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!
Portugal is pretty-much a year-round destination, so, when deciding when to visit Portugal, you’ll want focus on what you most want to see and do during your trip, how you feel about peak-summer costs, crowds and heat, and your budget.
With that in mind, read on for a run-down of what to expect of Portugal in different seasons, so you can decide when’s the best time to visit Portugal with kids.
Visiting Portugal in spring (March–May) means mild temperatures (59°F to 72°F/15°C to 22°C) and moderate numbers of tourists.
Such conditions are ideal for sightseeing in cities and towns, and for hitting some of Portugal’s easier child-friendly hiking trails.
While the sea will be chilly, spring also invites brisk walks on near-deserted beaches.
Come summer (June–August), Portugal sees an average temperature range of 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C), and a hike in tourist numbers and prices — this is peak high season, folks!
The best time for beach vacations in the Algarve, summer invites having family fun in water parks, and enjoying dolphin-watching boat tours and stacks of summer festivals.
Visit Portugal with kids in summer for a fun, sun-drenched beach vacation © C Duarte
Fall in Portugal (September–November) sees temperatures drop to an average range of 64°F to 77°F (18°C to 25°C).
This means it’s still a pretty great season for beach vacations, with the bonus of smaller crowds and lower costs.
At the same time, nature parks, castles and historic towns are a joy to explore in cooler, less-crowded conditions.
While Portugal isn’t really a winter hotspot for tourists, it sees some of the warmest weather in Europe through the winter months (December–February).
In terms of the numbers, we’re talking an average range of 50°F to 64°F (10°C to1 8°C).
As a result, it’s a good time to visit to enjoy indoor attractions (museums, aquariums and castles) in uncrowded conditions, and to go for brisk beach walks, with December also offering Christmas sparkle at seasonal markets.
On balance, spring and fall might just have the edge as being the best times to visit Portugal with kids, though if you can cope with (or enjoy crowds and heat), summer is popular for good reason.
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 itineraries, among them a 5 days in Portugal itinerary and 7 days in Portugal itinerary.
Looking for something longer? Dive into our 14 days in Portugal itinerary, or contact our travel experts to have them curate your perfect vacation for any duration.
Enjoyimg pastéis de nata (custard tarts)
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 top attractions.
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, take a taxi to your hotel and check in.
As you’re just here for a couple of days, the best area to stay in Lisbon is a central one, perhaps Baixa or Alfama.
Spend the afternoon riding the famous Tram 28 to get a feel for the city in a fun way. Stop at the main square, Praça do Comércio, for a snack break, and to let kids run free for a while!
Come dusk, take the Santa Justa Lift for great views of the city as the sun sets. It’s located in a gothic tower neat the end of Rua de Santa Justa, and is the fastest — and most fun — way to get from Baixa to Bairro Alto.
On day two, rise early and head out after breakfast to explore Belem Tower — a fortress replete with cannons and lookout points that’ll have kids living their best pirate life!
Belem is also home to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries) — an iconic symbol of Portugal's exploratory maritime history. Older kids with a head for heights might want to climb it.
Next, stop at Pastéis de Belém to enjoy delicious Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts) before spending a few hours at Lisbon Oceanarium.
Another wonderful afternoon experience is riding the cable car along the riverfront before enjoying an early dinner and heading to a family-friendly fado show.
Fado musicians © Shutterstock
Magic awaits on day 4, thanks to taking a special day trip to Sintra, 40 minutes by train from Lisbon.
On arrival, take the bus or tuk-tuk up to Pena Palace — a colourful fairy-tale castle perched atop a hill. More magic is in store at Quinta da Regaleira, an estate of mystical gardens and secret tunnels.
After lunch, it’s time to explore the spectacular ruined ramparts of the Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors). If little legs can manage the steep incline, it takes 30-40 minutes to walk up to it.
Partly built into two craggy pinnacles, the views of the city and across to the Atlantic from the top are breath-taking.
Before heading back to Lisbon, take time to stroll through Sintra’s pretty center, stopping off to refuel on Travesseiro pastries.
When you get back to Lisbon, you might want to check your snack and drink supplies ahead of tomorrow’s scenic train transfer to Porto.
Sintra, Portugal © Shutterstock
Day 4 kicks off with a scenic three-hour train ride to Porto.
On arrival, check into your accommodation, perhaps one of the family-friendly hotels near Ribeira, the city’s charming riverfront area, before enjoying a one-hour cruise on the river Douro.
Once you’ve recovered your land legs, head to Livraria Lello. One of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, this place exudes Harry Potter vibes, and is a wonderful place to stock up on new material to keep your 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
Another scenic train ride is in store on day six, when you’ll transfer from Porto to the Algarve (three hours).
Either stay in Lagos or Albufeira, both of which are fabulous family-oriented seaside towns, so you’ll be well set up for enjoying the afternoon on a beach.
Come the evening, soak up the sunset at Ponta da Piedade (Lagos) and enjoy a seafood dinner in 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
Inspired to visit Portugal with kids? Arm yourself with information from our guide to how to plan a trip to Portugal and our Portugal travel advice.
Alternatively, to skip the stress and hassle of planning, contact our local Portugal travel experts — they can curate Portugal itineraries that align with the ages of your kids and vacation wish-list.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 12.03.2025
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Portugal
