Curator’s statement
Portugal is family-friendly and easy to get around with a rental car, making it an awesome choice for travel with younger kids. The gorgeous Algarve region is not even three hours south of Lisbon so the two areas pair perfectly together for a week long trip. Relax at one of the many beach resorts along the southern coast to enjoy the views and wide open space, and then head to the city where there are plenty of activities for kids and adults. The Portuguese people were wonderful with our 18 month old - we had many waiters making silly faces, picking up and washing pacifiers and just generally making us feel welcome. Plus, the wine is divine and cheap :)
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Where to stay
Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve
Pine Cliffs is one of the leading and award-winning Luxury and Family Resorts in Europe enjoying a spectacular, prime seafront location on the amazing coastline of the Algarve in Southern Portugal.
Fora Perks
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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VIP welcome & amenity.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Martinhal Sagres Family Resort
Collection of luxury family-friendly villas overlooking Martinhal Beach.
Fora Perks
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20% discount on one spa treatment.
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Complimentary bottle of wine in room on arrival.
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Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in.
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Mid-century stunner with all the finery and standout service you’d expect from the Four Seasons.
Fora Perks
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When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Martinhal Chiado
Family-friendly serviced apartments in the heart of Lisbon.
Fora Perks
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One complimentary lunch per stay.
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Complimentary bottle of wine and plate of custard tarts in room on arrival.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
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Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon + Travel Day
If you aren't too tired from the flight, go ahead and drive down to your resort in the Algarve region. It's a good opportunity for kids to sleep in the car; doing the stops in this order means you won't have to make the drive to the airport on departure day since you'll end the trip in Lisbon. Take in the sea air and views and enjoy an early dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Beach Day
The beaches in Portugal are stunning and can be sandy coves or dramatic cliffs. The Atlantic here is colder than most people expect so you may not be eager to swim. Because of the cliffs, many of the beaches have larges staircases that descend down to the sand. Older kids may enjoy surfing, kayaking or sailing. The area west of Lagos is more rugged/less developed and you can visit nearly deserted beaches with incredible views. Pack a picnic for lunch to enjoy on the beach.
Day 3: Explore a Beach Town
Lagos and Albufeira are two of the larger towns. Albufeira is a bit touristy with tons of souvenir shops and nightlife. Lagos is more scenic, laid back and family-friendly. You'll find lots of shops here with ceramics, leather goods and jewelry. There is also a zoo in Lagos. In between the larger towns, you'll find small fishing villages such as Carvoeiro, Salema, Olhão or Alvor. If you are in the area in the spring or summer, kids will enjoy the giant sand castles at Sand City near Lagoa. You can get an authentic Portuguese meal with plenty of seafood in any of the beach towns.
Day 4: Travel to Lisbon & Walk Along the River
Play at the hotel pool before making the 2-3 hour drive to Lisbon. For a pick-me-up, grab pastries at Zarzuela (complete with gluten free treats!) and then walk along the water front. Tip: bring a baby carrier for little ones because the streets are hilly or have cobblestones.
Grab dinner at Time Out Market (but don't wait until you get hungry because it gets busy).
Day 5: Take in Lisbon's History
The historic part of the city is compact and walkable to its easy to explore in a day or two. The lifts are fun to ride and will take you up Lisbon's steep hills. Kids will love taking a guided tuktuk tour (similar to a golf cart and has seat belts) to get an overview of the city and to take a break from walking. Make sure to go to the top of Saõ Jorge hill to visit the 11th century Castelo de Saõ Jorge. Enjoy dinner in an 18th-century palace at Palácio Chiado.
A note from Laura
If you have more time make sure to visit the magical town of Sintra to see the royal palaces and villas. Another great day trip is the beach town of Cascais where there is a charming waterfront village with ice cream shops and a carousel.
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
Travel Advisor
Laura Allen
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For more family-friendly travel tips, check out my guide to Bar Harbor: Family-Friendly Vacationing in Bar Harbor, Maine.