Yahoo News Where to go on a family holiday to Portugal in 2024
With more than 520 miles of coastline, every inch lapped by the cool clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, it's attracted travellers for more than a millennia and Portugal family holidays will impress the whole gang, from beach lovers to culture vultures.
As one of the best winter sun spots, along with the sun-kissed family hotels of Dubai and the best family hotels in Tenerife, Portugal is an excellent place to visit any time of year.
Promising almost year-round sunshine - the Algarve famously gets 300 days of sunshine a year - the best weather is found during the spring and summer months, when temperatures hit mid-20s and higher (and when Cornwall family holidays won't do). Even in late September, for October half term and in November, when the crowds leave, temperatures in the south are still a deliciously temperate 18 degrees.
But there's more to Portugal than mere beaches. Come and explore the rugged hills of Peneda-Geres National Park, visit the rolling vineyards of the Alto Douro or wander through the ancient white-washed villages of Alentejo.
And whether it's feasting on chargrilled sardines on the beaches of Cascais or wolfing down authentic pasteis de nata in the backstreets of Lisbon, there's little chance of going hungry in this gastro-rich country.
It's an excellent place to take children, with many family-friendly hotels found all over the country. Whether you're looking for luxurious accommodation or somewhere bang in the middle of a city, we've rounded up the best ideas for Portugal family holidays in 2023.
From the sprawling beach resorts of the Algarve to the lovely boutique hotels in Lisbon, here's our pick of the best family holidays in Portugal to book now.
Lisbon
Europe's oldest independent capital city is a cultural treat for all the family. Ride up its almost vertical streets on Lisbon's iconic banana-yellow antique trams, embrace the city's numerous gastronomic delights in the food markets or enjoy an evening of fado in Mouraria, the home of traditional Portuguese folk music.
Known as the City of the Seven Hills, Lisbon is also famous for its miradouros – the viewpoints and terraces which offer incredible views over the city. Alternatively, climb the Belém Tower or visit the ancient Castelo de São Jorge, the ruins of an old castle on one of the city’s highest peaks.
Where to stay: Tucked away in a 19th-century townhouse in the Chiado district, central apartment hotel Martinhal Lisbon Chiado Family Suites is perfect for exploring families. It has 37 contemporary-style suites, all fully equipped for self catering.
Kids will love the quirky Superman cartoon decor and their own play dens in the rooms, but there's also a free kids' club, which has a climbing wall, arts and crafts area and a Pyjama Club for evening entertainment.
Albufeira, Algarve
With some 300 days of sunshine each year, endless beaches and a lively nightlife, Albufeira is one of the Algarve's most-visited resorts. Families flock to Praia dos Pescadores or Fisherman's Beach, the main beach close to the Old Town, which has everything from banana boat rides to parasailing and buzzy beachfront bars and restaurants. While Albufeira Old Town harks back to its traditional fishing village roots with winding narrow lanes, white-washed chapels and tree-lined squares dotted with cafes and bars.
Where to stay: For all-out family-style luxury with kids' clubs, tennis and golf camps and a watersports centre, you simply can't beat the Pine Cliffs Resort, well regarded as one of the best family hotels in Portugal. Perched on a rugged clifftop on the outskirts of Albufeira, this rambling hotel set in 179 acres fragrant with aromatic pines has a direct lift and a boarded walkway down to Praia da Falesia.
Family suites are spacious and comfortably cool, many have terraces and lounge areas for additional space. There's also a luxe spa, several outdoor pools and no fewer than 11 restaurants to relax in.
MORE FAMILY HOTELS IN ALBUFEIRA
Porto, Northern Portugal
Perched on the banks of the Douro River, Porto is Portugal's second largest city and famous for its fortified wine. Port tasting aside, there's plenty for families in this curious city. Visit the Palácio da Bolsa and the 13th-century Porto Cathedral, or explore the old-town neighbourhoods of Vitoria, Ribeira and Miragaia.
Climb the Clérigos Tower for views over the city or spend an afternoon in the World of Discoveries, a museum dedicated to the history of early Portuguese sailors. But don't miss a ride on the Teleférico de Gaia, a cable car that swings across the Douro.
Where to stay: Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments is a beautiful, plant-filled 19th-century palace that houses a clutch of elegant suites and apartments. Despite its stylish décor, high ceilings and plush velvet furnishings, the spacious suites are surprisingly family friendly.
Located an easy five-minute walk from the riverside district of Ribeira, it's close to the São Bento metro station. There's a lounge to hang out in with an honesty bar and a library. Or for a special treat book a table at Bartolomeu Bistro & Wine, where some excellent local wines are served with typical Portuguese specialities.
Carvoeiro, Algarve
Located just south of Lagos in the Algarve, Carvoeiro is a charming fishing village which has grown into a bustling beach resort, while still keeping its distinct Portuguese charm.
Come for the host of Blue Flag beaches, dramatic coastlines and craggy rock formations, or just to relax on one of the town's authentic cantinas and beach bars. Take a boat trip to the neighbouring cove and see the Benagil Cave, a spectacular sea cave with a cathedral-esque roof and arched rock formations.
Where to stay: Perched on Carvoeiro's craggy limestone cliffs, Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort large beach resort has spectacular views over the Atlantic. There are more than 200 rooms and suites, all beautifully decorated and with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies, some even have hot tubs overlooking the ocean.
Families will love the huge circular pools – one is for kids' only – while the spa has an indoor pool, steam rooms and Voya treatments. There are a handful of bars and restaurants, which mostly cater for children too, while the Sky Bar is strictly parents only.
MORE FAMILY HOTELS IN CARVOEIRO
Viana do Castelo, Northern Portugal
Where the River Lima meets the Atlantic Ocean, Viana do Castelo is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. While parents will love exploring its ancient churches, old monasteries and palaces, like the ornate neo-Byzantine Templo do Sagrado Coração de Jesus, all the family will enjoy a ride on the restored funicular up the slopes of Monte de Santa Luzia.
Visit Citânia de Santa Luzia, the ruins of fortified village from the 4th century BC, or hop aboard the Gil Eannes, the now restored naval hospital ship-turned-museum. And finish off with a tasty tour of Fábrica do Chocolate, a fun interactive museum about the sweet stuff.
Where to stay: Perched atop Viana’s Monte de Santa Luzia, where fragrant eucalyptus grows, the historic Pousada Viana do Castelo has incredible views across the old city, the Serra de Santa Luzia mountains and the Lima River.
While the kids might not always appreciate the incredible views, they will love splashing in the big outdoor pool and exploring the gardens. The rooms are all beautifully styled and have either city, mountain or sea views; some have balconies. Family rooms can comfortably sleep up to five.
MORE FAMILY HOTELS IN VIANA DO CASTELO
Povoa de Varzim, Northern Portugal
An hour north of Porto, Povoa de Varzim is a buzzy beach resort on Portugal's Atlantic Coast. With seven miles of soft golden sands and shallow waters, it's a popular spot for a family-friendly beach break. But it's not all ice cream and sandcastles. Once an important fishing and shipbuilding port, Povoa de Varzim has plenty of historic attractions too. Visit Castelo da Póvoa, built in the 1700s to protect the town from pirates, or the Ethnography and History Museum of Povoa de Varzim, housed in the former home of the Viscount of Azevedo.
Where to stay: From its perch on top of Monte de Sao Felix, chichi boutique hotel Sao Felix Hotel Hillside & Nature is a quieter alternative to Povoa de Varzim's beachfront sprawls. With views across town and along the Costa Verde, the bright and spacious rooms have a warm, contemporary vibe and can easily fit a gaggle of kids.
There's a brace of outdoor pools, shaded by palms and pine trees, as well as a games rooms and a modern restaurant which serves a child-friendly menu.
MORE FAMILY HOTELS IN POVOA DE VARZIM
Faro, Algarve
As the capital of Portugal's Algarve region, the city of Faro is often overlooked as folk rush to the region's beautiful beaches. But with a Moorish history and picturesque Old Town – all cobbled streets, orange trees and fantastic Gothic cathedral – Faro is a charming city perfect for a family getaway, and as a launch pad for exploring some of the best beaches in the Algarve.
Don't miss a peek into the Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Carmo, a beautifully ornate Baroque church which is best known for its rather maudlin, Capela dos Ossos, the Chapel of Bones.
Where to stay: As Faro's first five-star hotel, the 3HB Faro is a real treat. Although set away from the beach, it has super-stylish rooms and is moments from Faro's Old Town attractions, including the cathedral.
Welcoming to families, there are spacious family rooms, a kids' play area and the Algarve's first Santini's Gelati, the iconic Portuguese ice cream parlour. With a rooftop infinity pool, a fancy spa with an indoor pool and Turkish hammam, not to mention a brace of top-notch restaurants, it's the perfect spot for a stylish family break in the sun.
Cascais, Lisbon
A 20-minute journey from the centre of Lisbon, Cascais is the city's buzzing beach suburb renowned for its beautiful beaches, charming Old Town, and old Citadel. Once the summer retreat of Portuguese nobility, here you can walk along the promenade to the neighbouring resort of Estoril and find candy-coloured 19th-century villas dotted the waterfront.
In the main town, narrow cobbled streets are lined with traditional bars and restaurants, while beautiful Blue Flag beaches daisy-chain along the coast. It's also moments from Cabo da Rocha lighthouse, the most westerly point of mainland Europe.
Where to stay: Set a few miles back from Cascais' bustling beachfront, Sheraton Cascais Resort is a sprawling family-friendly resort set in tranquil gardens with scented pine trees. Rooms are spacious and warmly decked out, and family rooms are available. The Sheraton offers everything you need for a family holiday – kids' club, play areas and a huge and heated outdoor pool, as well as bike rentals and a spa.
A shuttle bus runs guests down to the beach each day. As for breakfast, the vast buffet will sate any fussy nippers, while The Glass Terrace restaurant offers both traditional Portuguese dishes and plenty of kid-friendly favourites.
Tavira, Algarve
Famous for the lagoons and inlets of Ria Formosa Natural Park, and the salt pans which attract flocks of pink flamingoes, this charming town on the Algarve coast blends culture with beach life and is an ideal spot for family holiday.
The Gilao River runs through the Old Town, explore the medieval Tavira Castle, which has Moorish hints and kick back on Praia do Barril, a stunningly unspoilt beach famous for its anchor cemetery.
Where to stay: Set in an attractive 18th century building, this charming small hotel is a warm and place welcoming for families. Set in the heart of the Old Town, Sao Paulo Boutique Hotel is ideal for exploring the castle and medieval cobbled lanes, and yet a little over a mile from the beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
All the rooms are a delight. Bright and airy, many with vaulted ceilings and polished stone floors, and all feature a mix of modern art and classic Portuguese furnishings. While the leafy courtyard garden has a little plunge pool to cool off in.
Portimao, Algarve
The Algarve's second largest city after Faro, Portimao has a fascinating history which dates back to the Phoenician times. Most visitors to the area stay in Praia da Rocha, the beachfront resort just three kilometres from the city, and venture into to Portimao when in need of a little culture in between beach days.
Spend a few hours in the Museu de Portimao, which explores Portugal's lengthy fishing heritage in this 19th-century fish cannery. And don't miss a peek into Igreja Matriz, a beautiful church decorated in azulejos, Portugal's unique hand-painted tiles.
Where to stay: Home to the Sir Henry Cotton Championship golf course and the largest swimming pool in the Algarve, the Penina Hotel & Golf Resort is one of the original luxury hotels in the south. Popular with families looking for a little R&R, this rolling resort set in lush grounds has everything you need for a successful family holiday.
It has three golf courses, six tennis courts and the Kangaroo Club, a brilliant kids' club with its own pool, football pitch and playground. It also offers a regular shuttle service to its private area on Alvor beach.
MORE FAMILY HOTELS IN PORTIMAO
Castro Marim, Algarve
Tucked away in the southern Algarve, Castro Marim is a charming town on the banks of the Guadiana River, which forms the watery border to Spain. Packed with history dating back to the Stone Age, Castro Marim was a port in Phoenician times and then occupied by the Moors for some five centuries, now it's all cobbled streets, attractive churches and whitewashed houses.
At the centre is a walled fortress, while the surrounding salt pans and wetlands attract a multitude of wildlife and are great for exploring.
Where to stay: Surrounded by pine forest, Octant Praia Verde is a stylish boutique hotel with just 40 rooms and suites, the latter offering lounges with kitchenettes and pull-out sofas, which are perfect for families.
Rather a quiet, hidden secret in the busy Algarve, the beach is just 10 minutes' walk away, while a lovely saltwater pool, kids' club and popular wood-fired pizza bar is just the ticket for an easy sunshine getaway.
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Porches, Algarve
The Algarve is Portugal’s most popular region thanks to some 300-plus days of sunshine a year, but while many flock to the buzzy resorts of Albufeira and Vilamoura, tiny villages like Porches are often overlooked.
The Algarve is famous for its beautiful pottery, which originates from the village, it's also home to the region's only two Michelin-starred restaurant. Throw in some beautiful clifftop chapels and pristine whitewashed homes and picturesque Porches makes a great base for your next Algarve holiday.
Where to stay: If it's all-out pampering you're after for your next family holiday, look no further than the Vila Vita Parc. Set on a 50-acre estate dotted with palm trees, this luxury family-friendly resort designed like a Portuguese village is moments from a clutch of stunning sandy beaches.
It offers a fancy spa, several kids' clubs, infinity pools and a myriad of restaurants, including Ocean, which has two Michelin stars.
Calheta, Madeira
Perched on the southwest coast of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, Calheta is one of the few areas on the volcanic island which has a sandy beach. Surrounded by banana and sugarcane plantations, the charming seaside resort has a historic old town centred around a fabulous 15th-century church famous for its distinct Moorish features.
It's also a popular spot for culture vultures, who flock from all corners of the island to visit Casa das Artes, a state-of-the-art modern art centre.
Where to stay: A beautiful beachfront hotel with a dramatic rocky backdrop, Saccharum Resort offers the perfect beach escape for all the family. Embracing the area's artistic style, each of the bright, colourful rooms has been decorated by a local artist.
The resort also offers a brace of pools, including a rooftop infinity pool, direct access to one of Madeira's only sandy beaches, plus a kids' club and playrooms for the younger children. While a clutch of excellent bars and restaurants keeps everyone happily fed and watered.
Ericeira, Western Portugal
Lapped by the cool navy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Ericeira is one of the world's surfing reserves and with its wide sandy beaches, perfect surf and dramatic sea cliffs, it's a fine place to spend a week or two.
Once a Portuguese fishing town, families and surfers have been flocking here each summer for decades. But it's not all about sun, sea and surfing. Visit the 15th-century Chapel of Santa Marta Ericeira, a beautiful whitewashed church in the Old Town, or catch a classical performance by Filarmónica Cultural Ericeira, the acclaimed local orchestra.
Where to stay: Surfing lessons for all the family is just one of the activities on offer at You and the Sea, a laidback beachfront resort.
Alongside its colourful outdoor pool and spa area, it offers 35 bright, seaside-chic apartments, great for all the family, not to mention complimentary bicycles, a hip beach bar and trendy restaurant, making it just the spot for fun-loving and active families.
MORE FAMILY HOTELS IN ERICEIRA
Porto Moniz, Madeira
Perched on the northwestern coast of Madeira, Porto Moniz is a small seaside town backed by the Laurisilva mountains and famous for its series of natural swimming pools. Formed by volcanic rock and fed by the cool fresh waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the tidal lava pools offer a unique and safe way for everyone to enjoy the ocean.
Little ones can get up close and personal with the sea life at Madeira Aquarium, while the more adventurous can climb up to the Miradouro da Santa for sweeping views of the town.
Where to stay: Sandwiched between the mountains and the ocean, Aqua Natura Madeira is a bright and modern family-run hotel is all about location, location, location. It overlooks Madeira's famous volcanic pools and is mere moments from the Madeira Aquarium and the cable car, which swings dramatically up the mountains.
With just 25 rooms, all bright and breezy and with ocean views, a chichi little restaurant overlooking the pools, and a sushi bar, it's a charming base to explore the area.
MORE FAMILY HOTELS IN PORTO MONIZ
Évora, Alentejo
In the very heart of the rural Alentejo region, Évora is one of the cultural highlights of central Portugal. Awash with cobbled streets, traditional painted houses and Moorish architecture, the city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for a dose of culture on your holiday.
Explore its well-preserved Old Town and the Roman Temple of Évora, and don't miss the Gothic-slash-Baroque facade of the Cathedral of Évora, the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal.
Where to stay: Surrounded by the plains of the Alentejo, Octant Evora is a stylish and eco-friendly resort that's just the place for families to really get away from it all. Contemporary whitewashed rooms and villas surround a brace of pools, there's also a spa with an indoor pool, while children can enjoy the petting farm, play areas and kids' yoga classes.
And the house olive grove, orchard and organic kitchen garden feed the À Terra restaurant with fabulous seasonal dishes.
Salema, Algarve
For an authentic Portuguese stay, Salema in the western stretches of the Algarve is just the ticket. Wide sandy beaches, safe shallow waters and a charming fishing village vibe, it's one of the Algarve's best-kept secrets. The villages falls in the boundary of the Costa Vincentina Natural Park, which stretches for 100 km down the west coast.
Stacked with charm, there are narrow cobbled lanes, blue-and-white houses and scattering of rustic seafood restaurants, all serving the day's freshest catch. From the village there are several paths that wind down to the beach, where you'll often find more fishing boats than families.
Where to stay: Moments from the Salema's village, NAU Salema Beach Village is a sprawling family-friendly resort which makes a great base for exploring this quiet corner of the Algarve. Despite the name, it's actually 500 metres from Salema beach, however, many of the modern villas have balconies with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
As an alternative to the beach, the self-catering resort has a lovely outdoor pool, a children's playground and a poolside bar to relax in.
Comporta
Around an hour's drive from Lisbon on Portugal's wild Atlantic Coast, Comporta is a great alternative to the lively resorts of the Algarve. Wide flat beaches banked by sand dunes, aesthetically pleasing rice paddies and tumbles of white-washed villages, Comporta has a different vibe to the rest of Portugal. It's a firm favourite with the Lisbon elite, earning Comporta the nickname, the Hamptons of Portugal.
There's plenty to do in the area from beach hopping, horse-riding to cycling through the paddy fields. But don't miss a visit to the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, a beautiful landscape home to flocks of shocking pink flamingoes, kingfishers and herons.
Where to stay: A 15-minute walk from the main beach in the heart of Comporta village, AlmaLusa Comporta is a stylish hotel for couples and families with older children. There are 53 rooms and suites, all are decorated in a simple, neutral fashion. Our favourites have private balconies overlooking the gardens.
And if you don't fancy the beach, there's a smart outdoor pool with plenty of comfy sun beds. A real highlight (well, for grown ups) is the chic rooftop bar which has far-reaching views over the rice paddies.
MORE FAMILY HOTELS IN COMPORTA
Braga
Of course, there's much more to Portugal than just Lisbon, Porto and the buzzy beach resorts of the Algarve. In the very far north of the country, around 40 minutes from Porto, is Braga, Portugal's oldest and most religious city. It's famously home to the Sé de Braga, Portugal's first cathedral which was built in 1089. A highlight of the city is Bom Jesus do Monte, the magnificent neoclassical church which is famed for its 17 flights of beautiful Baroque staircases.
Churches aside, there's plenty to see and do on a Braga family holiday in Portugal. Wander around its charming cobbled streets, enjoy an alfresco lunch in one of the many ornate plazas or explore Jardim de Santa Bárbara, the gardens which overlook the ruins of the bishop's palace.
Where to stay: As an alternative to the more historic hotels in Braga's Old Town, the Melia Braga Hotel & Spa offers some modern pampering for all the family. It's located within walking distance of all Braga's main attractions, including Bom Jesus de Braga and cathedral, and the rooms are light, spacious and contemporary in design, all large enough to bring the family.
One of the hotel's main attractions is its state-of-the-art spa, which has indoor and outdoor pools, a hydrothermal circuit and numerous treatment rooms.
Caldas da Rainha
North of Lisbon on the Silver Coast is Portugal's original spa town, Caldas da Rainha. It's named after the 15th-century Queen Dona Leonor, who passed through the area and famously bathed in its curative thermal waters. The town is also renowned for its lengthy art history and was once home to legendary Portuguese artist, Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, who opened a ceramics school and factory in the city in 1885.
It has nine museums, including the acclaimed Bordalo Pinheiro Museum, which showcases some of his most iconic works. However, Caldas is not all about art and culture. Nearby is Lagoa de Óbidos, a beautiful lagoon surrounded by pine forests, while the beaches of Foz do Arelho are some of the best along this coast and attract windsurfers and sailing enthusiasts.
Where to stay: Offering something a little different to the normal city hotel, 19 Tile Ceramic Concept is a quirky boutique hotel with a real arty appeal, complete with its own ceramics atelier who can arrange classes and workshops for guests. Located in the heart of the city centre next to the thermal baths and a short walk from the José Malhoa Museum, it makes a great base for exploring the area.
Each of the 11 rooms have been designed by a local artist, who brings their own unique style to the place. If you're bringing the kids, there's also a spacious family suite, which has a hand-carved bunk beds and a rocking horse.
MORE FAMILY HOTELS IN CALDAS DA RAINHA
Sintra
Tucked away in the folds of the Serra de Sintra, a hop and a skip from Lisbon, Sintra is a gorgeous mountain town which was once a popular royal escape. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sintra's most famous attraction is the Palácio Nacional da Pena, one of Europe's most dazzling palaces thanks to its egg-yolk yellow façade.
Take a peek at the Castelo dos Mouros, the atmospheric ruins of a Moorish castle, perched on a hilltop 400 metres above sea level. And if that's not enough culture, pop into Museu das Artes de Sintra, which houses a fabulous collection of contemporary art by some of Portugal's leading artists, including Dorita de Castel-Branco and Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro.
Where to stay: As a UNESCO Heritage Site, there are very few places to stay in Sintra. One such property is Casa da Pendôa, a few minutes' walk from the National Palace. Bright, airy and contemporary styled, its apartments feature private balconies with sweeping views of the Sintra Mountains. The best ones overlook the Moorish castle.
All come equipped with kitchenettes and dining areas, while the one or two bedroom units work well for families. And if you don't want to hire a car, it's only a short walk from Sintra station which has direct trains to and from Lisbon.
Ferragudo, Algarve
When it comes to great family holidays in Portugal, the Algarve is the honeypot and home to a few all-singing, all-dancing holiday resorts. For something a little different, try Ferragudo, a quieter spot on the Rio Arade estuary. Once a small fishing village, this tumble of white-washed cottages and cobbled streets has kept its old-school charm and is considered one of the most authentic villages in the Algarve.
Visit Castelo de São João de Arade, the village's medieval castle which overlooks the river. Or wander along the palm-lined promenade, which is lined with rustic seafood restaurants all serving the local catch. For cafe culture, head to Praça Rainha Dona Leonor, the village's main square where you'll find a clutch of authentic Portuguese cafes, complete with friendly locals playing backgammon.
Where to stay: Overlooking the Arade River, Vitor's Village is a charming family resort only a 10-minute stroll from Ferragudo village and has everything you could want from a holiday in the Algarve. Designed like a Portuguese village, the rooms and apartments are in low-level buildings and all have balconies with views over the manicured gardens or the pool.
Relax around the brace of palm-lined swimming pools, dine out in one of the two restaurants and enjoy the nightly entertainment. While it's a mile from the nearest beach, the resort offers a free shuttle bus to the beaches throughout the day.
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