Welcome to the Douro Valley, situated in the northeastern part of Portugal, and known for its breathtaking natural beauty, its hills that are green in the summer but take on the colors of yellow, red, and brown in the fall, and are covered with pink snow in the spring when the almond blossoms awaken and fill the valley!

But of course, this region has also attracted tourists for its rich history and delicious wine, for it is in these hills that the famous Port and Douro wine is produced.

Here, we find the oldest regulated wine region in the world. Created in 1756 by the famous Marquis of Pombal, this demarcation was done to protect the quality and reputation of the wine produced there, which had become increasingly popular in England and other European countries.

(Updated April 2026)

This demarcation helped to establish boundaries within the region and set limits for wine production, such as specifying which types of grapes and the minimum alcohol to be used, indeed an essential step to ensure the quality and consistency of the wines produced there.

But, of course, its history goes even further, dating back to Roman times and culminating in UNESCO’s designation of the region as a World Heritage Site in recognition of its incredible nature, historic villages, and ancient winemaking traditions.

And, throughout this history, the legacy of this region is felt not only in the vineyards that embellish the mountains but also in several emblematic monuments that we can visit around them.

Such as the cathedral of Lamego, a baroque-style church dating from the 18th century; the train station of Pinhão, a picturesque station known for its blue tiles depicting vintage episodes; and also the Douro Museum, located in the small town of Régua, which provides an overview of the culture and history of this region.

But wine is still the main reason why people visit the Douro Valley. It is here in the Douro Valley that the large wineries that visitors find in Vila Nova de Gaia produce this nectar of the Gods.

These large wineries have long since organized themselves to receive many tourists. And if, in fact, there is something quite prestigious about the work these large producers have done over the years, namely building private museums and wineries with ample facilities. However, as in many cases when it comes to large-scale production, a personal touch cannot be felt when visiting them.

The average tourist needs to learn that countless smaller, locally produced wineries not found in Vila Nova de Gaia can be found here and produce Port and Douro wines of even better quality.

As a tour guide in this region, as I have been, it was with great pleasure that I took tourists to visit small producers who always welcomed us with open arms in their homes.

There we not only had the opportunity to taste the wine and see its production by visiting the wine presses but also to see old olive oil factories, taste their bread, see family photos, and even in some places, be invited to sit in their private homes, some dating back to the 19th century.

Visiting local producers was a guarantee that we would get in touch with the culture, the flavor, and the local and often private history of the families themselves. Certainly a much more enriching experience than the one you get when visiting large-scale wine producers.

I guarantee these minor/medium-sized producers will provide you with a unique and unforgettable experience when visiting the Douro Valley. Let’s take a look at four picturesque wineries to visit in the Douro Valley.

1. Quinta D’origem

Arriving at Quinta D’Origen, or, in other words, Senhor Paulo’s winery, can be an already memorable experience. At the top of one of the hills, this family-run winery is located in the small village of Casal dos Loivos.

The winding but scenic road takes us to the top of a hill where a centenary village lies after curves and counter curves filled with vines, cork, and orange trees. After passing by the village of Pinhão, you drive to Casal dos Loivos, and as soon as you enter the village, you can see an old gate where the name of this farm is above you.

Drivers are required to be careful when trying to park at or around its entrance. Although picturesque, the short and winding roads also hinder the circulation of many cars.

The visit starts at the old olive oil mill on this small farm, whose business I have seen grow over time. Here we can see the old machines that used to make olive oil and learn how the whole process unfolded, from picking the olives to extracting the oil from the grapes.

Moving on to another division of this small private museum, we will find an old stone tank with various artifacts used in the harvest, including the multiple baskets of vines so typical of this region.

And, of course, the best part of the Douro happens when we are taken by the hand of Mr. Paulo, the man who continued his family’s legacy, to a room with a breathtaking view of the Douro River.

The renovated space comforts the visitor with its coziness, where the wine tasting takes place and where one can also taste olive oil and grape juice, an alternative for those who do not want to taste the alcohol but have access to other products of equal quality.

Recently this farm has grown exponentially, and D’Origem already has lodging for those who visit. Staying here, and waking up with a view of the colorful valley and the panorama of the Douro River in the background, will undoubtedly be one of the most unforgettable experiences one will have.

2. Quinta do Jalloto

We continue our visit to the picturesque mountain village of Casal dos Loivos. Not far from each other, this other farm is further away from the village center and is ideal for those who want direct contact with nature, as it is found right in the middle of the vineyards that sustain it.

Here we can see them up close.

If it is summer, the visitor can see the grapes turning color. It is a time of the year when temperatures reach their highest values, one of the main factors for these vines being so sweet and pigmented.

Due to the proximity to the vineyards, it is in the Quinta do Jalloto that we can also see one of the main characteristics of the soil in this region. These schistous rocks are fundamental in the process. But caution is required. Do not touch them in the middle of summer, or you may burn your hands.

These rocks accumulate an enormous amount of heat. This is one of the main pieces of advice Marta—the boss’s daughter-in-law—gives us when we visit the farm.

While her husband and father-in-law work in wine production, Marta is the one who receives tourists, speaking English and also giving them tastings of Rosé, Red and White wines, and Port wine on their premises, after also visiting the winery where the wine is stored throughout the year.

The tastings take place on a terrace overlooking the hill. The scenery, the friendliness, and the quality of the flavors are so great that the biggest challenge when visiting Jalloto is to leave it.

3. Quinta da Dona Eufémia

We are now further away from the Pinhão village area, and the traveler heads more in the direction of the town of Régua.

A few kilometers before this town, we take the road toward the small village of Parada do Bispo. Once again, and like almost all roads in the valley, we drive up the mountain on a winding road, but beautiful at every turn.

This old family farm is certainly the ex libris of this small village, both for its history and the outstanding quality of wine production. As far as history is concerned, it is also here that we can find the Pombaline marker number 27, the last one of that first demarcation.

This winery, located on a hillside south of the Douro River, has over 45 hectares of vineyards and still uses granite wine presses where each year, at harvest time, the grapes are trodden traditionally with the feet.

The guided tour is usually always with someone from the family; this is a traditional business, and the guided tour is always more intimate. The tour is followed by wine tasting from Port wine to Douro table wines.

4. Quinta das Lamelas

Started in 1836, Quinta das Lamelas, or for those more intimate, Quinta do Senhor Guedes, is a picturesque farm located on the south side of the Douro valley, about ten minutes from the city of Peso da Régua.

Besides the delicious Port wines, as well as the table wines, the most beautiful thing about this farm is to see the landscape full of vineyards, the old 19th-century house, as well as a chapel that belongs to the family and that tells the story of the Sunday mass being celebrated there for the workers of the farm.

Depending on the time of year, the landscape is filled with almond trees in bloom or orange trees laden with fruit. Mr. Guedes, a friendly man who owns it, may be around the house and would be happy to give you a guided tour. If not, the lovely maid will gladly introduce you to the farm, even if she only speaks Portuguese.

You can also take a tour through Cool Tours Porto, where you can visit some of the recommended farms. In case of any specific preference, please contact them before the tour to know which farms you will see.

There’s so much to be said about the Alentejo. This region, located in center-southern Portugal, covers over 31,600 km2 of land, the largest in the whole country.

Between Lisbon and the Algarve, the Alentejo provides those visiting it with a diverse experience.

From vast fields with olive groves and cork trees to hilltop villages with ancient castles and a stunning coastline of beaches, the Alentejo has so much to offer. Let’s take a look at the 6 best things to do in Alentejo for your next trip to the region.

(Updated April 2026)

Guide to the Alentejo

1. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Evora

You cannot go to Alentejo without going to Evora, the capital of the region. The landmarks in the Historic Center of Evora were primarily built in the 15th century, while the famous Roman Temple was constructed around the first century A.D.

Evora’s history is thus incredibly rich. The city has been a political and social center boasting a two million-year history.

The Historic Center of Evora was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 due to its significant historical events from the 16th century as a time of religious influence and urban planning to the concentric growth of the town in the 17th century.

Book Evora Private Day Trip

2. Visit the Beja Castle

Sitting on a 900 feet hill, Beja is a unique city that overviews the plans of the Baixo Alentejo. Beja has an incredibly rich cultural heritage and history, which can be seen in its architecture. If you’re in this area, we recommend visiting the Beja castle!

A medieval castle, Beja was built somewhere between the beginning of the third century and the end of the fourth century. A National Monument, the castle is open to visitors every day, and at an affordable ticket price, this is a must-see. 

For the best view head to the Torre de Menagem, a tower made of marble 40 meters tall. Featuring Gothic and Manueline styles, Beja Castle is highly historically significant, particularly for its role in the Reconquista from the Moors in 1159.

3. Swim on some of the best beaches in Portugal

Towards the South, the Alentejo features some of the best beaches in Portugal. Instead of the crowded beaches of the Algarve and Lisbon, the Alentejo features quieter and more secluded beaches known to locals. 

One of our favorite beaches in the Alentejo is Praia do Almograve, located in the quaint village of Almograve. A long golden sand beach along the Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Almograve features the Sardao Cape to the South, offering views of the coastline and inaccessible and natural beaches.

The beach is closed off in the extremities by cliffs, making it a great spot for windy days. After a relaxing morning on the beach, walk a few minutes to the Almograve village where there are plenty of traditional Portuguese restaurants serving affordable lunches.

Another great beach in the Alentejo is Praia da Franquia in Vila Nova de Milfontes. Praia da Franquia is one of the most sheltered beaches in the area, making it popular for canoeing, paddling, and windsurfing. This small beach has a long tradition of being a popular one in the area, being featured in literature since the 19th century.

One of the best beaches for families with children, as well as water sports lovers, Praia da Franquia is rarely full of tourists and offers a relaxing beach day without too much commotion. Its located close to the town and features several facilities such as a lifeguard, bathrooms, and cafes.

4. Discover the cuisine of Alentejo

Alentejo food is extremely unique. It is primarily based on heavy meats and traditional wheat bread baked in the region. You will find a whole range of flavors from local products including cheeses and olive oil. 

A traditional dish is the Alentejo bread stews (Açorda) which are made from hard Alentejo bread, garlic, eggs, and olive oil, providing a large comfort food.

Black Iberian pork dishes are also popular, produced from local pigs, including secretos de porco perto and migas de porco preto. Another dish to try is the Alentejo lamb stew, a tasty comfort dish. 

But don’t forget the desserts and sweets! Try the queijada de Evora, pasteis de toucinho, and more. 

Top Restaurant Picks in the Alentejo

• Herdade do Esporao Restaurant
• Campo do Caroco
• Taberna Tipica Quarta-Feira
• Taberna do Adro
• Vinho e Noz

5. Head to Marvao and Castelo de Vide

Located in northern Alentejo, Marvao and Castelo de Vide are towns not to miss, two scenic settlements in Alentejo close to each other.

Marvao was included in New York Times’ 100 Places to See before You Die! The city has a medieval castle with one of the world’s best views, but also a unique Gothic Convento de Nossa Senhora da Estrela convent and the Santa Maria Church.

Note that Marvao is home to three great art events, an annual international festival of classical music taking place in July-August, Periferias international film festival, unfolding in August each year, and Al-Mossassa, a tribute to the town’s Moorish past.

Along with Marvo,  Castelo de Vide has a similar picturesque feel with a medieval castle just like Marvao, but has some unique sites such as its eye-pleasing Jewish Quarter, with its splendid museum. 

6. Explore Vila Nova de Mil Fontes

Located in Odemira, Vila Nova de Mil Fontes lies at the mouth of the Mira Riva and is surrounded by the Southwest Alentejo and the Vicentine Coast Natural Park. The town has some of the best beaches in Portugal as well as a picturesque village and harbor with fishing boats.

The town of Vila Nova is great to explore! Visit St. Clement Fort, a fort built in the 17th century that is now an exclusive hotel. Discover the great restaurants, artisan shops, and patisseries in the town center and enjoy the Moorish architecture of the buildings. 

Moreover, Vila Nova de Mil Fontes has some amazing beaches. The best beaches to visit in Vila Nova are Praia da Franquia, Praia das Furnas, and Almograve, 10 kilometers away. Beware that, in this area of Portugal, the water is quite cold, and the waves can get large. 

The town also has amazing restaurants such as Tasco do Celso, a family restaurant in the center with fresh seafood, and Restaurante Alento, a traditional restaurant with an open kitchen and beautiful presentation. 

A quaint city in Central Portugal, located between Lisbon and Porto, Leiria’s population is under 150,000. Despite its small size, it remains a popular destination for tourists due to its rich history and architecture.

Throughout thousands of years, the area Leiria has been occupied, as traces show archeological evidence going back 5,000 years. Although Leiria has today expanded into an industrial center, it’s no surprise that due to such a unique history, so many decide to visit the city. 

If you are spending a few days in Leiria or just stopping by for a few hours on a road trip, let’s take a look at the 5 best things to do in Leiria.

(Updated April 2026)

1. Visit the Leiria Castle

If you can only do one thing in Leiria, make sure to visit the Leiria Castle. Built by D. Afonso Henriques, the Castelo de Leiria is a medieval castle from the 12th century. It was originally built by the King to defend against the Moors as a military fortress.

Along the years, as Leiria became more important, the castle was improved and changed to a royal palace. The castle has four floors, a loggia that has eight arches and offers panoramic views of the city, as well as a Royal Hall with a total of 130 square meters that was used for receptions by royals.

The castle reflects many periods of unique architecture, such as 12th-century Romanesque, 14th-century Gothic Dionysus, early 15th-century Gothic Johannine, as well as restoration trends of the late 19th and early 20th century. 

2. Explore the Museum of the Moving Image

If you’re in the mood for some culture, head to the Museum of the Moving Image. Also known as the m|i|mo, this is a space that hosts exhibitions about cinema and photography focused on art and science.

The museum also regularly hosts creative activities. The museum gained recognition in 2011 from the Portuguese Association of Museology in the category of Best Portuguese Museum. Residents can visit for free on Sundays and holidays.

3. Taste the local cuisine

While northern cuisine might be more well-known, the center of Portugal has delicious gastronomy. These foods are not only explained by the topography and climate but also by the history marked by the passage of the Romans and Moors.

There are a few typical dishes from this region that you must try, produced with locally sourced ingredients such as the olive oil and herbs. Some delicious dishes include rabbit, fish stew, suckling big of Boavista, sopa da pedra (a soup with meats and sausages), and migas (made of cornbread and garlic) more. 

Our favorite restaurant in Leiria is Restaurante Hotel Rural Casa da Nora. Featuring thousands of 5-star reviews, this place serves some of the best food in central Portugal and is one of the best restaurants to try out some of these dishes. Other amazing restaurants in Leiria include Casinha Velha, O Convite, and Mata Bicho Real Taverna.

4. Afternoon in Fatima

Fatima is only a 25-minute drive from Leiria and is the perfect place for an afternoon of exploring.

This city is a hotspot of religious tourism that welcomes over 8 million pilgrims a year. Known for being the home of the Sanctuary of Fatima, the city is where the miracle of Fatima that was allegedly witnessed by 70,000 people in 1917. 

Fátima is not only known as a religious site, but the city is also filled with cultural activities. From lighting a candle at the sanctuary for a loved one to visiting local villages, the city has a lot to offer.

We recommend visiting the sanctuary first, but there are also other activities, such as a cave and a wax museum. Take a look at our guide to Fatima here, which includes the best tours, hotels, and restaurants in the city.

5. Head to the Monastery of Batalha

A 15-minute drive from the center of Leiria, you must head to Monastery of Batalha. The monastery was constructred in commemoration of the 1385 Battle of the Aljubarotta and is the burial church of the 15th-century Aviz dynasty of Portuguese royalty.  

In 1983, it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its architecture and historical significance. The monastery reflects both the Manueline style and Late Flamboyant Gothic architecture. Inside, there are different chapels and cloisters with their own unique styles.

You will find the tomb of King Joao I and his English wife inside with statutes of the two holding hands, representing the relationship between England and Portugal.

Book Tours & Experiences in Leiria

When we talk about the Middle Ages, a set of gloomy images come to mind: a time submerged in a thick fog, also a metaphor for the cultural and socio-economic doldrums of the time and for the Black Death that in Europe exterminated almost all its population.

Despite everything, in this not-so-idyllic image, another one appears, the representation of imposing castles used to protect populations from the constant invasions, plundering, and wars of conquest and reconquest of the territory, contrasting and demystifying a little the idea of cultural stagnation that always characterized this time.

In this image, although so Eurocentric, Portugal was clearly not left out, and to prove it are the many castles still there to be visited and discovered throughout the Portuguese territory.

They are also proof of this territorial development and the security of its populations, as well as, equally, the construction and identity of a people.

Some historical facts are necessary to better understand the influence of these fortifications. The Treaty of Alcanizes in 1297, signed between the kings of the two kingdoms, until then enemies, defined the borders of the kingdom of Portugal.

However, until then, these castles were crucial in the defense of the Portuguese territory from north to south. Still, it is necessary to go back to before the foundation of the kingdom of Portugal, to understand that in the 9th century, the territory witnessed a constant fight between Christians and Muslims in the historical process of the reconquest.

This process led to a reconfiguration of the Christian monarchs who tried to reorganize themselves to recover the lost territories. Amid all this chaos, castles were born out of a need for protection and became one of the armies’ most significant allies in defending the territory.

Once the expeditions against the Muslims were over, it was now a matter of delimiting the borders between the various Christian kingdoms.

The castle tradition was kept up, building a new one under something older or sometimes making everything from scratch to defend Portuguese territory against the enemy kingdoms of Leon and Castile.

Among the various castles erected in the Middle Ages, we have selected castles in the Interior of Portugal that, being a short distance from each other, can be visited during a weekend. Take a look at 5 castles to discover in Portugal’s interior below.

(Updated April 2026)

1. Penedono Castle

When we are in front of this castle, we barely realize that we are facing more than a thousand years of history. A story that begins to be told even before the foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal.

The castle that the traveler has in front of them will have been a very simple structure erected in the tenth century for hundreds of years. But this primitive and simple structure will not have resisted the invasions of Almançor, a military and political man from Alandalus linked to the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula started in the 8th century.

Later, still under the government of Leon, Ferdinand I the Great would undertake its renovation. And already in times of the Kingdom of Portugal, the settlement of Penedono in 1195 was stimulated by Dom Sancho I, the second king of Portugal and whose nickname, The Settler, did him justice.

Later, in 1373, King Fernando donated the castle to Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, who became its mayor. His descendants would make the changes we can see during the visit.

During the Ferdinandine wars (1369-1382), the alcaide of Penedono fought alongside the master of Avis in the battle of Trancoso, which would open the doors to victory in the Battle of Aljubarrota (1385). In the 15th and early 16th centuries, the space was totally reformulated to be adapted to a manor house.

With so many reformulations throughout the centuries, it can be said that Penedono Castle as we see it today originated in the 13th century. It is classified as a national monument and is worth the trip to see this beautiful fortification and village where other monuments can also be visited.

This includes the Mother Church of Penedono (late 17th century), Menir of Penedono, the Megalithic Necropolis of Lameira de Cima in Antas, the pillory in front of Penedono’s Castle, as well as secular churches and chapels of the village.

Visiting hours: 

Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm 

Price: Free entrance

Please be careful when climbing around the ramparts, especially with children.

2. Trancoso’s Castle

It is quite curious to see that when we speak of the Portuguese Middle Ages, several feminine voices stand out. From Mumadona Dias – the most powerful woman in the northwest Iberian Peninsula (10th century), responsible for building the wall and the Castle of Guimarães – to her niece Dona Flâmula Rodrigues who donated in her will ten fortifications to the monastery of Guimarães.

Among them, in the tenth century, the Castle of Trancoso appears as one of the most impressive.

It is curious to see how a woman in the middle of the Middle Ages owned such an impressive set of fortifications, namely Trancoso and Penedono.

But it is the one in Trancoso that stands out the most, with its keep dating from the 10th century, which later originated the rest of the castle, suffering subsequent reforms in the 12th and 13th centuries.

As were the others, this tower served to watch over and control the territory of Trancoso. However, this fortification also did not resist the same Almançor invasions that also occurred in Penedono.

By the end of the 10th century, the Muslim flag was raised on its tower. With a shared history, also here, King Fernando the Great of Leon, during the military campaign of 1055, recovered the castle by handing it over to its previous owners, the Monastery of Guimarães.

From that time on, in the 12th century, even before the foundation of Portugal, the construction of the wall began. This would be reinforced by king D. Dinis (who reigned between 1279 and 1325), who ordered the addition of seven walled towers.

This wall was restored in 1173, 1282, 1530, and more recently in 1940, during the Estado Novo regime during the Portuguese World Exhibition.

Visiting hours:

From June 1 to September 30, Monday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

From October 1 to May 31, weekdays are from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Closed Easter Sunday, May 1, November 1, December 24th and 25th, December 31, and January 1.

Price: Free entrance

3. Castelo Rodrigo’s Castle

A few meters from the border with Spain, we find a historic village, once surrounded by medieval walls that, like so many, served to protect its inhabitants from constant barbarian offensives.

Right next to the border, the dispute for this little land lasted more than 130 years. On the one hand, the king of Leon created a defensive line on the right bank of the Côa River, where the castle was integrated, and the name of this village will be related to the name of a count called Rodrigo I, that governed the city between the 11th and 12th century.

The castle, of which few ruins now remain, will have had its foundation in a hill that also belonged to Flâmula Rodrigues. In 1209, Afonso 4º, King of León, promulgated the first charter of Castelo Rodrigo, intending to turn the town into a fortress of the kingdom to prevent the invasive actions of the Portuguese.

At the beginning of the reign of Portugal, the castle underwent several changes, the biggest ones made by D. Dinis, who rebuilt the keep and reinforced the protected fence with multiple turrets.

This castle was also a significant part of Portugal’s history, particularly between 1383-1385, during the dynastic crisis. However, the connections of this land with Castelo made it refuse to receive D. João I as king of Portugal in 1396.

Only a year later, this small fief would be solved, and the doors opened to the master of Avis. During the reign of D. Sebastião, in the 16th century, the castle was donated to a count, Cristóvão de Moura, in the service of Filipe II of Spain.

It would undergo a series of transformations by introducing a sumptuous palace. The restoration of independence in 1640, after 60 years under the rule of the Philippine dynasty, would greatly influence the friendship between the count and the Spanish king.

At war with the count, the mob went to the castle and burned down the palace, explaining the ruins we can see today. And even though the new king of the fourth and last Portuguese dynasty paid attention to renovating the walls, the palace was never recovered.

Visiting hours: October 1 through February 28, 9 am to 12:30 pm and 2 pm to 5:30 pm; March 1 through September 30, 9:30 am to 1 pm and 2:30 pm to 6 pm. Closed December 24 and 25, January and Easter Sunday.

Price: 1.10 Euro

4. Belmonte Castle

Belmonte could go unnoticed as another Portuguese village lost in the Beira Baixa region. But whoever travels through these lands will pass by one of the most important Portuguese villages, whose castle is inseparable from the history of Portugal.

It was there that Pedro Álvares Cabral, the famous navigator who would reach Brazil and make this enormous land known to Portugal, was born.

But if the navigator was born in the 15th century, Belmonte’s Castle is older, dating back to the middle of the 13th century during the reign of Dom Afonso III – the fifth Portuguese king.

The castle replaced an old fortification recorded from 1223, which, common at the time, protected a small population cluster. Its decline was accentuated after the treaty of Alcanizes in 1297, where the sovereign kings of León and Castle Fernando IV and the Portuguese king Dinis established peace in the territory by delimiting the border limits of both kingdoms.

But also, its geographical position did not help in its maintenance. Its proximity to the border was a step closer to having its walls and dwellings destroyed by the enemies, mainly during the dynastic crisis of 1383-1385.

The typical machicolation balconies of the architectural ensemble can be seen there and date back to the late 13th century and early 14th century. But it was in the 15th century, more specifically in 1466, that D. Afonso V donated the castle to Fernão Nunes de Cabral.

He undertook a major reconfiguration in the layout of the walls and ordered the construction of a residential area, turning the castle into a palace. However, in the 18th century, a violent fire destroyed a large part of the palace, ending its habitation.

The Cabral family left the castle for good and moved to the current Casa dos Condes. But even today, when visiting the castle, one can still see the Cabral family coat of arms, something one cannot remain indifferent to.

Of course, Belmonte has a lot more to tell, namely the important Jewish community that has lived there since the Middle Ages, but for now, the visits are for the castle, considered a National Monument.

Visiting hours: Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Closed January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and December 25th

Price: 2 euros

5. Sabugal Castle

Last on our journey stands one of the best-preserved castles in Portugal, the Castle of Sabugal, whose majestic structure reveals its strategic importance in defending the borders of the Portuguese kingdom.

It was also occupied by King Dinis in the campaign of 1296. This castle was another reinforcement to strengthen the border and was ostentatious of its power during this period.

The castle’s completion took place in 1303, together with other defensive systems – Castelo Rodrigo, Almeida, Castelo Bom, Vilar Maior, Castelo Melhor, and Alfaiates. Also, in this one, we can see its tower keep 27 meters high, with machicolation balconies.

Use your imagination, and imagine yourself being the enemy under those balconies. You could be hit with arrows or boiling oil, a position that would not be at all the most desirable.

Nowadays, with no enemies in the tower, visitors can climb to the top of the building, if they don’t suffer from vertigo, and let themselves be enchanted not only by the castle but also by the surrounding landscape of one of the most beautiful places in Portugal.

Visiting hours: Open every day, from June to August, from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm, and from September to May, from 9:30 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm.

Price: 2 Euros (includes a visit to the museum)

Traveling with kids can be stressful. Luckily, Lisbon is a very child-friendly capital and your trip to Lisbon can be stress-free if you plan accordingly. Lisbon gets over 4 million tourists a year, many of which are little ones. This cosmopolitan city with great cultural heritage, architecture, and cuisine caters to those of all ages, despite what most might think. 

From fun family activities like the “hippo” amphibious sightseeing tour to independent activities for just the kids, the options are endless. Let’s take a look at the 7 best things to do in Lisbon with kids to make your trip memorable.

(Updated April 2026)

Travel Guide to Lisbon

1. Ride the “Hippo” Amphibious Sightseeing Tour of Lisbon

Our top activity to do with kids in Lisbon is this “Hippo” tour, an amphibious sightseeing guided tour of Lisbon. The tour starts off in a vehicle that appears to be a bus, covering top attractions such as the Commerce Square and Avenida da Liberdade.

The “Hippo” bus later on rides onto the Tagus River, transforming into a boat! This trip is thus set to shock your kids in a positive way. Sailing through the Tagus River, you get a unique view of Lisbon from the water, passing by the Belem Tower and the Monument of the Discoveries.

There is an English and Portuguese guide available that will tell you all about the places you see and the history of Lisbon. However, keep in mind that only children over 2 years old are allowed on this tour.

Book the “Hippo” Amphibious Tour

2. Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium

The Oceanário de Lisboa in Parque das Nações, the city‘s aquarium, is one of the largest in Europe. This place has over 8,000 creatures from 500 species, making it the perfect activity for a date or family day. Over 17 million visitors from 140 countries have visited the aquarium since it opened in 1998. Every year, over 1 million people visit the aquarium.

The Oceanário de Lisboa is divided into 4 separate bodies of water, representing the North Atlantic, Antarctic, Temperate Pacific, and Tropical Indian Ocean. From cute otters to sharks, this aquarium has every animal you want to see. Buy your ticket here to skip the line at the entrance and enjoy free cancellation.

Buy Lisbon Oceanarium Tickets

3. Tuk Tuk tour of the Portuguese capital

This is one is especially fun for those who get easily bored at museums but need an activity in Lisbon on a rainy day. Your kids are set to get excited when they see the picturesque tuk tuk that will ride on! Book this private electric tuk tuk tour of Lisbon with a local guide. This tour is an eco-friendly way to visit the best sights in the city.

The tour stops at all the major attractions such as Alfama and Mouraria, the historic neighborhoods, as well as Praca do Comercio and Belem. The tuk tuk also stops at the best Lisbon viewpoints for photo ops of the city. 

Book Private Electric Tuk Tuk Tour of Lisbon  

4. Enjoy a family beach day nearby

Kids love the beach and if you live somewhere far away from one, you’re in luck! Lisbon is only 15 minutes away from the sea and you can get there by public transportation. And you won’t be going to just any beaches, Lisbon has some of the best beaches in Europe, perfect for a city break.

Costa da Caparica is only 20 minutes away, an area with some of the best beaches in Greater Lisbon. Another alternative is going to Cascais or Sintra, where there are fewer busy beaches with loads of space.

Here are our favorite beaches near Lisbon:

• Praia da Cornélia (Costa da Caparica)
• Praia da Mata (Costa da Caparica)
• Praia do Guincho (Cascais)
• Praia da Adraga (Sintra)
• Praia do Magoito (Sintra)

Book a beach experience near Lisboa

5. Tram 28

If a tour is not really your style and you are looking for a more affordable way to see the city with your family, we recommend taking the 28 tram. Although the tram is a public transport service, due to the places it rides through, think of it as a cheap tourist tour.

This tram line connects Martim Moniz with Campo do Ourique. The tram stops in popular tourist districts such as Alfama, Baixa, Estrela, and Graca. In a traditional yellow tram, you will ride a scenic route through Lisbon’s narrow and steep streets, the perfect fall morning in Lisbon.

We recommend riding the train early in the morning to avoid crowds. Make sure to beware of pickpocketers!

6. Learn about Lisbon history at S. Jorge Castle

Open every day of the week, Castelo de Sao Jorge is located in Santa Maria Maior and is open to visitors. The medieval castle overlooks the historical center of Lisbon and includes guided tours in various languages, allowing your kids to learn a bit about the local history. 

The castle’s construction has an interesting history. First, a small fortress was built by the Visigoths during the fifth century. It was made larger by the Moors in the eleventh century, who invaded the Iberian peninsula.

During the reign of Afonso I of Portugal in the twelfth century, it was altered and made into an official Royal Palace. It was then completely restored in 1938 by the dictatorship of Salazar as part of a commemoration of Portuguese patriotism and independence. 

Book Sao Jorge Castle Tickets to Skip the Line

7. KidZania

KidZania is literally a kid’s dream spot. Located in the UBBO shopping mall in Lisbon, KidZania is an interactive city made for children up to the age of 15 that combines fun and learning through realistic role plays.

Kids can explore a city independently, with more than 60 careers to try. Your kids can be doctors, scholars, lawyers, firefighters, and more. They earn Kidzos (the city’s currency) from their work, and they can then spend it on games. Not only is this a fun activity, but it teaches kids how to manage money and navigate the real world. 

The KidZania site in Lisbon includes a hospital, airport, factories, shops, police station, TV studio, fire department, beauty salon, and more. 

Book Tours & Activities in Lisbon