Family Travel

City of Porto welcomes new Oceanarium this summer

Friday, 22 May 2009 18:53

The Sea Life Center in the city of Porto will open for business in June, 2009 with 6,000 marine animals on show. The animals represent 100 different species.  The oceanarium is divided in 12 sections, with a total of 750,000 liters of water.  It is located next to Parque da Cidade in the city.

Outdoor Fun at Monte Selvagem

Wednesday, 13 May 2009 16:49

South of Lisbon, in Lavre, just north of the Alentejo town of Montemor-o-Novo, Monte Selvagem is a 20-hectare animal reserve that operates as a leisure park with the focus on family fun and wildlife education. Besides the spectacle of a variety of animals, of which there are many, visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the reserve's path and/or take the half-hour tractor ride to see the animals in their semi-natural environment. Other facilities include a terrace bar where light meals are served, a popular picnic area, hot-weather showers and free parking. Monte Selvagem's opening hours are from 10am until 7pm during the summer and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. in winter. Admission to the reserve costs €11 for adults and €8.50 for kids, or €32 for a family of four.

Orbitur campgrounds offer affordable amenities

Monday, 11 May 2009 18:22

Heading to Europe to sleep under the stars isn’t just for college kids anymore. Orbitur’s collection of 23 campsites across Portugal offer affordable access to some of the country’s top destinations. Orbitur campgrounds can be found along Portugal’s Silver Coast, most with beach access, and a few in historic inland cities like Évora and Elvas. For about 30 Euros a night, Orbitur guests have access to a number of amenities important to vacationing families, such as an on-site restaurant, swimming pool, launderette, children’s playground and first-aid office. Orbitur campsites also offer equipment rental for those who travel light, including tents, caravans, bungalows and mobile homes. Though most are open year-round, some sites are seasonal. http://www.orbitur.com/en_Home1.html

Family Fun in Portugal

Tuesday, 05 May 2009 14:55

Portuguese love kids, and families are welcome everywhere, for that reason, visitors who have retuned to Portugal time and time again have recognized the value for their dollar that this European nation offers.  Today, luxury can still be affordable in some of Portugal's 5-star hotels, inns and resorts and Portugal is a friendly destination that offers a favorable climate and lots of activities for the family. A lively and upbeat city, Lisbon has a great deal for those visiting with children. Lisbon is a perfect city to spend a few days with the children. It is safe and friendly, the climate is favorable and it is easy to get around on foot. And that is all in addition to the countless activities and facilities, both outdoors and indoors, especially put on for children. If it is good weather, take to the capital’s parks and gardens. Try the city zoo with its dolphin shows and lion feeding or for a better view of the animals, ride the cable car. In Monsanto, the city’s forest, let the kids run off high spirits on the swings, slides and other amusements of the Park of Índios. And if the day is a little cloudy, there is a full range of museums and libraries holding courses and workshops. The Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium will tell them all they want to know of the stars above. And the Pavilion of Knowledge will reveal the latest in scientific advances in an especially child-friendly manner. However, the favorite is undoubtedly the Lisbon Oceanarium for an evening spent in the unforgettable company of sharks. The largest Oceanarium in Europe, the interactive Knowledge Museum or the Zoo. In Sintra our suggestion goes to visit the original Toy's Museum, in Lourinhã enjoy a museum where families can learn about dinosaurs or pay a visit to the Natural Monument of Dinosaur Footprints in the Serra de Aire Nature Park. Don't miss the "Portugal dos Pequeninos" (Portugal in miniature) in Coimbra and the "bracalânida" amusement park in Braga. Enjoy also a safari at the "Badoca Park", and have fun at one of the many Aqua Parks or the Zoo Marine in the Algarve region. And for the oldest ones the Adventure Park is also an option. This summer tour Portugal in style with your family and take advantage of the new Pousadas Summer Holidays Package where kids stay free (maximum 2 children, up to 12 years old in parent’s room). Rates star at €85 per room/night for a minimum 5 nights stay and includes: accommodation in a standard room, in the same Pousada, with a buffet breakfast. Valid: From 1st June to 30th September 2009.And there is a 10% early booking discount for reservations made by May 31st, 2009. Take advantage of your stay to tighten your family links. In the end, the hardest will be to convince them to return home. http://www.visitportugal.com/