We’re making your trip to Portugal easy with this 3-week Portugal Itinerary! If you want a destination that combines stunning beaches with history and culture, consider gorgeous Portugal! It’s the perfect destination with its beautiful coastline, amazing cuisine, and endearing cities.
We put together this 3-week Portugal itinerary to guide you on a journey along the most lovely and family-friendly stops in Portugal, including Lisbon, Algarve, and Porto.
Overview of the 3 Week Portugal Itinerary
First, we begin in Porto. Porto is a city that’s full of charm and known for its port wine, vibrant atmosphere, and historical architecture. In Porto, you can adventure through the medieval Ribeira district, take a boat tour down the Douro River, and visit the well-known Dom Luis I Bridge. Along the way, you can taste all the local cuisine and experience the lively nightlife.
Up next, to the south, is the remarkable region of the Algarve. The Algarve is well known for its spectacular beaches, clear blue waters, and kid-friendly resorts. Spend your days in the sun on the beautiful beaches, adventure through the coastline by boat, or partake in kayaking or surfing. Take in the charm of towns like Albufeira and Lagos with all their entertainment, history, and culture.
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And last, our final destination in this 3 week Portugal Itinerary, is Lisbon. Lisbon is the spirited capital of Portugal. With historic communities like Belém and Alfama, landmarks like the iconic Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery and plenty of local food, you’ll love this city. You can even take a day trip to Sintra, a nearby town famous for its fairytale castles and beautiful scenery.
Whether you have teenagers or young children, traveling with this 3-week itinerary will bring something interesting to the trip for everyone in the family. From incredible beaches to quaint cities, Portugal is an ideal family vacation destination! So pack those bags, it’s time for a trip you won’t forget!
Week 1: Porto and the North
The first stop in our 3 week Portugal Itinerary is Porto! Porto is a beautiful, lively city in the north of Portugal. With a blend of culture, history, and entertainment, it’s a wonderful destination for families with kids!
We found it to be the easiest and best way to see Porto by foot, but there are a lot of hills so it can be tiring! The metro/street car is also a good option when you get tired. It’s inexpensive and safe for getting around with kids.
There are plenty of activities to interest and entertain everyone and we recommend staying at least a week. Our detailed itinerary will take you through the perfect week in Porto, Portugal!
Transportation Into Porto
Traveling with kids can be a bit of a challenge, especially when you’re coming from other places in Europe. You can take a train from many neighboring areas, you can certainly drive if you like to roadtrip, and there are also bus options.
Porto is an easy flight from within the EU and you can get a great price on tickets for the whole family through a budget airline. If you are traveling from outside Europe, there are great flight options with TAP Airlines and others that we cover on our Porto Travel Guide.
Where to stay:
We stayed downtown in Baixa, which is a nice location that’s near public transportation and all the things you’ll definitely want to see in Porto. It was also convenient to a local grocery store. There are many other great neighborhoods and nice places to stay in Porto, from the Crowne Plaza Porto to the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa and more! Click here to read all of our recommendations of where to stay in Porto!
@mrsblinks Travel burnout is real 😅 I needed to sleep for two days straight after all the “fun” we had in the desert and I don’t feel one bit guilty about it #familytravel #traveltiktok ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) – Danilo Stankovic
Best places to eat:
The food in Porto is amazing! From breakfast at The Breakfast Club to lunch at Empanada Malvon, and dinner at Nogueras, the choices are all delicious and memorable! We’ve listed a lot of excellent places to eat in our Porto Travel Guide.
Must see:
There are so many cool things to do and places to see in Porto, Portugal! You won’t want to miss the Livraria Lello (HARRY POTTER) bookstore, the Sao Bento Train Station, or the fanciest McDonalds you’ve ever seen! Read about these must-see places and many more here.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City
Once you arrive in Porto, get settled in your accommodation and hit the streets to explore a little. Wander through the narrow streets of the Riberia district and see the colorful buildings and take in the gorgeous views of the Douro River. You can visit the Clerigos Tower, one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks, by way of strolling across the Ponte de Dom Luis I bridge.
@mrsblinks the number one thing on their travel bucket list was visiting one of the fanciest McDonald’s in the world✨✨ should we make this a series? #traveltiktok #portoportugal #familytravel ♬ Fake ID X Walking On A Dream Carter Walsh Remix – CarterWalsh
Day 2: Exploring the Historic Center
You’ll find several important landmarks at Porto’s historic city center. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site you won’t want to miss. Start in the São Bento Train Station and admire it’s famous tilework. Next, head toward the Porto Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century. Also check out the 19th-century Palácio da Bolsa, where the city’s stock exchange.
Day 3: Beach Day
Take a day to relax on the beach! Porto is nearby a few incredible beaches. Enjoy the day swimming and soaking up the sun at Matozinhos Beach or Praia da Luz.
Day 4: Boat Tour on the Douro River
Take a boat tour on the Douro River to explore a different perspective of Porto. There are several different tour options, take a more modern cruise or opt for a traditional Rabelo boat tour. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to see the city’s historic bridges, wine cellars, and stunning landscapes. Book Your Tour Here
Day 5: Family Fun at the Serralves Museum and Park
Visit Serralves, a contemporary art museum located in a beautiful park just outside of Porto. Explore the park’s beautiful gardens, a lake, and several art installations. The museum offers a variety of family-friendly workshops and activities for a day of family fun. Book a Sightseeing Tour Here
Day 6: Visit the Port Wine Cellars
One of Porto’s most famous exports is port wine, sono visit to the city would be complete without a visit to the port wine cellars. You can tour one of the many cellars, like Tayloys or Sandeman, and learn about the history and production of port wine. You’ll get the chance to sample several different varieties of port wine along the way! Book a Private Tour Here
Day 7: Departure
Your final day in Porto is the perfect time to do some last-minute shopping or explore any sights that you might have missed. Before you leave, enjoy one final traditional Portuguese meal like bacalhau or francesinha.
Porto is an excellent destination for families with kids! At the end of the week your whole family will have enjoyed this vibrant city. Follow this itinerary to make sure that you get the most of your time in Porto and create unforgettable memories with your family!
Week 2: The Algarve
In the second week of our 3 week Portugal Itinerary, we have The Algarve! The Algarve region of Portugal is well known for its gorgeous coastline, beautiful beaches, and warm, sunny weather. It’s the perfect destination for families who want a relaxing and fun-filled vacation.
We recommend staying in Algarve for at least one week! Let’s look at a perfect week itinerary for a family in Algarve Portugal.
Transportation to Algarve:
Whether you take a plane, train, or automobile, traveling into Algarve isn’t a bad trip. You have several options, including a bus ride, but the easiest route may be to drive a rental car. Learn more about your options for getting to Algarve here.
Where to stay:
Finding a family friendly place to stay in Algarve is not difficult, there are many to choose from. We recommend several homes and villas with plenty of amenities, each with great locations. Check out our recommendations here.
Best places to eat:
Algarve has some of the most incredible food! From breakfast at Earth Shop & Cafe to a cold beer or smoothies at the Pink Panther Bar. There is something for everyone! Get our list of must-try restaurants here.
Must see:
The Algarve in Portugal has some of the most beautiful beaches and towns along the coast. You’ll definitely want to make sure you take some time to explore them! From a small fishermen’s village to the vibrant city of Lagos, there are so many incredible sights to see! Get our must-see list here.
Day 1: Arrival and Beach Time
After you arrive at Faro airport, head to your villa or house and spend the rest of the day relaxing at one of the nearby beaches. Praia da Rocha, Praia dos Três Irmãos, and Praia do Vau are all great options! Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, and get ready for an exciting week ahead.
Day 2: Explore Lagos
Lagos is a beautiful town located in the western Algarve. It has a charming old town, stunning beaches, and some great things for families to see and do. Start the day by visiting the Ponta da Piedade, which is a beautiful viewpoint with amazing rock formations. Be sure to take a kayak tour to see the amazing caves! You can book your Kayaking here
Then head to the Lagos Zoo, where your kids can see animals from all over the world. Get your Zoo Tickets Here Finally, spend the afternoon at the Meia Praia beach and enjoy some other water sports activities.
Day 3: Zoomarine Park
Zoomarine Park is an excellent family-friendly attraction! It has lots of exciting shows, water rides, and animal encounters that the whole family will love! Watch dolphins, sea lions, and birds of prey perform in the shows and enjoy all the water park has to offer. You can even swim with dolphins, which can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Day 4: Water Parks
The water park fun isn’t over! The Algarve is home to several excellent water parks, like Slide and Splash and Aquashow. Spend the day at one of these parks and enjoy the water slides, pools, and tons of fun! Both parks offer a lot of options for children of all ages, so they make a great day out for the whole family.
Day 5: Boat Trip and Caves
Take a boat trip from Albufeira or Portimao to see one of the most photographed spots in Algarve, the famous Benagil Cave. This cave is only accessible by boat and is a stunning natural formation that you won’t want to miss seeing! Along the way, you can also visit other caves, grottos, and rock formations, and maybe even spot some dolphins. Book your Bengal Cave Tour Here
Day 6: Aqua Pedra dos Bicos Water Park
The Aqua Pedra dos Bicos water park is another great option for families. This park has lots of water slides, wave pools, and a lazy river. It also has several restaurants and bars. Spend the day splashing around and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Day 7: Departure Day
Spend your last day in the Algarve at the beach or exploring the town before heading out.
Overall, the Algarve is an excellent destination for families with kids! There are a lot of other things to see and do in the Algarve, so don’t be afraid to explore and find your own hidden gems.
Week 3: Lisbon
Finally, in the third week of our 3 week Portugal Itinerary, you cannot miss Lisbon! Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and it’s an amazing destination for families with kids! From historic landmarks to beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone.
We recommend spending no less than a week here to see all the sights! Here’s a perfect week’s itinerary for your family’s trip to Lisbon!
Transportation
There’s no doubt that taking the train into Lisbon is the most affordable and convenient transportation option if you’re already in Portugal. If you are traveling from the US or somewhere in th EU, we’ve outlined that in the Lisbon Travel Guide Here.
Where to stay:
There are several family friendly lofts and apartments we found to stay in, including where we ended up staying, Espaco Vitoria. There’s also quite a few family-friendly neighborhoods that we recommend…Check out the options we found here.
Places to eat:
Don’t miss the opportunity to try all the amazing Portuguese cuisine Lisbon has to offer! From high-end to casual, you’ll want to taste it all! Get all our recommendations here.
Must see:
From castles and other famous landmarks to an elevator that connects two parts of the city and a literal pink street with trendy bars and restaurants, there’s a lot to take in when you’re visiting Lisbon. Check out our must-see locations here.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Neighborhood
Once you arrive in Lisbon, check into your accommodations and take some time to settle in before you head out to explore the neighborhood. The Baixa neighborhood is a great place to start because it’s filled with pedestrian-friendly streets, shops, and cafes to explore.
Take a stroll down Rua Augusta, the main street in Baixa, and check out the architecture of the buildings. You can also stop by the Elevador de Santa Justa, an iconic landmark where you can see panoramic views of the city!
Day 2: Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery
Start the day by taking a tram to Belem, a neighborhood located west of Lisbon. Visit the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the beautiful and intricate details of the tower. Book a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Here
Next, head to the Jeronimos Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about the history of Portugal. Finish off the day by trying the famous, mouth-watering pastel de nata, a custard tart that originated in Belem.
Day 3: Lisbon Oceanarium
Spend the day at one of the largest aquariums in Europe, the Lisbon Oceanarium. The Oceanarium is home to a variety of marine life, like sharks, penguins, and sea otters. Kids will love the interactive exhibits!
Day 4: Sintra Day Trip
Take a day trip to Sintra, a picturesque town located about 30 minutes away from Lisbon by train. Visit the Pena Palace, a colorful palace that sits on a hill, and explore the beautiful gardens. You can also Book a Sintra Day Tour from Lisbon Here
Next, visit the Castle of the Moors, a medieval castle that has breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Finally, take a stroll through the historic town center and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Lisbon Zoo and Gulbenkian Museum
Start the day by visiting the Lisbon Zoo, where you can see lots of animals from around the world, like elephants, giraffes, and lions. After lunch, head to the Gulbenkian Museum, which has a collection of art from around the world, including ancient Egyptian artifacts and European paintings.
Day 6: Cascais and Estoril Day Trip
Take a day trip to the coastal towns of Cascais and Estoril, located about 30 minutes away from Lisbon by train. Enjoy a day at the beach, visit the historic Cascais Fortress, and explore the town’s quaint streets. You can Book Caiscais Tours Here
Day 7: Belem Cultural Center and Time Out Market
On your final day in Lisbon, visit the Belem Cultural Center, a modern cultural center that hosts different events, like concerts and exhibitions. Next, head to the Time Out Market, a food hall located in a historic market building. This is a great place to sample a variety of Portuguese dishes, including seafood, cheese, and wine.
Lisbon is a great destination for families with kids, and this itinerary will allow you to experience the best of what the city has to offer! From historic landmarks to beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone in Lisbon!
Fly home
We left Lisbon for the last stop since it’s where the major International airport is and it will be easier to find flights back home from this location.
Major Takeaways
This 3 week Portugal Itinerary offers so many great opportunities to explore this fascinating country! From the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto to the stunning beaches of the Algarve, you and your family can easily experience the best that Portugal has to offer.
The country is also home to a mix of cultural, architectural, and natural attractions. The major takeaways from this trip are the stunning landscape, the unique culture, and the diverse cuisine that you won’t be able to get enough of! Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Lisbon, the quaint charm of Porto, and the picturesque coastline of the Algarve! Above all, you will no doubt be delighted by the warm hospitality of the Portuguese people.
