Portugal Family Explorer: Porto, Lisbon & Serra da Arrábida - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Porto, Family-Friendly Food Tour

Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival at the airport in Porto, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Take some time to rest before you start exploring.

After you've had some time to settle in, get to know Porto in a way that will please every family member: on a guided culinary adventure. Be introduced to Porto's exciting food scene and get off the well-worn tourist path to explore a side of the city that most travelers rarely see. Local families will welcome you into their small, authentic restaurants, cafés, and bars. Taste a range of traditional dishes, local pastries, and Portuguese wines (for the adults, of course). Since this is a private tour, it can be adapted to your family's needs and interests to create the perfect welcome to the city.

Day 2: Porto City Tour & River Cruise

This kid-friendly tour of Porto provides a fun introduction to the city's history and must-see attractions, customized to your family's pace. Settled by Romans, Porto is known for its delicious port wine, medieval townhouses stacked up beside the beautiful Douro River, and churches dressed up in blue-and-white azulejo tiles. Admire Romanesque, Baroque, and neoclassical monuments, including the São Bento Train Station, the Clérigos Tower, and the Lello Bookshop. End at an amazing viewpoint, where you can take breathtaking photos of the city and ride the funicular for an entertaining way to get around this hilly city. 

In the afternoon, everyone can relax and rest tired legs on a scenic cruise along Porto's historic riverfront district. Hop on a traditional wooden rabelo boat and set off down the Douro River as it empties into the sea. Kids will love stepping back in time with a ride on the historic, flat-bottomed vessels as you see the colorful neighborhoods of Porto from an entirely different vantage point.

Day 4: Transfer to Lisbon via Óbidos

Today, your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Porto for your journey to Lisbon. Along the way, stop at the charming town of Óbidos for a self-guided visit. Stroll among the narrow cobblestone streets and traditional white-painted houses of this classic Portuguese walled city. Óbidos was recaptured from the Moors and presented to the queens of Portugal on their wedding day, spanning the 13th to the 19th centuries. This royal patronage left an enduring legacy of pride within the town, which you'll notice as you explore the medieval castle and wander through the streets adorned with bougainvillea and honeysuckle. 

Day 6: Discover Fairy-Tale Sintra

Follow in the footsteps of kings and queens today with a guided exploration of magnificent Sintra. Experience the quiet of the dense and dewy forest and the charm of the many 19th-century palaces that dot the mountainside. Sintra is an essential day trip from Lisbon and the perfect adventure for families of every age—plus, there are challenges and fun activities for them along the way.

The kids will love running through secret passageways and climbing turrets in the gardens at Quinta da Regaleira. Hear about the legends and myths of Sintra, and the real-life authors and artists who have left their marks here, including Lord Byron and Hans Christian Andersen. Wander through the Sintra historical village, stopping for a travesseiro—the traditional sweet of Sintra. Continue the adventure at the National Palace of Sintra, a hunting retreat and summer resort for the Portuguese monarchy and its court during the Middle Ages. See if the kids can guess what two giant triangular chimneys were used for!

Day 7: Transfer to Serra da Arrábida 

Today, you'll be transferred to the beautiful beach area of Serra do Arrábida, less than an hour from Lisbon. This impressive natural park covers the rolling hills, beaches, and cliffs between Sesimbra and Setúbal. Wild nature, dreamy beaches, and a turquoise sea make this a worthwhile destination.

After settling into your hotel, spend the day exploring the beaches and coast. Portinho da Arrábida is a tiny former fishing village with shallow, crystal-clear waters that are warm in high summer, making this an excellent spot for families. The beach lies adjacent to a picturesque village beneath a cliff. A tiny 17th-century fort guards the harbor, now home to the Museo Oceanografico, which houses marine creatures from the region. Umbrellas, small watercraft, and games are available for hire on the beach, which lifeguards patrol in summer. You can enjoy fresh seafood here for dinner, too.

Day 8: Full-Day Private Cruise with Skipper

Take to the water today on a full-day cruise along the breathtaking coastline of the Arrábida Marine Reserve. Admire the remarkable limestone cliffs and explore the secluded beaches with your family, guided by your private skipper. You'll be able to anchor in different locations, enjoy the sun, take a dip in the sea, and swim to the shore for a bite to eat or some downtime on a sandy beach. Go at your own pace and be as active or relaxed as you like while enjoying quality time together. This is a private experience that will give you access to spots in and around Arrábida that are hard to reach any other way.

Day 9: Explore Arrábida Natural Park

Explore the Arrábida Natural Park today on a guided excursion that can be customized to your family's interests. The 108-acre (43 ha) park is one of 30 nationally protected regions and is home to the famous 16th-century Convento de Nossa Senhora da Arrábida. As you journey through the park, catch glimpses of the golden-sand beaches surrounding the Albufeira Lagoon. See the Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel, a chapel that has been a pilgrim site since the early 18th century. Stroll to the nearby cliffs for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Continue to the Setubal Peninsula and check out the quiet fishing town of Sesimbra. Kids might enjoy heading to the Moorish Castle high above the town before a break for lunch, either in Sesimbra or the nearby bay of Portinho da Arrábida. Budding marine biologists won't want to miss an optional three-hour dolphin cruise aboard a luxury catamaran. Cruise the serene waters while listening to live onboard narration, and keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins. Alternatively, you can enjoy one of Arrábida's hidden beaches or taste traditional food and wine at a local restaurant. 

Looking for more inspiration for your family trip to Portugal? Check out these other Portugal itineraries, explore other ways to spend 10 days in Portugal with your family, or discover the best time to visit Portugal.