Portugal in early June, 2 Bases, 2 Kids, 8 Nights

Post your actual or proposed travel dates. It's very easy (and all too common) to tell yourself little white lies about how much actual, usable time you have when you speak in generalities about "X nights here, Y nights there", and you can easily end up with an unrealistic plan that consists mostly of traveling from place to place, without actually spending time in those places.

Depending on how your "8 nights" are spread around, this sounds like it might be a too-fast pace to me, but it's impossible to tell without seeing specific dates.

Arrive: Tuesday, June 3, 8:00 a.m.
Depart: Wednesday, June 12, 10:00 a.m.

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

OK, good, so 8 full, usable days (not counting arrival or departure days).

Not a lot of time, but enough to get a taste of a few places. I would suggest that you be careful not to spend too much of it changing locations.

Are you not interested in spending any time in Lisbon? Because you're going to arrive and depart from there, it makes sense to use it is one of your bases. Lisbon is beautiful, I think it's under-appreciated by/not famous to Americans, has plenty of worthwhile sights to see, and for most folks deserves at least a couple of days itself. Lisbon also is a good base for an easy (but full) day trip to Sintra (there's lots to see and do there, including kid-friendly stuff - walking the "Moorish Castle" high above town, with stunning views, is incredible and should delight kids). Remember, you want to be back in Lisbon the night before your flight home.

Personally, given the time you have, I'd consider Lisbon itself plus one other base (probably Porto) and just split your time between them. Minimize the coming-and-going, spend more time being there.

Thank you for the reply.

Yes, we were thinking of spending two days in Lisbon, visiting the Oceanarium area and the Alfama. We are still researching more places to see in Lisbon. I was thinking Cascais would be less congested and quiet to make as a base with the children. Plus, it looks like you can get to Lisbon in 30-40 minutes. And Sintra is not too far away too. Do you think Cascais would be an appropriate base #2?

Thanks again.

I agree with two bases for this short a trip, especially with small children. And, Porto area and Lisbon area are logical choices, plus offer a wide variety of activities and things to see.

I can speak a bit to staying in Cascais. The pros are a bit slower pace, even though it’s quite busy in June. There are several small beaches even though the water (and possibly the air temp) will be too cool for swimming. Marshal Carmona is a lovely park for children, plus there is a small park downtown with a restored old carousel that they would likely enjoy. Getting into Lisbon is easy, quick (especially before 10), and inexpensive. So spending a day or two in Lisbon would be very easy. The Guincho área (bus ride from town) has wonderful areas for hiking.

The cons of Cascais - it’s not Lisbon. The ambiance is very different as Cascais is really a seaside town and Lisbon is a capital city. There is a much wider variety of things to do, restaurants, views, etc. The aquarium is very nice, though a bit pricey, IMO. Belem, the river front in the Baixa area, Alfama and Chiado are wonderful places to wander.

While you can get to Sintra from Cascais, it’s a bit easier on the train from Lisbon than on the bus from Cascais.

Thanks for the information!

Would you recommend just staying in Lisbon City Center (no car) for base #2 with a departing 9:30 a.m. flight to US?

I regularly take early flights (as early as 7:00) and stay home in Cascais the night before. It’s about 30 minutes drive to the airport, with no traffic. But, at the time you ar leaving there will be traffic. Give yourself an extra 30 minutes to account for traffic and there should be no reason to move to stay close to the airport.

For Porto, I recommend the In Patio Guesthouse, it is simply the best B&B ever. Book early it only has 5 rooms.

Thanks again for the recommendations!
Our flight is booked, yay!