Algarve with Kids

Best Time to Visit

The Algarve enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it viable for much of the year. However, sea temperatures and crowd levels vary significantly by season.

• May to June - Ideal for families. Warm air (24-28C), sea warming up (18-21C), quiet beaches, lower prices
• July to August - Peak season. Hot (30C+), warmest sea (22-24C), crowded beaches, highest prices. Book 6+ months ahead
• September to October - Excellent choice. Warm sea, quieter beaches, better prices, pleasant temperatures
• Easter - Popular with UK families. Weather can be mixed but often lovely. Good value outside school holidays

For families wanting warm sea and manageable crowds, early September (before UK schools return) offers the best balance. Prices drop significantly and beaches empty.

Where to Stay

The Algarve stretches 150km along Portugal's southern coast, with distinct character in different areas. Here are the best bases for families:

• Albufeira - The most popular resort with families. Excellent beaches, great restaurants, buzzing atmosphere. Old town has character while strip area suits nightlife seekers
• Vilamoura - Upmarket marina town with beautiful beaches. More refined atmosphere, excellent golf, premium pricing
• Lagos - Historic town with stunning cliff-backed beaches. More authentic Portuguese feel with good tourist infrastructure
• Carvoeiro - Smaller, quieter resort built around a pretty cove. Excellent for families wanting a more relaxed pace
• Tavira - Eastern Algarve gem with island beaches reached by ferry. Quieter, more traditional, great value
• Praia da Rocha - Long sandy beach with dramatic cliffs. Good mid-range options. Slightly more British-tourist focused

Getting Around

The Algarve is compact and well-connected, making exploration easy whether you hire a car or rely on public transport.

• Car hire - Provides most flexibility for beach hopping and visiting water parks. Roads are excellent. Child car seats should be booked in advance
• Trains - Regional trains connect Lagos, Portimao, Albufeira, Faro, and Tavira. Air-conditioned and very affordable. Scenic coastal views
• Buses - Eva and Vamus operate comprehensive routes. Useful for resort-to-resort travel. Albufeira bus station connects to most destinations
• Taxis and transfers - Fixed prices from Faro airport to main resorts. Around 40-80 EUR depending on distance. Pre-book for reliability
• Tourist trains - Run along seafronts in main resorts. Children love them and they save tired legs

Best Family Beaches

The Algarve is blessed with some of Europe's most beautiful beaches. From long sandy stretches to intimate cliff-backed coves, there is something for every family.

• Praia da Marinha - Often voted Europe's most beautiful beach. Dramatic cliffs and rock formations. Limited facilities but spectacular. Steep steps may challenge pushchairs
• Praia dos Pescadores, Albufeira - Main town beach with full facilities. Colourful fishing boats, calm water, restaurants at hand
• Praia da Falesia - 6km of golden sand backed by ochre cliffs. Space to spread out even in peak season. Some walking from parking
• Praia do Camilo, Lagos - Tiny cove reached by wooden stairs. Stunning scenery and sheltered swimming. Arrive early to secure space
• Meia Praia, Lagos - 4km of wide sandy beach with gentle waves. Excellent for families wanting space and water sports
• Praia da Luz - Lovely beach in the town of Luz. Mix of sand and rock pools. Good for older children to explore

Many Algarve beaches have lifeguards during summer season (June to September). Look for the blue and yellow huts and swim between the flags.

Top Family Activities

Beyond the beaches, the Algarve offers excellent attractions and activities for families:

1. Slide and Splash - Major water park near Lagoa with slides for all ages. Dedicated children's area for under 10s. Full day attraction
2. Aquashow Park - Combines water park with bird shows and aquarium. Near Quarteira. Good variety of entertainment
3. Zoomarine - Marine park with dolphin presentations, sea lion shows, and various rides. Educational and entertaining
4. Boat trips to caves - Explore the famous Benagil cave and others by boat from Lagos, Albufeira, or Carvoeiro. Book mornings for calmest sea
5. Kayaking - Paddle to caves and along the coastline. Family-friendly tours available with guides
6. Fiesa Sand Sculpture Festival - Amazing sand sculptures near Pera. Open spring through autumn. Different theme each year
7. Dolphin watching - Bottlenose dolphins are resident along the coast. High success rate for sightings

Cave Tours with Children

The Algarve coastline is famous for its dramatic sea caves, arches, and grottos. Exploring them is a highlight for families, but choosing the right tour matters.

• Small boat tours - Traditional fishing boats take 6-12 passengers into caves. More intimate experience but can be bumpy in swell
• Larger boat tours - RIBs and larger vessels. Smoother ride but cannot enter smaller caves. Better for families prone to seasickness
• Kayak and SUP tours - Paddle into caves under your own power. Memorable experience for active families with children 8+
• Best departure points - Lagos and Carvoeiro access the most impressive cave systems. Albufeira tours cover a different stretch
• Timing - Morning tours have calmer seas and better light in caves. Afternoon tours suit families who need leisurely mornings

Eating Out with Kids

Portuguese food is generally family-friendly with plenty of grilled fish, chicken, and familiar dishes. Portion sizes are generous and prices reasonable compared to UK restaurants.

• Kid-friendly dishes - Piri piri chicken, grilled fish, omelettes, steak with egg and chips (bitoque), croquettes, chips with everything
• Fresh fish - Often displayed on ice for you to choose. Grilled sardines are delicious and children often enjoy them. Priced by weight
• Pasteis de nata - Portuguese custard tarts. Children become addicted immediately. Available in every bakery
• Cataplana - Seafood or meat stew cooked in copper pot. Often serves 2+. Great for sharing as a family
• Snacks - Bakeries (pastelarias) have savoury pastries, cakes, and sandwiches at very low prices

Portuguese restaurants serve generous portions. Consider ordering one or two dishes fewer than you would at home and sharing. Children's menus are available but often unnecessary.

Practical Tips

• Flight time - Approximately 2.5-3 hours from UK airports. Faro is the main airport, well-connected to all resorts
• Currency - Euro. Cards widely accepted. Some markets and small shops prefer cash
• Language - Portuguese, but English is very widely spoken in tourist areas. Portuguese people are famously welcoming to children
• Sun protection - Atlantic sun can be deceptive, especially with sea breezes. Use factor 50 and reapply after swimming
• Pushchairs - Most resort areas are pushchair-friendly with promenades and ramps. Historic old towns have cobbles
• Pharmacies - Well-stocked and pharmacists speak English. Green cross sign. Many items available without prescription
• Healthcare - Excellent standards. Bring GHIC card. Private clinics in resort areas for non-emergencies
• Tap water - Safe to drink but some prefer bottled due to taste
• Siesta - Some shops close 1-3pm. Plan beach or pool time during these hours

Budget Guide

The Algarve offers excellent value for UK families, with accommodation and eating out notably cheaper than equivalent quality in Spain or France.

• Flights - 80-200 GBP per person return. Many budget airlines serve Faro. Book early for school holidays
• Accommodation - 50-100 GBP per night for good family apartments, 100-200 GBP for hotel family rooms. Villas with pools from 150 GBP per night
• Meals out - 40-70 GBP per day for family of four eating all meals out. Self-catering reduces this significantly
• Water parks - 25-35 EUR per adult, 18-25 EUR per child. Online booking often cheaper
• Car hire - 20-40 GBP per day including insurance. Petrol is similar to UK prices
• Boat trips - 20-40 EUR per person for cave tours. Children often half price