Known for beautiful beaches, architecture, and seafood, Portugal has been a favourite family holiday destination for years. Located in Southwestern Europe, Portugal is all about sun, sea, and a rich culture, with places and activities that everyone in the family can enjoy.
If you're looking for long beaches, laidback strolls through historic towns, and fun-filled waterparks, all fuelled by delicious pastries, Portugal should be high on your list. With all this just a short flight from the UK, it's no wonder it's a popular choice with families, whether that's for October half term holidays or long weekends with babies and toddlers.
Travelling with kids isn't always easy, but with the right location and hotel it can be really special, so we've rounded up a selection of family destinations and the best family hotels in Portugal that could be perfect for your next family holiday. All the hotels and resorts included are family-friendly, with different options for different budgets. Portugal is definitely one for the bucket list, so take a look at our guide to Portugal family holidays and start planning your next trip.
The best family-friendly hotels in Portugal
Pine Cliffs Resort
Location: Algarve
Close to: Albufeira, Praia da Falésia, Praia do Barranco das Belharucas
Standout facilities: Porto Pirata, a 7,000 sqm on-site children's village, Serenity Spa, 16 bars and restaurants, Family suites with kitchenettes, several swimming pools, tennis courts, and a golf academy
Set amidst the scenic cliffs of the Algarve, Pine Cliffs Resort is an excellent choice for families, as Mother&Baby's Maria Martin discovered when she stayed there with her family. It combines luxury with a family-friendly atmosphere, offering an array of activities that ensure both parents and children have a wonderful stay. No wonder it's been voted 'Best Family Resort in Portugal' by the World Travel Awards and 'Europe's Best Luxury Family Resort' in the World Luxury Hotel Awards.
Read the full Pine Cliffs Resort review
Martinal Sagres Beach Family Resort
Location: Algarve
Close to: St. Vincent Cape Lighthouse, Baleeira Harbour, Sagres Fortress
Standout facilities: Beach hangout, five pools, Finisterra Spa, waterspouts centre, bike hire
Recently reviewed by Mother&Baby's Emily Gilbert, Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort is a top-tier family-friendly destination known for its luxury and thoughtful amenities tailored to families. Located in the heart of the Algarve and set against the backdrop of Sagres’ stunning coastline, this beachfront resort offers a wide range of activities, including water sports, kids' clubs, and spa facilities. With spacious accommodations, family-centric dining options, and services like a baby concierge, Martinhal ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for parents and children alike, blending relaxation and adventure in one picturesque setting.
Read our full Martinhal Sagres Beach review
PortoBay Liberdade
Location: Lisbon
Close to: Lisbon Botanical Garden, Marques de Pombal, St. George's Castle
Standout facilities: Indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre
The PortoBay Liberdade is lovely boutique hotel with lots of amenities. It's accessible, with a 24-hour front desk, plus private parking. The building was designed by the architect, Frederico Valsassina and is close to many fabulous locations in Lisbon. We love that it has a bar in-house and air conditioning in all the rooms.
Review: “Fantastic hotel with great staff who couldn't do enough for you. Amazing food served in a fabulous restaurant. Great location in the city and great facilities within the hotel. Overall a fantastic hotel and we will definitely be back”
Novotel Porto Gaia
Location: São Pedro da Afurada, Porto
Close to: Casa da Musica, Porto Cathedral, Matosinhos Beach
Standout facilities: Restaurant, pool, child-friendly activities
Thanks to the brilliant concierge services, you'll be able to plan lots of fun activities in the surrounding area while you stay at the Novotel Porto Gaia. There's a play area and pool for the kids, plus it's actually pet-friendly too. If you have older children, there are connecting rooms available. It's also more affordable than some other options.
Review: "I love this hotel because it has a wide-open reception and a children's play area next to it, so whenever we visit my daughter always makes a friend or enjoys the play area. In the summer, you'll have a warm pool. The staff are super friendly and they really go out of their way, and the breakfast was so nice. I can't recommend this hotel enough."
Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa
Location: Lisbon
Close to: Carmo Fountain, Lisbon Oceanarium, Restauradores Square
Standout facilities: Outdoor swimming pool, garden, gym and spa
Close to the centre of Lisbon, the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa hotel comes with great service and stunning views from your room. Grab a massage at the Anantara Spa, enjoy some Portuguese cuisine at the top-floor restaurant, or just enjoy a nightcap at the rooftop bar before bed. The kids are bound to love the pool and garden.
Review: "Fantastic - A very beautiful hotel with excellent staff. The breakfast was delicious with plenty of options and the location is fantastic. There are no cons."
Quinta das Areias - Solar da Pena
Location: Braga
Close to: Margem do cavadinho, Biscainhos Museum, Parque Merendas Cavadinho
Standout facilities: Kid-friendly buffet, outdoor swimming pool, picnic area and sun terrace
A beachfront farm stay, Quinta das Areias - Solar da Pena offers convenient relaxation and fun. It offers kid-friendly food options, air conditioning, and some lovely views, plus there's a handy bicycle rental service. We lovely the rural but sophisticated feel of this pick.
Review: "A quiet and very beautiful place. The contact with the hosts, although remote, works perfectly. Comfortable rooms, good bed, everything brand new and beautifully decorated."
Sintra Marmòris Camélia
Location: Sintra
Close to: Sintra Natural History Museum, Sintra National Palace, Portuguese Music Museum
Standout facilities: Garden, kids meals and kid-friendly buffet, a plethora of activities
Not only is the Sintra Marmòris Camélia beautiful and close to lots of amazing museums and palaces, it also allows you to access Sintra Marmòris Palace, which is a 5-minute walk away and boasts a heated swimming pool overlooking Sintra. With only 9 bedrooms, it's a small, luxury family hotel. Cots and extra beds can be requested for babies and children.
Reviews: "This charming little hotel is very well located and away from the noisy older part of town. The rooms are amazing, and the breakfast is fabulous and custom made for each guest. Staff is very helpful."
Pestana Delfim All Inclusive Hotel
Location: Alvor, Algarve
Close to: Lagos Castle, Parque da Juventude, Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse
Standout facilities: Three swimming pools, tennis court, kids club
Want a family-friendly hotel near a picturesque beach? Then the Pestana Delfim All Inclusive Hotel is for you. Boasting three pools, a beach view, and multiple restaurants and bars, this hotel is the definition of all inclusive. We love that there's an on site kids club too.
Review: "Rooms were contemporary and modern. Very clean. Great proximity to beach and lovely boardwalk into Alvor. Food was amazing for every meal. Loads of choice and very fresh. Staff were friendly and helpful. Large balcony and great views from upper floors. My first all inclusive holiday, which was more enjoyable than I expected due to such good quality food and attentive staff."
Casa do Cativo
Location: Porto
Close to: Largo do Cativo, Ferreira Borges Market, Lavadores Beach
Standout facilities: Outdoor swimming pool, sun terraces, garden
The Casa do Cativo offers a delicious breakfast, comfortable family rooms, and some gorgeous views. It's close to lots of popular tourist locations and has a homely but elegant feel to it. If you're travelling with younger children, there are children's cots available upon request.
Review: "The property was really beautiful - stunning bedrooms, shared spaces and a nice small pool to relax by outside. The location was fab and less than a 10 minute walk to the river. We walked everywhere from the hotel. Breakfast was also delicious and the staff in the morning were very friendly. I would 100% come back here and think it’s one of the most beautiful properties we’ve stayed at."
Martinhal Lisbon Cascais Family Hotel
Location: Lisbon
Close to: Quinta da Marinha golf course, Cascais station, Chiado Square
Standout facilities: Playground, gym and spa, five pools
One of the best family hotels in Lisbon, Portugal, the Martinhal Lisbon Cascais Family Hotel is a paradise for adults and children. The rooms are fantastic and the list of facilities and activities on site seems never ending. We love that there two pools specifically for children and a playground, plus a kids club with it's own dedicated building and café. There's even a baby concierge service and babysitting available. Wow!
Review: "Top destination to rest! To recharge! The sound of the water, the birds singing! The smell of the pine trees. An amazing place with a top breakfast in a great location! (Do not forget to try the honeycomb!) Can’t decide if next time is with or without kids (it was perfect for them too)!"
The best family destinations in Portugal
Lisbon
The country's capital, Lisbon has a plethora of cobbled alleyways and civic squares to explore, plus there are stunning galleries, castles, and cathedrals to visit. This city is known for pastel de nata (a sweet custard tart) and breathtaking scenery. It also has an amazing nightlife for grownups, so worth finding a hotel with babysitting services!
Sintra
With a fairy-tale look and centuries-old buildings, Sintra will add some magic to your trip. It's an hour away from Lisbon by train, and has lots to explore over a couple of days. It has beautiful gardens and the Palácio Nacional da Pena (a colourful castle surrounded by trees) to visit.
Albufeira
Surrounded by truly picturesque villages and golf courses, this incredible beach is possibly the most spectacular beach you'll ever see. The water is warm, and the sand is soft - ideal for a more relaxing day in Portugal with the kids playing and swimming.
Porto
One for history and wine lovers which may rule out kids but luckily it also boasts plenty for the little ones to do too, including an interactive museum called The World of Discoveries, Gaia Biological park with otters and plant life to look at, and a Sea Life centre. There's also buggy rides, the zoo, and swimming pools galore.
Ericeira
This small fishing village is the best place to go for fantastic surfing opportunities. Surfing is incredibly popular in Portugal, so if you're not up for riding the waves yourself, it can be fun to watch and enjoy the beach. It's also worth popping by for the restaurants alone. The seafood is always fresh and flavourful.
Braga
Another vibrant and lively city - Braga is all about music, good food, and spirituality. Not only can you enjoy lots of bars, cafes, cute little shops, and exceptional restaurants, there's also lovely gardens to visit and the elegant Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (if you can persuade the kids to climb up the hill it's on, the views are particularly special).
The Algarve
The ultimate warm and sunny beach location, the Algarve is a very popular resort destination. It's known for its postcard perfect beaches and some of the best family resorts in Portugal can be found in the Algarve which makes it an ideal spot for a family holiday. From golden sands to warm waters and charming coastal towns, it's a deservedly popular family destination.
Is Portugal good for families?
Portugal is an excellent family destination. It offers a wide range of activities that cater to both children and adults, from exploring historic sites and charming cities to outdoor adventures like hiking or watersports. The country's warm climate, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage provide plenty of opportunities for family fun, and the Portuguese people are also very child-friendly so you'll find that many of restaurants, cafes, and attractions are welcoming for families. On top of that, many hotels and resorts, particularly in popular areas like the Algarve, Lisbon, and Madeira, are specifically designed with families in mind, offering kids' clubs, play areas, and family-friendly amenities.
Which part of Portugal is best for families?
As a family destination, Portugal is hard to beat but it's tricky to narrow down an area that's best for families. Lisbon's laidback charm is a great city break destination but if you're looking for beaches, the Algarve should be high on your list. This is one of the best places to holiday in Portugal for families, as there's a wonderful range of family-friendly accommodation and, because it's on the Atlantic Coast, the temperatures don't get as high as elsewhere, even in the summer. There are also waterparks like Zoomarine, family-friendly attractions and did we mention the beaches? Sun-drenched golden sands, warm waters and dramatic rock formations make these some of Europe's most beautiful beaches.
Rebecca Lancaster is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby, drawing on ten years of parenting her two children to help others navigating their own parenting journey. As a freelance writer, she spent ten years working with leading lifestyle brands, from travel companies to food and drink start-ups, and writing everything from hotel reviews to guides to the best British cheeses. She’s particularly interested in travel and introducing her children to the excitement of visiting new places, trying different foods (less successfully) and experiencing different cultures.