1 Week in Portugal - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Portugal Family Getaway: Porto & Lisbon

A classic highlights tour of Portugal, this one-week family getaway includes three nights in Porto and three nights in Lisbon, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy the cities, with additional day trips to Peneda-Gerês National Park, Sintra, and Tomar as well. Indulge in delicious local delicacies and cruise along the Douro River in Porto, then head to the capital via Peneda-Gerês National Park to tour the city via tuk-tuk before seeing the medieval sites in Tomar on a historical day trip.

Your family will arrive in Porto, where you'll enjoy local Portuguese cuisine on a food tour, then explore the city at your pace to see sights such as the Crystal Palace Gardens and SEA Life Porto. Conclude with a 6 Bridges Cruise along the picturesque Douro River to admire the city from the water. Leave the city behind and head off to Peneda-Gerês National Park. Active families can take advantage of the many hiking opportunities, whereas families with young children can swim in the lagoons and hunt for waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then jump in a 4WD to traverse the park's landscape.

Board a 3.5-hour train to Lisbon. Join a tour to discover the avenues of Baixa and the alleyways of Bairro Alto, then head to the tropical greenhouse of Estufa Fria to let the kids run off steam. Check out the food scene at Mercado da Ribeira or Time Out Market before joining an afternoon tile-painting workshop where kids and adults can create their own masterpieces. Spend a day in nearby Sintra to discover its UNESCO-listed Quinta da Regaleira. On your return journey to Porto, stop at Almourol Castle and the Church of Santa Maria do Olival and the Knights Templar in Tomar. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Family Getaway to Lisbon & the Algarve

Concentrating on the southern half of the country, this one-week getaway includes some of Portugal's most renowned destinations, such as Lisbon and the Algarve. You'll take a scenic sunset cruise, visit historic Sintra, go dolphin spotting in the Algarve, and board a catamaran to Benagil Cave.

Upon arrival in Portugal's capital, begin with an immediate immersion into authentic Portuguese dishes on a family-friendly food tour. Sample salted cod fish cakes, favored pastéis de nata (custard tart), and a traditional ginjinha drink (non-alcoholic alternative available for the children). Embark on a self-guided city tour at your family's own pace to see Santa Luzia, Castelo de São Jorge, and ride the Telecabine Lisboa (cable car). Conclude with a peaceful sunset cruise on a signature Tagus River wooden boat. Then Day 3 takes you to the foothills of the Sintra Mountains to explore the beautiful sights.

Collect your family rental car to drive to the Algarve region. Discover its many beaches, such as Ingrina, Praia da Marinha, and Praia do Anção. Daring family members will relish visiting Praia de Odeceixe, renowned for its impressive waves. Venture to Portimao for a tour of Benagil Cave, and see Carvoeiro and Algar Seco beaches as you cruise. Adventurous families will love Aqualand, whereas wildlife-centered travelers might prefer Lagos Zoo or Zoomarine. Conclude your time with a dolphin watching excursion before heading to Ria Formosa Lagoon to learn about the region's clam picking. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family Fun in Portugal: Lisbon & Porto

This classic family-friendly holiday is perfect for first-time visitors to Portugal who want to enjoy a more relaxed itinerary, as it includes two nights in Porto and four nights in Lisbon. Take a food tour, cruise along the Douro River, visit the Mira de Aire Caves, and venture around the capital on a tuk-tuk tour. 

Arrive in Porto for two nights. Begin with a jaunt to local restaurants to try traditional dishes and Portuguese wines (for the adults). Head on a child-friendly city tour to see the São Bento Train Station and the Clerigos Tower. Book lovers of all ages will marvel at a visit to Livraria Lello, renowned for being one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. For spectacular city views, venture to the double-decker Dom Luis Bridge. Inquisitive kids will love a stop at the largest underground caves in Portugal, Grutas Mira de Aire, on the way to Lisbon. In the capital city, take an electric tuk-tuk tour to see the sights.

Admire impressive viewpoints from São Pedro de Alcantara, Parque Eduardo VII, and Senhora do Monte, then explore the city at your own pace. Animal-loving children will appreciate the Oceanario Aquarium, whereas daring family members will love the Lisbon Cable Car. Let the kids run off steam in Jardim da Estrela or Edward VII Park. Take a day trip to Sintra for a family-friendly tour of Quinta da Regaleira and the National Palace of Sintra. Day 6 provides another day trip to Arrábida Natural Park, where you can enjoy a three-hour dolphin cruise, perfect for nature-focused families. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Portugal itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Portugal? Check out these other seven-day Portugal itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.