If you are looking for a family vacation then Portugal Holiday is the best way to go. There are many reasons for which the country is famous. You will get plenty of sunny weather, beautiful coastlines to relax and sunbathe, famous places which are rich in culture and also attractions that will keep the kids interested as well. Hence, if your interest is to look out for historical places, or just sit and relax on the beautiful beaches, or go to a cafe to taste the delicious cuisines. This guide will help you list the top things to do with Family during a Portugal Holiday.
Also if you need any information regarding the Portugal Visa we will provide that information before the end of this blog.
Explore the charming streets of Lisbon
The lively capital of Portugal is Lisbon which offers absolutely a perfect mix of history and modern attractions in the country. Most of the city is full of hills. The neighborhoods are very beautiful and absolutely a great place to take photos.
Family Friendly Activities
Get on the Tram 28: The tram has a great history which is still active and travel’s through Lisbon’s main neighborhoods, most notably Alfama and Baixa. When the whole family is there it is a great way to explore the city duringPortugal Holiday.
Visit the Oceanario de Lisboa: If there are the largest aquariums in Europe then it’s the Oceanario de Lisboa. You will get to see lots of marine life from different oceanic habitats. If you have kids, take them in front of the massive tanks where they will be able to watch sharks, rays and other colorful fishes.
Explore Belem: Don’t forget to explore the stunning Belem Tower. Nearby there is a famous Pasteis de Belem bakery who sells delicious pasteis de nata which are basically custard tarts.
Tip: Remember that the streets are steep , hence if you are carrying kids in strollers it will be difficult. Hence it’s best to bring a baby carrier if you are traveling with young children.
During your Portugal holiday, keep your itinerary mandatory to visit the Algarve. The place is filled with astounding beaches, rocky cliffs and absolutely clear waters. If you are looking for fun and relaxation, then this is perfect for families.
Top beaches for families
Praia da Rocha: When you go to Praia da Rocha you will find the beach full of soft sands. There are even designated safe swimming areas. If you want to stroll around to pass time then there are lots of restaurants and shops nearby.
Meia Praia: You can find the place very wide and open. The waves of the sea are very gentle here. Hence you can play with your families and young kids.
Cave tours at Benagil: Boat tours are available through which you can go to the famous Benagil Cave. The experience will be absolutely majestic as you will find the sunlight creating a magical glow inside.
Water Activities
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Children and teens can definitely try these activities. Whole family can use these activiews to see the hidden coves and secluded beaches.
Dolphin Watching Tours: One should absolutely try the boat excursions from where you can spot dolphins playing in their natural habitat.
Tip: During summers, the temperature rises a lot. Hence bring sunscreen , hats and plenty of water.
Step Back in Time in Sintra
If you want to make your Portugal holiday a fairy tale trip then you should absolutely visit Sintra. The entire place is listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is filled with majestic palaces, beautiful castles and green gardens.
Must Visit Attractions
Pena Palace: Located right on the hill, this castle is the work of the 19th century Roman era. It looks like the palace is taken right out of a storybook. There are many turrets and courtyards available which kids will absolutely love.
Quinta da Regaleira: The famous attraction of this place is the Initiation well. If you wander around you will get to experience many underground tunnels and beautiful gardens.
Moorish Castle: If you and your family like some hiking and enjoy the surrounding landscape then Moorish Castle is the perfect place to go. When you reach there you can get a panoramic view of the entire place.
Tip: Arrive early during the daytime so that you can avoid crowds and take a lot of photos.
Explore Porto’s Charm and Delicacies
In the northern region of Portugal, Porto is located. Witness the great historic riverside district during your Portugal Holiday along with fine Port wine. While the adults can really enjoy the wine, the kids can also find a lot of interesting activities too.
Family Highlights:
Ribeira District: The riverfront is quite colorful. While you walk around you will find a lot of street performers, small shops and cafes. There are boat rides available on the Douro river where you can go out with your family to get a different view of the city.
Livraria Lello: Booklovers who are traveling with family and kids, Livraria Lello is a must visit as it has got one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Even J.K.Rowling got inspiration over here when she was writing Harry Potter.
Clerigos Tower: If you want to get the stunning view of the city, you will need to climb on top of Clerigos Tower. But remember that climbing can be difficult for some kids.
Tips: When you finish your sightseeing, you should try the traditional Francesinha. It is a Portuguese sandwich which is covered in melted cheese and a rich tomato sauce. There are even some restaurants which offer child friendly versions that are less spicy.
Take a Scenic Train ride in Douro Valley
Make your Portugal Holiday adventurous by going through the scenic vineyards and terraced hills and lots of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Douro Valley. Go for a day trip where you can view beautiful landscapes and enjoy the activities that are perfect for families.
What to do:
Train ride along the Douro river: Hop into the Linha do Douro railway so that you can get a scenic ride through the valley. The train will travel along the river which allows the passengers to view the amazing vineyards and rolling hills.
River Cruise: If you would like to get the experience of Douri’s beauty up close then take a short river cruise with your family.
Picnic in Nature: Find a relaxing spot by the river or in any of the valley’s parks and enjoy a picnic with your family.
Discover Portuguese Culture through festivals
There are many great festivals that you can enjoy during your Portugal Holiday, everything from food to music. This is a great way to know about a local festival to introduce your kids to Portuguese culture.
Festivals Worth Attending
Festa de Sao Joao in Porto: The Festa de Sao Joao is celebrated in the month of June. You will get to see a lot of fireworks, street dancing and a fun tradition of tapping people on the head with plastic hammers.
Carnival in various parts of the country: If you visit in the month of February, you will experience the best of Portugal’s Carnival which is full of parades, costumes and music that kids will absolutely love.
Fado Performances: The Fado music may not be child friendly , hence if you are traveling with all the adult members in the family you can enjoy the Fado performances.
Try Delicious Portuguese Food
No Portugal holiday is complete without tasting the local delicious cuisine. There are so many types of dishes that will be interesting to both adults and children.
Family Friendly Foods:
Bacalhau a Bras: A dish that is made up with shredded cod, eggs and potatoes.
Pao com Chourico: A simple but very tasty snack which is made from freshly baked bread stuffed with Portuguese sausage.
Gelado (Ice Cream): The Gelado offers a lot of flavors that kids absolutely love on a warm day.
Best Places to eat:
Family Friendly Restaurants: Most restaurants in Portugal are very hospitable to children. High chairs and kid friendly menus are also provided.
Outdoor Cafes: There are open cafes where kids can move around freely in a closed space making it relaxing for the adults to enjoy.
Tip: In Portugal, the dining usually starts later in the Evening. So plan your meal times keeping in mind about that. Try to opt for lunch as the main family meal.
Apply Portugal Visa from UK through our professional assistance
Are you facing any difficulty getting a Portugal Visa Appointment for a Portugal holiday? If yes, then worry not. As you can use our professional expertise of SCHENGEN TRAVEL GUIDE. You will be assisted with the documents you have submitted, followed by fixing an appointment date.
Just click on the apply online tab. Continue filling your details in the list of forms that will appear. Make the payment online before submission. You will be contacted by our staff members immediately to discuss everything and to book your Visa appointment date. Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Conclusion
Hence to conclude, Portugal Holiday will absolutely be a fine place to visit as the country is filled with beautiful sceneries, a great amount of interesting history and tasty food. Whatever you do, like lounging by the sea in the region of Algarve, or standing and exploring the art displays in Lisbon, or just relaxing and sipping the great Port wine in Porto, these activities will definitely create unforgettable memories.
If you are a first timer, just follow the guide in this blog so that your tip stays smooth and stress free.
