The Best Family Resorts in the Algarve

The Algarve is one of Europe’s best family holiday destinations: safe sandy beaches, sunshine for most of the year, and resorts that really understand kids. As parents of two little ones who live in Portugal, here are the family resorts we’d book, plus the water parks and tips that make a holiday with children easier.

Quick answer: Martinhal Sagres is built entirely around families (five kids’ clubs). Pine Cliffs is the all-round luxury pick. Vila Vita Parc for a special treat, Grande Real Santa Eulália for kids’ pools near Albufeira, Pestana Alvor Praia for a beachfront stay, and Vila Galé Albacora for good value in the calm east.

The best family resorts

1. Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort

A whole resort designed for families, by a family: rooms, villas and houses steps from a sheltered beach, five age-specific kids’ clubs (including baby care), family restaurants and lots of outdoor space. Out at the wild western tip, so it’s peaceful. Check prices at Martinhal Sagres

2. Pine Cliffs Resort (Albufeira)

Our all-round favourite: clifftop pine forest above Falésia beach, the Porto Pirata kids’ area, a children’s farm, mini golf, lots of pools and apartments for bigger families. Check prices at Pine Cliffs

3. Vila Vita Parc (Armação de Pêra)

A luxurious clifftop resort with lush gardens, several pools, a private beach, a kids’ club and fine restaurants. A real splurge, but magical. Check prices at Vila Vita Parc

4. Grande Real Santa Eulália (Albufeira)

Right above Santa Eulália beach, with three kids’ pools and the Realito Kids Club. Close to Albufeira’s attractions, but in a calmer spot. Check prices at Grande Real Santa Eulália

5. Pestana Alvor Praia

Directly above the beautiful Três Irmãos beach near Alvor, with big pools and gardens. Alvor’s long, flat beach and boardwalk are perfect for little legs. Check prices at Pestana Alvor Praia

6. Tivoli Carvoeiro

On the cliffs at Carvoeiro, with pools overlooking the sea and a path down to the beach. A good base for Benagil and Marinha. Check prices at Tivoli Carvoeiro

7. Domes Lake Algarve (Vilamoura)

A stylish resort around a lagoon pool near Falésia beach in Vilamoura, with family suites and a kids’ club. Great for families who still want some style. Check prices at Domes Lake Algarve

8. Vila Galé Albacora (Tavira)

A converted tuna fishing village in the Ria Formosa near Tavira, with pools and a boat to the island beach. Calmer, warmer water in the east and good value. Check prices at Vila Galé Albacora

Also see the best luxury hotels in Albufeira.

Water parks and family days out

• Zoomarine (near Albufeira): dolphins, sea lions, rides and pools. A full day. See Zoomarine tickets.
• Slide & Splash (Lagoa): the classic Algarve water park, about €27.
• Aquashow (Quarteira) and Aqualand (Alcantarilha): big slides and wave pools, about €29 each. See water park tickets.
• Krazy World (Algoz): a zoo and adventure park, great for younger children.
• Boat trips: dolphin watching and calm Ria Formosa trips work well with kids. See the best Algarve boat trips.

Our tips for the Algarve with kids

• Choose calm beaches: Meia Praia (Lagos), Alvor, Armação de Pêra and the lagoon side of the Ria Formosa islands are gentler than the west coast.
• Swim at lifeguarded beaches (usually June to mid-September) and watch the flags.
• Midday sun is strong: beach in the morning and late afternoon, pool or nap in between.
• Book cots and car seats in advance. See Faro airport transfers.
• Families with babies have the legal right to priority queues in shops and services.
• Restaurants are very welcoming to children; half portions are common.

More: Portugal with kids, where to stay in the Algarve and the best Algarve beaches.

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