Portugal rewards travelers who take their time, and there’s no better way to see the country than as a family trip, from city to coastline to countryside and back again. This adventure begins in Lisbon, where families can settle into Martinhal Chiado, located in the capital’s most historic and culture-rich neighborhood, before setting off to trace the very best of Portugal, from the terraced vineyards of the Douro, to the quiet beach luxury of Comporta, to the wild cliffs of the Algarve, and finally, back to Lisbon. What makes it even better is that with Martinhal, everyone gets the vacation they deserve with family-designed accommodations, childcare on demand and a Baby Concierge take the hassle out of traveling with little ones, so parents can enjoy a “cappuccino with the foam still on it” while the kids are having the time of their lives. Here’s how to map the ideal itinerary.
Chapter One: Lisbon, On Foot
Give yourself two or three days before going anywhere else. Check into Martinhal Chiado’s one or two-bedroom apartments. Open up the shutters to let the light, sights and sounds in from the street below, where you’ll look onto Rua das Flores, an iconic street in the Old Town. Within a couple of minutes walk, check out some of our favorite spots. Our first stop right off the plane, is to indulge in a perfectly flaky and cinnamon-dusted ‘Pastel de Nata’ at Manteigaria Chiado, where you’ll find the brand’s first ever factory housed in a pretty Art Nouveau building. Walk the Baixa’s 18th-century grid, ride the tram up to the miradouros of Bairro Alto and Graça, and watch the afternoon light turn everything gold. Spend a day getting lost in Alfama’s medieval alleyways, making sure to visit São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) – a historic Moorish and medieval fortress with spectacular views over Lisbon and fabulous peacocks that roam the castle grounds!
Visit Belém for the Manueline stonework of the Jerónimos Monastery, and save an evening for a proper fado house, where the music will transport you into Portugal’s ancient times. For an easy on-the-go-meal to satisfy every member of the family, Time Out Market Lisboa is a must – and it’s just a short walk from the hotel. Parents with little ones can take advantage of the brand’s signature Baby Concierge service, and also the complimentary kids club and evening Pajama Club, with supervised childcare and entertainment for the kids, while parents unwind and explore the city’s night life and vibrant dining scene! In fact, our two top date night recommendations are right on the hotel’s doorstep; enjoy a local aperitif at By The Wine followed by dinner at Taberna da Rua das Flores for the ultimate date night in Lisbon, all within a stone’s throw of the hotel.
Chapter Two: North to Porto and the Douro
The train north to Porto takes about three hours, tracing the landscape’s shift into rolling countryside. Porto is Lisbon’s moodier, more romantic cousin – its Ribeira district tumbles down to the Douro River in weathered stone and blue-and-white tile. Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge for the classic views, then head into Vila Nova de Gaia to understand why this city gave port wine its name.
From Porto, the Douro Valley is close enough for a day trip and for those with more time to spend here, allow two or three nights exploring one of the oldest wine regions in the world, where terraced vineyards are carved into the steep hillsides. Take the scenic train along the river, or enjoy a boat trip along the Douro – an exciting activity with kids as you cruise past the terraced vineyards and the valley’s dramatic scenery. Round out the visit with a family-friendly wine tasting or harvest day experience at Quinta da Pacheca, where kids are welcomed with grape juice and snacks while they explore the estate’s sprawling gardens, and parents can savor a Port tasting at their own pace.
Chapter Three: Alentejo and Comporta
Heading south, The Alentejo is Portugal’s most wonderfully rural and slow-paced destination with golden plains, whitewashed villages, cork oak forests, and some of the country’s best wine. Évora, with its Roman temple and its eerie, beautiful Chapel of Bones, is worth the visit.
The coast holds the region’s most exclusive surprise and a rising star increasingly discovered by travelers: Comporta. Once a sleepy fishing and rice-farming village, it’s become the discreet coastal retreat of choice for those in the know and often referred to as the “Hamptons of Portugal” where affluent Lisbonites flock to for long weekends. Here pine forests open onto dune-backed beaches, rice paddies catch the evening light, and a handful of understated boutiques. A must-try for kids (and parents alike!) is the homemade ice cream at Gulato – the sweetest reward after a day on the beach. Comporta is a place for doing very little, amongst natural beauty and enjoying barefoot luxury.
Chapter Four: The Algarve
The final stretch heads to Portugal’s southern coast. Head toward Sagres, where the landscape turns wilder. This is the edge of the known world, as far as the Age of Discoveries navigators were concerned – a windswept, dramatic point where the Atlantic seems to stretch on forever. Sagres has rugged cliffs, world-class surf breaks, fresh seafood, and some of the best sunsets in the world. Check into Martinhal Sagres for a few days of adventure and beach relaxation. Martinhal’s flagship resort has a collection of family-friendly hotel suites, homes and villas, located right in the heart of a protected natural park, and overlooking its own beach. It is the ideal base for families looking to explore this wilder corner of the Algarve – from the cliffs of Cabo de São Vicente to the surf beaches of Praia do Amado while plenty to do at the resort for guests of all ages including sport academies, cycling excursions, water sports, kids club programming for children of all ages (as young as 6 months old), and much more!
Chapter Five: Coming Full Circle, New Lisbon
Every good story needs an ending that echoes its beginning, and this one brings you back to Lisbon but this time to its newest chapter. Parque das Nações, in East Lisbon, is where the city looks to the future. It was built for Expo ’98 and developed into a sleek, riverside district of modern architecture, wide promenades and vibrant street art. Check into Martinhal Lisbon Oriente – Martinhal’s newest address which celebrates the contemporary spirit of Portugal with art by prominent Portuguese artists and illustrators, as well as giant art installations by Lisbon street art legend, Bordalo II. Families can enjoy the urban resort’s vast garden, and outdoor and indoor swimming pool, or discover the nearby striking Oceanário, one of Europe’s finest aquariums which promises a fun and easy-going excursion before returning home. Martinhal Lisbon Oriente is also just minutes from Lisbon Airport, making it the perfect place to spend a final night or two, unwinding along the riverfront before the flight home.
The Shape of the Journey at a Glance
- Lisbon (Chiado) – where the story begins, walking around Lisbon’s historic centre
- Porto & the Douro – river views, port wine tastings and terraced vineyards
- Alentejo & Comporta – golden plains, quiet coastline, sophisticated beach living
- The Algarve (Sagres) – wild cliffs, beach time and outdoor adventures
- Lisbon (Parque das Nações) – a modern neighborhood, and a smooth ride home
Ready to start planning your family’s ideal Portugal roadmap? Get in touch with Martinhal’s concierge team.