The Algarve for families: discover where to stay and what to do
- Anna Rijnders
- Dec 30, 2024
- 6 min read
The Algarve in South Portugal is a popular vacation destination for families, and for good reason. With its beautiful sunny weather, gorgeous beaches, and plenty of fun activities for kids and adults alike, it's the perfect place for a family getaway.
Uncover the secrets of the Algarve and ensure your family creates lasting memories under the warm sun.
The best towns for families
Discovering the Algarve with your family opens the door to numerous picturesque beach towns that cater perfectly to your needs. Below, I've curated a list of my top picks, each offering unique charms and family-friendly amenities. Let's delve into why these destinations are ideal for your family getaway. 👇
Carvoeiro
This charming beach town is located just a 45-minute drive from Faro Airport. Nestled amidst whitewashed houses, Carvoeiro boasts a stunning sheltered bay set against the iconic Algarve coastline.
Carvoeiro is a real gem for family vacations, offering plenty of options such as kid-friendly resorts, many restaurants, and reasonably priced villas for rent. From outdoor adventures to relaxing on the beach, this town caters to all ages and interests. It's the perfect haven for beach lovers seeking quality time outdoors with their loved ones.
Quinta do Lago
You must check out the family-friendly oasis of Quinta do Lago. This upscale resort area is renowned for its luxurious amenities and breathtaking landscapes. Quinta do Lago offers an range of family-friendly activities, from stunning beaches to water sports and kids clubs and so much more.
Indulge in the tranquility of Quinta do Lago's surroundings, where spacious villas provide the perfect retreat for families.
Personal tip: Enjoy lunch (or drinks) at the Shack in Quinta do Lago. It's a beautiful low-key beach club on the lagoon located next to Artur's Watersports Academy, a true heaven for kids with kayaks, water trampolines, inflatables, SUP boards and so much more!
Caramujeira & Benagil (Praia da Marinha)
Located just a short drive from Carvoeiro, the neighboring towns of Caramujeira and Benagil form a coastal haven. Here, you'll discover some of Europe's most stunning beaches, including the renowned Praia do Benagil and Praia da Marinha. The charm extends beyond the shorelines, with a range of absolutely beautiful villas available for rent, creating an idyllic setting.
Praia da Luz
Praia da Luz is a populair and beautiful beach resort close to the larger town of Lagos. It's very kids friendly and there is something to do for all ages. The large sheltered beach is perfect for hanging out with the whole family and spending quality time. The town, situated on a beautiful bay with its big black rock formation called Rocha Negra, is known for its beautiful coastline and beach. Praia da Luz also offers lots of kids friendly accommodations and many facilities and restaurants!
Burgau
This is absolutely one of my favorite towns in the Algarve. It's not too big, has a beautiful sandy beach and offers a hand full of cute bars and restaurant. The winding cobbled streets with colorful houses take you right down to the clear water cove with a cute beach restaurants where you can enjoy your morning coffee. It's a great place to stay with younger kids as it's pretty quiet and peaceful and offers all the facilities you need within walking distance from the town centre.
The accommodation options are limited and have to be booked quite a bit in advance as this town is so popular because of its convenient location and unspoiled character.
Lagos
An hour drive from Faro Airport you'll find the beautiful beach town of Lagos. It's one of the bigger towns in the Algarve. Lagos offers something to do for all ages like boat tours, surf lessons, coasteering trips and Jeep tours. The town is famous for the stunning viewing point Ponta de Piedade and its steep wooden steps to the sandy cove of Praia do Camilo. Explore the beautiful old town with many restaurants, bars, shops, surf schools and boat tours. There is lots to do here for the whole family! With many kids friendly accommodations and facilities this is the perfect town to stay for families with kids of all ages. There is so much to do here and I've written down my favorites for you. 👇
Kids friendly hotels
When you're traveling with your family, you'll want to stay in a hotel that's designed with families in mind. So here are my top picks for family-friendly hotels in the Algarve. As you know me, they're all atmospheric and stylish hotels on stunning locations.
My favorite booking platforms:
Hotels: Agoda & booking.com
1. White shell beach villas
Ideal with older kids (12+)
Located in Porches a stone throw away from the beach, White Shell Beach Villas is a luxurious hotel that's perfect for families, especially with older children. There is so much to do here as the beach is just a few minute walk away and there is so much to do. Have a swim at one of the beautiful pools, enjoy the beach, play tennis, go mountain biking and so much more!
Guests rate this hotel with a 9.3.
2. Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
Ideal with kids of all ages
The Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa is another luxurious option for families. Also located in Porches, the resort has a kids' club, children's pool, and playground. There are also plenty of activities for adults, including golf, tennis, and water sports. The resort also offers a family package that includes discounts on meals and activities.
I love the natural colors of the stylish interior design in this hotel. It blends in perfectly with the colors of the Algarve nature.
Guests rate this hotel with a 9.5.
3. Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel
Ideal with kids of all ages
If you're looking for a hotel right on the beach, the Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel is an excellent choice. The hotel is situated on a stunning beach in Sagres and has a range of family-friendly amenities, including a kids' club, children's pool, and babysitting services. There are also plenty of activities for adults, including a spa, fitness center, and tennis courts. Go for a sunset surf whilst your kids are well taken care of and enjoying them selfs to the fullest. Or even better, take a family surf lesson!
The hotel offers luxury villas, ocean houses and hotel rooms. So whatever you prefer is there for you to stay.
Guests rate this hotel with a 8.9
4. Praia do Canal Nature Resort
Great with slightly older kids
In one of my favorite areas of the Algarve, you'll find this exceptionally beautiful resort in the middle of the wild nature of the western Algarve. Praia do Canal Nature Resort offers high end luxury facilities in a modern and stylish ambiance. This hotel offers amazing family suites with their own little pool and plenty of space out side. There is also a kids pool and many activities for families with older kids. Try surfing with the family, go mountain biking, have a picnic and enjoy the western Algarve stunning beaches.
Guests rate this hotel a 9.5
Family villas
If you prefer spending time with your family in a more cozy setting, finding the perfect villa is key. Finding the perfect villa, appartment or holiday home is easy with platforms like VRBO & Micazu.
Want to find the perfect family villa in the Algarve? Check out the offer at VRBO that are marked as family friendly!
The best time to travel for families
The Algarve weather is beautiful year round. It offers 300 days of sun and pretty stable weather trough out the year. However, winter can be a little windy and colder but is still worth it in comparing to Northern European weather. However months like November and February don't offer guaranteed beach weather, the ocean is rough and it can be too cold for swimming.
Personally, I like to avoid big crowds and enjoy the lovely temperatures of Algarve sun in spring and fall.
My personal favorite months:
Unforgettable activities & experiences
There is something to do for every age in the Algarve. I've been coming here since I was 3 and loved it every phase of my life. From beach picknicks, hanging out by the pool to surfing and long hikes, we always found something to do here for me, my cousins and parents.
Here are some of my favorite activities to do with my family:
Book a surf lesson on the stunning west coast (from Lagos) - click here!
Book a surf lesson on the south coast (Albufeira) - click here!
Go on a beach picknick
Go horse back riding - click here!
Go coasteering! - click here! (really, check this one out!)
Shell searching
Check out my fave beaches - click here!
Visiting old towns
Dolphin tours - Click here!
Kayaking - Click here!
Check out the stunning Algarve coast by boat - Click here!
Have a look at Algarvetips.nl to book your favorite activities (for Dutchies 🇳🇱).
