8 Days in Portugal with Kids: An Easy Family Route
A family trip works best with fewer hotel changes and a beach at the end. This route keeps it to two bases and leaves every afternoon open for naps, pools and ice cream.
At a glance
- Length: 8 days
- Bases: Lisbon (4 nights), Algarve (3 nights)
- Best time: April to October
- Pace: Relaxed
- Good for: Families with children of any age
Day by day
Day 1
Settle into your hotel and take it easy after your journey with a slow stroll through Eduardo VII Park. The wide lawns give children plenty of space to stretch their legs and shake off the flight. Keep the late afternoon entirely free for pool time and resting in your room. Finish the day with an unhurried, early dinner at a friendly neighborhood spot.
Day 2
Spend your morning wandering around the Oceanario de Lisboa, watching sea otters, rays, and penguins glide through the giant central tank. Afterwards, hop on the Telecabine Lisboa cable car for an easy ride along the waterfront with calm river views. The flat promenade outside is great for pushing a stroller or grabbing a relaxed riverside lunch. Your late afternoon is open for quiet time back at the base.
Day 3
Start your morning in Belem with warm, cinnamon-dusted custard tarts from Pasteis de Belem. Stroll through the leafy Praca do Imperio gardens, where you can admire the stunning facade of the Jeronimos Monastery from outside and stop by Belem Tower along the water. Walk along the wide riverside path to see the Monument to the Discoveries before heading back. The entire late afternoon is yours to relax, play, or nap without any fixed plans.
Day 4
Head up into the cool hills of Sintra early to see the bright, fairy-tale colors of Pena Palace and explore its shaded park grounds. From there, take the short coastal drive down to Cascais to feel the sea breeze and dip your toes in the sand at Praia da Ribeira. Have an easy ice cream along the paved seaside promenade while the kids watch the fishing boats. Keep the late afternoon free for relaxing back in town or lingering quietly by the water.
Getting around: Days like these are much easier with a private driver. Portugal Magik, the local partner we recommend, can handle luggage, timings and stops along the way, so you are not driving unfamiliar roads or chasing train connections.
Day 5
Pack up and make the smooth drive south to the Algarve, rolling past cork oak trees along the wide motorway. Break up the journey halfway with an easy stop in Alcacer do Sal or Grandola for coffee, fresh orange juice, and a playground break. Arrive at your southern base in time to settle in and explore the grounds. Your late afternoon is completely unscheduled, giving everyone time to swim or lounge in the sunshine before an easy dinner.
Day 6
Head to the coast in the morning to catch a local boat excursion from Armacao de Pera or Portimao to see the famous sea caverns at Benagil. Gliding into the natural rock arches from the ocean is a thrilling experience that children will love. Afterward, spread out your towels on the soft sand nearby and enjoy a casual beachside lunch. Save the late afternoon for free time to rinse off the salt and enjoy a quiet rest.
Day 7
Head into Lagos to wander its whitewashed streets, then follow the wooden boardwalks out along the golden headland at Ponta da Piedade. Take in the dramatic sea stacks from the clifftops before heading down to Praia Dona Ana or Praia do Camilo for a dip in the calm water. The sheltered coves are ideal for children who want to collect seashells and build sandcastles. Keep your late afternoon completely open for a slow walk through the marina and quiet downtime.
Day 8
Enjoy a slow breakfast before packing your bags and saying goodbye to the southern coast. Make the simple drive to Faro airport for your departure, or take the direct motorway back up toward Lisbon if you have an evening flight. Stop for a quick roadside lunch along the way to break up the journey and let the kids stretch out. Keep the late afternoon flexible and free of pressure so your airport arrival is as smooth as possible.
Local tip
Ask for child seats in advance. In Portugal they are required by law for younger children.
Making it your own
Treat this as a starting point. Every day can be swapped, shortened or stretched. Most travellers keep the bases and change the day trips. Keep driving legs under about two and a half hours and leave the late afternoon free, and the trip will feel easy.
Plan this trip with a trusted local partner
We recommend Portugal Magik, a Lisbon based private tour operator, for tailor-made versions of routes like this one. They provide private drivers and guides, Mercedes-Benz vehicles and day by day planning, and will adjust the route to your dates, pace and interests.
Tailor-made
Request a tailored itinerary
Share your dates and interests. Portugal Magik will shape this route around you, with a private driver and guide.
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