6 Best Areas In The Algarve For Families: Plan Your Trip

Trying to plan your Portuguese getaway? Take a look at our list of the best areas in the Algarve for families.

Whether you’d like to set up camp in one key area or check out a few, we’ve got your back. And if you’re planning on exploring with the kids, don’t forget to book car hire with your flights to Faro. Or opt for public transport and get around the region by train and bus.

Tavira: nature lovers’ retreat

Tavira, Portugal

Tavira is a hidden gem that straddles the Gilão River and skims the Ria Formosa Natural Park, so of course it’s one of the best areas in the Algarve for families who love nature.

The Ria Formosa Natural Park has been voted one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders, with salt pans that attract incredible wildlife, including flamingos! Plus there’s an easy walking trail from the city, making it ideal for kids too.

Beyond Ria Formosa, there are long sandy beaches. Getting there is half the fun, with beaches like Praia de Tavira accessible by ferry and others like Paria do Barril accessible by a seasonal tourist train or on foot over a bridge. Side note: Paria do Barril is also home to hundreds of rusting anchors embedded in sandbanks, a striking memorial to the area’s traditional fishing industry.

The medieval city itself is also ripe for exploring. Walk uphill to the Castelo de Tavira fortress for commanding vistas of the city. For beautiful views from a different angle, stroll over the Roman Bridge and walk in the footsteps of the city’s earlier inhabitants.

Albufeira: action-packed for all ages

Bustling Albufeira always has lots going on, making it one of the best areas in the Algarve for families. Heading out on a boat for a bit of exploration is always a good idea – dolphin watching is a particularly fun option!

And if your kids would rather do some exploring on dry land, children between four and 10 will love doing a pony trek. Or simply hop on this cute road train and see the sights of the city as you whizz by.

Its connections are another reason why it’s such a great Algarve base for families. For example, if you fancy heading to a waterpark, Zoomarine, Splash & Slide, Aqualand and Aquashow are all close. Depending on where you go and if you travel by public transport, taxi or car, you’ll be splashing away in 15 to 60 minutes.

Lagos: beach days with young families

Albufeira Beach, Portugal

Even though Lagos boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, it’s also a little quieter than some of the other areas. That makes it perfect for young families visiting the Algarve.

Praia da Dona Ana is lauded as one of the most stunning beaches in the region and it’s just a stone’s throw away from Lagos. Sea stacks frame the views and there are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for hire here too.

One of the longest beaches in the Algarve, Meia Praia stretches over 4km. Thanks to natural rock formations, the waters here are shallow and usually fairly calm so it’s ideal for smaller swimmers.

For something a little more self-containted, try Praia de Batata right next to the old town. Take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean in this gorgeous, sheltered spot.

Then have a mini adventure as you make your way through a tunnel carved in the rocks to Praia dos Estudantes, where a Roman-style bridge built between two rocks dominates the views.

Sagres: soak up history and learn to surf

Wondering where to stay in the Algarve with a family of diverse interests? Sagres ticks a lot of boxes.

It’s got huge historical significance, linked with the Portuguese Age of Discovery where 15th century shipbuilding, navigation and cartography skills were honed. Visit the Sagres Fortress to find out how this town left its mark on the world.

Plus if your kids have a thirst for watersports, head to the area’s west-facing beaches for some of the best surfing in the region. You’ll find plenty of schools offering lessons for children aged six and over.

And there are also fabulous walks suitable for children in and around Sagres if you want to soak up some dramatic cliff views.

Vilamoura: luxury resorts with epic kids clubs

Only 30 minutes away from Faro airport, Vilamoura is in the heart of the Algarve. If you’re looking for a little luxury, this is the place to go.

There are lots of big name five star resorts here with kids clubs, so you can check out the spa or simply relax poolside while your little ones play to their hearts content. Take a look at Crowne Plaza Vilamoura or Hilton Vilamoura.

You can also find plenty of great self-catering options that are a little more cost-effective than the luxury resorts, but mean you can still take advantage of the area’s upscale restaurants after a day of exploring.

Vilamoura, Portugal

Armação de Pêra: fishing village with a local flair

The beachside town of Armação de Pêra hugs the coast and is one of the best areas in the Algarve for families who totally want to switch off and enjoy authentic Portuguese experiences.

It’s one of the last places in the area where fishermen still launch boats from the beach, making it an ideal place to sample the freshest seafood available. For more foodie treats, kids will love taking trips to the town’s market to stock up on supplies.

This town is all about the beaches, with wide and sandy stretches just steps away from the town itself. If you want a holiday full of oceanfront dining and relaxed beach days, this is the place for you. And if you choose accommodation wisely and you could be in the sea in minutes.