10 reasons why the Algarve is the greatest place on Earth for a family holiday
The Algarve is a region of hidden delights, of golden beaches framed by limestone rocks, of small, simple restaurants with fresh fish, and of a wealth of top-quality family hotels and villas at prices that compare favourably to the rest of Europe.
By the fringes of the sea, in the centre of the Algarve, resorts line the cliffs – some are attractively set in lush gardens; others are soulless, concrete monstrosities. Read our guide to the best hotels in the region to avoid these.
But in the east it’s as though time has stood still: the wave of mass tourism that washed over much of the Algarve has not touched this region, leaving a tranquil landscape of whitewashed villages and groves of cork and olive trees.
The wild, western Algarve, meanwhile, surrenders to the power of the Atlantic – it is all about nature, surfing and the sea. The excellent accommodation (like the Martinhal Resort) plays to that, rather than dominating it.
Whichever part of the Algarve you choose, you will find friendly, welcoming people, delicious food, and plenty of sand and sun to entertain the children.
Here’s why we love the Algarve:
1. The flight time
At just under three hours, and with daily flights with Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways from around the UK to Faro Airport, this is about as stress-free as family flights to the sun get.
2. The price
The vote for Brexit hit British travellers in the wallet, but trips to Portugal soften the blow. Yes, it takes the euro, but the country remains one of the most affordable destinations on the Continent, offering visitors the elegance of Western Europe at Eastern European prices. In fact, in its 2017 Holiday Money Report, the Post Office Travel Money declared The Algarve the cheapest of 44 European destinations. Families can find particular savings in the shoulder seasons, at October half term, for example, when family hotels still have great sports and kids’ clubs, but at lower prices than in the summer months.
3. The weather
Portugal is officially one of the sunniest countries in the world, and at the height of the summer visitors to the Algarve can expect temperatures of 28C and 11 hours of sunshine daily (and about one day per month of rain).
Even if you go for October half term, you are likely to find appealing weather: 22C, with seven hours of sun daily (which beats the 14C and three hours of sunshine you’ll find in Blighty at the same time of year).
May half term is an even better bet: the crowds are fewer, you can expect temperatures of around 25C, and 10 hours of sunshine each day, with little chance of rain.
4. The sandy beaches
From endless, golden, blue-flag stretch of sand at Praia do Anção, in the central Algarve, with its calm seas, protected dunes, and sunbeds a plenty, to the wilder Praia de Albandeira, with its white sands backed by ochre rocks, which has no watersports, no umbrellas, no sunbeds and few visitors, the Algarve is lined in spectacular beaches.
5. Watersports
Voted one of the 10 best beaches in Europe by the Michelin Guide, Praia da Marinha, in the central Algarve, has translucent seas and is the best spot in the district for snorkelling.
Head to the west coast for ideal surfing conditions; there are various schools for beginners, including Sagres Natura (sagresnatura.com), which picks you up and takes you to whichever beach has the right conditions for the day. Waterskiing can be done in the calmer waters off Quinta do Lago (lagowatersports.com), as can banana boat rides, jet skiing and other watersports.
6. Rockpooling
Not the sole preserve of Cornish holidays, rockpooling comes into its own at places like Praia do Amoreira, in the wilder western Algarve. Here you’ll find endless rockpools harbouring starfish and sea urchins. The sea has an undertow, so it’s not the place for children to swim, but the surfing is great and there is a wide expanse of sand for playing.
7. Family hotels
The Algarve is home to some of Europe’s most family-focused hotels. From large places like Martinhal and Pine Cliffs, with extensive on-site sports and clubs for children, to smaller hotels like Anantara Vilamoura, all family members will feel welcome. At these hotels you’ll find many other British families, too, increasing the chances of friendships for your children.
8. Dolphins in the wild
To see sea life in its natural habitat, head to Mar Ilimitado at Sagres, which specialises in marine wildlife-watching. Accompanied by a couple of marine biologists, guests go out in a RIB and are likely to see sea turtles and porpoises as well as storm petrels, shearwaters and gannets; marilimitado.com.
9. Water parks
It’s hard to miss the water parks in the Algarve, as several of them are landmarks.
The three best are:
Aquashow Park Hotel, Quarteira: popular for its 50ft-high snake slide; aquashowparkhotel.com
Aqualand, Alcantarillha: the kamikaze, which takes just four seconds for you to slide 120ft, has the longest queues here; aqualand.pt
Slide & Splash, Estombar: spread over seven hectares, highlights include the Tornado and the Turbulent River. It also stages animal shows starring parrots and reptiles; slidesplash.com
10. The food
From fresh fish to flaming chorizo and the ubiquitous pastel de natas, there’s bound to be something for everyone in the family. And, if not, the region is quite accustomed to the conservative palate of British children: you’ll find fish fingers and chips in most hotel restaurants.
