Experience seaside fun, tasty food and family-friendly outings
Whether you have a sweet tooth to satisfy, are looking for some of Europe’s most beautiful coastlines, or simply want to spend time together making memories in a new place, then a family trip to Portugal is the perfect adventure for you.
In the Algarve, young and old alike will be enchanted by the ocean. Spot dolphins playing in the waves, as well as a variety of other marine creatures, and spot turtles and orcas. Make the most of the rugged coastline and its fantastic surf spots by signing up for a lesson or two before hitting the waves. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time on a board, or if you’re a seasoned professional – you’re in for a great time.
Head out into the Douro Valley where the adults can enjoy some of Portugal’s top wines, and the whole family can settle down for a picnic. A visit to a small family-run winery even offers you the chance to try your hand at tile painting, inspired by some of the beautiful works you’ll discover around the country.
And of course, an important part of any Portugal family trip is indulging in, and learning about, its cuisine. Whether you want to simply find a table at a variety of restaurants or cafes in the cities or out in the countryside, or you’re keen to roll up your sleeves and learn how to create some traditional favourites yourself – your taste buds will be tingling right the way through. Just imagine the feasts you’ll treat your family and friends to when you get home.
There are also plenty of opportunities for you and your family to get active. Take a bike ride through Porto and discover some of the city’s beautiful gardens and urban parks, then head out onto the river and admire Porto’s old town as it slips past. Lisbon is an endlessly fascinating city. Here you can wander between museums and old buildings on expertly led tours tailored to suit your family’s interests.
Our dedicated, knowledgeable and experienced travel designers are ready to get to know your family and plan the perfect family itinerary for you – from the youngest adventurer to the most seasoned traveller.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
Portugal has a great friendly family vibe. A trip to Portugal can be really diverse, from exploring the golden sandy beaches in the Algarve where you can learn to surf (great for big kids too), to riding the rickety trams in Lisbon, listening to the soft fado music that flows through the winding streets. Let’s not forget the food, either. Portuguese food is designed for sharing from fresh sardines straight off the boat to a plate of dreamy custard tarts. It is the best kind of food for families.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Portugal
There are many incredible family-friendly places to stay in Portugal. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic Experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible Travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip Inspiration
Whatever you want from your family trip to Portugal, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
11-Day Trip
A Family Adventure in Portugal
11-Day Trip
A Family Adventure in Portugal
10-Day Trip
An Active Discovery of Portugal
10-Day Trip
An Active Discovery of Portugal
9-Day Trip
The Highlights of Portugal
9-Day Trip
The Highlights of Portugal
Where to go
Lisbon
Europe’s second oldest capital, Lisbon is an effortlessly elegant city, full of old-world charm.
Porto
Portugal‘s second city is one of Europe’s most charming. Built on a steep riverbank, a jumble of colourful medieval houses hug the calm waters of the Douro River where wooden boats bob on the surface and people enjoy spending their days in cafes.
Algarve
Striking rock formations extend skywards from azure waters as the sun warms the sandy coastline. The southernmost part of Portugal, Algarve is most known for these Mediterranean beaches, quaint coves, fishing villages and luxurious hotels and eateries.
Alentejo
Covering almost a third of the country, Alentejo is a vast region of cork plantation, wheat fields, vineyards and clusters of historic hilltop towns. Its name means beyond the Tajo, and it stretches south from the River Tajo to the northern mountain ranges of the Algarve.
Meet your Europe team
When to visit Portugal for family trips
The best time to visit Portugal is from March to October, but you may want to schedule your visit either side of July and August. During these summer months, temperatures can be particularly searing and the beaches in the south overcrowded.
Beach Break
June - September
City Sightseeing
Year Round
Outdoor Activities
April - September
Plan your family trip to Portugal
Whatever you want from your adventure in Portugal, our team of expert family travel designers are ready to help.
Ask our experts
Is Portugal suitable for families with young children?
Yes, Portugal is suitable for families with young children because Portuguese culture is very welcoming towards children and it has a great choice of luxury family-friendly accommodation. Travel distances between destinations are also relatively short and so are better suited to young children, and your travel designer will tailor your activities and schedules to suit your needs.
What are the best family destinations in Portugal?
Some of the best family destinations in Portugal include the Algarve, for coastal exploration, family-friendly beaches and surf lessons, Lisbon, for engaging city tours and craft workshops, and Sintra, for historic castles and nature. Families will also enjoy Porto and the Douro Valley, for boat tours and vineyard visits.
Are Portugal's beaches suitable for young children?
Yes, plenty of Portugal’s beaches are suitable for young children, particularly around the Algarve and Rio Formosa, on the country’s southern coast. These areas have calm waters and lagoons and soft, sandy beaches which are much more sheltered compared to the western Atlantic coast, which is known for its strong waves and excellent surfing spots.
What activities in Portugal are best for families with teenagers?
Some of the best activities in Portugal for families with teenagers include private surfing lessons or boat trips to spot dolphins in the Algarve, tile painting workshops or Portuguese cooking classes, learning to make favourites such as pasteis de nata. On a luxury Portugal tour with Jacada, all activities are designed to suit you and your teenagers’ interests in order to engage the whole family.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
