Portugal has become one of my favorite places to visit. 

Let me show you how my family was able to packpack Portugal.

This was not only a graduation gift to my now 18-year-old daughter Sophia, but it was also what I thought would maybe be one of our last vacations as a family. With our oldest going to college and starting to work, we know that our vacations as a family will be far and few in between. So taking this adventure as a family was exciting yet bitter Sweet. I hope that in the future we still will be able to have some vacations as a family. But as we all know that when the children grow, it is hard to make the time and adjust to everyone’s busy schedules. 

Our Trip would start by taking a plane from New York to Lisbon, Portugal. We would then backpack from Lisbon to Lagos, Lagos to Porto, and finial come back to Lisbon. Getting to each location was to be by train but unforeseen circumstances like train strike had us taking the bus from Lisbon to Lagos.

Portugal’s Motto “This is my blissful beloved homeland”

Portugal is independent kingdom since 1143, Portugal established its continental frontiers in 1297 and is one of the oldest nations in Europe.The mainland is located on the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south.

Cost

Plane Tickets $1890.00

Transportation: 

Subway $30.00

Train $ 388.00

Bus $ 98.00

Uber $45.00

Airbnb: 

Lisbon $524.36 2 days

Lagos $712.22 3 nights

Porto $159.52 1 night

Lisbon $58.50 1 night hostel

Tickets:  Castelo de São Jorge: $45.00 Children 1-12 free

Lello & Irmao Bookstore pre-ordered online $65.60 with entry time & Book (Madelyn was free 2 years old)

Food: $1500.00

Souvenirs:$300.00

Total Cost: $5817.20

 

 

Once we landed in Lisbon we were very jet lagged and just wanted to take a long needed nap. As others have lost luggage we too had our baby stroller lost. Our flight was 8 hours and waiting to see what we could do about the lost stroller took a toll on all of us.

Lisbon, Portugal

Our Airbnb was located off of Main Street with a beautiful view of the river from our very own balcony. First day we got to Lisbon my husband and I wanted to take our kids to a restaurant that we had ate at back in 2017 called Concha D’Ouro. They have the best fresh seafood and awesome service. Our first time there Ronny took very good care of us this time Arun was superb in making sure we had everything we wanted. I definitely recommend you stop by and see Arun. Later that night Sophia and I had to have Flower shaped gelato at Amorino Gelato and Cafe.

The next day we ventured off to see Castelo de Sao Jorge walking and carrying Madelyn since we still hadn’t gotten our stroller back. It took around 30 minutes to walk from where we were staying, stopping along the way to check out the different shops. After a good night stay we ate at Pop Cereal Cafe, Cody having his flavor milk over cereal and a milkshake to top it off. David Stopped to have famous pastry & coffee at Pastéis de Belém. Sometimes at this famous shop you can see lines out the door but the staff is quick at getting every order done with wait times no longer than 15 minutes. That is very impressive.  After having our bellies full it was time to head out taking our train to Lagos. Waiting for a while, thinking that we had missed our train, to find out they train service was on strike. After getting our refund and taking the subway to the bus station to hopefully make it our next destination. 

Lagos, Portugal

Once we were able to get on the bus it was off to Lagos where the beaches are beautiful and the food is still amazing. We had such a wonderful time riding the waves and walking the streets. I can’t say nothing but good things… which makes me want to invest in property here. The freshly squeezed orange juice was so awesome, So awesome that I wish I could take it home. The American orange juice will never compare and being able to walk almost anywhere making it right from the oranges themselves was amazing, the price wasn’t that bad either around €3 to €4 for a 32oz bottle. My youngest Madelyn enjoyed riding the carousel so much that I believe she did it 3 times.

Our Airbnb was right on the Main Street over looking the water way. Luis our host was awesome keeping in touch every step of the way making sure our family was able to get to our destination with little to no problems. Considering our unexpected circumstances with the train, strike and having to change plans. It was better sweet having to say good by but after 3 days it’s was time to set off to Porto. We were so grateful that the strike was over. Our train this was on time  but this was going to be the longest train ride for our entire trip taking us 8.5 hours.

Porto, Portugal

We arrived around 4pm to São Bento train Station. This train station has to be one of the most gorgeous train stations. From all the beautiful tile wall murals. It is breathtaking and is a must see even if your not riding the train. My family couldn’t resist stopping at McDonald’s one of the oldest buildings that was once a diner that McDonald’s bought to make sure it would stay preserved. It look like you were walking into a fine dining with the chandeliers hanging from the ceilings above. Our mission here was just to have fun, eating great food and enjoying each other’s time. We also made it a point to go to what is referred to as the Harry Potter bookstore named Livraria Lello.

 

This book book store had to be one of the highlights of our trip. From the amazing staircase that winds around to all the books that are all over the wall. This is truly a breathtaking experience. I highly recommend that you buy your tickets in advance getting a book with your ticket. This helping keep you from spending hours online waiting to get in. They will let you custom pick your books so you don’t have to get the book that shows online It just has to be the same price or you can pay the difference. Our books now sit in our library next to all our other travel books. Our final night there we ate amazing food right next to the water at Tempêro d’Maria it was by far a perfect night. 

The next day we sat off to go back to Lisbon to prepare to return to New York, where we would stay at a hostel taking a Uber to the airport.

This being my second time visiting Portugal, I can’t wait to come back and visit other parts of Portugal to take in the breathtaking scenery. I still imagine myself buying property in Portugal and hopefully one day I’ll be able to make that dream come true.

I hope you enjoyed reading about our family backpacking Portugal and that is helped inspire you to backpack your family on adventure.