2-Week Portugal Family Holiday Itinerary

Today you’ll arrive in Lisbon and stay in a central family-friendly hotel the historic centre that is within walking distance from an array of sights. Winding streets, large squares and old trams adorn the streetscape of this district, but because the centre is quite compact, it is best to discover the sights on foot. You can view the traditional architecture and have a nice dinner in one of the squares framed with local restaurants.

Start the following day with a nice breakfast to make sure you’re ready for a busy day exploring the sights, sounds and tastes of Lisbon. Discover hidden places where only locals go, walking together through narrow streets discovering lesser visited areas. In the afternoon you can decide what you are going to do. Dive into the seafarers’ past in Belém, on the banks of the Tagus, or head to the Alfama district, with its centuries-old buildings. The kids can enjoy an ice cream treat, a fun playground stop and a ride on the funicular plus some cool activities along the way!

On your way to your rural retreat today, you will head to a local supermarket to collect your supplies for the next few days. On arrival at the campsite, you can put your groceries in the communal kitchen. Don’t forget to bring something for the barbecue. Tonight, you will sleep in a glamping tent right on the riverside with a real bed for comfort, but a paved pebbly floor so you feel at one with nature. 

Over the next two days we have some adventures planned for you with a different activity each day, both including a great local guide. One day kayaking is on the agenda and the next you forget the kayak and head out in shallower waters on foot, climbing up and over obstacles in the cooling water. After these active days, you’ll have worked up an appetite, so you’ll get the barbeque going and cook up a feast. At the end of the day, you’ll fall asleep in your tent under the clear starry sky and enjoy the sound of cascading waterfalls and the gently flowing river. 

Arrive in the Algarve today, one of Portugal’s most famous regions because it is a place that really has something for everyone. You’ll quickly drive away from the busier tourist areas and head to your quiet residence in a more secluded location. Small sandy beaches are only about ten minutes away by car, so take a dip before trying the delicious “cataplana”, a local fish stew, with a glass of Vida Nova wine at the Portuguese tavern nearby. 

You now have a few days to do as you please. It may be to go no further than the hotel grounds, swapping between laying on your sunbed and floating in the pool. If you prefer to explore the local area, there is a fantastic local market a few minutes’ drive away full of vegetable, bread, olives, fish and fruit. Once you’re stocked up, cycle along the cliffs or drive the coastal route to Cabo São Vincente, also known as the end of the world. The view over the Atlantic with the lighthouse and the fortress in the foreground make it well worth the drive. 

Arrive in the east of the Algarve and find a different side to this region with lagoons full of bird colonies, fishing villages and islands off the coast. You’ll stay in a traditional house in the quiet interior, enjoying all this natural beauty to its fullest. During your time here, you’ll head to the nearby fishing village of Olhão. It has lots of narrow alleys and is the perfect place to wander through and enjoy a pasteis de nata, before meeting your guide who will take you on your boat trip around the islands of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Your guide will tell you about the flora and fauna along the way. Disembark on the island of Culatra to sit down for some lunch and have a refreshing dip in the calm water. As the evening draws in, you’ll sail back to Olhão. 

The following day is free for you to do as you please. After yesterday’s excitement, maybe you’ll choose to simply laze on the beach, have a beer and take a dip in the pool. Alternatively, if you’re up for more action, take a trip to Tavira and board a boat to cruise the nearby lagoons. You’ll make your way through salt marshes and grab a bite to eat on one the banks of the river. From Olhao, you can also cross the sea with a water taxi to car-free island of Armona. At the harbour, there are some taverns and restaurants, but head over to the other side of the island and you will find a real beach bar with elongated beaches.