The most beautiful family-friendly beaches in the Algarve (from my personal experience)

Traveling with young kids changes the way you choose beaches. I’m no longer just searching for the prettiest coastline, but for easy access, parking close by, calm water, and places to grab food or coffee without stress. After spending half my life the Algarve and the past few years with my own family, I found several beaches that perfectly fit these needs. These spots combine beauty with convenience, making them ideal for families with babies and toddlers.

Miam at Praia do Burgau

Praia do Burgau: my absolute favourite family beach

📍Location: southwestern Algarve ✔️ Stroller friendly

I always go here and if I had to recommend just one beach for families in the Algarve, it would be Praia do Burgau. This beach stands out because it is accessible with a stroller but is not too touristy and feels pittoreske. The village of Burgau sits on a hill, but the (very cute) cobbled streets down to the beach is manageable even with little ones.

Why Praia do Burgau works so well with kids

• Easy access: You can park at the top of the village and walk down, or try to find parking closer to the beach (though spots fill quickly in summer).

• Calm water: The beach is sheltered, so the water is usually calm, perfect for toddlers playing safely near the shore.

• Nearby amenities: Several cafes, small supermarkets and beach bars are right next to the sand, so you don’t have to carry much or stress about food. Check out my fave cafes and restaurants in Burgau.

  
  

Places to eat and drink near Praia do Burgau

• Corso: A relaxed spot for lunch with family-friendly options.

• Café Horizon: Great coffee and light snacks.

• MIAM: Quick and easy meals that kids enjoy.

• Beach bar: Casual and perfect for cooling off on hot days.

  
  

A Charming Village That Feels Local

Burgau is small and quiet, even in summer. It doesn’t feel crowded or touristy, which makes it a peaceful place to relax with children.

Everything about Burgau

The beach town of Burgau

Praia da Salema: wide, relaxed, and easy to navigate

📍Location: southwestern Algarve

✔️ Stroller friendly

Praia da Salema is another great choice for families. The beach is wide and flat, offering plenty of space for kids to run and play. The sand is soft, and the water is usually calm, making it safer for young swimmers.

Family-Friendly features of Praia da Salema

• Spacious beach: Plenty of room to spread out and avoid crowds.

• Good facilities: Lifeguards during the season, restrooms and showers.

• Nearby restaurants: Several family-friendly eateries just a short walk from the sand.

  
  

Tips for visiting Praia da Salema

• Arrive early in summer to secure parking close to the beach.

• Bring a sunshade or umbrella as there is limited natural shade.

• Check tide times if you want to explore rock pools with kids.

Praia da Luz at sunset

Praia da Luz: calm waters and easy Access

📍Location: southwestern Algarve near Lagos

✔️ Stroller friendly

Praia da Luz is popular with families because of its calm bay and easy access from the town. The beach has a gentle slope into the water, which is ideal for toddlers and young children. The town is cute and nice to wander around.

What Makes Praia da Luz Great for Families

• Accessible promenade: Perfect for strollers and easy walks.

• Lifeguard presence: Adds an extra layer of safety during busy months.

• Nearby shops and cafes: Everything you need is within walking distance.

  
  

Family activities at Praia da Luz

• Building sandcastles on the wide sandy shore.

• Paddleboarding or kayaking in calm waters.

• Exploring the small marina and watching fishing boats.

Praia do Amado, Western Algarve

Praia do Amado: for families who love nature and adventure

📍Location: western Algarve above Sagres

✔️ Somewhat stroller friendly (sandy rocky path down from the parking)

If you and your family enjoy a bit of adventure alongside beach time, Praia do Amado offers a beautiful natural setting with safe swimming areas. It’s less crowded than some other beaches and has a relaxed vibe. It's perfect for surfing and taking lessons, especially in summer! The winter months can be rough and windy here.

Why Praia do Amado appeals to families (in summer)

• Natural beauty: Surrounded by cliffs and dunes, it’s a great spot for nature walks.

• Surf schools: Some offer beginner lessons for older kids.

• Good facilities: Parking, restrooms, and a beach cafe.

  
  

What to Keep in Mind

• The beach can have stronger waves, so it’s better suited for families with children who are comfortable in the water.

• Early arrival is recommended during peak season to find parking.

  
  

More amazing family-friendly Algarve beaches

Carvoeiro Beach town in the Central Algarve

Meia Praia: space, sea & simplicity

📍Location: southwestern Algarve, Lagos ✔️ Stroller friendly

Meia Praia in Lagos is ideal if you love big, open beaches.

• Very easy parking

• A long, beautiful beach with plenty of space

• Several cute beach cafés dotted along the shore

Because the beach is so large, it never feels crowded — perfect if your kids like to move around freely.

Porto de Mós (Lagos) – One of My Top Picks

📍Location: southwestern Algarve, Lagos

✔️ Stroller friendly

Porto de Mós is easily one of my top family beach picks in the Algarve.

• Parking right at the beach

• A beautiful setting with cliffs and wide sand

• Plenty of kid-friendly facilities

• Several good restaurants and cafés directly on the beach

It’s the kind of beach where you can arrive, settle in, and stay for hours without needing to go anywhere else.

Praia do Carvoeiro: cute town & easy beach days

📍Location: central Algarve

✔️ Stroller friendly

Praia do Carvoeiro is located in a very cute old fisherman’s town, which adds a lot of charm.

• A small but lovely beach

• Lots of options for food and drinks right nearby

• Great atmosphere for families

Parking can be difficult in high season, so arriving early is key — but once you’re there, everything is close and convenient.

Benagil Beach: beautiful, but timing is key

📍Location: central Algarve

✔️ Stroller friendly

Benagil Beach is famous — and for good reason — but it’s also surprisingly manageable with kids.

• Accessible with a stroller

• Park up the hill and walk down

• A small, very cute beach

• SUP tours and boat tours depart directly from the beach

• A few cafés right by the sand

That said, I’d recommend avoiding Benagil in high season if you’re travelling with young kids, as it can get very busy.

Practical Tips for Visiting Algarve Beaches with Kids

• Bring a stroller or baby carrier: Some beaches have paths suitable for strollers, others require carriers.

• Pack snacks and water: While many beaches have cafes, having your own food helps avoid waiting times.

• Use sun protection: Hats, sunscreen, and umbrellas are essential for little ones.

• Check lifeguard hours: Not all beaches have lifeguards year-round.

• Plan for parking: Summer months can be busy, so early arrival is key.