From the beautiful beaches of the Algarve to the top sights of cities like Lisbon and Faro, Portugal is an increasingly popular choice for family holidays.
English is widely spoken and the Portuguese love children so you'll be welcomed at attractions and restaurants.
Plus, the year-round sunshine, great value holiday deals and short flight-time from the UK make it an easy choice for your next escape with the kids.
Read on for our round-up of the top spots to stay in Portugal – from the beaches of the Algarve to the UNESCO-listed old town of Porto.
Albufeira – for a lively beach break
If you're looking for pristine sandy beaches, the Algarve's spectacular coastline should tick all the boxes with so many blue-flag, child-friendly beaches on offer.
One of the Algarve's most popular – and best value – holiday destinations, Albufeira has it all with beautiful beaches, a pretty old town and lively nightlife.
There's plenty to keep the kids busy here – from the Zoomarine Algarve water park to kayak rides and dolphin-watching tours.
Find cheap Albufeira holiday deals – including flights and hotel – with On the Beach or book your 2019 family break with Jet2Holidays.
Lagos – for active families
If you like your beach holidays with a side of culture, you'll enjoy a stroll around the cobbled streets of Lagos' 16th century old town.
Located on the western coast of the Algarve – and just an hour from Faro airport – this historic town also boasts top-notch beaches and great restaurants, from cheap and cheerful to high-end.
Active families can enjoy water sports – such as kayaking and kite-surfing – as well as mountain-biking and a world-class golf course.
Book a great value Lagos family break with TUI or browse Lagos holiday deals for 2019 with lastminute.com.
Faro – for historical sights
The capital of the Algarve, Faro provides the air-access to southern Portugal but is also a holiday destination in its own right.
The city boasts a historical old town surrounded by Roman walls and sights such as the Faro Cathedral and Museum of Faro, and the child-friendly Centro de Ciencas Vivas.
Although not within walking distance from the town centre, there are many unspoiled beaches accessible by bus, ferry or taxi and these crowd-free sandy spots are well worth the effort.
Bag a cheap Faro family holiday with Travel Supermarket or find Lagos family break deals for 2019 on lastminute.com.
Lisbon – for food and family-friendly sights
One of the biggest city-break stars of 2018, Lisbon has tons of sights, shops and nightlife – plus the beaches of Carcavelos and Cascais just 30 minutes away.
A mecca for foodies, Lisbon has a great choice of restaurants, from Portuguese tapas and fresh seafood restaurants to brunch cafes.
The city also appeals to families with attractions such as the Oceanarium (aquarium) and Pavilhão do Conhecimento (interactive science museum) – as well as riding the number 28 tram to the São Jorge Castle.
Book your 2019 Lisbon family city break with Love Holidays or browse great value Lisbon holidays on Travel Supermarket.
Sintra – for outdoor adventures
Not far from Lisbon, in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, Sintra offers a mountain retreat but with stunning beaches just a short tram ride from the town centre.
If you're a fan of the great outdoors, you'll be kept busy with mountain hikes, zip-lining and numerous water sports to try.
Plus, there are many cultural attractions in this Unesco World Heritage Site – with the Palacio de Pena (Pena Palace) and Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors) for kids to explore.
Browse Sintra 2019 hotel deals with Expedia or book a cheap 2019 Sintra family holiday with Love Holidays.
Porto – for a cosmopolitan city break
In the north of Portugal, Porto is just a two-hour flight from the UK and a great value destination for a family holiday.
A playground for history buffs, Porto is one of the oldest cities in Europe with an Unesco-listed old town full of cobbled streets and colourful houses.
The kids will love river tours on the Douro river and attractions such as the World of Discoveries and Sea Life Porto – plus fine beaches just outside the city.
Book your 2019 Porto city break with lastminute.com or browse the best Porto holiday deals – including flights and hotels – with Travel Supermarket.
Madeira – for laid-back island life
The Madeira archipelago in the Atlantic is having a bit of a revival and shouldn't be overlooked for your Portugal holiday choice.
If you've written it off as somewhere solely for seniors, think again as Madeira boasts a subtropical climate, great hiking, delicious seafood and many top-quality resorts to stay in.
Take the kids to visit the whale museum and aquarium or take a cable car ride – and there are many outdoor pools where you can enjoy the sunshine together.
Find great value Madeira family holiday deals for 2019 with TUI or book your next Madeira holiday with Thomas Cook.
Looking for more cheap holiday ideas? Discover great value holiday resorts on the Eastern Med. Find out more here.
If you're hunting for more family holiday inspiration, find the best places to stay in Cyprus in 2019.
Plus, plan the perfect Greek Island hopping trip for the New Year with our list of the best Greek islands to visit.
Source: Read Full Article