Portugal 7-day itinerary: A week of family foodie and coastal fun

Travel is a great way to celebrate milestone events, from birthdays and anniversaries to reaching goals. Earlier this year we sent a family of three to Portugal on a week-long itinerary to mark their daughter’s graduation. 

They were looking for a mix of city highlights, some coastal exploring with enough time for beach fun and foodie adventures. So, we crafted an itinerary that included exploring three bucket list Portugal destinations the Epic way – think exclusive stays, hidden gems and unique experiences.

Let’s take a look at what they got up to with this 7-day Portugal family itinerary. 

Day 1: Foodie fun in Porto, Portugal’s second city

Our family landed in Porto ready to explore. Here in the second-largest Portuguese city they were met by a private transfer – and Porto’s paradoxical character. The Invicta (never conquered) city is a sprawling labyrinth of historic streets and narrow alleys that feel both intimate and grandiose. Naturally, there’s no better way to get to know the city’s heart than with a food tour that weaves history, snacks, and storytelling into the perfect first afternoon. 

With a full belly and tired from the flight, perhaps you too would return to the hotel – a 5-star luxury stay in the heart of the city – for a quick nap before stepping out for an evening in Porto. Or if you prefer to keep going we’d send you on a thrilling sidecar tour of the city with one of the best, funniest, and most knowledgeable guides around.

Towards dusk a gentle stroll downhill to the riverfront Ribeira neighbourhood is always a good idea. Down here, beneath the skinny buildings covered in colourful tiles, are dozens of terraces where you can admire the rabelo boats cruising up and down the Douro River and people watch over a glass of Port wine as the seagulls fly overhead.

Day 2: Farm-to-table in the Douro Valley

After an early breakfast, it’s off to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley, Portugal’s most famous wine region. But the world’s oldest demarcated wine region is about more than grapes and vinho. Here the Douro River snakes through a spectacular landscape of terraced vineyards that cascade down to the river banks. It’s a place of peace, of stillness, and of hard work. In ancient times the schist mountains were transformed by man into what we see today. Now terraced vines – vibrant green in summer, and warm in autumn – reinvigorate the landscape throughout the seasons.

What surprises most families is how fun the Douro Valley can be with kids or teenagers. Our family started with a farm-to-table lunch, a feast for the senses! You can soak up incredible vistas while feasting on freshly baked bread, local cheeses, and cured meats paired with olive oil made at the same estate. Every bite comes from the region, so you’ll taste the Douro terroir in a different way.

Of course, the parents enjoyed a wine tasting too. After all, you wouldn’t come all this way to the Douro Valley in Portugal and not taste the wines. These lands are the birthplace of Port wine, which is always grown on Douro Valley slopes with the barrels sent downstream to Porto, where it ages in humid conditions by the sea. Douro’s fantastic table wines, which are worthy of accolades, are always a nice surprise.

Finally, the day ends with a boat trip on the Douro River, which snakes from Spain all the way to the Atlantic Ocean near Porto. Being down at water level gives you a new perspective on the terraced landscape. As you snake around the curves of the river, each turn reveals a new postcard-worthy picture and your skipper will share tales of the land before you return to the city.

Reach out to have Epic plan your custom Portugal itinerary at info@epic.travel

Day 3: Beach time at Comporta

The golden sands of Comporta might be home to Portugal’s most beautiful beaches – though the competition is fierce along the country’s 1,794 km (1,115 mile) coastline. Our family asked us to include relaxed beach time, and with limited days this peaceful retreat south of Lisbon makes for the ideal escape.

Comporta-villas

Comporta is a luxurious and upmarket yet wild and beautiful Portuguese beach destination that nails the romantic idea of barefoot luxury. Here with your toes in the sand you can breathe deep, reset, and refresh with everything (except crowds) at your fingertips. 

It’s all about where you stay. We make sure Epic clients know about the best hotels and resorts within budget. It’s a 3.5-hour transfer from Porto, so we left the afternoon on Day 3 open for guests to enjoy the hotel facilities or pop to the beach for sand and sunshine.

Did you know that every Epic trip includes a 24/7 concierge service? It’s not an emergency number – it’s a personal contact of a person dedicated to making your stay easier and more pleasant.

Day 4: Cruise to Arrábida Natural Park, a hidden gem in Portugal 

After a slow morning by the pool, an aquatic afternoon adventure awaits. Arrábida Natural Park is a secret slice of paradise where lush green hills meet the turquoise blues of the Atlantic. Its rugged Mediterranean mountain landscape tumbles down into the water in stark contrast to other beaches in Portugal.

As your captain jets towards this nature reserve, crossing over the Sado Estuary, you’ll be keeping a keen eye out for dolphins. These curious marine creatures call this area home and are spotted daily by boats, putting on a show for just a special few. Consider it your front-row ticket to nature’s magic.

Read next… Local’s Guide To Comporta: Portugal’s Coolest Beach Town

Day 5: Horse riding and sun beds

Perhaps our favourite adventure in Comporta is riding horses on the beach. There’s something magical about connecting with a horse and enjoying a precious hour or two riding across the unique Comporta landscape – through the verdant rice paddies, over wild pine-covered dunes, and onto an empty, hard-to-access strip of golden sand. With any luck you’ll be the only people on the beach as you trot along the waterfront, splashing up sand and seawater.

Comporta Beach

Then, after a sad farewell to your steed, it’s time to relax. Depending on your vibe, Epic can book sun beds at one of the nicest beach clubs in the region. Then you can get lost in a book, work on that holiday tan, and order fresh, vibrant local dishes and cocktails to your lounge.

Let Epic handle the details of your custom Portugal itinerary at info@epic.travel

Day 6: Lisbon calling! Cooking and sightseeing

Finally, it’s time to explore Portugal’s colorful capital. Lisbon is one of the hottest cities in Europe right now, and a short 75-minute transfer will deliver you to a beautiful 5-star hotel in the heart of the city. Drop off your bags, soak in the views from this historic palace-hotel. Then go meet a local chef at his exquisite downtown home. 

Roll up your sleeves and pay attention as you create traditional Portuguese dishes with a special touch. Cooking classes are perfect for families as they offer new ways to bond and may spark an interest that carries on at home. That’s not to mention the memories that you bring to life when you remake these dishes in your own home! But this experience is more than a class. When you sit down for a private lunch together you’ll slow down to appreciate the private house that feels more like a luxurious art gallery. 

In the late afternoon it’s time to experience the city. Lisbon is famous for its many hills, so the best way to explore is with an open-air tuk tuk. Your top-rated guide will weave tales of how Lisbon became Lisbon and the legends and stories that shaped the city – and the country – as you drive up and down the many hills.

Read next… 24 Hours in Lisbon

Day 7: Adventure awaits in Sintra & sunset cruise

How do you explore one of Portugal’s most popular day trip destinations in an off-beat and adventurous way? Here at Epic we try to walk the path less travelled, yet we understand the need to tick off the bucket list. We love finding unique or unusual ways to explore a popular place that feels extra special. It’s why we’re a huge fan of exploring the famous palaces and castle of Sintra in a vintage off-road jeep.

We sent our family off to connect with locals who know the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park like the back of their hands. They took them off-road along secret backroads, ticking off the top sights and sharing stories while going beyond the crowds. Even lunch, at a local spot in a small village tucked in the mountains, feels unique.

There’s time for one last adventure on this final day – turning things down a few notches with a relaxed sunset cruise on the Tagus River. There’s something extra special about seeing a destination from the water. Your new perspective on Lisbon will reveal the skyline of this chaotic and colourful city topped by terracotta roofs. This final moment is a beautiful chance to reflect on the past week of making memories as you laze at the front of your private charter.

If you’re planning an adventure to Portugal in 2025 or beyond, we can plan your custom Portugal itinerary. Just reach out at info@epic.travel

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