Several of the places that we feature under the main JO&SO hotel collection are small and boutique, which can sometimes mean they are not so great for children. However, we often get emails from people asking us to advise on the best family-friendly hotels in Portugal, without compromising on the boutique and design style that we admire.
So here are our handpicked hotels in Portugal that are perfect for families and kids, organised by the following regions:
• Family-Friendly Hotels in Lisbon
• Family-Friendly Hotels in Porto
• Family-Friendly Hotels in the Algarve
• Family-Friendly Hotels in Alentejo
• Family-Friendly Hotels in the North & Douro
• Family-Friendly Hotels in the Centre of Portugal
• Family-Friendly Hotels in the Azores
The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Lisbon
Martinhal Lisbon Chiado Family Suites
Children are central to the property’s philosophy, and there is a kids club open day and night, covering the ages of 6 months up to early teens. Located in Chiado, in the heart of Lisbon, with 37 types of accommodation ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments.
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Dona Graça Lisbon Apartments
Gorgeous apartments located in Graça, one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods of Lisbon. The interiors are thoughtfully decorated in natural tones, and the swimming pool will be very welcome after a warm day walking through the hills. There are 8 accommodations types, ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments. Breakfast is delivered to your door each morning.
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The Lisboans Apartments
Serviced stylish apartments set in a stunning townhouse, right in the heart of historical Lisbon. All units (or you could call them homes) showcase their own exclusive interior design, ranging from one to two bedrooms, and every living-room comes furnished with a sofa bed. Daily cleaning, laundry services and breakfast are included, which is a lovely touch.
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The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Porto
Baumhaus Serviced Apartments
Designer apartments set in a gorgeous four-storey building in the centre of Porto. Guests can also enjoy a beautiful garden with an iconic pine tree, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the city.
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Flattered to be in Porto
Apartments situated in the residential neighbourhood Foz do Douro, offering sea views and near restaurants and bars. It’s a 15-minute drive to Porto’s centre on the bus or tram (Uber, Taxify etc. widely available). Perfect for those who want to stay off the beaten track – away from the tourist crowds yet close to everything.
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The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in the Algarve
Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel
A five-star family-centred resort in the Algarve overlooking a magnificent beach, offering boutique style rooms and villas with private balconies and terraces. There are 3 restaurants (all with play areas), 4 bars, 5 swimming pools, tennis courts, and various activities for children of all ages.
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Aldeia da Pedralva
Located in the countryside near beautiful wild beaches, Aldeia da Pedralva was built from the ruins of an abandoned traditional Portuguese village. The resort offers 50 fully equipped one to three-bedroom cottages, a seasonal swimming pool, and plenty of outdoor activities such as surfing, biking and bird watching. Expect to spot grazing sheep, donkeys and chickens.
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Memmo Baleeira
A four-star design hotel in the Western Algarve town of Sagres, offering 144 rooms and family-friendly suites of one or two bedrooms with kitchenettes. Facilities include a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool with magnificent ocean views, a spa, a gym, and a heated indoor pool. Meanwhile, the children can enjoy themselves at the kid’s club, biking or taking surf classes at the hotel’s own surf centre.
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Vila Monte Farm House
A tranquil retreat with a garden and two swimming pools, set among an orange grove in sunny Algarve, a 10-minute drive away from the beautiful Fuseta beach. There’s also a wide range of activities for both adults and kids, including visiting a nearby farm and meeting the resident animals.
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Praia Verde Boutique Hotel
A boutique hotel located in the Eastern Algarve surrounded by a lush pine forest, overlooking the sea. The 40 bright and airy suites all come with a separate living room complete with sofa bed (perfect for children), and a kitchenette. There’s a mix of cultural, playful and gastronomy activities for the whole family to enjoy.
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The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Alentejo
Herdade da Matinha
A rural hotel in Cercal, in Alentejo, surrounded by wonderful scenery, near the spectacular beaches of the Vicentine Coast. The Herdade offers several activities including picnics, yoga, surf classes, cooking lessons, and magnificent horse riding.
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São Lourenço do Barrocal
A 19th-century estate retreat in Alentejo set amidst ancient oaks, olive groves and vineyards. The property offers 40 accommodation units: 22 rooms, 2 suites, a cottage with one bedroom, 13 cottages with two bedrooms, and 2 cottages with three-bedrooms; all of which have private terraces. There’s also a restaurant, a spa, a winery, and stables, among other experiences.
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Vale do Gaio
A relaxed boutique hotel in a breathtaking setting deep in the heart of Alentejo. It’s a rural hotel with modern rooms, remote yet only a 1hr 20min drive from Lisbon. This is the sort of place where you come to relax although there are plenty of activities at hand, be it fishing, kayaking, bird watching, or simply enjoying the swimming pool or playing board games.
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Casa no Tempo
An old family farm turned into a luxury holiday home in the Alentejo countryside, offering four suites with luxury bedding, walk-in showers, heated rust-red clay flooring, and locally-made wooden furniture. The 400 square-metre swimming pool is dreamy. Only an hour’s drive from Lisbon.
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Casas Caiadas
Old water mills have been turned into a gorgeous trio of whitewashed cottages in the heart of the Alentejo, making it an excellent option for a family or group holiday. The largest villa has three bedrooms. Breakfast is served daily, and meals can be organised upon request. Complimentary bikes are available and the area is popular for hiking, cycling, birdwatching, or stargazing at night.
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Casas da Lupa
“Casas da Lupa” is made up of three separate buildings that house 4 master suites, 4 suites and 3 double rooms, all surrounded by a large garden and pool. There’s a wide range of activities suitable for the whole family, from fitness to treasure hunting and wine tasting.
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Cerca do Sul
An 8-hectare property with broad views over Monchique and the sea, perfect to relax and enjoy the peaceful nature. There are 7 double rooms, a communal living room, dining room, chill out room with games, and a kitchenette for guests to use. There is a swimming pool and a kid’s playground. Babysitting available by appointment.
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The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in the North & Douro
FeelViana Sports Hotel
Overlooking the Atlantic Cabedelo Beach, in Viana do Castelo, this recently opened four-star resort is perfect for those seeking active holidays in Portugal, offering a wealth of fitness activities. The sleek bungalows are ideal for families, and watersports lovers will be in for a treat, as the beach is right on your doorstep. A 40-minute drive from Porto.
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Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park
A thermal spa hotel in the form of eco-houses and tree-houses scattered around a centuries-old park. Each eco-house has its own balcony and fully equipped kitchen. If you have ever had treehouse or cabin-in-the-wood fantasies, this is the place for you. The hotel offers complimentary bikes with great trails to ride and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.
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Vidago Palace
A majestic palace surrounded by the natural beauty of green parklands. For parents travelling with more than two children, you can request interconnecting rooms. A babysitting service is available on request, and there’s a kids club offering an array of fun activities for the little ones.
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Six Senses Douro Valley
A spa retreat hotel nestled in a 19th-century manor house overlooking the vine-covered hills of the Douro Valley. There are 41 guest bedrooms, 9 suites and 7 villas, some with private pools and gardens with sweeping panoramas. The hotel offers a range of fun and quirky workshops for both adults and children.
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The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in the Lisbon Coast
Martinhal Lisbon Cascais Family Resort Hotel
Located in the Lisbon seaside town of Cascais near the beach, Martinhal offers a five-star experience tailored for families. Facilities include a superb kids club and playground, 3 swimming pools, 3 restaurants and a Finisterra Spa. Suites feature living and dining areas; two-storey villas have kitchens. Room service is available 24/7.
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Pestana Troia Eco-Resort & Residences
Located in the tranquil Tróia Peninsula, this eco-resort features villas and holiday homes (up to five bedrooms with private pools) that are surrounded by nature with access to indoor and outdoor pools. Only a 5-minute walk from the beach. Guests are invited to use sustainable vehicles and enjoy all the facilities, including tennis and paddle-ball courts, access to saunas, steam rooms and the gym.
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Surfers Lodge
Expect laid back vibes, a rooftop pool and creative rooms at this family-friendly boutique surf lodge in Peniche’s little gem Baleal, just across from the beach. There are one to two-bedroom suites and family-rooms with three bunk beds.
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Noah Surf House
From the same owners as the nearby Areias do Seixo, Noah is perfect for those looking for some surf action near Lisbon. The hotel offers surf classes, SUP tours, Yoga, complimentary bike hire, and a functional training gym. There’s a skate park and an outdoor pool overlooking the beach.
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Casas na Areia
Four fully equipped seaside cottages with a special twist: white sand instead of traditional floors. These stunning huts are integrated on the natural reserve of the river Sado in Comporta, home to a great variety of wildlife.
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Rio do Prado
Nestled amongst tranquil surroundings, the eco-design Rio do Prado near Óbidos offers energy efficient suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with garden views. There are 2 outdoor pools, spa facilities, a sun terrace and 5 lakes.
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The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in the Centre of Portugal
Casa das Penhas Douradas Design Hotel & SPA
Breathe in the crisp, clear air of the surrounding Serra da Estrela mountains at this four-star boutique hotel. Inspired by local architecture and constructed using natural materials such as cork and wood.
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Luz Charming Houses
A boutique hotel in Fátima, featuring cute studios, rooms, a wellness area and a swimming pool.
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The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in the Azores
Pink House Azores
We love the look of this restored old barn turned into design boutique accommodation, a 7-minute drive from the historical centre of São Miguel. The property is made up of two units: a three-bedroom house and a studio with garden views, both featuring well-equipped kitchens. There’s a communal seasonal outdoor pool, daily cleaning and a delicious seasonal breakfast, which is served each morning.
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Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort
Modern and exotic eco-villas in Ribeira Grande, on the north coast of São Miguel Island, carefully decorated and attentive to sustainable materials, offering direct access to the beach. The one and two-bedroom villas are all air-conditioned and feature a full kitchenette, living room, balcony, and a bathroom. There’s also a beach bar, swimming pool, and a wellness centre.
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That’s all for now, although we will be updating this list regularly.
Don’t forget to check out the full JO&SO collection – featuring all the cool places to stay in Portugal, all tried & tested by us. We also have a lot more hotels in our Watchlist.
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Wishing you unforgettable memories from your trips 🙂
Obrigada,
xx
JO&SO
(Joana and Sofia)