Portugal With Kids: Our Family Travel Guide to Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais & the Algarve

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Portugal has officially earned a spot on my list of European countries I would visit again in a heartbeat.

We've now traveled to 14 countries with our girls, and Portugal was one of those trips that made me realize how much I love a slower-paced European vacation.

Don't get me wrong. I love exploring historic cities, visiting famous landmarks, and squeezing as much sightseeing as possible into a trip. But there's also something pretty wonderful about spending the day at the beach, wandering into town for gelato, and ending the evening with dinner overlooking the ocean.

Portugal gave us both.

We explored Lisbon, visited the colorful castles of Sintra, spent an afternoon at a beach club in Cascais, and headed south to the Algarve for some of the most beautiful beaches we've seen in Europe.

And we did it without spending a fortune on flights and hotels, thanks to points and miles.

If you're planning a family trip to Portugal, here's everything you need to know about our itinerary, where we stayed, the best things to do in Portugal with kids, and how we saved on some of our biggest travel expenses.

Is Portugal a Good Place to Visit With Kids?

Absolutely. In fact, I think Portugal is one of the best countries in Europe for a family vacation.

It's beautiful, relatively affordable, and offers a great mix of history, beaches, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities.

What I especially loved was that we didn't have to choose between a European city vacation and a beach vacation.

We could spend one day exploring centuries-old palaces and the next relaxing on a gorgeous beach surrounded by towering cliffs.

And compared to some of the other European destinations we've visited, we found Portugal to be a really good value.

You can still have a beautiful European vacation, eat great food, and enjoy some pretty incredible accommodations without needing an unlimited travel budget.

Our Portugal Family Itinerary: Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais & the Algarve

For our Portugal itinerary, we decided to split our time between Lisbon and the Algarve, with day trips to Sintra and Cascais.

We booked two nights in Lisbon at the beginning of our vacation and another two nights at the end.

In between, we rented a car and headed south to the Algarve, where we stayed in a beautiful cliffside Airbnb near Carvoeiro.

Our route looked like this:

Lisbon: Two nights exploring Portugal's capital city.
Sintra and Cascais: A day trip visiting Pena Palace and relaxing at Praia da Conceição.
The Algarve: Beach days, coastal towns, Benagil Cave, and exploring the beautiful southern coastline.
Lisbon: Two more nights before flying home.

We used our rental car for the drive to Sintra, Cascais, and the Algarve, which gave us the freedom to explore on our own schedule.

And after this trip, I'm convinced that combining Lisbon and the Algarve is one of the best ways to experience Portugal with kids.

Where We Stayed in Lisbon: Hyatt Regency Lisbon

For our Lisbon accommodations, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Lisbon.

We booked two nights at the beginning of our trip and another two nights at the end, using a total of 105,000 hotel points for all four nights.

But the best part?

During our final two nights, we were upgraded to a TWO-STORY suite with two bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Three bathrooms for four people. In Europe. 😂

If you've ever traveled internationally with kids and tried to fit everyone into a tiny hotel room, you understand why this was such a big deal.

Having separate bedrooms and plenty of space to spread out was incredible.

And this is exactly why I love using points and miles for family travel.

Instead of automatically choosing the cheapest hotel we can find, we're able to stay at beautiful properties that would otherwise be much harder to justify paying for with cash.

Our suite upgrade wasn't guaranteed, but it made our final two nights in Portugal even better.

How we booked it: We transferred flexible travel rewards to the hotel's loyalty program and redeemed 105,000 points for our four-night stay.

Best Things to Do in Lisbon With Kids

Lisbon is a beautiful city filled with colorful buildings, historic trams, cobblestone streets, and gorgeous views.

And while there are plenty of things to do in Lisbon with kids, there's one thing you should know before you go.

The hills are NO JOKE. 😂

If you're planning to explore Lisbon on foot, bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for plenty of walking.

Explore Alfama, Lisbon's Historic Neighborhood

One of the best things about Lisbon is simply wandering through its historic neighborhoods.

Alfama is known for its narrow streets, colorful buildings, traditional Portuguese tiles, and scenic viewpoints.

It's also one of the best places in Lisbon for photography.

Around practically every corner, you'll find another gorgeous street or building.

Ride Lisbon's Famous Tram 28

If you've seen photos of Lisbon, you've probably seen the iconic yellow trams traveling through the city's narrow streets.

The most famous route is Tram 28E, commonly called Tram 28.

It's popular with tourists because it travels through several historic neighborhoods, including Graça, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela.

The route is famous for its steep hills, tight turns, and beautiful views of Lisbon.

If you're visiting Lisbon with kids, it's a fun way to experience part of the city without walking every single hill.

Just be aware that Tram 28 is extremely popular, so lines and crowded trams are common.

My suggestion is to try riding early in the morning or later in the day when possible.

Visit Belém and Try Pastéis de Nata

You can't visit Portugal without trying pastéis de nata.

These little Portuguese custard tarts are one of the country's most famous foods, and they're SO good.

Belém is a great area to explore, especially if you're interested in Lisbon's history.

Popular attractions include Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.

It's a nice addition to a family-friendly Lisbon itinerary because you can combine sightseeing with a stop for something sweet.

Day Trip From Lisbon: Sintra and Cascais in One Day

One of my favorite things about staying in Lisbon is how easy it is to explore other nearby destinations.

We decided to visit Sintra and Cascais on the same day, and I would absolutely recommend combining them if you have a rental car.

We spent the first part of the day exploring the castles in Sintra, then headed to Cascais for an afternoon at the beach.

It was the perfect combination of sightseeing and relaxation.

Visiting Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal

If you're planning a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon, Pena Palace deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Officially called the National Palace of Pena, this colorful palace sits high in the Sintra Mountains and looks like something straight out of a fairytale.

With its bright yellow and red walls, towers, and elaborate architecture, it's easily one of the most recognizable castles in Portugal.

And yes, it's just as pretty in person.

We explored the palace and surrounding area before continuing our day trip to Cascais.

If you're visiting Sintra with kids, I'd recommend planning ahead. Pena Palace is one of Portugal's most popular tourist attractions, and it can get crowded.

Also, be prepared for hills and walking.

Family travel tip: Purchase your Pena Palace tickets in advance and pay attention to the timed entry requirements for the palace interior. The surrounding park and palace interior have different admission options.

Visiting Cascais After Sintra

After spending the first part of our day exploring Sintra, we drove to Cascais.

And if you've never heard of Cascais, add it to your Portugal itinerary.

Cascais is a beautiful coastal town west of Lisbon, known for its beaches, restaurants, charming streets, and relaxed atmosphere.

It was such a nice change of pace after sightseeing in Sintra.

We headed straight to Praia da Conceição, one of the beaches in central Cascais, and spent time enjoying a beach club.

This was exactly my kind of afternoon.

Beach chairs, ocean views, and a chance to relax while the girls enjoyed the beach.

If you're researching the best beaches in Cascais for families, Praia da Conceição is worth considering because it's close to the town center, restaurants, and shops.

You can easily spend some time at the beach and then wander around Cascais afterward.

Would I recommend visiting Sintra and Cascais in one day? Absolutely, especially if you're short on time and have a rental car.

Just don't underestimate how long the castles in Sintra can take. I'd recommend starting early so you still have plenty of time to enjoy Cascais.

Driving From Lisbon to the Algarve

After our time in Lisbon, we headed south to the Algarve.

We rented a car for the trip, and I would absolutely recommend doing the same if you're planning to explore multiple beaches and towns along Portugal's southern coast.

The drive from Lisbon to the central Algarve generally takes around 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic and where you're staying.

One thing that really surprised us was how easy we found driving in Portugal.

My husband could not stop complimenting the Portuguese drivers. 😂

Seriously. He mentioned it multiple times.

Everyone seemed to use their blinkers, people were courteous, and drivers generally seemed to follow the rules of the road.

It made driving around Portugal much less stressful than we expected.

Obviously, that's just our experience, and traffic conditions can vary. But after renting cars in different destinations, we were pleasantly surprised.

Where to Stay in the Algarve With Kids: Carvoeiro

For the Algarve portion of our Portugal family vacation, we stayed near Carvoeiro, a gorgeous coastal town in southern Portugal.

And I absolutely loved this area.

We booked a three-bedroom, two-bathroom Airbnb situated along the cliffs with stunning ocean views.

We paid cash for this accommodation, and it was worth every penny.

Having three bedrooms (it’s listed as 2 but there is an extra add-on bedroom), a kitchen, and plenty of space made it such a great setup for traveling with the girls.

And the location was perfect for exploring some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve.

Carvoeiro was exactly what I wanted from this part of our trip.

Beautiful scenery, little restaurants, shops, gelato, and easy access to the beach.

It was a completely different atmosphere from Lisbon, and I loved getting to experience both sides of Portugal.

Best Beaches in the Algarve for Families

Let's talk about the beaches because the Algarve coastline is absolutely incredible.

We're talking golden cliffs, turquoise water, hidden coves, and beaches that look like they belong on a postcard.

We visited several beautiful beaches during our time in southern Portugal.

And one of my favorite things about this part of our trip was how relaxed our days felt.

We would spend the day at the beach, then head into town to explore, grab lunch, eat gelato, and do a little shopping.

Afterward, we'd head back to our Airbnb to relax before usually going out for dinner in Carvoeiro.

No rushing from one attraction to the next. No feeling like we had to see everything.

Just enjoying Portugal.

Praia da Marinha

Praia da Marinha is one of the most famous beaches in Portugal, and for good reason.

The dramatic limestone cliffs, golden sand, and blue water make this one of the most photogenic places in the Algarve.

If you're looking for the best beaches in Portugal, this one should definitely be on your list.

We visited Praia da Marinha during our trip, and the scenery was absolutely beautiful.

Just be aware that getting down to the beach involves stairs, so pack accordingly.

And if you're planning to visit during the summer, I'd recommend arriving early.

Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha is another popular beach in the Algarve, located in Portimão.

Unlike some of the smaller coves along the coast, Praia da Rocha has a huge stretch of sand.

It's a great option if you're looking for more room to spread out and spend a full beach day.

There are restaurants, cafés, and shops nearby, making it convenient for families.

We loved being able to combine beach time with exploring the surrounding area.

Carvoeiro Beach

Carvoeiro Beach, also called Praia do Carvoeiro, is located right in the center of town.

It's surrounded by colorful buildings, restaurants, and cliffs, giving it that charming European beach-town feeling.

I loved how easy it was to combine time at the beach with walking around town.

After spending time in the sun, we could grab lunch, stop for gelato, and browse the little shops.

Exactly how I like to spend a summer afternoon in Europe. 😂

Our Algarve Beach Parking Tip

One thing I'd recommend planning for is parking.

Some of the Algarve beaches have limited parking, and the lots can fill up, especially during busy periods.

We ran into this a few times.

Instead of wasting time driving around looking for a spot, we ended up taking Uber to the beach on several occasions.

And honestly? It was so inexpensive compared to what we're used to paying for rideshares in the United States.

We found Uber in Portugal to be surprisingly affordable, and it made getting around much easier when parking was limited.

If you're visiting the Algarve with kids, I'd definitely keep rideshare services in mind as a backup transportation option.

Visiting Benagil Cave With Kids: Our Boat Tour Experience

One of the most popular things to do in the Algarve is visit Benagil Cave, also known as Algar de Benagil.

And this was absolutely on our Portugal bucket list.

Benagil Cave is famous for its enormous natural opening in the ceiling, which allows sunlight to shine down onto the sandy area inside the cave.

It's one of those places that looks almost unreal in photos.

Originally, we wanted to visit Benagil Cave on a guided kayak tour.

I thought kayaking along the Algarve coastline and into the cave would be such a fun experience with the girls.

But once we saw the conditions, we changed our plans.

It was too windy and the water was too wavy for us to feel comfortable taking the kids out on kayaks.

So instead, we purchased tickets for a boat tour.

And I'm SO glad we still got to experience it.

The boat allowed us to enjoy the beautiful coastline and see Benagil Cave without having to paddle through rougher water ourselves.

My advice for visiting Benagil Cave with kids: Don't get too attached to one particular tour.

The ocean conditions can change, and what sounds like a great family activity when you're booking from home might not be the best option when you arrive.

Guided kayak tours and boat tours are both popular options, but access to the cave is regulated and depends on sea conditions. Independent kayaking and swimming into the cave are prohibited.

If you're traveling with younger kids, a boat tour may be a more comfortable option, although rough conditions can affect boat tours too.

Visiting Algar Seco and A Boneca Restaurant in Carvoeiro

Another place I absolutely recommend adding to your Algarve itinerary is Algar Seco, located near Carvoeiro.

Algar Seco is a beautiful coastal area filled with unusual limestone rock formations, caves, and gorgeous ocean views.

The rocks have been shaped by the ocean over time, creating pathways, openings, and dramatic scenery along the coastline.

It's one of those places where you'll probably take way too many photos. 😂

And one of the coolest things about this area is A Boneca Restaurant, which is built right into the rocky surroundings of Algar Seco.

Seriously, the setting is incredible.

Instead of being in a traditional building along a busy street, the restaurant is tucked into the natural rock formations along the coast.

It's such a unique place to enjoy the atmosphere of the Algarve.

If you're looking for restaurants in Carvoeiro with beautiful scenery or unique places to eat in the Algarve, definitely look into A Boneca.

Between the views, the rock formations, and the location, this entire area is worth visiting.

Travel tip: Wear comfortable shoes with good traction when exploring Algar Seco, and be especially careful near exposed edges if you're visiting with kids.

Our Favorite Way to Spend a Day in the Algarve

If you're wondering how to plan your days in the Algarve with kids, my biggest recommendation is to leave some flexibility.

We didn't feel the need to plan every single hour.

Most days followed a pretty simple routine.

We'd head to one of the beautiful Algarve beaches and spend time enjoying the water and scenery.

When we were ready to leave, we'd explore the nearby town, grab lunch, do a little shopping, and almost always stop for gelato.

Then we'd head back to our Airbnb to relax, get cleaned up, and enjoy some downtime.

Most evenings, we'd go out for dinner in Carvoeiro.

And I genuinely loved this part of our trip.

We've taken some vacations where I planned every museum, tour, and attraction down to the hour.

But Portugal reminded me how much fun it can be to slow down and simply enjoy being somewhere beautiful with your family.

Sometimes a beach day, good food, and a little wandering around town are all you need.

How We Booked Our Portugal Family Vacation Using Points and Miles

Now for the part that made this trip even better.

We used points, miles, and travel rewards to help cover our flights, Lisbon hotel, and rental car.

And when you're traveling internationally as a family of four, those expenses can add up quickly.

Here's how we booked our Portugal trip.

Our Flights to Portugal

Instead of booking one itinerary from our home airport all the way to Portugal, we booked separate positioning flights to Atlanta.

Our positioning flights cost 7,000 airline miles per person each way.

For four people round-trip, that came to 56,000 airline miles.

But because we used a 20% transfer bonus, we needed approximately 46,667 transferable credit card points to book those flights.

For the international flights between Atlanta and Lisbon, we redeemed 20,000 airline miles per person each way.

That worked out to 160,000 airline miles for all four of us round-trip.

Again, we used a 20% transfer bonus, which reduced our cost to approximately 133,334 transferable points.

That's one of the reasons I pay attention to transfer bonuses.

The same points can sometimes stretch significantly further when a promotion lines up with your travel plans.

Our Lisbon Hotel

For our four nights at Hyatt Regency Lisbon, we transferred flexible credit card rewards to a hotel loyalty program.

Our total cost was 105,000 hotel points.

And as I mentioned earlier, we even received a complimentary upgrade to a huge two-story suite for our final two nights.

Our Rental Car

We used a $300 travel credit from one of our credit cards to cover our rental car in Portugal.

That meant we didn't have to pay for the rental itself out of pocket.

We were responsible for tolls and other incidental travel expenses.

Total Points and Travel Rewards Used

Total: Approximately 285,001 transferable points and a $300 travel credit.

That doesn't mean our entire Portugal vacation was free.

We still paid for our Algarve accommodations, taxes and fees on award flights, restaurants, activities, tolls, and other expenses.

But covering some of the biggest travel costs with rewards made a huge difference.

If you're wondering how families afford to travel to Europe, learning to use travel rewards can open up possibilities you might not have considered before.

Is Portugal Expensive to Visit With Kids?

One of the things I really appreciated about Portugal was how reasonable many of the everyday expenses felt.

Compared to other European destinations we've visited, we found things like dining and transportation to be pretty affordable.

Even taking an Uber around the Algarve when beach parking was full didn't feel outrageously expensive.

Of course, Portugal isn't necessarily a cheap destination during peak summer travel season, especially in popular coastal areas.

Hotel prices, Airbnb rates, and rental cars can all increase during busy periods.

But if you're searching for affordable European vacations with kids, Portugal is absolutely worth considering.

And if you can use points and miles for flights or hotels, you'll have even more flexibility in your vacation budget.

Portugal Family Travel Tips: What I'd Do Again

After visiting Portugal with our girls, there are a few things I would absolutely recommend to other families.

Split your time between Lisbon and the Algarve. I loved getting to experience the historic city atmosphere and the laid-back coastal lifestyle on the same vacation.

Combine Sintra and Cascais for a day trip. Exploring Pena Palace in the morning and relaxing at a Cascais beach club afterward was a great combination.

Rent a car if you're visiting the Algarve. Having our own transportation gave us so much more flexibility to explore different beaches, towns, and attractions.

Keep Uber as a backup. When beach parking was full, taking an inexpensive rideshare saved us time and frustration.

Don't force activities when the weather doesn't cooperate. We wanted to kayak to Benagil Cave, but switching to a boat tour was a much better choice for our family that day.

Leave time for beach days. Some of our favorite moments were simply enjoying the beach, wandering around town, stopping for gelato, and going out for dinner.

Look into points and miles before booking your flights. International airfare for a family can be expensive, but travel rewards may help make a trip like this more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Portugal With Kids

How many days do you need in Portugal with kids?

If you want to visit Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, and the Algarve, I'd recommend allowing at least 7–10 days if your schedule permits. That gives you time to enjoy each destination instead of constantly moving between hotels and attractions.

Can you visit Sintra and Cascais in one day?

Yes! We visited both on the same day with our rental car. We explored Pena Palace in Sintra first, then drove to Cascais to spend the afternoon at Praia da Conceição.

Is the Algarve good for families?

Absolutely. The Algarve has beautiful beaches, coastal towns, boat tours, restaurants, and family-friendly places to stay. Just keep in mind that some beaches involve steep stairs or pathways, and not every beach has easy access for young children.

Do you need a rental car in Portugal?

Not necessarily if you're only visiting Lisbon. However, we loved having a rental car for our Sintra and Cascais day trip and for exploring the Algarve.

What is the most famous tram in Lisbon?

Tram 28, officially numbered 28E, is Lisbon's most famous historic tram route. It's popular because it passes through several scenic and historic neighborhoods.

Can kids visit Benagil Cave?

Yes, children can visit Benagil Cave on suitable guided boat or kayak tours, depending on the operator's age restrictions and sea conditions. We originally wanted to kayak but chose a boat tour because it was too windy and wavy for the girls.

Where should families stay in the Algarve?

We loved staying near Carvoeiro because of its beautiful coastline, restaurants, beaches, and convenient location for exploring nearby attractions such as Algar Seco, Benagil Cave, and Praia da Marinha.

Would We Visit Portugal Again?

In a heartbeat.

Portugal was one of those trips where I loved the big moments, like seeing Pena Palace and exploring Benagil Cave, but I also loved the little moments just as much.

Beach afternoons. Gelato stops. Wandering around coastal towns. Dinner in Carvoeiro.

It was such a good reminder that a family vacation doesn't have to be packed with activities to be incredible.

And the fact that we were able to use points and miles for so much of the trip made it even better.

If Portugal is on your family's travel bucket list, I hope this guide helps you see just how doable it can be.

You don't have to be rich to give your kids incredible travel experiences. Sometimes you just need to learn a different way to book them.

Want to learn how we use points and miles to travel the world with our girls?

We've visited 14 countries as a family, and I'm sharing the strategies that have helped us book flights, beautiful hotels, and unforgettable vacations without paying the full cash price.

LEARN HOW TO TRAVEL WITH POINTS & MILES

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