If you’re planning a family vacation to Portugal with your little ones, look no further! This 10-day itinerary is perfect for exploring some of the country’s most beautiful destinations and offers different exciting activities to keep everyone entertained.
From its blue flag beaches and picturesque coastal towns, to tasty traditional food experiences and thrilling historical sites – this trip has something to offers to all ages. So grab your bags, pack your sunscreen, and join us as we explore Portugal through our incredible journey!
Day 1 – Lisbon
First, you must start your day by exploring the Old Town on foot. The Alfama district, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood is a perfect place to begin. This medieval quarter has narrow winding streets, picturesque alleys, and cozy squares that are perfect for strolling around. You can observe the local people going about their daily lives as you walk past unusual houses who are decorated with colourful tiles. As you walk along, you can visit some of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks, including the Castelo de São Jorge, a castle with panoramic views of the city, and Lisbon Cathedral, which is one of the oldest churches in Portugal.
After strolling around the Old Town, hop onto a tram and enjoy the scenic views of the city. The historic trams are a great way to see Lisbon’s many highlights, and kids will love the adventure. Tram 28 is the most famous route and is recommended for tourists. The ride takes you through some of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, such as Graça, Mouraria, and Bairro Alto, allowing you to experience their different colors and flavors.
A visit to the city of Lisbon would be incomplete without trying some traditional Portuguese food. For lunch, head to Time Out Market, a popular restaurant where you can indulge in Portuguese cuisine. The market offers a wide range of dining options, and you can find everything from grilled seafood and meat to sandwiches and pastries. You and your kids are sure to find something you’ll enjoy.
We stayed at the Boho Guesthouse – Rooms & Apartments
Day 2 – Porto
First things first, let’s talk about the drive from Liston to Porto. Although it’s a 3-hour drive, the scenic route is well worth it.
Once you arrive in Porto, there are endless things to see and do. If you’re traveling with kids, I recommend starting at the Ribeira district, a lively and colorful area by the river. You can take a stroll along the riverbank, admire the old houses and their bright facades, and watch the boats sail by. From there, you can take a walk across the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, a metal arch bridge that offers a spectacular view of the city and the river. Another must-see attraction is the São Bento Railway Station, famous for its beautiful blue-and-white tiled walls. You can also check out the Torre dos Clérigos, a baroque bell tower that offers a panoramic view of the city from the top.
If you want to see Porto from a different perspective, I highly recommend taking a river cruise. In most boat tours you will learn about the history and culture of Porto and this in multiple languages while enjoying the ride. You can also opt for a dinner or sunset cruise if you want to make it an even more memorable experience.
We stayed at the Invictus Place
Day 3 – Douro
Next: the iconic Douro Valley. The Douro Valley is only about 100 kilometers east of Porto. You will be driving along the Douro River and enjoying the breathtaking views of its terraced vineyards. There are also many spots where you can park and enjoy the scenery, so don’t forget to bring your camera. The Douro River Valley is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, so you are in store for some amazing wine tasting experiences.
The Douro River Valley has a lot of wineries, so you’ll want to choose a few places to visit. I recommend a stop at Quinta de la Rosa and Quinta do Vallado. Both of these wineries offer tours and tastings, but if you’re looking for something a little different, try Quinta do Panascal. This winery has amazing views of the Douro River, and you can take a tour of the vineyards on a traditional rabelo boat. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a grape harvest.
As you make your way further along the Douro River, plan a stop at the small town of Pinhão. This charming village has a beautiful train station, historic wineries, and the best river views in the valley. Take a walk down the river, indulge in some local food, and drink the wines the region is known for. You can even learn more about the region by visiting the Douro Museum.
We stayedat the Domaine Casa Valença
Day 4 & 5- Sagrès, Algarve
The very long 7-hour drive from Pinhão to Sagrès is a scenic route, and it’s worth taking your time to enjoy the journey. Along the way, there are many small towns and villages that deserve to be visited . You can also make a detour and visit Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern most point of Europe, for a stunning sunset view. However, the highlight of this road trip is Sagres, a charming coastal village with many places to explore.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll appreciate Sagres’ rich cultural heritage. The village is home to the Sagres Fortress, built in the 15th century by the Portuguese to defend against invaders. The fortress has a rich history, and it now serves as a museum. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the whole family to learn more about the region’s history.
Sagres is also known for its beautiful beaches. Praia dos Três Irmaos, Praia do Carvalho, Praia de Benagil are three stunning beaches near Sagrès, and they all offer a backdrop of towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. If you want to take your family on a unique adventure, book a dolphin-watching cruise. These cruises offer amazing views of the coastline and a chance to spot dolphins and other marine creatures.
We stayed at the Casa Biota
Day 6 & 7 – Albufeira, Algarve
Driving 1h15 from Sagres to Albufeira is a treat for the eyes. The scenic route takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Portugal, including rolling hills, cliffs, and miles of coastline. Once you arrive in Albufeira, make your way to your accommodation and prepare for two days of adventure.
One of the must-see activities for families in Albufeira is a day trip to some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Praia da Falésia is a must-visit, with its red-hued cliffs and crystal-clear waters. You can spend the day lounging on the beach, swimming, and building sandcastles with the little ones. Another beach to check out is Praia dos Pescadores, which is great for swimming and exploring the rock formations along the shoreline.
If you’re traveling with kids, the Slide and Splash Waterpark is another must-see attraction in Albufeira. Located just a short drive from the town center, the waterpark features a variety of water slides and pools suitable for all ages. The park is open from May to September and also offers a range of dining options on-site.
For something a little more relaxing, take a stroll through the Old Town. The narrow streets are lined with cozy restaurants, lively bars, and souvenir shops. You can also visit the Church of São Sebastião, which dates back to the 18th century and features stunning architecture and artwork.
We stayed at the Natura Algarve Club
Day 8 – Tavira
Drive 45 minuts to Tavira. Start your day with a relaxed stroll in the heart of the historical center of Tavira. The town’s maze of charming lanes, an abundance of vibrant Mediterranean flowers, and Mooris-influenced architecture is just magical. Make sure to check out Ponte Romana, the iconic Roman bridge that connects the two sides of the town over the River Gilão. While exploring the beautiful old town, the little ones will enjoy discovering the unique doors adorned with colorful painted tiles, called ‘azulejos.’ These little details make Tavira one of the most picturesque towns in the Algarve.
After the walk, head to the Mercado da Ribeira, Tavira’s colorful market filled with artisan cheeses, local olives, fresh bread, and fruit stalls. You can grab a bite to eat here and indulge in local treats. Don’t forget to try the famous “pastel de nata,” a delicious custard pastry that is found throughout the region.
For a true Tavira experience, head to the beach. Ilha de Tavira is a natural paradise, boasting crystal-clear waters and long stretches of soft sand. To get there, you need to take a short boat trip, which is an adventure in itself. Once you arrive, you will be amazed by the serene surroundings and beauty that awaits you. It’s one of the most peaceful beaches in Algarve, and your children will love playing and running around the beach and splashing in the shallow waters.
If golf is your thing, then you’re in for a treat. Tavira boasts two excellent 18-hole golf courses located just minutes from the town center, Quinta da Ria and Quinta de Cima. They are spectacular in terms of fairways and greens, with stunning views of the surrounding hills and the sea.
We stayed at the Quinta do Morgado – Apartamentos Turisticos Monte Da Eira
Day 9 – Sintra
Tavira to Sintra is approximately a 3-hour drive, covering a distance of around 300 kilometers. Be sure to leave early in the morning, taking into account possible stops along the way. While this is a long drive, the scenery is stunning.
Once you arrive in Sintra, a must-visit spot is the Pena National Palace. This magnificent palace is perched on a hill, surrounded by lush gardens and scenic views. To get there, drive up the winding road or park at the bottom and take a bus up. The bus is a great option for families with young children or for those who do not want to walk uphill. Once at the palace, you can explore the grounds, take a guided tour of the palace, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
The Pena National Palace is known for its vibrant and colorful architecture, making it a great spot for family photos. The palace boasts an array of unique and fantastic features, including turrets, towers, and a drawbridge. Encourage your children to pose with the palace as a backdrop, or snap some candid shots as they explore the gardens and fountains. We suggest dressing the family in colors that will pop out against the bright background of the palace.
We stayed at the Lisbon Airport Suites in Lisbon, to be close to the airport for our flight back home
Day 10 – Lisbon
Unfortunately, this stunning trip around Portugal is coming to an end. As we said goodbye to Portugal, we realized that ten days were not enough to explore everything that the country has to offer. We vowed to come back again and visit the north of the country, which we missed out on this trip.
Portugal is a country that has something to offer for everyone. Its stunning architecture, historical monuments, delicious food, and beautiful beaches make it a perfect destination for a family trip. We had an amazing time in Portugal and we would recommend it to anyone looking for a perfect blend of culture and relaxation. If you are planning a trip to Portugal, make sure you have at least ten days to explore everything! Trust me, you won’t regret it.
After returning from a trip, especially an exciting one like Portugal, it is important to celebrate the wonderful moments and experiences you encountered. The best way to do this is by customizing your own interactive world map! Personalize yours now so that you can cherish your memories.
