jeanned

We are planning a vacation to Portugal and have reserved a house which is about 30 minutes north of Lisbon. We are a family of five, with three boys aged 18, 16, & 10. We plan to make day trips to the beach (which one do you recommend? ), Sintra, Evora, Obidos, Tomar, Fatima and maybe Porto. After this week, we may spend a few days in Lisbon. I would appreciate recommendations of anything that children in particular might like to do. I also would love recommendations for restaurants.

We are also considering going to Seville after our time in Portugal and then fly out via Madrid. Does anyone know if there is a direct train from Lisbon to Sevilla? I have looked but haven't found one.

Thanks.

Robert2533

There is no direct train from Lisbon to Sevilla. You can fly if you'd like, but with a family of 5, I would do a private transfer or even take the bus.

You'll be close to the Silver Coast (www.silvercoastlife.com), where you will find more then enough to keep the boys engaged.

luz_de_lisboa

If your timing is right, you can attend a futebol match. Sporting and Benfica are the big teams in town, and of course the Portugal national team.

There are a number of places along the water to rent bicycles and pedal karts.

I would think that many things in Lisboa appeal to all ages, you won't need to focus on "kid" stuff, especially since kiddie things would probably only appeal to your youngest. For example, a visit to the castle, taking a tram, historic museums such as the Maritime museum and Coach Museum, boat tour.

Enjoy your visit!

jeanned

Thanks so much. Any recommendations of good restaurants in Lisbon luz_de_lisboa?

jeanned

Also we will be renting a car and I have read mixed reviews on the toll system as well as the honesty of the rental agencies. Is the toll system easy to manage? How expensive is it? Which rental agencies do you recommend?

jeanned

We have decided to skip Spain and will spend our entire time in Portugal. After our week north of Lisbon, we will head South to check out the Algarve. Any recommendations for hotels in that area?

luz_de_lisboa

Hi Jeanned, a search of this forum will bring up restaurants in Lisboa that visitors seem to like. A good choice is the food hall at Mercado da Ribeira, near the Cais do Sodre station, which will cater to everyone's moods even if you can't agree on cuisines. Alternatively, my recommendation is that the best restaurant is the one that's nearby when the family is hungry Restaurants post menus outside, and there plenty of pleasant places to eat along pedestrian streets, surrounding the main praças and on the river.

serbap

Hi,

30 minutes North of Lisbon? Near the beach?
When?

Here's a few suggestions for all:
- Sintra Canopy at Mourish Castle, great adventure
- Rent a free bike at Cascais and go to Guincho beach, be there early. Bike system is called BICAS
- Go to the beach in the morning (use sunscreen). The wind during June, July and early August can ruin a beach afternoon in the west coast
- Caparica Coast and beaches south of Lisbon normally don't suffer from this afternoon wind
- There a Summer program called "Ciencia Viva no Verão" meaning Living Science in the Summer. This is a state program with a hundreds of activities. Example: Know the lighthouse at Cabo da Roca or watch birds or know the plants, etc. Those are free events.
- There will always be some festivity near you. August is the month of festivities. There will be a rock band or traditional music band playing, you will eat sardines and just watch people everywhere
- Look for Summer concerts, there are a lot in or near Lisbon
- Activities are almost infinite. Try booking surf lessons. Try booking kite surf lessons.
- Sunset with drinks at an esplanade near the beach. Then dinner. This can't be missed. I can suggest a few, but what's your budget?
- Go to Bairro Alto at night.

Well, etc.

Regards

jeanned

Thank you for your comments. We will be there this summer and will be not too far from the beach in Alenquer. Serbap do you have a recommendation for where my boys should take surfing lessons? They have surfed a couple of times before but definitely would enjoy lessons. Thanks for the tip about the winds!!

Please let me know where you suggest for dinner as well. We will be celebrating my birthday while there so we would like to go to an excellent restaurant for that.