Portugal with Kids: A Family Guide from Parents Who Live Here

We live in Portugal with our own two little ones, so this one’s close to home. Portugal is a brilliant family destination. Children are welcomed almost everywhere, the beaches are fantastic, distances are short and it’s generally very safe. A few things are worth knowing before you go, though, especially if you’re travelling with a baby or toddler.

Quick answer: the Algarve is the easiest family holiday (beaches, pools, water parks). Lisbon is great with older kids, but the hills and cobbles are hard work with a buggy, so bring a baby carrier. Book car seats for transfers and hire cars, as they’re a legal requirement.

Is Portugal family-friendly?

Very. Portuguese culture is warm towards children: you’ll see families out at restaurants late into the evening, waiters fussing over babies, and strangers chatting to your kids. In shops and public services, people with babies or small children are legally entitled to priority service (look for the atendimento prioritário signs), which can mean skipping a queue.

Best places for families

The Algarve

The classic family choice: sandy beaches, resorts with kids’ pools, and day trips to water parks and marine parks. Calm, shallow beaches like Meia Praia (Lagos), Praia do Carvoeiro, Falésia and Ilha de Tavira are ideal for little ones. See our best Algarve beaches.

Lisbon

Kids love the yellow trams, the Oceanarium (one of Europe’s biggest aquariums), the hands-on Pavilhão do Conhecimento science centre, Lisbon Zoo, castle walls and riverside parks. Parque das Nações is the most buggy-friendly area to stay. See where to stay in Lisbon.

Cascais

Beaches, a seafront promenade for scooters and bikes, and an easy train into Lisbon: a relaxed family base.

Porto and Coimbra

Porto has river boat trips and lots of family-friendly museums. In Coimbra, Portugal dos Pequenitos is a park of miniature Portuguese buildings that small children adore.

Getting around with kids

• Car seats are the law: children under 12 and under 135cm tall must use an approved child seat in cars, including hire cars and transfers.
• Ride apps (Uber, Bolt) usually come without child seats. A pre-booked transfer with seats is the safest way from the airport. See our Lisbon, Porto and Faro airport guides.
• Hire cars: book child seats in advance, or bring your own. See our car rental guide.
• Trains are easy with kids, and children travel cheaper.

Buggy or baby carrier?

Our honest advice from living here: bring both, or just a carrier for Lisbon and Porto. Steep hills, steps, narrow pavements and cobbles make city buggy-pushing tiring. A light, sturdy buggy is fine on Algarve promenades and in resorts.

Eating out

• Restaurants are relaxed about kids. Many will happily do a simple dish, or a half portion (meia dose).
• Portuguese families eat dinner late (8pm or later), but you’ll find food earlier at cafés and in tourist areas.
• Kids’ favourites: grilled chicken, soup, rice, fish, and of course a pastel de nata.
• High chairs are common but not universal.

Babies and toddlers: practical stuff

• Nappies, formula and baby food are easy to find in supermarkets (Continente, Pingo Doce) and pharmacies (farmácias, with a green cross).
• Pharmacists are very knowledgeable and a good first stop for minor illnesses.
• Sun: the sun is strong, even in spring and autumn. Pack hats, high-factor sunscreen and a beach tent for babies.
• Emergencies: call 112. EU and UK visitors, bring your EHIC or GHIC, and everyone should have travel insurance.

Tips from a family that lives here

• Base yourself in one or two places rather than moving every couple of nights.
• Go early to beaches and big sights, and rest in the hot middle of the day in summer.
• Shoulder season (May, June and September) is ideal: warm, quieter and cheaper.
• Ask other parents in our groups. Members are always happy to share family-friendly restaurants and beaches.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.