Relaxing, eating and adventuring with family is about as Portuguese as it gets. With gorgeous seasides, vibrant cities, a huge scenic countryside, and a rich history, Portugal is an often overlooked family holiday destination. We’re going to dive into the two major cities, Lisbon and Porto, as well as the southernmost region of Algarve to show a few amazing activities that are great for the whole family. – Aproveite! (Enjoy!)
Heading from north to south, we’ll start in Porto. There are of course the must-see city highlights including St.Francis Church, the Neoclassical Stock Exchange and the magical bookstore that claims to be one of the inspiration points for JK Rowling’s Hogwarts! 
Two or three days is perfect for general sites and roaming in Porto. Family activities can include private tastings at a local chocolate shop for the kids (and maybe a glass of port for the parents). A city bike ride through the historic downtown, gardens, tree-lined streets and coastline. For a bit of historical context, a trip to the Conimbriga Museum to see the archaeological site of a 9th Century Roman settlement is a must! Before leaving enjoy a private cruise down the Douro taking in the view of the colorful city and green hills from the water.
On to Lisbon which is only a short two and a half hour train ride away. Once again there are some must-see sights to squeeze in, such as St. George’s Castle, the medieval Belem Tower and the historic and picturesque Alfama neighbourhood. All of them teeming with stories and monuments from the Age of Exploration. Of course you have to taste and compare Pasteis deNata and Pasteis de Belem (both claiming to be the best Portuguese custard tarts, but you decide!). A great way to do this is on a walking food tour. The areas around Lisbon, such as the fairytale town of Sintra or the seaside areas of Cascais and Estoril are worth a day trip as well!
For the whole family there is a countryside excursion to a tile-painting workshop, learning the traditional majolica Portuguese painting methods, and of course being able to take a handmade souvenir home with you. Lunch would be a picnic in the vineyard of a beautiful country farmhouse. Get the children cooking with a Portuguese cooking class, teaching traditional recipes with plenty of child-specific tasks to keep them involved! You can also spend a day with Lusitano Horses on a family estate dating back to the 17th century. Renowned for their elegance and grace, these horses remain a huge status symbol for the estates across Portugal and the opportunity to ride one can only be done here! After your chance to ride one, lunch will be prepared by the head chef of the estate. Finally, have an evening guided astronomy tour to learn about the stars of the Portuguese sky and the importance they have in the rich explorative history of Portugal.
Next is some R&R on the beautiful Portuguese south coast at Algarve. Relax at the hotel beach and pool before heading out to sea to enjoy the marine wildlife and hopefully spotting a few dolphins and whales along the way! With plenty of beach time, there is also an opportunity for a surfing class with a local Atlantic wave expert! Perfect for parents and children. The hiking in this area is also breathtaking and your guide can tailor the hike to your children’s ability levels.
Portugal is one of our favorite destinations for families. We have very fond memories of our time there with our kids. Contact us to start making your own Portuguese memories!
