Portugal

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eWhy We Loved Portugal as a Family
Portugal was our first trip to Europe as a family, and it set the bar high. It’s welcoming, walkable, and incredibly family-friendly, with English widely spoken and locals who genuinely go out of their way to help. From historic neighborhoods and unforgettable food in Lisbon to the dramatic coastline and relaxed vibe of Lagos, Portugal offered the perfect mix of culture, adventure, and ease—especially for a family of five.

• Route: Flew into Lisbon, departed from the airport in Faros (one hour from Lagos)
• Transportation: Rental car (picked up in Lisbon, returned in the Algarve)
• Accommodations: Airbnbs in both Lisbon and Lagos
• Travel Style: Walkable cities + easy day trips
• Best For: First-time Europe trips with kids

Lisbon is a vibrant, historic city that’s surprisingly easy to explore as a family. We spent most of our time on foot, wandering neighborhoods, riding trams, and stopping often for food and views.

• Explored Lisbon’s neighborhoods on foot
• Took a day trip to Sintra, an easy and worthwhile excursion filled with palaces, gardens, and cooler temperatures
• Joined a food walking tour which was one of the best ways to experience the city

Lisbon is a dream for food-loving families. Highlights included:

• Pastéis de nata (the famous custard tarts—absolutely worth the hype)
• Peri-peri chicken
• Fresh sardines
• A variety of local dishes that even our kids enjoyed

We chose an Airbnb for the extra space and central location, which made it easy to come and go throughout the day. 

Family Travel Tip: If you’re flying to Europe from the U.S. with kids, consider booking your Airbnb starting the day before you arrive. Jet lag is real, and unlike hotels, Airbnbs rarely allow early check-in. Having immediate access to your space can make arrival day far less stressful.

After Lisbon, we headed south to Lagos and instantly fell in love with the Algarve’s natural beauty and relaxed pace. Lagos’ Old Town was charming, walkable, and full of great dining options.

• Catamaran cave tour: A standout experience of the trip. The coastal caves were absolutely stunning, and while the water was cold, it was refreshing—and we all jumped in and loved it.
• Exploring Old Town Lagos, with its narrow streets, shops, and relaxed evenings
• Surprisingly great Italian food, alongside plenty of family-friendly dining

Our Lagos Airbnb gave us space to unwind and easy access to both the town and the coast.

Renting a car worked extremely well for this itinerary. We picked up our car at the Lisbon airport and returned it near Lagos, making it easy to cover multiple regions without backtracking. Roads were straightforward, and driving gave us flexibility for day trips and beach stops.

Best Time to Go: Spring and early fall offer great weather without peak summer crowds.
Language: English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Walkability: Both Lisbon and Lagos are very walkable, but expect hills and cobblestones—comfortable shoes are a must.
Food: Portugal is very kid-friendly when it comes to dining, with simple grilled meats, rice, and pastries widely available.
Pacing: Build in downtime. Portugal’s slower pace makes it easy to balance sightseeing with rest.

Portugal felt approachable, affordable, and incredibly rewarding. It allowed us to experience European culture without feeling overwhelmed, making it an ideal choice for families traveling to Europe for the first time. It’s a destination we would return to in a heartbeat—and one we highly recommend for families looking to combine culture, food, and unforgettable scenery