Living in Portugal has given us the opportunity to explore a lot of amazing new places, which is why we have the best family getaways in Portugal.  We just celebrated our fourth anniversary, and I’ve loved all the exploring we can do!

After years of full-time travel before moving here, our life is much more full of “life stuff” than it used to be.  Music school, sports, school and church activities.  These are a good part of life too, but it means we can’t just explore every weekend as my heart desires!

However, we have made some fun “staycations” near Lisbon.  We have visited Porto, Sintra, and Algarve (the “big three” in Portugal outside of Lisbon), and I can tell you that everywhere we go, it’s always beautiful.  Speaking the language really helped us settle into these locations, but Portugal embraces English as a whole and you should not have any problems if you aren’t speaking Portuguese.

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Why Weekend Getaways are Perfect from Lisbon

One of the best things about living in or visiting Lisbon is how easy it is to escape for a quick trip.  In just a couple of hours, you can go from colorful streets to medieval castles, or from quiet countryside villages to the warmest beaches.  If you’re looking for the best family getaways in Portugal that lets you see more of it without long travel days, Lisbon is the perfect starting point!  Plus, it is the home of the major airport for Portugal.

If you are visiting Lisbon and want to get out of the city for a new view, these spots are perfect. Each one is family-friendly, easy to plan and fun for all ages.  No overpacking required. 

• Quick trips without long travel times.  For these itineraries, you won’t have to drive more than two hours or take a mix of many public transports (like taking the bus, the train and then a taxi).  It’s all pretty much straightforward and easy!
  
• Great for families who don’t want to overpack.  If you have a crew as big as mine, packing is a pain point.  No need for hours of entertainment in the car (although we love audiobooks).
  
• Portugal’s public transport system is fairly easy.  It’s not as dependable as other countries, like Germany, but it works fairly well and our family (our kids) use it daily.  You can always rent a car, use the bus or train.

Best Weekend Getaway in Portugal: Sintra and Cascais

This is probably one of the most popular quick trips and one of the best family getaways in Portugal you can do: Sintra and Cascais.  They are just about a short one-hour drive or train ride from Lisbon (or less!), and they are usually paired together when doing a quick trip.  Both towns are charming, have dramatic views and you can visit both castles and a beach (who doesn’t love both of those)?

It’s a very popular one day trip that takes you from Lisbon to Sintra, Pena, Regaleira, Cabo da Roca and it ends in Cascais. This could be also a fun option if you’d like to have a guide explain all the landmarks and a comfortable transport through your trip! However, I’d suggest you take your time and visit for two days. There is a lot to see (Sintra alone has nine castles to explore).  

Here’s how our ideal Portugal weekend getaway at Sintra and Cascais would look:

The Best Itinerary at Sintra and Cascais

Day 1: Exploring Sintra

9:00: Park and National Palace of Pena. The palace of Pena should be your first stop, as it is the most popular and the only truly furnished palace.  

Perched atop a hill, this castle is full of colors and architectural styles, making it intriguing for children.  It’s a landmark I can even see from our gym on a clear day!  The panoramic views from the palace are perfect photo spots for the entire family!

Note: You could easily spend four to five hours here. The gardens are VAST. Our kids loved exploring them.  This is the case with most of the Sintra palaces. The actual tour through the palace can be fairly quick (a bit longer if you do the audio guide, which I always love). You can also eat here.

11:00: Go to Quinta da Regaleira. This is a hidden gem that you should definitely visit with your family!  This might be my favorite one.

This castle has ties to the Knight’s Templar and the Well of Ascension is a must-see. 

It has huge gardens that are great for kids, filled with paths, secret tunnels and enchanting sculptures. The spiral staircase that goes underground used to lead to the palace, but that is no longer open (at least not to the public).  However, there are still ghettos, caves, turrets and more that make this a kid’s paradise. You can also spend several hours here! 

14:00: Time to eat lunch in Sintra. Make a stop in the historic center to unwind and have a relaxed meal.  Some of our recommendations here are:

1. Sabot – Lucky Burgers:  Fresh burgers made with artisan bread and local ingredients.
   
2. Caricato:  Traditional Portuguese food.
   
3. Casa Piriquita:  Great place for satisfying your cravings and eating some dessert.
   
4. Pizza Hut:  Sometimes your kids need some comfort food from home.  There is a great Pizza Hut right in the middle of town!

15:00: Sintra Historic Center. With a full tummy, the best thing to do is walk through the historic center.  Take a look at the streets, discover some local shops (where you can find great souvenirs) or visit the Sintra National Palace if you have time and your kids have more energy.

17:00: Watch the sunset at Cabo da Roca. The day won’t have the perfect ending if you don’t visit Europe’s westernmost point!  

Cabo da Roca is approximately a 20-minute drive from Sintra.  You can’t miss its dramatic cliffs and stunning sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean. 

Day 2: Exploring Cascais and its Surroundings

9:00: Morning at Praia da Rainha. Start your next day at Praia da Rainha: the golden sand and calm waters make it ideal for families, and since it’s small, you can keep an eye on the kids easily.

12:00: Stroll the Cascais Harbor. After the beach, take a walk along the seaside harbor: one of Cascais’ most beautiful areas, with plenty of cafés and places for the kids to run around!  You can also stop for a mid-morning snack (ice cream is always a good idea here!).

13:00:  It’s lunch time in Cascais.  Now, you may want to go for lunch.  Here are some family-friendly picks:

1. Baia do Pesce:  Fresh seafood with a great view.
   
2. O Pescador:  Traditional Portuguese flavors.
   
3. Restaurante Casa Velha:  Cozy atmosphere with delicious food.

15:00: Visit Boca do Inferno. Just a 13-minute drive away, Boca do Inferno is a dramatic cliff formation where the ocean waves crash into a natural arch.  Trust me, your kids will find this place incredible!  You can’t miss hearing the ocean roar and taking some pictures here.

17:00: Relax at the Cascais Town Center. Spend the afternoon wandering through the historic streets of Cascais.  You’ll find little shops, tiled houses and some places where you can sit and rest.

18:00: Time to go back to Lisbon. On your way back to Lisbon, enjoy the scenic drive along the Atlantic coast and watch the sunset as you get home.

However, if you’d like to explore more of Cascais with your kids, we also have a full guide on the best places to go in case you’re planning a longer trip.

Craving Some Adventure? Visit Óbidos and Nazaré for the Weekend in Portugal

Looking for a weekend that mixes history, charm and incredible ocean views?  A trip to Óbidos and Nazaré is probably one that your kids and you will love. This is one of the best family getaways in Portugal! Why? Just a bit over an hour driving from Lisbon, this weekend getaway is the perfect blend between fairytale streets and one of Portugal’s most famous beaches (because of its huge waves)!  Again, castles and beaches… basically my favorite two things in Portugal!

Also, depending on the time of the year, you can take advantage of one of the several festivals they host at Obidos. The Medieval Festival of Obidos takes place every summer, and let me tell you, it’s so much fun! If you want festivals and surfing in one weekend, this itinerary is probably the one you’re looking for.

What to do at Óbidos and Nazaré in Portugal

Day 1: Step Back in Time at Óbidos

9:00: Arrive and explore Óbidos.  Kick off your adventure in this unique medieval town!  You’ll love its streets paved with cobblestones and all the whitewashed houses. Also, some of them are draped in bougainvillea, which makes them look so cute (and perfect for pictures)! 

11:00: Visit the Castelo de Óbidos and the Porta da Senhora da Piedade. When we visited this amazing medieval castle, we were actually there for the Medieval Festival.  Check out the blue and white tiles placed on some walls at the Porta da Senhora da Piedade.  A truly stunning place that is worth the visit!

13:00: Lunch in Óbidos. After a long morning, it’s time to grab something to eat in town.  You will find some local restaurants, our recommendations are:

1. Ja!món Ja!món:  Excellent tapas and seafood.
   
2. Real Casa do Petisco:  Traditional Portuguese food in a modern and cosy atmosphere.
   
3. Poço dos Sabores:  Satisfy your cravings with meat, seafood and some french fries.

14:30:  Spend time at the Lagoa de Óbidos.  If you like adventure or just want somewhere to chill, the Lagoa de Óbidos is the best spot to sit down and relax for a bit while your kids play.  Just don’t forget to bring sunscreen!

16:00:  Time for some afternoon exploring.  Now it’s time to wander through some of the town’s hidden alleys and artisan shops.  You’ll be able to spot the Grande Mercado Medieval de Obidos.  Be sure to visit it, your kids will love it!

18:00:  Overnight Stay in Óbidos.  After a long day, now is the moment to take some rest for tomorrow.  Here are my recommendations:

• Casa Lidador is such a nice, cute hotel and the best part is that it is very close to the castle.  This hotel is also very close to the Grande Mercado Medieval de Obidos.
  
• Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort is in the entertainment district and you have great views of the lake.
  
• Hotel Real D Obidos has a perfect location as it’s right in the center of the town.  It gives you easy access to the Medieval Castle.

Day 2: Ocean Adventure at Nazaré

9:30:  Arrive at Nazaré and head to the beach.  After a 30-minute drive, get ready for the famous huge waves!  Summer is perfect for families to relax and play while winter is the best time to spot the world’s tallest surfable waves!

Note: Waves are notoriously big here, even in the summer (calmer season).  We’ve never been there when you could really get in the water, as the waves are too dangerous!  At least not on the main beach.  Lifeguards are posted here year-round, I believe, to try and keep people safe.

11:30: Ride the Funicular to Sítio. Hop on the funicular up to Sítio, a cliffside neighborhood that overlooks Nazaré.  From here, you’ll get incredible panoramic views of the ocean and the giant wave surf spot at Praia do Norte.  Alternatively, there is a staircase or you can drive up and look for parking.

13:00: Fresh Seafood Lunch. Nazaré is known for its fish stew and grilled sardines, but there are plenty of kid-friendly options too, for example:

1. Pangeia Restaurante: Great ocean views accompanied by one of the best rated seafood restaurants of the area!
   
2. Tosca Gastrobar Restaurante: Not in the mood for seafood?  Find a variety of Mediterranean food here!
   
3. Restaurante Mar Bravo: You also get ocean views and different options for the kids.

15:00: Relax and Explore.  After eating, it’s time to take a stroll along the sea.  Visit the Farol de Nazaré, a lighthouse perfect for watching the sunset.

17:00:  Drive Back to Lisbon.   Wrap up your weekend with a scenic ride back home, just under one-and-a-half hours.

A Weekend in Setúbal: Nature, Dolphins and Beaches

For families who love a mix of nature and great food, Setúbal is one of the best family getaways in Portugal.  Less than an hour away from Lisbon, this town surrounds the Arrábida Natural Park, so it offers lots of calm beaches and stunning views! 

Also, if your kids love animals, you’ll have the chance to spot dolphins!  Here’s a weekend that will delight your kids:

The Perfect Weekend Itinerary at Setúbal

Day 1: Discover Setúbal’s Town and Flavors

9:30:  Explore Setúbal Town Center.  Begin at the historic center, where you’ll be able to visit the Praça do Bocage and the Mercado do Livramento, one of Portugal’s best food markets!  Try some of the food.  Your kids will probably enjoy the market!

11:30:  Visit Forte de São Filipe.  Head up to this 16th-century fort for breathtaking views over the city and a chance to look over the Sado River.  The fort itself is so much fun to explore: it has ramparts and hidden corners, perfect if your kids are as curious as mine! 

13:00:  Lunch by the Waterfront.  Enjoy a meal at one of Setúbal’s restaurants.  Here are some food recommendations:

1. Meat Moment: Craving meat?  This is the perfect place to get some delicious meat and great desserts. 
2. Don Formozzini – Pizzeria Ristorante Italiano: Are your kids picky eaters?  Then they will probably enjoy getting some pizza here.
   
3. Due Fratelli Ristorante: Enjoy some fresh pasta, seafood and a cozy atmosphere here! 

15:00:  Dolphin-Watching Cruise.  Spot some dolphins at the Sado River on this cruise.  Let your kids learn about them and also swim in the clear blue waters of the Sado bay!  This cruise includes a drink and a marine biologist guide.  Don’t forget to bring a towel, swimsuits for everyone in your group and some snacks!

18:00:  Sunset Stroll.  Return to shore and enjoy a relaxed evening walk before settling in at your hotel.  Here are some places where you can stay:

Day 2: Beaches Day and Nature in Arrábida

9:30:  Morning at Arrábida Natural Park.  Drive to the Arrábida Natural Park, and enjoy roads with spectacular views.  However, the highlight here are the calm beaches, perfect for a relaxed morning and plenty of playing for your crew.

10:00:  Beach Time at Praia da Figueirinha.  This beach is known for its shallow waters, making them perfect for your littlest ones to play safely.  Pack swimsuits, sand toys and plenty of sunscreen for your beach morning.

14:00:  Picnic at the Beach.  After some swimming and playing, it’s time for a picnic to enjoy by the sea.  Stop by at a local restaurant to buy some snacks or bring food from a nearby restaurant.  Enjoy a perfect picnic next to the ocean!

16:00:  Head Back to Lisbon.  After a mix of culture, nature and beach fun, make the quick 45-minute drive back to Lisbon.

Tips for Planning the Best Weekend Getaways from Lisbon

Now that you have three itinerary ideas, you may wonder how to make this weekend the best one.  Here are some quick tips to make your trips the best family getaways in Portugal unforgettable and perfect with your little ones:

• Book tickets in advance.  There are some popular train routes, museums and tours.  So make sure to plan ahead and check their websites for the best experience!
  
• Don’t overpack.  Most weekend getaways in Portugal don’t require too much packing,  Make sure to only bring the essentials: sunscreen, portable chargers, comfortable shoes for you, your husband and your kids, and snacks.  Trust me, getting luggage up stairs, which is common in hotels and Airbnbs, is much easier with small bags!
  
• Not all destinations are stroller-friendly.  If you bring little kids, change the stroller for a baby carrier, it might be easier to navigate parks and some streets!
  
• Check seasonal events.  You’ll be able to find in Óbidos the chocolate fair and medieval festival; in Nazaré, the waves or other events that can change your trip!  Be sure to check online beforehand.

Additional Readings

Is Cabo Da Roca Worth Visiting? A Day-Trip with Kids

What to See in Sintra, Portugal with Kids

Ultimate Algarve Guide With Kids: A Family Guide from an Expat Mom of Five