Portugal vacation with children
Sunny coasts & historical magic
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The perfect destination for families
A family vacation in Portugal with children offers exciting discoveries: Safe beaches invite you to splash around and historic fortresses stimulate the imagination of the little ones. Child-friendly accommodation and restaurants welcome families here. This combination of culture, nature and hospitality makes Portugal the ideal destination for varied family adventures.
Raphaela Wedel
Travel expert for Portugal
Updated on 09/01/2025
City adventures & coastal panorama
Go sailing in Porto, solve puzzles in Coimbra's libraries, explore Lisbon by streetcar, play on the beach in Tavira and discover enchanting Sagres.
An inspiring mix of culture, play and shared discoveries awaits you and your family in Portugal!
Highlights: Porto ➢ Coimbra ➢ Lisbon ➢ Tavira ➢ Sagres
➔ PLAN A FAMILY VACATION IN PORTUGAL
| Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| 🛫 Arrival: | approx. 7–8 hrs from US East Coast |
| 🔆 Best travel time: | April - October |
| ⌛ Trip duration: | from 10 days |
| ⭐ Accommodation: | 4-star hotels |
| 🍴 Meals: | Breakfast |
| ⛵ Activities: | River cruise - City tours - Sailing trip |
| 🚗 Transport: | Rental car |
| 💰 Price: | from $1500 per adult (flights excluded) |
1. Porto
Discover Porto with the whole family by climbing the Clérigos Tower for a breathtaking view, cycling along the picturesque Douro River, exploring the city on the Six Bridges Boat Tour or diving into the underwater world of Sea Life Porto with your children.
2. Coimbra
Discover Coimbra, the city of learners, as a family: explore the Portugal dos Pequenitos Miniature Park, marvel at old books in the magnificent Biblioteca Joanina, paddle together on the Mondego River and enjoy nature in the Mondego Verde Park.
3. Lisbon
Experience Lisbon with your children by playfully exploring science in the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, marveling at sea creatures in the oceanarium in the child-friendly Parque das Nações district, enjoying nature in Monsanto Park or exploring the city on a historic streetcar ride.
4. Tavira
In Tavira in the Algarve, you can test your skills at the Tavira Mini Golf Fun Park, explore corners steeped in history on a tuk-tuk tour, experience a paddling adventure on the Amoreira River and discover exciting scientific phenomena in exhibitions at the Tavira Ciência Viva Centre.
5. Sagres
In Sagres, the family-friendly Martinhal beach awaits you with calm waves. You can experience adventure on kayak tours, a trip on the Cape Cruiser to watch whales and dolphins or on an exciting coasteering excursion where you can swim, jump off cliffs and climb.
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The most beautiful regions for a vacation with children
Lisbon region
The Lisbon region is an ideal vacation destination for families with children. The endless beaches invite you to swim and build sandcastles. Children can discover the fascinating underwater world at the Lisbon Oceanarium.
The Sintra-Cascais Nature Park offers exciting adventures, while the fairytale castles in Sintra inspire the imagination. Child-friendly museums provide educational experiences. The numerous parks and gardens also offer space for play and relaxation.
Algarve
Experiencing the Algarve with children offers a wide range of activities. At Falésia beach, the little ones can splash around in the shallow waters, while older ones can discover surfing at Amado beach.
Adventurous families can have fun together at the Aquashow Park water park and the numerous charming villages such as Alvor offer relaxed discovery tours. This variety of beaches, adventure parks and picturesque villages makes the Algarve an excellent choice for families with children of different ages.
Madeira
A family vacation on Madeira thrives on its diversity, as the island offers activities for all ages: The youngest will look forward to the aquarium in Porto Moniz, while older children can enjoy adventures on levada walks and learn more about the island's volcanic history in the caves of São Vicente.
The botanical garden is a place of learning and discovery for the whole family and the dolphin and whale watching tours will delight all ages.
Portugal Guide: Travel tips & info
Preparing children for the flight to Portugal means creating anticipation. Tell them about the sunny beaches and lively markets that await them. Pack together and thank them for their favorite toys and snacks. Playfully explain the procedures at the airport and on the plane to reduce possible anxiety. A travel diary for observations could also increase curiosity and keep them occupied.
Sun protection: High-quality sun cream, sun hats and UV-protective clothing, especially for the little ones.
Comfortable shoes: For exploring picturesque towns or walking along the coastal paths.
Swimwear: Swimwear, water wings for non-swimmers and possibly beach toys.
Light clothing: Warm climates call for breezy outfits; still pack a jacket for cooler evenings.
First-aid kit: Necessary medication, plasters, painkillers and travel sickness remedies.
Entertainment: Books, coloring books or travel games to keep you occupied during rest periods.
Adapter: For electronic devices, as sockets can vary.
Copies of important documents: Just in case, including passport, insurance cards and emergency contacts.
Include common medications for pain, fever and stomach upsets, supplemented by remedies for motion sickness. Plasters, disinfectant and a cooling gel cream for sunburn should not be missing. Also remember to take a sufficient quantity of any prescription medication for the whole family. Finally, we recommend taking a sunscreen with a high protection factor and insect repellent.
While Portugal offers a wealth of child-friendly activities and locations, families should avoid crowded tourist hotspots in high season or late night areas in large cities known for their vibrant nightlife. Care should also be taken on remote beaches that do not provide lifeguards or clear safety information, as the sea can sometimes be treacherous, especially for young swimmers.
The best time to travel to Portugal with children is in the spring months from April to June and early fall from September to October. Pleasant temperatures allow for exploration and beach visits without the heat of high summer or the crowds spoiling the travel experience.
