin environment, ensuring a smoother journey for your family. The price of a first-class ticket is about 20–50% higher than a second-class ticket depending on the distance and travel season.
Alternatively, opting for a private car transfer offers a hassle-free travel experience, taking your family directly from your hotel to the next destination without worrying about luggage problems. Throughout the drive, you could relish the scenic views along the road, seek insights from your knowledgeable driver, and stop and rest as desired. However, the price of a private car transfer is much higher than traveling by train.
Whichever mode of transportation you prefer, our private tour service includes all transportation within Portugal, ensuring convenience and peace of mind for your family's travel needs.
Plan Your Trip with Global Highlights
All of our tours can be customized based on your interests and requirements. Feel free to contact us.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
|
|
|
|
|
