If you're planning to take your little kids on a fun holiday, the Algarve would be a great destination to consider. It's safe and family-friendly, boasting excellent weather, beautiful sandy beaches, and modern tourism facilities. There's also a huge variety of fun activities catered to kids of all ages.
Here are some of the best places to visit in the Algarve for young families.
Faro
Being the capital city of the Algarve region, Faro is a busy port city, with most visitors arriving here before exploring southern Portugal. Yet, there's plenty for families to explore in this bustling capital. Wander through its cobblestone streets and follow the monumental archway leading to the Old Town. Here, you'll find the Faro Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church built in the 13th century. Check out the Municipal Museum, housed in a 16th-century convent and showcasing prehistoric and medieval artefacts.
Albufeira
Albufeira is where most holidaymakers to the Algarve would come. It's centrally located along southern Portugal's coast, making it one of the most accessible beach towns in the region. Set on sandstone cliffs, just above a sandy bay, Albufeira used to be a quiet fishing village with whitewashed houses. Nowadays, you'll find plenty of family-friendly resorts and a plethora of restaurants and cafes. For families who want to enjoy a relaxing stay, consider staying in a large accommodation by the Portugal coast, with a concierge and top-notch facilities.
Quarteira
Quarteira is famous for its long, sandy beach called the Quarteira Beach. Surrounded by whitewashed buildings, the beach stretches for almost 2 kilometres. The town's fishing community is still intact and is now lined with several seafood restaurants serving freshly caught fish. After your meal, stroll through the palm-lined Avenida Infante de Sagres and head to the town's weekly flea market, where stalls sell all kinds of stuff, from souvenir items to handbags and clothing.
Portimão
Portimão is the region's second-largest city, overlooking the banks of River Arade. Boasting an award-winning museum and a theatre complex, it is the region's cultural hub and an international port of call for many cruise ships. You and your kids will have fun exploring Museu de Portimão. Housed in a 19th-century building, it showcases the history of the town's canning traditions through state-of-the-art interactive effects. The Gothic-style Nossa Senhora da Conceição church is also worth checking out, as is the medieval Fort of Santa Catarina de Ribamar.
Lagoa
Lagoa de Albufeira is a unique beach since it has a lagoon connecting the Atlantic. It's quite large, featuring calm waters and soft sands with plenty of spaces for your kids to play at. As part of the National Eco Reserve, Lagoa de Albufeira is popular with birdwatchers and hikers. But it's not entirely wild and remote since you'll find plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby. If you're taking your family for a beach holiday in Lagoa, consider getting an Algarve rental with a garden and a private pool. These holiday rentals are also equipped with child-friendly amenities, perfect for families with little kids.
