Portugal with kids is one of our favourite trips and we have been to this beautiful country on numerous occasions and in every season. There’s so much in Portugal for families from the sun-drenched beaches of the south to the buzz of the cities of Lisbon and Porto. If you’re looking for things to do in Portugal for kids there is so much here from great attractions, to Portugal group tours and excursions as well as fantastic family-friendly food. Use the ‘Table of contents’ below to hop through this guide or read through the whole thing for a big blast of Portugal with kids inspiration.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
*AD / This post contains affiliate links & as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also have been compensated in this post either financially or with products / stays. To read more see our Disclosure Policy.
Table of Contents
About visiting Portugal with children
Portugal is such a lovely country to visit with children. It’s warm through most of the year and the sun seems to shine every day.
The people are friendly and welcoming and there’s plenty of variety across the country for you to get whatever kind of trip your family enjoys.
It’s also possible to combine elements. For example, spending a few days in Lisbon for some culture and history before heading to the beaches of the Algarve. This is a really versatile country and there’s a reason that families return to it for generations.
Feel inspired
Amazing trips to take in Portugal with kids
We have had some fantastic trips to Portugal from a winter week in the Algarve for February half term to a road trip through Spain and Portugal, which saw us wind our way from the top of Spain to the bottom and then over into Portugal to travel up through it.
We also had a lovely family trip to the Algarve at Easter where we saw so many of their lovely festivals and enjoyed the balmy weather.
We’ve also spent time in Madeira, the beautiful Portuguese island just off of Africa. Here we had a fantastic week in Madeira in winter with kids.
Top Portuguese Attractions to visit with kids
Portugal is full of some wonderful places to visit and things to do, some of our favourites are –
- Eating custard tarts (pasteis de nata) in their home in Belem, Lisbon.
- Enjoying the beaches of the Algarve.
- Take a boat trip down the Douro River in Porto.
- See one of Europe’s biggest aquariums, the Oceanário de Lisboa.
- Visit the end of the world in Sagres.
- Be amazed by the Chapel of Bones in Evora.
- Get active by taking a walk in the Gerês Mountain Range.
Interesting places to stay
Portugal has some fantastic places to stay and we have been lucky to stay in a number of places through the country, particularly in the Algarve. One of our favourite places is Pine Cliffs Resort which is a wonderful resort for families. Also in the Algarve we have reviews on Dona Filipa Hotel, Vale do Lobo Villas and Resort, and Four Seasons Fairways.
In Lisbon we have reviewed Corpo Santo Hotel which is a fabulous city centre hotel.
And in Madeira we have a whole feature on Madeira family hotels.
Read more:
Amazing Algarve family resorts (on our sister site, Family Hotel Expert)
The best holidays in Portugal for families
Great festivals to visit in Portugal with kids
Portugal is a master at festivals and they can provide a really interesting insight when you’re travelling with kids. Some of the best are –
- Festa de Santo António in Lisbon
- Festa das Torchas the Easter festival in São Brás de Alportel
- Festa de São João in Porto
- Carnival in Loulé, Algarve
Ultimate guide to Portugal with kids: Itineraries
We have a few itineraries, based on our travels around Portugal with kids. These are –
Portugal for kids: Where to visit
Where you visit in Portugal on a family trip depends on what you want to get out of it. There’s everything available from city breaks filled with museums and attractions to secluded beaches and windswept islands.
Porto and northern Portugal
The lesser known north of Portugal is absolutely beautiful.
Through winding hilltop roads and with a wild coastline it’s somewhere to get away from the world.
Porto is in the southern part of this region and is a wonderful city for a visit with kids, take a trip to City Park, the country’s largest park, the wonderful Mares Swimming pool or Santo Inácio Zoo.
Centre
A gorgeous strip of land between the top of Lisbon and the north.
There are beautiful beaches to the west and a stretch of much less visited land that runs up to the border with Spain.
Visit the city of Coimbra, a former residence of the first Portuguese Kings and Aveiro with its Venice-like canals.
Lisbon and the Tagus Valley – Portugal with kids
Portugal’s capital is perfect for a family trip.
Work up a sweat in the seven hills through the city or ride on the rattling trams around the centre and beyond.
Visit the aquarium and the historic São Jorge Castle overlooking the city.
Read more:
Alentejo
Alentjo is a beautiful region of this country.
Huge, golden plains, rolling green vineyards and interesting towns and cities with plenty of character.
The region stretches to the wild Atlantic coastline but it’s the beguiling hinterland which holds many of the hidden secrets here.
The Algarve – Portugal with kids
The beautiful Algarve is made for family trips.
With miles of sandy beaches and some beautiful towns to explore. There’s lots of great outdoor activities to enjoy here from golf and tennis to horse-riding and cycling. It’s a wonderful region to spend some time in.
Read more:
- An ultimate guide to the Algarve with kids
- The best Algarve family resorts
- A trip to the end of the world at Sagres
- The Algarve at Easter – a spring trip to Portugal
- The Festa das Torchas Easter festival
- Visiting Loule carnival in the Algarve
- Watching out for processionally caterpillars
- A stay at Dona Filipa Hotel
- Review of Martinhal, nr Sagres
- A stay at Four Seasons Fairways
Madeira
Madeira comprises of four islands off the coast of Africa.
This is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year but particularly in winter when it is warm and colourful.
There’s plenty here for a family trip from mini theme parks to outdoor pools.
Read more:
- The best things to do in Madeira with kids
- The top Madeira family hotels
- A week in Madeira in winter with kids
- The best Madeira day trips
The Azores – Portugal with kids
The Azores is a lovely remote archipelago that is perfect for outdoor adventures.
From whale watching to biking and horse riding there’s so much to do here despite how small it is.
Cruising to Portugal with kids
There are some fantastic cruise itineraries that take in Portugal and this can be a great way to see some of this beautiful country. We have cruised to Lisbon and Madeira, both of which are great port stops.
Read more:
A Mediterranean with P&O Cruises on Azura
Cruise to the Canary Islands and Madeira with P&O Cruises
What to buy in Portugal
There are some lovely gifts to buy in Portugal, from the decorated pottery of the Algarve to cork products from the hills.
One of our favourite companies is Bordallo Pinheiro which make beautiful products from cake stands to water pitchers.
Definitely one to look out for on your travels in this country.
Read more:
Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics – What to buy in The Algarve
Portugal itineraries with kids
Planning an itinerary for Portugal with kids depends on how much time you have and the type of trip you want. Here are a few family-friendly options:
7 days in Portugal with kids
- Days 1–3: Lisbon – Ride tram 28, explore São Jorge Castle, visit the aquarium, and take a day trip to Sintra for palaces and gardens.
- Days 4–5: Alentejo – enjoy relaxed countryside stays, vineyards, and stargazing in some of Europe’s clearest skies.
- Days 6–7: Algarve – unwind on sandy beaches, try waterparks or dolphin-watching boat trips.
10 days in Portugal with kids
- Days 1–3: Lisbon & Sintra
- Days 4–5: Porto – discover the Ribeira district, enjoy a Douro river cruise, and treat the kids to the World of Discoveries museum.
- Days 6–7: Central Portugal – Coimbra for its university and gardens, Aveiro for colourful boats and canals.
- Days 8–10: Algarve – split time between Lagos and Tavira for beaches, castles, and seafood.
14 days in Portugal with kids
- Combine Lisbon, Porto, Central Portugal, and the Algarve with a side trip to Madeira or the Azores for island adventures.
Best beaches in Portugal for families
Portugal’s beaches are one of the biggest draws for families. Some of the best include:
- Praia da Marinha, Algarve – calm waters, dramatic cliffs, and excellent for paddling.
- Praia do Guincho, near Lisbon – ideal for active families who love windsurfing and sand dunes.
- Praia de Mira, Centre – a Blue Flag beach with lifeguards and calm waters.
- Praia Formosa, Madeira – a volcanic beach with safe swimming zones.
- Praia do Norte, Nazaré – famous for big waves, but also has safe family areas.
Practical tips for visiting Portugal with kids
- Transport: Portugal’s trains are excellent for connecting major cities, but hiring a car gives more freedom in the Algarve and Alentejo.
- Food: Portuguese cuisine is child-friendly – grilled chicken, fresh bread, custard tarts, and simple rice dishes are everywhere.
- Weather: The Algarve is sunny most of the year, but northern Portugal can be wetter. Spring and autumn are ideal for family trips.
- Accommodation: Many resorts and hotels cater specifically for families with kids’ clubs, pools, and family suites.
- Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Portuguese phrases is fun for kids and always appreciated.
FAQ: Portugal with kids
Is Portugal good for kids?
Yes, Portugal is one of the most family-friendly countries in Europe. Locals are welcoming to children, and attractions are varied enough to suit all ages.
What’s the best time to visit Portugal with kids?
Spring and autumn offer warm weather without the peak summer crowds. Winter is also a great time for Madeira or the Algarve if you want sunshine.
Are the beaches safe for children?
Many Portuguese beaches have lifeguards and calm swimming zones, but always check flags for water safety.
Do we need a car in Portugal?
In cities like Lisbon and Porto, public transport is great. For the Algarve, Alentejo, or exploring villages, a hire car makes things easier.
Is Portugal affordable for families?
Yes, Portugal is generally cheaper than many Western European destinations. Meals out are affordable, and there are plenty of free or low-cost attractions.
Seasonal travel ideas for Portugal with kids
- Spring (March–May): Perfect for exploring cities, mild weather, wildflowers in Alentejo. Easter festivals add a cultural highlight.
- Summer (June–August): Hot and lively – great for beach holidays and waterparks. Best to stay near the coast for breezes.
- Autumn (September–November): Warm seas, quieter beaches, grape harvest festivals in wine regions.
- Winter (December–February): Algarve and Madeira stay mild and sunny, while Lisbon offers cosy city breaks. Christmas markets are fun for kids.
Family-friendly attractions in Portugal
- Zoomarine Algarve: A mix of rides, dolphin shows, and pools.
- Portugal dos Pequenitos, Coimbra: A miniature world of Portuguese monuments designed for children.
- Lisbon’s Tile Museum: Surprisingly fun for kids, with colourful mosaics and workshops.
- Madeira Cable Car & Monte Toboggan Ride: A quirky experience that kids won’t forget.
- Azores Whale Watching: Spot dolphins and whales on family-friendly boat trips.
What to eat in Portugal with kids
Food is a highlight of any family trip:
- Frango Piri-Piri: Grilled chicken, mild enough for kids.
- Bifanas: Simple pork sandwiches.
- Caldo Verde: A comforting potato and kale soup.
- Bolinhos de Bacalhau: Codfish fritters – crunchy and kid-approved.
- Pastéis de Nata: Custard tarts, best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Encourage kids to try local pastries, olives, and cheeses – many are mild and tasty.
Why we love Portugal for families
Portugal works so well with kids because it offers a mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure. You can combine beach days with castles, boat trips with city tram rides, and hearty meals with ice creams by the sea. It’s compact enough that you don’t spend endless hours travelling, but varied enough that every day feels different. We have been visiting Portugal with kids for years. It’s oe of those enduring destinations that we always come back to.
Our Portuguese recipes – Portugal with kids
We love cooking up food from our travels. Click on the links below to try some of these recipes yourself.
Read more:
A recipe for piri piri potatoes with a piri piri mayo
We hope you’ve enjoyed our ultimate guide to Portugal with kids. Do let us know if you have any questions, it’s a country we love and we’re always happy to chat about. Why not sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know about our posts and features.
