Portugal

Portugal’s pastel-painted villages cascade toward Atlantic shores where three generations discover Europe’s best-kept secret—affordable luxury with soul. Lisbon’s iconic Tram 28 rattles through Alfama’s narrow streets where fado singers’ melancholic voices drift from tiny bars while toddlers chase pigeons in Praça do Comércio. Martinhal Chiado’s family apartments ($450/night) position you perfectly for exploring Belém’s custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém (arrive before 10am to avoid queues) where children watch bakers through glass windows while grandparents remember recipes unchanged since 1837.

Sintra’s fairy-tale palaces demand strategic planning—book 9am Pena Palace tickets online to beat crowds, then descend through mystical Quinta da Regaleira’s initiation wells where spiral staircases plunge into darkness thrilling teenagers while younger ones count steps. Tivoli Palácio de Seteais ($380/night) offers pool respite between palace-hopping adventures.

The Algarve’s Benagil Cave creates Instagram gold when morning light illuminates the cathedral-like dome—book Taruga Tours’ sunrise kayak trips ($45/adult, $30/child) from Benagil Beach for exclusive access before tour boats arrive. Martinhal Sagres’ beachfront villas ($650/night) include kids’ clubs freeing parents for surf lessons while toddlers build sandcastles under supervision. Evening finds three generations sharing cataplana seafood stews at beachside restaurants where sunset turns everything golden.