2 Weeks in Portugal - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ultimate Family Trip to Portugal: Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon, Évora & the Algarve

Families with kids of all ages will love this well-rounded itinerary exploring Porto down to the Algarve Coast. With a mix of culinary adventures, tours of historic villages, and uninterrupted time at the beach, you'll leave Portugal feeling warmed by its welcoming culture and fascinated by its ancient wonders. Plus, with two or more night stays at each stop, you can slow down and enjoy quality family time.

Welcome to Portugal! After a transfer to Porto city center from the airport, you and your family will settle in with three nights in this historic town, enjoying a guided culinary adventure, a tile-painting workshop, and a trip to Peneda-Gerês National Park. Next, begin your journey south, stopping at Aveiro to cruise peaceful canals before arriving at Coimbra, your home for two nights. Children will love wandering the 27 Schist Villages and hiking between Talasnal and Casal Novo. Then, following a transfer and a stop at the Grutas Mira de Aire caves, you'll find yourself in Lisbon.

With three nights in the capital, you'll have time to see the city's highlights on a family-friendly tuk-tuk and amphibious vehicle tour, ponder the megalithic monuments near Évora, and visit an olive oil farm in the Alentejo countryside. Continuing south, you'll venture to the stunning Algarve Coast, known for its spectacular coastlines—the perfect playground. Enjoy a full day at the white sandy beach of Praia de Odeceixe, where older children can learn to surf, or for a gentler environment, opt for a day at Praia do Anção. Before catching your flight home, you'll explore the Beagil Caves and swim in the coves of João de Arens. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Relaxing Family Summer Vacation in Portugal

Using Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve as a base, this cultural and beach-packed summer vacation is perfect for families who enjoy a slower-paced trip. Every day promises cultural delights, including ancient castles, authentic Portuguese meals, and peaceful countryside explorations. Then, with a seven-night stay on the Algarve coast, there's more than enough time to beach hop, soak up the sun, and enjoy a tour of the famous Benagil caves.

Your family trip starts with three nights in the vibrant city of Porto, located in northern Portugal. Take in this city's rich culture with a guided culinary adventure; then, after a memorable 1920s car tour of the city, Harry Potter fans will relish a visit to Livraria Lello, also known as the "Harry Potter Library," and embark on a hike in Peneda-Gerês National Park. Next, pack your family's bags and transfer to Lisbon, stopping first to help the kids count the stalagmites and stalactites on a trek underground the 150 million-year-old Grutas Mira de Aire along the way. 

While in Lisbon, you'll have plenty of time to ride the Telecabine Lisboa, a cable car that runs along the Tagus River at Parque das Nacoes, and tour the fairy-tale-like castles of Sintra. The second half of your trip brings you down to the Algarve Coast, where you'll unpack your bags for eight days of beach hopping and water tours that suit your kids' interests. During your stay, you'll sail to the famous Benagil caves, visit the secluded Ilha Deserta, and take a guided walk in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa. Before saying your goodbyes and leaving Portugal, you and your family will take in Lagos's bustling streets and beautiful beaches. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family Vacation in Portugal & the Azores 

Combining mainland Portugal and the Azores, this action-packed itinerary is perfect for adventurous families who want to experience Portugal's vibrant nature and culture. As a family, you'll wander through ancient cobblestone streets, sample authentic Portuguese cuisine, and visit whimsical castles. Then, fly to São Miguel Island, where you'll spend your last six days beach hopping, whale watching, and hiking.

Begin your family trip with three nights in Portugal's second-largest city, Porto, where you'll pack in a guided food tour—kids can try popular Sumol Ananás—a fizzy pineapple soda, visit the fishing village of San Pedro da Afurada, and wander around Crystal Palace Gardens. Before leaving Porto, spend a day hiking and swimming in the nearby Peneda-Gerês National Park, then pick up your rental car and continue south to Coimbra. Both parents and children will be blown away by the memorable University of Coimbra and the schist stone homes tucked in the nearby mountains, but all too soon, it'll be time to hop back in the car and drive to Lisbon.

With a three-night stay in Portugal's capital city, you'll have time to lead the gang along narrow cobblestone streets on a tuk-tuk tour, ride a cable car at Telecabine Lisboa, and take a private excursion to Sintra, which is home to the colorful Pena Palace and the National Palace of Sintra. Next, switch gears and hop in a plane to São Miguel, an island of the Azores. Known for its lush greenery and picturesque beaches, you and your family will quickly sink into a relaxed pace of life as you split your time between whale watching, Jeep, and snorkeling tours, having a soothing soak in Furnas Valley, and beach hopping. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Family Vacation to Spain & Portugal

Tick off the bucket list highlights of Spain and Portugal on this two-week itinerary, perfect for families with young children. With three nights each in Lisbon and the Algarve, you'll have plenty of time to experience cultural highlights and play with the kids on beautiful beaches before crossing the border to Spain. Take in the impressive sights of Seville and Granada, then end your adventure enjoying the mix of historic buildings and modern parks in Madrid.

After arriving in Lisbon, your family adventure begins with a food tour in Mercado da Ribeira, a famous market, followed by a guided tour of the city's favorite sites and a day of taking in the straight-out-of-a-storybook castles of Sintra. With three nights already under your belt, you'll transfer south to the coastal region of the Algarve. Settle in for three days of beaching hopping, cruising along turquoise waters to the Benagil Caves, and snorkeling in the coves of João de Arens. Then, with one more day in Portugal, you and your crew will board a catamaran for a fun-filled day cruising along the coastline, searching for dolphins and orcas.

Sun-kissed and relaxed, you'll say goodbye to Portugal and cross the border into Spain. Your first stop is Seville, deemed one of the most beautiful Spanish cities and home to Royal Alcázar, a palace filled with surprises that will delight children of all ages. Spend an evening learning and watching flamenco dancing before it's back on the road to Granada, where you'll tour the Alhambra and indulge in tapas—perfect child-friendly portions—along Calle de las Teterias before catching a train to Madrid. Fill your last four days by checking out the city's highlights and roaming Toledo's historical landmarks until you catch your flight home. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Portugal Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Portugal? Check out these other 14-day Portugal itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.