The nicest regions of Portugal are Lisbon and surroundings, Porto and the Douro Valley, Central Portugal, the Alentejo, the Algarve, Madeira en the AzoresWhich region suits you best depends mainly on the type of trip you want to take: from city ​​trips and wine tours to road trips, beaches and active holidays in nature. Portugal is compact enough to combine different regions during a tour, but every region has its own distinct character. As far as we are concerned, these are the areas you don't want to miss.

Lisbon and surroundings

Best region for first-timers, food lovers, and a city trip

Lisbon is a great place to start your first trip through Portugal. Stroll through the historic streets of Alfama, discover restaurants, wine bars, and boutiques in Príncipe Real and Estrela, and pack as much as possible along the way. viewpoints come along. Also set aside time for the surroundings: from the city, you can easily travel to the palaces of Sintra, the coast at Cascais and the beaches of Costa da Caparica.

Porto and the Douro Valley

Best region for wine lovers, gastronomy, and a romantic road trip

Porto combines historic streets and colorful facades with good restaurants, wine bars, and an increasing number of interesting new spots. Cross the Douro to Vila Nova de Gaia for the famous port houses and then travel on towards the Douro ValleyHere, the vineyards lie in terraces against the hillsides, and you can stay overnight at a quinta, go wine tasting, or discover the region by boat, train, or car.

Central Portugal

Best region for road trips, historic cities, surf beaches, and culture

If you are traveling between Lisbon and Porto, be sure to set aside time for Central PortugalVisit university city Coimbra, walk through the walled Óbidos and discover Aveiro and the striped beach houses of Costa Nova. Along the coast lie famous surf spots such as Nazareth en Peniche, while inland you find mountains, historic villages, and nature. A nice region if you visit Portugal discovered by car and want to see more than just the most famous cities.

Alentejo, Comporta & Melides

Best region for boutique hotels, design, wine, and quiet beaches

For special hotels, wine, and long lunches, the Alentejo one of our favorite regions of Portugal. Inland lie vineyards, cork oaks, olive groves, and historic places such as Évora en MonsarazTowards the Atlantic coast you come to Comporta en Melides, where design hotels, restaurants, and vast sandy beaches have received increasing attention in recent years.

The Algarve

Best region for beaches, beautiful hotels, and a road trip along the coast

De Algarve remains one of the most popular regions of Portugal, and rightly so. Around Lagos en Carvoeiro you find the famous golden cliffs and small bays, while Tavira and the eastern part of the Algarve feels quieter. Also make time for the hinterland and drive past smaller villages, local restaurants, and wineries to discover another side of Southern Portugal.

Madeira

Best region for hiking, nature, and an active holiday

Madeira is particularly interesting if you want to combine nature and good food with an active program. Walk along the famous levadas, drive through the mountainous interior, swim in the natural pools of Porto Moniz and also schedule time for Funchal, where more and more good restaurants, bars, and stylish hotels can be found. Thanks to the mild climate, you can visit Madeira almost all year round.

The Azores

Best region for adventure, volcanic nature, and whale watching

The nine islands of the Azores located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and are primarily a destination for travelers who want to spend a lot of time outdoors. On São Miguel You will find crater lakes, hot springs, hiking trails, and viewpoints, while islands like Pico and Faial have a completely different landscape. Whale and dolphin spotting is among the most popular activities here. For a first trip, São Miguel is the easiest place to start.

YLBB tip: Is this your first time visiting Portugal? Then combine Lisbon and Porto with a road trip through Central Portugal or the Douro Valley. If you have more time, travel on to the Alentejo and Algarve. We would recommend planning Madeira and the Azores as separate trips, so you have enough time to truly discover the islands.

The best things to do in Portugal include discovering historic cities, road tripping along the Atlantic coast, wine tasting in the Douro Valley and Alentejo, surfing, visiting local markets, and, of course, getting thoroughly acquainted with Portuguese cuisine. From Lisbon and Porto to small coastal towns and wine regions: it is precisely the variety that makes a tour of Portugal so enjoyable.

Discover Lisbon and Porto

Lisbon en Porto You actually want to see both during your first trip. Walk through historic districts, visit local markets, seek out the best restaurants and wine bars, and be sure to take the time to discover different neighborhoods. Do you have more time? Then add cities like Coimbra, Évora, Braga of Aveiro You are ready to start your route.

Take a road trip along the coast

With a rental car you will discover a completely different side of Portugal. Drive from Lisbon towards Comporta and the Costa Vicentina and travel on to the Algarve, or follow the coast north. Along the way, you will pass wide beaches, small coastal towns, surf spots, and restaurants featuring fresh fish and seafood on the menu.

Taste wine in the Douro Valley

A visit to the Douro Valley is a must for wine lovers. Visit a quinta for a tasting, have lunch among the vineyards, or take a boat trip on the DouroIf you have the time, stay for at least one night. The valley is at its most beautiful in the late afternoon and early morning.

Discover Portugal on a food tour

Do you want to learn more about Portuguese cuisine? Then book in Lisbon of Porto take a food tour and sample various local specialties along the way. Of course, you can also head out on your own to markets, tascas, pastelarias, and wine bars. Are you traveling through the AlentejoThen also look into tastings and visits to wineries and olive oil producers. That way, you will immediately learn more about the regional cuisine along the way.

Visit local markets

A local market is one of our favorite places to get to know a city or region better. See what is coming out of the sea that day, sample regional cheeses and charcuterie, and buy fruit, bread, or a tasty treat for the road. Especially if you are on a road trip, it is fun to discover the smaller ones outside the well-known food halls as well. municipal markets to walk in.

Go surfing on the Atlantic coast

Portugal is one of the most famous surfing destinations in Europe. Around Ericeira, Peniche, Nazareth and along the Vincentian Coast You will find plenty of surf beaches and surf schools. Even if you have never been on a board before, you can book a single surf lesson in many places. Nazaré is especially known for the enormous waves that form there under the right conditions.

Visit Sintra and historic villages

From Lisbon is Sintra one of the most famous day trips, with Palácio da Pena and various historic estates. During a longer tour, the walled Óbidos, Guimarães, Tomar en Monsaraz Well worth the effort. Combine them with lunch or an overnight stay, so it doesn't just become a quick stop along the way.

Discover Madeira and the Azores on foot

For an active trip are Madeira and the Azores Destinations for your travel list. Hike along levadas and through the mountainous interior on Madeira, or discover volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, and hot springs on the Azores. Also whale and dolphin spotting is one of the most famous activities here.

Plan a few days at the beach

Even during a road trip, we would schedule a few days at the coast. Choose the bays and cliffs of the Algarve, the wide beaches around Comporta and Melides or the rugged Atlantic coast. Our favorite way to spend it: the beach in the morning, followed by a leisurely lunch at a good seafood restaurant.

YLBB tip: Try not to over-plan every day during a road trip. It is precisely by alternating cities with wine regions, coastal towns, and a few longer stops that you will experience more of Portugal. And be sure to allow enough time for lunch and dinner, because food and wine are at least as important here as the well-known highlights.

From fresh fish and seafood on the coast to stews, local cheeses, charcuterie, and of course pastéis de nata: food is an important part of any trip through Portugal. Moreover, the cuisine varies greatly by region. Head out on your own to markets, tascas, and local restaurants, or book a food tour in cities like Lisbon and Porto to sample different Portuguese specialties.

custard tart

Perhaps the most famous Portuguese classic: crispy puff pastry filled with custard, preferably eaten warm with cinnamon. In Lisbon, there are Pastel de Belém en manteigaria well-known addresses, but you come across good pastelarias everywhere during a tour.

Codfish

Salted and dried cod is an indispensable part of Portuguese cuisine and is prepared in all kinds of ways. One of the most famous dishes is bacalhau à Brás, where the fish is combined with onion, egg, and thin potato fries. Also pastéis de bacalhauYou come across deep-fried cod croquettes a lot.

Fresh fish & seafood

Along the Portuguese coast, you will want to sit down at a good fish or seafood restaurant at least once. Try grilled sardinhas from the grill, octopus with olive oil with olive oil and garlic or order various shellfish with a shellfish. Also shellfish rice, a creamy rice dish with various types of seafood, is a classic that you will find in many places along the coast.

Snacks

Snacks These are small Portuguese dishes that you order and share together. Think of cheese and charcuterie, octopus, shellfish, croquettes, sausage, and other hot and cold snacks. Especially in Lisbon and Porto, an evening visiting various petiscos and wine bars is a fun way to try many different flavors.

Bifana

One of the snacks you definitely want to try at least once during a road trip. bifana It consists of thinly sliced ​​marinated pork on a simple bun and is eaten throughout Portugal. The preparation varies by region, so there is a good chance you will come across different versions along the way.

Francesinha

In Porto The francesinha is on the menu almost everywhere. This hearty sandwich is filled with various types of meat, covered with cheese, and served with a warm sauce containing beer and tomato, among other ingredients. Not a light lunch, but a dish inextricably linked to Porto.

Porco preto & the cuisine of the Alentejo

Are you traveling through the Alentejo, then be sure to try dishes with black pig, the Iberian black pig that is widely raised in this region. The Alentejo is also known for bread, olive oil, local cheeses, and dishes in which simple regional ingredients take center stage. A good region for an extensive lunch at traditional restaurants and wineries.

Port, Vinho Verde & Portuguese wine

Portugal has much more to offer than just port. Taste Green wine in the north, port and wines from the Douro Valley and red and white from the AlentejoIncidentally, Vinho Verde does not literally mean that the wine is green; the name refers to the wine region and the fresh style for which many of these wines are known. Be sure to visit a winery for a tasting during a tour.

Is Portugal vegetarian- and vegan-friendly?

In Lisbon and Porto You can now find plenty of good vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and plant-based dishes are increasingly appearing on the menu at modern restaurants as well. In traditional tascas and smaller towns, the choice may be more limited, as many classic Portuguese dishes revolve around fish or meat. You will generally find the widest selection at local markets and more modern restaurants.

YLBB tip: During your trip, be sure to try regional specialties. Order port in Porto and the Douro Valley, taste porco preto and local wine in the Alentejo, and sit down for fresh fish and seafood when you are by the coast. That way, food naturally becomes part of your route through Portugal.

Portugal offers a wide range of unique hotels: from design hotels nestled among vineyards and intimate retreats on the Atlantic coast to luxury resorts with extensive spas. Many new hotels have opened in recent years, particularly around Comporta and Melides. These are our favorite spots for various types of travel.

Best design & boutique hotels

Brown's Avenue Hotel – Lisbon

In Lisbon is Brown's Avenue Hotel A great spot for those who want to be right in the city center and appreciate a distinctive interior. The boutique hotel is located near Avenida da Liberdade, making it easy to walk towards Príncipe Real, Baixa, and Chiado from here. Inside, it's all about design, art, and vintage details, with a rooftop and swimming pool.
48 Rua Rodrigues Sampaio, Santo António, Lisbon – View the rates here >>

The Pergola Boutique Hotel – Cascais

In the middle of Cascais lies The Pergola Boutique Hotel, housed in a historic villa with a striking facade and a green garden. The hotel is small-scale and more classic in style than many other addresses on this list. From here, you can easily walk to the historic center, restaurants, and the beaches of Cascais. A nice place to stay if you want to combine Lisbon with a few days on the coast.
Av. Trap bomb nº 13, Cascais – View the rates here >>

Vermelho Melides – Melides

Fashion designer Christian Louboutin chose Melides for his first hotel, and that is reflected in every detail. Red Melides It is colorful and distinctive, with art, antiques, Portuguese tiles, and various design influences. With only a few rooms, it feels more like a unique house than a large hotel.
Rua Doutor Evaristo Sousa Gago nº2, Melides – View the rates here >>

Torel Avantgarde – Porto

For a design hotel in Porto, it remains Torel Avantgarde One of the nicest places to visit. The interior is inspired by art and design, and from the hotel, you have a view of the Douro. A great hotel if you want to combine a city trip with restaurants, wine bars, and a few days in the Douro Valley.
336 Rua da Restauração, União de Freguesias do Centro, Porto – View the rates here >>

Spatia Comporta – Comporta

Between the pine trees of Comporta lies Spatia Comporta, with spacious rooms and villas scattered across the grounds. The architecture is quiet and minimalist, blending beautifully with the landscape. A lovely place to stay if you are traveling to Comporta primarily for the beach, good restaurants, and a few days of rest.
Marco da Saibreira – Bicas – Muda, Comporta – View the rates here >>

Best luxury hotels

Six Senses Douro Valley – Douro Valley

For a few days of wine and wellness is Six Senses Douro Valley still one of the most beautiful hotels in Portugal. The hotel is situated in a historic country house above the Douro and combines an extensive spa with restaurants, wine tastings, and views over the valley.
Quinta do Vale de Abraão, Lamego – View the rates here >>

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel – Madeira

On Madeira is Reid's Palace One of the most famous luxury hotels. The historic hotel is located in Funchal and is surrounded by subtropical gardens. More classic than many other hotels on this list, but it is precisely the combination of history, location, and service that still makes this a special address.
Estrada Monumental 139, Sao Martinho, Funchal – View the rates here >>

Vila Vita Parc – Algarve

If you want a few days of luxury in the Algarve, then Vacation Specials one of the most famous addresses. The resort is situated above the Atlantic coast and features multiple swimming pools, an extensive spa, and various restaurants, including the one with two MICHELIN-star awarded Ocean.
Alporchinhos, Armação de Pêra – View the rates here >>

Best hotels for peace & nature

Quinta da Côrte – Douro Valley

Between the vineyards of the Douro lies Courtyard, a smaller hotel in the region. The colorful interior, the swimming pool, and the location amidst the vineyards make this an especially pleasant spot for those who want to combine wine tastings with a few quiet days.
Quinta da Corte, Valença do Douro – View the rates here >>

São Lourenço do Barrocal – Alentejo

At the foot of Monsaraz lies Sao Lourenco do Barrocal, A historic estate in the heart of the Alentejo countryside. You come here for the tranquility, the swimming pool, the spa, house wines, and long lunches. Rent a bike, visit Monsaraz, or simply stay a day at the estate.
Herdade do Barrocal, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Monsaraz – View the rates here >>

Areias do Seixo – Santa Cruz

Located directly on the Atlantic coast north of Lisbon Pebble SandsThe hotel combines striking architecture with many natural materials, a vegetable garden, and rooms and villas that are all decorated differently. A good place to start or end a road trip from Lisbon heading north.
Praceta do Atlântico, Mexilhoeira, Póvoa de Penafirme, Santa Cruz – View the rates here >>

Best hotels in Comporta

Sublime Comporta – Comporta

Sublime Gate It is now one of the most famous hotels in the region, but remains relevant due to the combination of design, nature, and gastronomy. The resort is situated on large grounds among cork oaks and pine trees and features rooms and villas, multiple restaurants, a spa, and swimming pools.
EN261-1 Muda , Comporta – View the rates here >>

YLBB tip: Are you touring Portugal? Alternate city hotels with a few nights in the countryside or on the coast. The Douro Valley, Alentejo, Comporta, and Melides, in particular, have hotels that, in our opinion, are part of the trip itself.

You can visit Portugal almost all year round, but for a tour, May, June, September and early October our favorite months. It is usually warm enough then to spend time by the coast, while in cities like Lisbon and Porto and inland it is more pleasant to be out and about a lot.

For a beach holiday in the Algarve, Comporta or Melides June through September are good months. July and August are the warmest, but also the busiest and often the most expensive. If you want to combine cities, wine regions, and nature, we would recommend choosing spring or autumn.

Porto and Northern Portugal are generally cooler and wetter than the south. Madeira has a mild climate and is therefore a pleasant destination almost all year round. For the Azores are the most popular months, especially if you want to go hiking and spend a lot of time outdoors.

Nice periods to take into account

In June, two of Portugal's most famous city festivals take place: Santo António in Lisbon around June 12 and 13 and São João in Porto around June 23 and 24. If you travel through the Douro Valley in September, your visit will moreover fall around the period of the vintage, an especially nice time to visit wineries.

YLBB tip: Can you travel outside of school holidays? Then choose June or SeptemberFor us, those are the best months to combine cities, restaurants, wine regions, and the beach during one trip.

For a first tour of Portugal, we recommend at least 10 days on. This allows you to combine two or three regions without being on the road every day. If you have two weeks, you can build up the trip more leisurely and alternate cities with wine regions, smaller towns, and a few days on the coast. We would plan Madeira and the Azores as separate trips.

Highlights – 10 days

Lisbon (3 nights) → Coimbra (1 night) → Porto (3 nights) → Douro Valley (3 nights)

A lovely route for a first trip to Portugal. You combine Lisbon and Porto with historic Coimbra and finish among the vineyards of the Douro Valley. Only rent a car after Lisbon if you want to see more of Central Portugal along the way.

Food & wine lovers – 12 days

Porto (3 nights) → Douro Valley (3 nights) → Alentejo (3 nights) → Lisbon (3 nights)

A trip where food and wine take center stage. Visit wineries in the Douro and Alentejo, go to local markets, book a food tour in Porto or Lisbon, and plan enough time along the way for long lunches and good restaurants.

Beach lovers – 10 days

Lisbon (3 nights) → Comporta or Melides (3 nights) → Algarve (4 nights)

Start with a few days in Lisbon and then pick up a rental car for the drive south. Via Comporta and Melides, you travel along the Atlantic coast towards the Algarve. A good combination of city, restaurants, beautiful hotels, and beach.

Road trip along the coast – 14 days

Porto (3 nights) → Central Portugal (3 nights) → Lisbon (3 nights) → Comporta or Melides (2 nights) → Algarve (3 nights)

If you have two weeks, you can discover a large part of the Portuguese mainland. Drive from Porto through Central Portugal to Lisbon and then continue south. Along the way, you can make stops at coastal towns, surf beaches, local restaurants, and smaller cities.

Slow travel – 12 days

Lisbon (3 nights) → Alentejo (4 nights) → Comporta or Melides (3 nights) → Lisbon (2 nights)

For those who prefer to book fewer hotels and stay longer in one place. Combine a city trip with wine, unique hotels, and the beaches of the Alentejo coast. From the Alentejo, you can also visit various villages, wineries, and restaurants on a day trip.

Madeira – 7 to 10 days

For Madeira We would set aside at least a week. Stay a few days in or around Funchal and combine this with the north and west of the island. With a rental car, you can discover levada walks, natural pools, viewpoints, and restaurants scattered across the island.

Azores – 10 to 14 days

Are you going to the for the first time Azores, then you can spend your entire trip on São Miguel or combine several islands. A beautiful route is São Miguel (5 nights) → Pico (3 nights) → Faial (2 to 3 nights)This is how you combine volcanic landscapes, hot springs, wine, hikes, and whale watching.

YLBB tip: Do you only have one week? Then try not to see all of Portugal. Choose, for example, Lisbon and Comporta, Porto and the Douro Valley or only the AlgarveWith fewer stops, you have more time left for the restaurants, beaches, markets, and places you discover along the way.

From the Netherlands, you fly directly to Lisbon, Porto and Faro. Which airport is most convenient depends on your travel route. For Lisbon and Central Portugal, you fly to Lisbon; for Porto and the Douro Valley, to Porto; and for the Algarve, to Faro. If you are traveling to Madeira or the Azores, you fly to Funchal or Ponta Delgada, either directly if there is a suitable connection or with a layover.

From Amsterdam

From Amsterdam, you fly in about 3 hour to the Portuguese mainland. For a city trip to Lisbon or Porto, you do not need a rental car upon arrival. Both cities are easy to explore using public transport, and you can easily travel on to the city center from the airport.

Which airport do you choose?

• Lisbon (LIS) is the best choice for Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Comporta, the Alentejo, and a tour of Central Portugal.
• Porto (OPO) is handy for Porto, the Douro Valley, and Northern Portugal.
• Faro (FAO) It is located in the Algarve and is the logical airport for a holiday or road trip through Southern Portugal.
• Madeira (FNC) It is located near Funchal and is the main arrival point for Madeira. If you want to see a lot of the island, a rental car is handy.
• Ponta Delgada (PDL) For many travelers, São Miguel is the starting point for a trip through the Azores. If you combine several islands, you continue your journey by domestic flights or ferries, depending on your route and the season.

Tour of Portugal

Are you taking a road trip? Then take a look at a open-jaw ticket, where you arrive at one airport and fly back from another. For example, fly to Porto and back from Lisbon, or going to Lisbon and back from FaroThis way, you don't have to drive back the same route at the end of your holiday.

When do you rent a car?

Are you staying alone in Lisbon or Porto, then we wouldn't rent a car. Are you traveling further to the Douro Valley, Alentejo, Comporta, Costa Vicentina or Algarve, then gives a rental car Actually, much more freedom. Preferably, only pick it up when you leave the city; that way you don't have to park in the center and you don't pay for days when you hardly use the car.

YLBB tip: First determine which regions you want to combine, and only then book your flights. Especially for a road trip, flying from one airport and returning from another can save you a considerable amount of travel time.

The easiest way to travel through Portugal depends on your route. Between cities like Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto is the train a good option. For a road trip through the Alentejo, Comporta, the Costa Vicentina or Algarve, we would recommend a rental car take. In Lisbon and Porto themselves, you actually don't need a car.

Train

You travel comfortably between the larger cities on the trains of Comboios de Portugal (CP)Lisbon, Coimbra, Aveiro, Porto, Braga, and Faro are accessible by train. It is best to book tickets for popular connections in advance, especially if you are traveling during the high season.

Also the train from Porto towards Peso da Régua en Pinhão is interesting. The route follows the Douro for part of the way and is a nice option if you want to visit the wine region without driving yourself.

Bus

For places without good train connections, long-distance buses are convenient. Among others Express Network en FlixBus Travel between many cities and smaller destinations. If you are traveling without a car, compare train and bus: depending on your destination, the bus may be faster or more practical.

Rent a car

To watch the Alentejo, Comporta, Melides, Costa Vicentina and Algarve gives a rental car you have the most freedom. You can stop along the way at beaches, wineries, restaurants, and smaller places that are less easily accessible by public transport.

In Portugal, traffic drives on the right. When renting a car, also take into account the toll roadsTolls are levied on various highways, sometimes electronically. When picking up your rental car, ask how the toll registration is arranged so that you are not faced with any surprises along the way.

Public transport in Lisbon and Porto

In Lisbon and Porto You can do a lot on foot and use the metro, tram, bus, and train for longer distances. Both cities have their own public transport systems and various types of transport and tickets. Therefore, check upon arrival which card or payment method is most convenient for your stay.

Uber & Bolt

Uber and Bolt They are handy for short trips, to and from the airport, or when you no longer want to travel by public transport in the evening. The apps are widely available, especially in and around Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

Madeira and the Azores

Op Madeira would we a rental car Take this route if you want to see more than Funchal. Do keep in mind, however, that the roads outside the city can be steep and winding. Also on the Azores is a car on islands like São Miguel and Pico useful for reaching hiking trails, viewpoints, restaurants, and nature reserves.

If you are traveling between the various islands of the Azores, you can make use of, depending on the islands and the season. domestic flights and ferries.

YLBB tip: Combine train and rental car during a road trip. Discover Lisbon and Porto without a car and only pick up your rental car when you continue your journey. This way, you avoid the hassle of parking in the cities, while still having the freedom to stop spontaneously along the way.

Portugal is an easy destination to travel through. You pay with the euro, can pay with a debit or credit card in most places, and English is widely spoken in the cities and tourist regions. With a few handy apps on your phone, a city trip or road trip becomes even easier.

Paying

In Portugal you pay with the euro (€) And you can pay contactless in many places. However, it is handy to have some cash with you, especially for smaller cafes, local markets, parking meters, and locations outside the major cities.

Language

The official language is PortugueseIn Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and other popular destinations, you can usually get by well with English. However, if you are traveling through smaller villages and less touristy regions, a few words of Portuguese always come in handy.

Time difference

On the Portuguese mainland and Madeira, it is one hour earlier than in the NetherlandsIn the Azores, it is two hours earlier than in the Netherlands.

Mobile Internet

If you are travelling from the Netherlands or another EU country, you can usually use your own data bundle in Portugal thanks to EU roaming. To be sure, check your provider's terms and conditions before departure, especially if you are travelling to Madeira or the Azores.

Useful apps for Portugal

• Google Maps for navigation, restaurants, and saving places you want to visit along the way. Download your route maps in advance for a road trip for offline use.
• CP – Portuguese Combos for train connections, departure times and tickets.
• Uber & Bolt for rides in and around Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, among others.
• Express Network for long-distance buses between cities and regions.
• Via Verde Estaciónar can be useful for paid parking in places where the system is supported.

YLBB Google Maps

Also download our before departure YLBB Google Maps of PortugalHere you will find our favorite restaurants, coffee shops, wine bars, shops, hotels, beaches, and other addresses conveniently organized on one map. Ideal for a road trip if you want to see which YLBB favorites are nearby while on the road.

YLBB tip: Are you going on a road trip? Download offline maps of the regions you will be traveling through in advance and save your hotels and key stops. In rural areas and along remote beaches, coverage is not equally strong everywhere.

Yes, Portugal is great for traveling with children. The distances are relatively manageable, and you can easily alternate cities and culture with the beach, nature, and days with little planned. For families, especially Lisbon, Comporta, the Algarve and Madeira nice destinations. With slightly older children, the Azores Great for an active holiday.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a nice city to explore with children for a few days. Visit it Lisbon Oceanarium, take the ferry across the Tagus, join a bike tour of rental bikes to drive along the river. Also a day trip to Sintra It is fun with children, especially if you combine a visit to one of the palaces with time outdoors.

Comporta

If you want to combine a city trip with the beach, then Comporta A nice next stop after Lisbon. You will find wide sandy beaches, plenty of space and hotels and villas which are suitable for families. Go to the beach, rent bicycles, or take a trip to the rice fields and nature around the Sado. Dolphins also live in the estuary, which you can try to spot during a boat trip.

Algarve

For a beach holiday with children, the Algarve one of the easiest regions. Alternate beach days with a boat trip along the coast, go dolphin spotting or book a surf lesson with older children. Especially if you a rental car if you have, you can discover a different beach or coastal town every day.

Madeira

With children who like being outdoors is Madeira a good choice. Take one of the easier levada walks, swim in the natural pools of Porto Moniz and take in Funchal the cable car towards Monte. With a rental car you can alternate short walks and viewpoints with quiet days by the pool or at the sea.

The Azores

De Azores we would especially recommend this with slightly older children. On São Miguel you can whale and dolphin spotting, viewing crater lakes, hiking, and visiting hot springs. The activities are spread across the island, so a rental car is handy here.

YLBB tip: Travel through Portugal at a slightly slower pace with children and preferably stay a few extra nights in the same place. Combine one activity or sight with the beach, the pool, or a long lunch, and leave enough room in your schedule for spontaneous activities.