Blessed with a bounty of beautiful beaches, outdoor adventure opportunities, castles, theme parks, and family-friendly resorts, towns, villages and eateries, taking a vacation to Portugal with kids comes highly recommended. To help you and your loved ones make the most of the country, dive into our guide to visiting Portugal with kids. Spoiler alert: it’s safe, affordable and loaded with locals who love kids!
Wondering about the best time to visit Portugal with kids? That depends on the kind of trip you’re after, your tolerance for crowds and heat, and your budget.
Spring (March–May) brings mild temperatures (59°F to 72°F / 15°C to 22°C) and smaller shoulder-season crowds, making it a great time for sightseeing in Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra.
These months are also ideal for family-friendly hikes in the Douro Valley or Alentejo. While summer is the classic beach season, spring offers quieter shores — perfect for long walks, though the Atlantic is still on the chilly side.
Editor’s tips: while planning your trip, wise up with our guide to how to plan a trip to Portugal. Not keen on planning? Take inspiration from our Portugal itinerary and plan your perfect vacation.
Visit Portugal with kids in summer for a fun, sun-drenched beach vacation © C Duarte
With great healthcare, family-friendly infrastructure, and welcoming locals, Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe.
That said, it’s always wise to be prepared, so here are some tips for staying safer in Portugal.
While roads are generally good, if you rent a car, note that some mountain roads are narrow and winding and demand more care, and watch out for more aggressive driving in cities.
Also note that car seats are mandatory for children under 135 cm, so rent one with your car.
Portugal has plenty of stunning beaches, but waves and currents can be strong, so you should stick to lifeguard-patrolled beaches (look for the blue flag).
As a general rule, the Algarve has calmer beaches (e.g. Lagos, Albufeira and Tavira) that are great for young kids. As it happens, many are also among the best beaches in Portugal.
Portugal gets very hot in summer, especially in Lisbon, Alentejo, and the Algarve.
This means you and you little ones need to stay hydrated, wear (SPF 50+), hats, and sunglasses, and avoid walking during the hottest hours (12-4pm).
Though Portugal has excellent healthcare, and pharmacies (farmácias) are widely available, travel insurance is recommended, especially for non-EU visitors.
It’s also best to bring your own medication, travel sickness tablets (for winding roads or boat trips), mosquito repellent, and antihistamines for insect bites.
The emergency number is 112.
Albufeira, Portugal © Shutterstock
When it comes to getting around Portugal, take comfort from the fact that it has a well-connected, family-friendly transport system, though renting a car is best in some circumstances.
Read on for an overview of how to get around Portugal with kids, plus extra tips for navigating its cities.
Portugal’s train system is comfortable, affordable, and often sublimely scenic, making it a great choice for families, especially if you’re looking to travel between the likes of Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Faro and Sintra.
Alfa Pendular (AP) is Portugal’s fastest and most comfortable train, and best for long trips, while Intercidades (IC) trains are slower than AP but still comfortable. Book tickets online (CP.pt) for cheaper fares.
In good news, kids under four travel free, and kids aged 4–12 get 50% discounts.
If you’re hoping to explore smaller towns, lesser-visited beaches, the Douro Valley, or do a deeper dive into the Algarve, a rental car is the best option.
Note that Portugal drives on the right, and many highways have electronic tolls, so it’s best to rent a car that has a Via Verde toll device.
If you want an automatic, book early as manuals are more common, and be aware that car seats are required for children under 135 cm (4'5").
Also, parking in Lisbon and Porto is difficult, which means it’s better to use public transport in cities. More on that below.
While long-distance buses connect cities more cheaply than traveling by train or renting a car, they’re less comfortable, take longer, and have less space for luggage and strollers.
Ferries are a fun way to travel in certain parts of Portugal.
For example, you can take a 10-minute ferry across the Tagus River to get from Lisbon to Cacilhas, and enjoy Douro River cruises in Porto.
If you’re in the Algarve, use the ferry to travel from Portimão to Ferragudo.
Faro, Portugal © Shutterstock
Each city in Portugal has different transport options, with walking often the best way to explore.
Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to get around Lisbon and Porto with kids.
While Lisbon is hilly, its trams, metro and tuk-tuks make it easy for families to get around.
Take the famous scenic Tram 28 for a fun sightseeing experience, with the speedy Metro useful for most journeys you might need to make, with buses and trams on hand to reach the likes of Belém.
In addition, funiculars are a fun way to navigate Lisbon’s steep hills with little-legged people.
In terms of practical tips, avoid Tram 28 during peak hours (it’s often too crowded for strollers), and buy a Viva Viagem Card for unlimited daily transport.
Finally, as many sidewalks are uneven, you might want to use a baby carrier instead of a stroller.
Pretty, atmospheric Porto is compact, so walking is best for most sightseeing, with buses, metro and boats available when you want to venture further afield.
The Porto Metro is clean, safe and stroller-friendly, with trams and tuk-tuks ideal for exploring the historic areas.
We especially love the short Funicular dos Guindais ride that saves a big hill climb, and highly recommend boarding a boat to see the city from the Douro River.
Lisbon tram © Shutterstock
From advice on packing and accommodation, to information on planning your itinerary, here are our top ten tips for traveling to Portugal with kids.
Many of Portugal’s old towns have cobblestone streets and steep hills, so you might want to bring a lightweight stroller or baby carrier.
As baby-changing facilities aren’t always available in restaurants and public places, consider bringing a portable changing mat, and a portable booster — not all restaurants have high chairs.
Take time to fully research Portugal accommodation that aligns with your needs. For example, guest houses and hotels in more rural areas, or in historic buildings, might not have larger family rooms, and are unlikely to have self-catering facilities.
Instead, if you need more space and access to a kitchenette, check out bigger hotels, villas and apartments.
To kickstart your research, read up on the best area to stay in Lisbon, and the best places to stay in Porto.
Eating and drinking n Portugal is a joy. Portuguese food is delicious, and offers plenty child-friendly options, including frilled chicken (frango assado), codfish cakes (pastéis de bacalhau), seafood rice, and custard tarts (pastéis de nata).
To stock up on snacks and formula, head to supermarkets like Pingo Doce, Continente and Lidl.
It’s also worth knowing that you might need to plan for later meal times. Portuguese restaurants open late, with dinner starting around 7.30–9pm.
If your kids need to eat earlier, look for cafés, bakeries, or tourist areas where restaurants are likely to serve dinner from 6pm.
As popular attractions like Pena Palace (Sintra), Lisbon’s Tram 28, and Oceanário de Lisboa get crowded, pre-book skip-the-line tickets to avoid long waits.
While booking, check whether said attractions offer child-oriented guided tours that include the likes of interactive storytelling or treasure hunts.
Bairro Alto, Lisbon © Sshutterstock
In cities like Lisbon and Porto, using the metro, tram and bus system is cheaper and easier than driving.
Just avoid rush hour (8–9am and 5–7pm), and buy city pass cards for discounted travel on public transport.
While cities like Lisbon and Porto don’t need a car, they are advisable if you want to explore more of the Algarve’s beautiful beaches, towns and villas, and fancy getting around the Douro Valley independently.
If the Algarve is on your radar and you don’t fancy driving, you’ll find it more convenient to stay in a walkable town, like Lagos or Albufeira.
Even in spring and fall, the sun can be strong, so apply plenty of SPF 50 sunscreen, and make sure your kids wear hats and sunglasses.
Attractions, markets, water parks and beaches can get very busy in summer, so consider writing your phone number on a bracelet or card for younger children, and agree on a meeting point if you become separated.
Also note that while Lisbon and Porto are safe, pickpocketing happens in busy areas, such as on Tram 28 and at metro stations and markets. So, it’s best to keep bags in front of you, and avoid carrying all valuables in one place.
Overtiredness and burnout is not great during what’s supposed to be a fun family vacation, especially given that Portugal is hilly, which means kids may get tired from walking.
We suggest mixing sightseeing activities with trips to beaches, playgrounds, water parks and relaxing boat trips.
Also factor in time to let kids nap or rest in the afternoon. This will fit nicely with local siesta breaks.
While mapping out where you’re going to base yourself, try to include some of the country’s top child-pleasing attractions and experiences in your Portugal itinerary.
Read on for detail on those very things.
Belem Tower, Lisbon © Shutterstock
From fun fado cultural experiences, theme parks and fairy-tale castles in and around the capital, to piratical adventures and dolphin-watching trips in the Algarve, here are some of the best things to do in Portugal with kids.
Resembling a toy train, the bright-yellow old-fashioned Tram 28 is a fun way to see Lisbon’s historic most neighborhoods.
It gets crowded after 10am, though, so consider taking this trip straight after an early breakfast.
Experiencing fado — a form of traditional Portuguese music with live guitars and soulful singing — is an unforgettable experience for thoughtful older kids.
Shorter earlier shows are available, and more suitable for families.
With a massive walk-through central tank offering up-close views of sharks and rays, plus plenty of penguins, playful otters and giant sunfish, little wonder that Lisbon Oceanarium is one of Portugal’s most visited attractions, and esteemed as one of the best of its kind in the world.
As a result, it’s best to pre-buy skip-the-line tickets.
Lisbon’s Pavilion of Knowledge interactive science museum is perfect for entertaining kids indoors on days that are too hot in summer, or chilly in winter.
Expect stacks of hands-on experiments, space exhibits and a not-so-mini science city. It's close to the Oceanarium, so you could combine the two to create a diverse and fun-packed day itinerary.
A bona fide fortress with lookout towers and cannons, older kids will love climbing to the top of Belem Tower.
After taking in the epic river views, head back down to try delicious local Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts) in nearby Pastéis de Belém.
Belem Tower, Lisbon © Shutterstock
With its turrets and dazzling red and yellow hues, Sinatra’s hilltop Pena Palace looks like something from a Disney movie.
Being popular, it’s best to visit early. We also suggest taking the shuttle bus up the hill to avoid a steep climb.
Completely enclosed by medieval walls, the charming small town of Óbidos invites kids to play at being a knight for the day.
With ancient city walls to walk (not advisable for unsteady toddlers or younger kids), visit in spring for the child-pleasing chocolate festival, with a fun medieval fair held in July or August.
Boasting life-size dinosaur statues and real fossils, visiting Dino Park Lourinhã is likely to be a dream day out for most younger kids.
There are 200+ accurate replicas to see, interactive dinosaur trails to walk, and you can dig for fossils in sand pits.
For a fun-filled, sun-drenched beach vacation the Algarve has it all — soft golden sand, gentle waves, and stacks of family-friendly places to stay and eat out in.
Among the best beaches for families, we rate Lagos’ Praia da Rocha for its soft sand and playgrounds, with Praia do Barril (Tavira) boasting a fascinating Anchor Graveyard and mini-train ride.
Another highlight of the Algarve, boarding a boat to visit the magical Benagil Cave is sure to please all ages. Most trips combine visits to the cave with dolphin-watching.
Not heading to the Algarve? You can also watch dolphins from Setúbal near Lisbon.
Benagil Cave, Portugal © Shutterstock
While the places you decide to cover in your own family vacation to Portugal will depend on your personal tastes, the ages of your kids, your budget, and when you plan to visit, here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary that covers a range of the best places to visit in Portugal.
If you’ve been wondering whether to visit Porto or Lisbon, the answer is both, and we've included both in this itinerary.
Alternatively, if you're short on time and just want to enjoy a perfect weekend in the capital, find out what’s all the fuss about Lisbon. As revealed above, it has plenty to keep kids happy for days.
After landing in Lisbon, grab a taxi to your hotel in Baixa or Alfama. Hop on Tram 28 for a fun city intro, stopping at Praça do Comércio for a snack. As dusk falls, ride the Santa Justa Lift for sunset views before exploring Bairro Alto’s lively streets.
Start day two at Belém Tower, where kids can play pirate among cannons and lookout points. Visit the Monument of the Discoveries, then grab pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém. Explore Lisbon Oceanarium, ride the riverfront cable car, and end with dinner and a family-friendly fado show.
Fado musicians © Shutterstock
On day three, take a magical day trip to Sintra, just 40 minutes by train. Visit the colorful Pena Palace, explore Quinta da Regaleira’s secret tunnels, and climb the Castle of the Moors for epic views. Before returning to Lisbon, refuel with Travesseiro pastries in Sintra’s charming center.
Sintra, Portugal © Shutterstock
Day four begins with a scenic three-hour train ride to Porto. Stay near Ribeira, then take a one-hour Douro River cruise. Once back on land, visit Livraria Lello — a stunning bookstore with serious Harry Potter vibes — perfect for picking up new reads to keep the kids entertained.
On day five, spend the first part of your morning riding Tram #1 along the river to Foz Beach.
Stop for a seaside snack and to let kids loose in the playground, and either spend the afternoon around the beach, or else return to town to visit the interactive World of Discoveries museum.
Riberia and the Douro River, Porto © Michal Ludwiczak/Shuttersto
On day six, take a scenic three-hour train from Porto to the Algarve. Stay in Lagos or Albufeira, both great for families, and spend the afternoon at the beach. In the evening, catch the sunset at Ponta da Piedade (Lagos) before enjoying fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.
The last day of this Portugal itinerary will see you and your kids experience the beauty of Benagil Caves on a boat tour of the coast. Look to book a trip that also includes dolphin watching.
After spending the afternoon on a beach, head to Albufeira to enjoy your last seafront dinner in Portugal
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 12.03.2025
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Portugal
