The Algarve is an amazing place to spend your family vacation. It has plenty of beautiful beaches and so many family-friendly things to do. If you’re planning on visiting this area, your family will surely have an awesome time. To help you plan your adventure we’ve put together a list of the best Algarve tips for your family.
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CHOOSE FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS
The place that you stay will have a huge impact on your experience in the Algarve. There are plenty of resorts, hotels, or home rentals that offer amenities that will appeal to kids. Kid’s clubs, playgrounds, and family suites can make your family’s experience even more enjoyable. Some resorts and hotels have kiddie pools which kids will love.
Our family typically stays at home sharing accommodations that provide plenty of space for our family of four. During our trip to the Algarve, we stayed in Lagos, and the apartment that we stayed at was perfect!
EMBRACE THE BEACH LIFE
One of the best parts of visiting the Algarve is the spectacular beaches! There are numerous types to choose from including small secluded beaches to large expansive stretches.
We loved not only the beaches but also the gorgeous cliffs that surround so many of the beaches in this area.
Check out several beaches but make sure that Marinha Beach is number one on your list. Also don’t forget to pack beach essentials:
- Beach mat/blanket, sunscreen (high SPF)
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, inflatables)
- Swimwear (rash guards for sun protection)
- Waterproof sandals for easy beach play
- Healthy snacks (granola bars, fruit snacks)
- Refillable water bottles to stay hydrated
- Baby carrier/slings for staircases to the beach
ENJOY FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS
There are a lot of fun things to do with your family in the Algarve. One of the best is the boat tours of the caves and grottoes in the area. The Benagil Caves boat tour is a great option for families to see one of the most stunning features of the Algarve.
This was one of our favorite parts of the Algarve.
Find out what you need to know to enjoy a Benagil Caves tour with your family.
There are also jeep safaris, bike tours along the coastal cliffs, dolphin-watching tours, and guided tours for families. Be sure to check out all of the options for excursions.
Besides the excursions, there are water parks that include wave pools, water slides, and other entertainment for kids.
TRY THE LOCAL FOOD
Food is a central element of the Portuguese experience, and the Algarve offers a delicious variety that’s sure to excite every member of the family.
Be sure to try the region’s abundance of fresh seafood, such as grilled sardines, flavorful octopus, and the famous cataplana, a seafood stew cooked in a traditional copper pot. Don’t miss out on the beloved pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts), a sweet treat that was a hit with our family.
For those who prefer more familiar flavors, many restaurants in the Algarve offer kids’ menus with options like grilled chicken, pasta, and fries, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will find something they’ll enjoy.
The Algarve is also known for its bolo de caco (a traditional bread served with garlic butter), chorizo, and caldo verde, a hearty kale soup. With so many options to explore, family meals in the Algarve become an adventure of their own.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN
The Algarve gets a lot of sunshine throughout the year. While that is a great feature of the area, it’s important to be protected from the sun, especially when traveling with children.
Bring the appropriate sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses. Look for shaded spots where possible and bring lots of water. Also, keep this in mind when out on boat tours where you’ll likely be without shade for an extended period.
TAKE IN THE LOCAL CULTURE
Even though the beach and natural features are often the main focus of any Algarve visit, the area has a strong cultural heritage. There are historic sites such as castles, medieval towns, and fishing villages.
Sagres is an interesting historical point due to its location of being the southwesternmost point of Europe.
Old Town Lagos is another captivating destination to explore, with its charming architecture and historic sites. We were fortunate to stay right in the heart of the Old Town, and we enjoyed our every minute of it. It offered a unique glimpse into the area’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
You can also look for places that provide live music and dance performances. This a fascinating way to bring to life Portugal’s cultural traditions.
BE FLEXIBLE
The Algarve covers a large region and there is so much to see. Four days is a good amount of time, but you won’t see it all. You may also end up spending more time at the beach than you anticipate.
If you only have two days, you can still make the most of your time and have a fascinating experience in the Algarve. With two days, though there are several sites that you may not be able to reach.
Even if that’s the case you’ll still have a great time so just enjoy whatever you get to experience. Traveling with children means that nothing will go completely to plan anyway!
There are so many captivating sites that while you may plan to spend a certain amount of time at a site, you can easily spend much more time than you think.
RENT A CAR
There is some public transportation that covers the area, but it doesn’t cover everything. And besides the Algarve is a big region that consists of several towns and villages.
That means that the best way to get around is to rent a car. There are some of the best sites that are only accessible by car and you don’t want to miss out.
We rented a car from the airport in Faro, and it was a simple process. All I needed was my driver’s license and passport. This allowed us to fully explore what we wanted to see on our schedule.
VISIT DURING JUNE
July and August are prime vacation months for families, but for our family, June hits the sweet spot. The temperatures are great, the crowds are smaller and it’s less expensive. We were even able to enjoy some of the more popular spots without feeling overcrowded, including some of the Algarve’s best beaches. Visiting the in June worked out wonderful for us and it’s one of the best times to visit the Algarve.
ENJOY YOUR FAMILY’S TRIP TO THE ALGARVE
Following these tips when planning your trip and during your visit will ensure that you have the best possible experience in the Algarve. This is one of the most spectacular regions in Portugal and I’m sure that your family will love it as much as our family did. These aren’t the only great tips we have for the Algarve. Be sure to check out our comprehensive guide for planning your family trip to the Algarve, our essential guide on the best areas to stay in the Algarve and our tips for booking flights to the Algarve. Safe travels!
