With stunning beaches, lush landscapes and exotic Arabic influences it is no wonder that Portugal is a favourite family holiday destination.

With the western most capital European capital city and a history that is older than that of Rome, Portugal is a country of two halves. In the north you will find rolling vineyards and medieval villages whilst, in the South, the rugged Atlantic coastline and the stunning beaches of the Algarve. 

There is something for everyone on a family holiday to Portugal.

Mum and Dad may want to explore the vineyards of the Douro Valley with its steep, winding roads and a stunningly picturesque railway which runs along the Linha do Douro from Porto to Peso da Regua or a more leisurely cruise along the river.

Sintra is home to some of Portugal’s most iconic palaces and castles including the famous and colourful Palacio da Pena. Explore the fairy-tale route from the bustling town up to the castles by tuk-tuk for a unique experience.

For those families looking for an active outdoor holiday, there are so many options.

The Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela with its rugged mountains, waterfalls and lakes is the perfect base for exploring some of Portugal’s best kept natural secrets and quiet villages welcome families on cycling tours.

The Algarve’s striking orange cliffs reveal hidden coves and 100 of Portugal’s most famous beaches and the country’s best surf spot at Praia do Amado. At low tide the rock pools are teaming with marine life and a great distraction for young explorers. We can help you to find those areas that are little more off the beaten track.

There is more than just the mainland for you to explore. The islands of Madeira and the Azores offer their own unique opportunities, all set against a dramatic volcanic backdrop and stunning marine habitats where you can enjoy whale and dolphin watching.

Lisbon is Portugal’s vibrant and historic capital. It’s a great place to explore and small enough to be easy to get around. The Oceanarium is one of the best in the world and can be followed up by a trip either on a Tagus riverboat or above it on the stunning cable car looking out to the famous Vasco da Gama bridge.

Trams and funiculars are fun and sometimes essential means of getting about as the city is flanked on all sides by steep hills. Little legs will welcome the rest and it’s a great experience too. Attractions such as the Castelo Sao Jorge are at the top, but the views are worth the effort.

Meanwhile further afield from the capital, the town of Aveiro is famous for its canals and colourful gondolas called Moliceiros. These were originally and still used for seaweed gathering but equally great to help gather up the children and give them a unique canal trip.

The food is simply superb in Portugal and if you are in Lisbon or Porto, you will never be far away from great family cuisine, culture and entertainment.

Example Itineraries

All of our holidays are unique to you and designed to provide you with the most amazing experiences. We will always find out your interests and what is important to you from your holiday. Here are some examples of what is possible, all of them can be tailored specifically to you.

If you’re ready to start planning your next adventure, we’d love to help. And perhaps inspire you, with new ideas you might not even know are possible yet. Just call 0118 336 0363 or click here to talk more about your plans.