9 day itinerary
Portugal
Itinerary
Portugal is a fantastic destination for families, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and plenty of parks and green spaces to explore. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 9-day itinerary that balances sightseeing with relaxation in nature. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
Morning: Arrive in Lisbon and check into your family-friendly hotel. Consider staying in the Baixa or Alfama districts for easy access to attractions.
Afternoon: Head to , a beautiful park with stunning views of the city. Let the kids run around while you enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant in the Bairro Alto district. Try some traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau (cod) or piri-piri chicken.
Day 2: Explore Lisbon
Morning: Visit the in Parque das Nações, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. The kids will love the diverse marine life!
Afternoon: After lunch, take a tram ride on the famous through the historic neighborhoods of Alfama and Graça. Get off at for breathtaking views.
Evening: Enjoy a family dinner in Alfama, and if you’re up for it, catch some live Fado music!
Day 3: Sintra Day Trip
Morning: Take a short train ride to Sintra. Visit the , a colorful fairy-tale castle surrounded by lush gardens.
Afternoon: Explore the , where the kids can enjoy the magical gardens and secret tunnels. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the gardens!
Evening: Return to Lisbon and have a relaxed dinner. Maybe try some gelato for dessert!
Day 4: and
Morning: Head to , a charming coastal town. Spend some time at , a lovely beach where the kids can play.
Afternoon: Visit the (Hell’s Mouth) for stunning coastal views. Then, stroll through the town and grab lunch at a seaside café.
Evening: Head to for dinner. The promenade is lovely for an evening walk, and there are plenty of family-friendly dining options.
Day 5: Lisbon to Porto
Morning: Take a train to Porto (about 3 hours). Check into your hotel and get settled.
Afternoon: Visit the , a beautiful park with gardens and stunning views of the Douro River. Perfect for a family picnic!
Evening: Explore the and enjoy dinner by the river. Try some local specialties like Francesinha (a hearty sandwich).
Day 6: Porto Exploration
Morning: Visit the , one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. The kids will love the magical atmosphere!
Afternoon: Head to the , which features beautiful gardens and a contemporary art museum. There’s plenty of space for the kids to run around.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Foz do Douro area, where the river meets the ocean. A great spot for a sunset!
Day 7: Day Trip
Morning: Take a day trip to the . Consider a family-friendly river cruise to enjoy the stunning scenery.
Afternoon: Stop at a vineyard for a tour. Many offer grape juice tastings for kids and beautiful picnic spots.
Evening: Return to Porto and have a relaxed dinner. Maybe try some local pastries like Pastel de Nata for dessert!
Day 8: Coimbra and
Morning: Travel to Coimbra (about 1.5 hours). Visit the , one of the oldest universities in Europe. The is a must-see!
Afternoon: Head to , known as the "Venice of Portugal." Take a colorful boat ride through the canals and enjoy the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.
Evening: Have dinner in , trying the local specialty, ovos moles (sweet egg pastries), before heading back to Porto.
Day 9: Departure
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final stroll along the Douro River. If time allows, visit the for some last-minute shopping.
Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Reflect on the wonderful memories made in Portugal!
I hope this itinerary gives you a great mix of adventure, relaxation, and family fun! Portugal is such a welcoming country, and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time exploring it together. Safe travels! 🌍✈️