The seven best 7 family tours in Portugal
Portugal is a fantastic destination for families, offering a blend of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and activities that cater to children of all ages. Here’s a guide to ensure your family trip is enjoyable and hassle-free.
Top Family-Friendly Destinations 1
1. Lisbon
Lisbon, the vibrant capital, is perfect for families. Explore:
- Oceanário de Lisboa: One of the largest aquariums in Europe, featuring diverse marine life.
- Tram 28: A fun ride through the city’s historic neighborhoods.
- Lisbon Zoo: Home to over 2,000 animals, with a focus on conservation.
2. Algarve
Known for its stunning beaches, the Algarve offers:
- Zoomarine: A theme park with water slides, animal shows, and pools.
- Beaches: Family-friendly options like Praia da Marinha, featuring calm waters and amenities.
3. Porto
Porto, famous for its wine, also has great attractions for kids:
- World of Discoveries: An interactive museum that brings to life Portugal’s maritime history.
- Pena Palace: A colorful castle that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.
Best Tours for Families 2
1. Boat Tours
Take a family-friendly boat tour along the Douro River or the Algarve coast. These tours often include opportunities to see dolphins and explore caves.
2. Cooking Classes
Participate in a family cooking class to learn how to make traditional Portuguese dishes like pastéis de nata. It’s a fun and educational experience for children.
3. Nature Trails
Explore Portugal’s beautiful landscapes through guided nature walks. Many guides tailor experiences to be engaging for children, focusing on local flora and fauna.
Ticket Reservations
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When traveling with children, it’s best to book tickets in advance for popular attractions to avoid long lines. Websites like GetYourGuide and Viator offer family packages that often include discounts.
Hotel Services for Families 3
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Family-Friendly Hotels
Look for accommodations that provide amenities for children:
- Family Rooms: Spacious options that can comfortably accommodate parents and kids.
- Kids’ Clubs: Facilities offering supervised activities, allowing parents some downtime.
- Pools: Hotels with child-friendly pools and play areas.
Recommendations
- Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort: Offers children’s clubs and various family activities.
- Pestana Porto – A Brasileira: Centrally located with family-friendly services and easy access to attractions.
Flight Services
When booking flights, consider airlines that offer family-friendly services:
- Priority Boarding: Many airlines allow families to board early, making settling in easier.
- Children’s Meals: Pre-order meals for children to ensure they enjoy their flight experience.
- Entertainment Options: Look for airlines with in-flight entertainment suitable for kids
Portugal is a wonderful destination for family travel, with its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and numerous child-friendly activities. By planning ahead and choosing the right tours, accommodations, and services, your family can create lasting memories in this beautiful country. Enjoy your adventure in Portugal
Portugal that are family-friendly and sure to please kids 4
1. Bacalhau à Brás
A dish made with shredded salted cod, onions, and potatoes, bound together with eggs. It’s flavorful but not too intense, making it a good choice for kids.
2. Francesinha
A hearty sandwich from Porto, filled with meats and topped with a rich tomato and beer sauce. It’s filling and often served with fries, perfect for older kids.
3. Pataniscas de Bacalhau
Cod fritters that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These make for a great snack or appetizer.
4. Pasta de Nata
A beloved Portuguese custard tart. Kids will love the sweet, creamy filling and flaky pastry.
5. Caldo Verde
A comforting soup made with kale, potatoes, and chorizo. It’s nutritious and mild, making it suitable for children.
6. Arroz de Marisco
Seafood rice that is flavorful but not overly spicy. It combines rice with a variety of seafood, making it a fun way for kids to try new flavors.
7. Bifana
A pork sandwich seasoned with garlic and spices. It’s simple yet delicious, often served with mustard.
8. Salame de Chocolate
A chocolate salami made with biscuits and cocoa. It’s a fun dessert that kids will love!
When dining out, look for restaurants that offer kid-friendly menus or smaller portions of traditional dishes to ensure everyone enjoys their meal. Enjoy your culinary adventure in Portugal!
Portugal where you can enjoy local dishes suitable for families 5
Lisbon
1. Time Out Market
A food hall featuring various stalls where you can find traditional dishes like Bacalhau à Brás and Pataniscas de Bacalhau. Great for families to sample different foods.
2. O Prego da Peixaria
Known for its seafood and meat sandwiches, including delicious Bifanas. Casual atmosphere perfect for kids.
Porto
3. Café Santiago
Famous for its Francesinha. This family-friendly café has a lively atmosphere and offers a variety of other traditional dishes.
4. Taberna da Ribeira
Offers Arroz de Marisco and other local specialties. A cozy spot with a welcoming vibe for families.
Algarve
5. A Casa do Prego
Located in Lagos, this restaurant serves Pataniscas de Bacalhau and other traditional foods. Kid-friendly options are also available.
6. Restaurante O Camilo
Known for its seafood dishes, including Arroz de Marisco. It has a beautiful view and a relaxed atmosphere.
Sintra
7. Cantinho Gourmet
Offers a variety of Portuguese dishes, including Caldo Verde. A great spot for families visiting the magical town of Sintra.
Cascais
8. O Pescador
A family-friendly restaurant with a focus on fresh seafood. Perfect for trying local dishes in a relaxed setting.
These restaurants provide a mix of traditional flavors and family-friendly atmospheres, ensuring a great dining experience during your trip to Portugal!
Family-friendly festivals, ideal for children and families 6
1. Festa de São João (Porto)
- When: June 23-24
- Highlights: A vibrant celebration with street parties, music, and fireworks. Kids enjoy the lively atmosphere and the giant puppet shows.
2. Carnaval (Throughout Portugal)
- When: February
- Highlights: Colorful parades with costumes, music, and dancing. Cities like Loulé and Madeira host family-friendly events with fun activities for children.
3. Festival Internacional de Banda Desenhada (Lisbon)
- When: September
- Highlights: A comic book festival featuring workshops, exhibitions, and activities for kids, encouraging creativity and storytelling.
4. Feira Medieval de Óbidos
- When: July
- Highlights: A medieval fair with knights, jousting, and crafts. Children can enjoy themed activities and performances.
5. Festival do Marisco (Olhão)
- When: August
- Highlights: While focused on seafood, the festival includes live music, activities, and games for kids, creating a fun family environment.
6. Festa das Flores (Madeira)
- When: Late April
- Highlights: A beautiful flower festival with parades, music, and floral displays. Kids can participate in workshops and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.
7. Festival de Cinema Infantil (Lisbon)
- When: Various dates throughout the year
- Highlights: A film festival dedicated to children’s films, featuring screenings and activities designed for younger audiences.
8. Festa de Nossa Senhora da Agonia (Viana do Castelo)
- When: August
- Highlights: A cultural festival with processions, music, and traditional dances. Engaging activities for children make it a fun family outing.
These festivals provide a mix of cultural experiences, entertainment, and activities, ensuring that families have a wonderful time in Portugal!
The Festa de São João in Porto is a vibrant celebration with plenty of activities that kids will enjoy. Here are some highlights:
1. Street Parades
- Colorful processions with musicians and dancers that captivate children’s attention.
2. Balloon Launching
- Kids can participate in launching balloons, a popular activity during the festival.
3. Giant Puppet Shows
- Performances featuring large puppets, which are always a hit with younger audiences.
4. Games and Activities
- Various street games and entertainment designed for children, such as face painting and crafts.
5. Fireworks Display
- A spectacular fireworks show that lights up the night sky, thrilling for the whole family.
6. Traditional Food Stalls
- Family-friendly food options like grilled sardines, sweet treats, and local snacks that kids can try.
7. Music and Dance
- Live music performances encourage families to dance together, creating a joyful atmosphere.
8. Lanterns and Lights
- Children can enjoy the beautiful lights and lanterns that adorn the city, making for a magical evening.
These activities make the Festa de São João a fantastic experience for families visiting Porto!
The best places to watch the fireworks 8
1. Ribeira District
- A popular spot along the Douro River, offering stunning views of the fireworks reflecting on the water.
2. Dom LuÃs I Bridge
- Positioned high above the river, this bridge provides a panoramic view of the festivities and fireworks.
3. Jardim do Morro
- Located on the Gaia side of the river, this park offers a spacious area with great sightlines for the fireworks display.
4. Cais da Ribeira
- This lively waterfront area is perfect for enjoying the vibrant atmosphere while watching the fireworks.
5. Cristo Rei Sanctuary
- For a unique perspective, head to this viewpoint across the river for a dramatic view of the fireworks over Porto.
6. Aliados Avenue
- The main avenue in Porto, often filled with festival-goers and a great location to catch the fireworks in the heart of the city.
These spots ensure a memorable fireworks experience during the festival!
