Known for beautiful beaches, architecture, and seafood, Portugal has been a favourite family holiday location for years. Located in Southwestern Europe, Portugal is all about sun, sea, and a rich culture, with places and activities that everyone in the family can enjoy while visiting.
If you're looking to experience the Algarve's beaches, walk through the cobbled streets of Porto, or sample some tasty treats in Lisbon - we've got you covered. With so many amazing destinations, we've done all the hard work and created a guide to all the best places to visit in Portugal.
Travelling with your kids isn't always easy, but in the right place, it can be really special. All the destinations included are family-friendly, with different options for different budgets available. Portugal is definitely one for the bucket list, so take a look at our guide to holidaying in Portugal down below.
The best family-friendly hotels in Portugal
PortoBay Liberdade
Location: Lisbon
Close to: Lisbon Botanical Garden, Marques de Pombal, St. George's Castle
Standout facilities: Indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre
The PortoBay Liberdade is lovely boutique hotel with lots of amenities. It's accessible, with a 24-hour front desk, plus private parking. The building was designed by the architect, Frederico Valsassina and it's close to many fabulous locations in Lisbon. We love that it has a bar in-house and air conditioning in all the rooms.
Review: “Fantastic hotel with great staff who couldn't do enough for you. Amazing food served in a fabulous restaurant. Great location in the city and great facilities within the hotel. Overall a fantastic hotel and we will definitely be back”
Novotel Porto Gaia
Location: São Pedro da Afurada, Porto
Close to: Casa da Musica, Porto Cathedral, Matosinhos Beach
Standout facilities: Restaurant, pool, child-friendly activities
Thanks to the brilliant concierge services, you'll be able to plan lots of fun activities in the surrounding area while you stay at the Novotel Porto Gaia. There's a play area and pool for the kids, plus it's actually pet-friendly too. If you have older children, there are connecting rooms available. It's also more affordable than some other options.
Review: "I love this hotel because it has a wide-open reception and a children's play area next to it, so whenever we visit my daughter always makes a friend or enjoys the play area. In the summer, you'll have a warm pool. The staff are super friendly and they really go out of their way, and the breakfast was so nice. I can't recommend this hotel enough."
Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa
Location: Lisbon
Close to: Carmo Fountain, Lisbon Oceanarium, Restauradores Square
Standout facilities: Outdoor swimming pool, garden, gym and spa
Close to the centre of Lisbon, the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa hotel comes with great service and stunning views from your room. Grab a massage at the Anantara Spa, enjoy some Portuguese cuisine at the top-floor restaurant, or just enjoy a nightcap at the rooftop bar before bed. The kids are bound to love the pool and garden.
Review: "Fantastic - A very beautiful hotel with excellent staff. The breakfast was delicious with plenty of options and the location is fantastic. There are no cons."
Quinta das Areias - Solar da Pena
Location: Braga
Close to: Margem do cavadinho, Biscainhos Museum, Parque Merendas Cavadinho
Standout facilities: Kid-friendly buffet, outdoor swimming pool, picnic area and sun terrace
A beachfront farm stay, Quinta das Areias - Solar da Pena offers convenient relaxation and fun. It offers kid-friendly food options, air conditioning, and some lovely views, plus there's a handy bicycle rental service. We lovely the rural but sophisticated feel of this pick.
Review: "A quiet and very beautiful place. The contact with the hosts, although remote, works perfectly. Comfortable rooms, good bed, everything brand new and beautifully decorated."
Sintra Marmòris Camélia
Location: Sintra
Close to: Sintra Natural History Museum, Sintra National Palace, Portuguese Music Museum
Standout facilities: Garden, kids meals and kid-friendly buffet, a plethora of activities
Not only is the Sintra Marmòris Camélia beautiful and close to lots of amazing museums and palaces, it also has lots of in-house entertainment. There's live music, comedy nights, themed dinner nights, bingo, movie nights and so much more. We really like accessible the overall site is too.
Reviews: "This charming little hotel is very well located and away from the noisy older part of town. The rooms are amazing, and the breakfast is fabulous and custom made for each guest. Staff is very helpful."
Pestana Delfim All Inclusive Hotel
Location: Alvor, Algarve
Close to: Lagos Castle, Parque da Juventude, Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse
Standout facilities: Three swimming pools, tennis court, kids club
Want a family-friendly hotel near a picturesque beach? Then the Pestana Delfim All Inclusive Hotel is for you. Boasting three pools, a beach view, and multiple restaurants and bars, this hotel is the definition of all inclusive. We love that there's an on site kids club too.
Review: "Rooms were contemporary and modern. Very clean. Great proximity to beach and lovely boardwalk into Alvor. Food was amazing for every meal. Loads of choice and very fresh. Staff were friendly and helpful. Large balcony and great views from upper floors. My first all inclusive holiday, which was more enjoyable than I expected due to such good quality food and attentive staff."
Casa do Cativo
Location: Porto
Close to: Largo do Cativo, Ferreira Borges Market, Lavadores Beach
Standout facilities: Outdoor swimming pool, sun terraces, garden
The Casa do Cativo offers a delicious breakfast, comfortable family rooms, and some gorgeous views. It's close to lots of popular tourist locations and has a homely but elegant feel to it. If you're travelling with younger children, there are children's cots available upon request.
Review: "The property was really beautiful - stunning bedrooms, shared spaces and a nice small pool to relax by outside. The location was fab and less than a 10 minute walk to the river. We walked everywhere from the hotel. Breakfast was also delicious and the staff in the morning were very friendly. I would 100% come back here and think it’s one of the most beautiful properties we’ve stayed at."
Martinhal Lisbon Cascais Family Hotel
Location: Lisbon
Close to: Quinta da Marinha golf course, Cascais station, Chiado Square
Standout facilities: Playground, gym and spa, five pools
The Martinhal Lisbon Cascais Family Hotel is a paradise for adults and children. The rooms are fantastic and the list of facilities and activities on site seems never ending. We love that there two pools specifically for children and a playground, plus a kids club with it's own dedicated building and café. There's even a baby concierge service and babysitting available. Wow!
Review: "Top destination to rest! To recharge! The sound of the water, the birds singing! The smell of the pine trees. An amazing place with a top breakfast in a great location! (Do not forget to try the honeycomb!) Can’t decide if next time is with or without kids (it was perfect for them too)!"
The best places in Portugal to visit
Lisbon
The country's capital, Lisbon has a plethora of cobbled alleyways and civic squares to explore, plus there are stunning galleries, castles, and cathedrals to visit. This city is known for pastel de nata (a sweet custard tart) and breath-taking scenery. It also has an amazing nightlife for grownups.
Sintra
With a fairy-tale look and centuries-old buildings, Sintra will add some magic to your trip. It's an hour away from Lisbon by train, and has lots to explore over a couple of days. It has beautiful gardens and the Palácio Nacional da Pena (a colourful castle surrounded by trees) to visit.
Albufeira
Surrounded by truly picturesque villages and golf courses, this incredible beach is possibly the most spectacular beach you'll ever see. The water is warm, and the sand is soft - ideal for a more relaxing day in Portugal with the kids playing and swimming.
Porto
One for history and wine lovers. Porto is full of romantic vibe, incredible art, and fascinating culture. It's known for being safe and easy to walk around. Yes, it's great for adults, but there's lots for the little ones to do too, including an interactive museum called The World of Discoveries, Gaia Biological park with otters and plant life to look at, and a Sea Life centre. There's also buggy rides, the zoo, and swimming pools galore.
Ericeira
This small fishing village is the best place to go for fantastic surfing opportunities. Surfing is incredibly popular in Portugal, so if you're not up for riding the waves yourself, it can be fun to watch and enjoy the beach. It's also worth popping by for the restaurants alone. The seafood is always fresh and flavourful.
Braga
Another vibrant and lively city - Braga is all about music, good food, and spirituality. Not only can you enjoy lots of bars, cafes, cute little shops, and exceptional restaurants, there's also lovely gardens to visit and the elegant Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (if you're willing to climb up the hill it's on, the views are something special).
Algarve
The ultimate warm and sunny beach location, the Algarve is a very popular resort destination. It's known for being postcard perfection, and family-friendly. There are cafes, golf courses, and other fab tourist attractions, plus the water is blue and beautiful.
Eve Miller is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby, working for Bauer Media for over two years. She is passionate about beauty, creative writing, and women’s healthcare.