Portugal: from city to beach
Itinerary
You'll be staying in small-scale family friendly accommodation, travelling at your own pace in a rental car, and enjoying immersive outdoor experiences to keep everyone happy.
Days 1-4 – Lisbon like a local
Today you’ll arrive in Lisbon and stay in a centrally located, family-friendly apartment, with plenty of space for your family. Winding streets, large squares and old trams adorn the streetscape of this district, but because the centre is quite compact, it is best to discover the sights on foot.
During your stay we will arrange a city tour with a local, who will show you the highlights and hidden gems with fun activities and treats for the children along the way. The excursion lasts for about 3 hours and you’ll get to know Lisbon through the eyes of a local. If you have older children, let us know and we can arrange something more suitable for teens.
We have factored in plenty of free time for you to explore independently. Jump on tram 28 in Campo de Ourique, which will take you all the way into the centre of Lisbon. Are you travelling with small children? Then go to Parque das Nações, where you will find one of the largest aquariums in the world and beautiful parks with fountains. Or a trip to Sintra is easily arranged from Lisbon. This fairytale city is filled with colourful houses, palaces, and castles.
Days 4-7 – Camping in the Portuguese wilderness
You’ll pick up your rental car on day 4 and hit the open road, driving from Lisbon to Alentejo. The journey time is approx. two hours.
On your way to your rural retreat today, you will need to stop off at a supermarket to collect your supplies for the next few days. On arrival at the campsite, you can put your groceries in the communal kitchen. Don’t forget to bring something for the barbecue! Tonight, you will sleep in a safari tent that’s hidden in nature, next to a river and has a bed inside for a little extra comfort. A maximum of four people can stay in a tent, with an additional bed provided for the children.
Over the next two days we have some outdoor activities planned for you. Each day there is a different activity accompanied by a certified local guide. One day kayaking may be on the agenda, and the next day an easy canyoning experience. The activities are suitable for children aged eight years and over. After returning to camp you can swim in the river that flows right in front of your tent, and cook up a feast on the BBQ. At the end of the day, fall asleep in your glamping tent under a starry sky.
Days 7-10 – Kayaking on the West Algarve
Time to leave the countryside and head to the coast. The drive from Alentejo to the West Algarve should take around 1.5 hours. The west coast of the Algarve is known for its natural beauty. The rugged cliff coastline, the clear blue sea and the favourable temperature attract many tourists every year. This side of the Algarve also benefits from a cooling breeze from the Atlantic Ocean. We have selected several family friendly apartments, all situated in peaceful locations and equipped with kitchenettes and refreshing swimming pools.
During your stay we have planned a kayaking tour, which is a fun way to explore the coastline. At Lagos harbour you’ll board a catamaran and sail to the famous Ponta da Piedade. Here you’ll step into your own kayak. Paddle along the towering cliffs of the West Algarve, explore caves, cliffs, and learn all about the area from your guide. Then, after all that exercise, relax on the beach. If kayaking is too active we can arrange a boat trip along the rugged coastline, stopping at caves and dolphin spotting along the way.
The rest of your stay is free to do as you please. For that ultimate ‘end of the world’ sensation, head to Sagres, located at the almost southwestern most point of Europe. Here, high cliffs sculpted by the sea set the dramatic scene. Originally a fishing village, Sagres maintains its maritime heritage with lobster fishing still thriving.
Days 10-13 – Lazy days on the East Algarve
Today you’ll drive along the coast towards the Spanish border and the quiet, eastern region of the Algarve. There are no rugged cliff coasts here, just wide sandy beaches, clear seas and a unique nature reserve: the Ria Formosa Natural Park. You will stay near Tavira, in an apartment that is part of a traditional quinta (country house). We have suitable apartments for families of four and also families of six. The beautiful coast and sandy beaches are a short drive away, but the property has a swimming pool.
On your second day in Tavira we have arranged an afternoon boat trip exploring the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This protected area is a maze of canals and small islands, and is an important breeding area for (migratory) birds. The boat departs around 1pm from the port of Olhão and will make stops on Culatra and Deserta Island. You will have time to get off the boat and stroll around, relax or take a dip in the sea. There are also snorkel sets available on board that you can use. Your skipper/guide knows a lot about the area and can tell you about the flora and fauna while sailing. In the summer months you have a good chance of spotting dolphins. The boat trip takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Day 13 – Depart from Faro
It’s easy to spend longer in this beautiful region, so if three days is not enough R&R time for you, we can easily extend this eastern Algarve stay for you. Otherwise, it’s home time! Drive the one hour to Faro and drop off your hire car at the airport in time for your homebound flight.
Accommodation
