Portugal
Places to visit in Portugal
Think Portugal and package holidays to the Algarve or glitzy golf retreats most likely spring to mind. Travel with Stubborn Mule to discover a far less-visited, more authentic Portugal experience, far from the madding crowds and all the better for it. Most families who travel with us choose to do either the mainland and Madeira as a combination or standalone trip, or the adventurous islands outpost that is the Azores.
Castelo Monseraz
One of our favourite areas of mainland Portugal is the Alentejo, a large rural region in the south-central area of the country. Inland, you’ll discover Portugal’s agricultural heartland, where you’ll find olive groves, cork forests, vineyards and crops. Peppered in between are characterful villages, fincas, roman ruins and a simpler, laid-back way of life – how Portugal used to be.
The area also stretches to the coastal region, where you can swim, surf and kayak off hidden beaches, whilst quaint towns offer fantastic, freshly caught seafood and characterful guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to visit during your Portugal family holiday.
Portugal’s capital city is also one of Europe’s most beautiful, located on the Tagus Estuary with fantastic river and sea views. Wander through purple-flowered jacaranda trees which line the avenues, take in the old-city’s characterful coloured buildings adorned with colourful tiles, enjoy fantastic food and drink, and great shopping! Be warned, the city is hilly and is known as the city of seven hills. You may need several pastels de nata, the city’s world-famous custard tarts, for sustenance.
Lisbon Old Quarter
Just south of Lisbon and between Setubal and the fishing town of Sesimbra, Arrabida National Park is a protected area with outstanding natural beauty. Against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and amongst castles, beaches, hills and fantastic food and wine, you can go coasteering, kayaking, dolphin watching, or just hang out. We offer an amazing overnight kayaking trip where you camp overnight on a private beach, for many, the highlight of their Portugal family adventure.
Often referred to as a ‘fairytale’ city because of its 19th century Romanticist architecture, royal palaces and forested hills, Sintra is a beautiful place to simply wander around on a day trip from Lisbon. One of the most famous attractions is the Pena Palace, a whimsical structure of yellows, reds and purple towers and battlements that younger kids will love. (Arrive early). There are also Moorish ruins, mystical gardens and the Arabian-inspired Palacio de Monserrate.
Pena Palace, Sintra
The picturesque region of Alentejo stretches across the width of Portugal, with white sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast and pretty villages, pristine lakes and vineyards inland. A perfect region for hiking, biking and wine tasting, as well as river canoeing and surfing classes, its uncrowded, rustic charm appeals to families who enjoy a more authentic experience.
Alentejo’s Atlantic Coast
The capital of the Alentejo region, Evora, is also a cultural and artistic centre. The entire old city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting a Roman temple, a huge Gothic Cathedral dating back to the 12th century, complete with its curious Chapel of Bones, and many other grand houses and monuments to explore.
The Roman temple in Evora
It’s easy to get around on foot, or by bicycle, and if staying for a few days, a lovely area to explore where you can cycle over a vast aqueduct – a head for heights required!
A coastal city in northwest Portugal, Porto has become hugely popular in recent years and with good reason. As one of Europe’s oldest and most scenic cities, it’s also easy to get around and is packed with a thriving food scene, galleries, and independent shops. Located on the Douro River, don’t miss the Cathedral and São Francisco Church, known for its baroque décor. Sampling the city’s favourite food, a Francesinha (think a cheeseburger topped with a spicy beer/ tomato sauce) is also a must-try!
Villa Nova, Porto
The Algarve’s vast sandy beaches are well known and much visited. We prefer a rugged corner in the west called Sagres (as in the beer), which is windswept, rugged and beautiful – a magnet for surfers, too. Depending on the ages of your children, we’ll recommend the most appropriate beaches, ideal if you’re on a self-drive holiday here.
One of many picturesque coves on Portugal’s southern coastline
Closer to the northwest coast of Africa than mainland Portugal, Madeira is a great family holiday option almost year-round. Madeira has reinvented itself in recent years to become an adventurous family hotpot, its volcanic, rugged scenery and beaches offering the perfect climate and topography for action. Hiking! Mountain Biking! Swimming and snorkelling! Don’t miss a ride on a Monte sledge as it hurtles downhill. There’s also more gentle adventure on offer, such as a wander through Funchal’s streets or a visit to the botanical gardens.
Picturesque Maderian harbour
The second largest island in the Madeira archipelago, Porto Santo, is a magnet for adventurers and wildlife lovers. Go whale watching, kayaking, mountain biking along Levadas (irrigation channels). The island is also a coasteering hot spot!
Even more of a Portuguese outpost than Madeira, located some 1,500 kilometres away from Lisbon in the North Atlantic, the Azores islands are an outdoor adventure playground.
Comprising nine major volcanic islands, Stubborn Mule trips focus on the main island of Sao Miguel, or, for longer trips, Pico or Faial. Here you’ll discover a land of amazing volcanic caldera lakes, ideal for SUP-ing, whilst hiking, cycling, coasteering, dolphin, whale or even bird watching are all on the agenda. Go during the school summer holidays for the best weather.
Go dolphin and whale watching in the Azores
Portugal in pictures
