Family Holidays to the Algarve

The rush to get down on the beach as quickly as possible means families sometimes miss out on Western Algarve because it’s a longer drive from Faro Airport. But this is where the region keeps some of its loveliest beaches, prettiest resorts, historic cities and ridiculously good seafood. It’s also where you’ll still find out of the way seaside towns and villages with almost deserted shores and some of Portugal’s greatest walking, hiking and sheer majesty on the far western Atlantic coast.

•  The historic walled city of Lagos is a mix of holiday town lively and traditional elegance. Old town restaurants are some of the Algarve’s best, and waterfront cafés are great for people watching in the evening.
• The great golf resort of Portimão is just as good for beaches as greens. Excellent for self-catering villas and apartments and home to iconic Praia dos Três Irmãos.
• Pretty Vila do Bispo to the west of Lagos is a little known Algarve secret for quiet beaches, cute self-catering, village restaurants, beach bars and a laid back, non-tourist atmosphere.

The fast out of Faro area with a bit of a party reputation round about Albufeira isn’t quite as hectic as it’s painted. In fact, some of the biggest and sandiest beaches in the region are here and it’s the heartland for waterparks, adventure parks, shopping malls, golf courses and family restaurants. You’ll find all-inclusive hotels and holiday apartments crowded along the coast and traditional charm isn’t much in evidence. But if you want activities, water sports and lots of activities for older kids and teens, Central Algarve is where to look.

• Don’t dismiss Faro as an airport town. It’s Algarve’s capital, the historic quarter’s charming and some of the region’s best restaurants are here.
• Albufeira is party Algarve. Avoid the notorious ‘strip’ and it can be great fun with kids. Generally less expensive than more refined Western Algarve for accommodation, the town’s bracketed by stunning Praia de São Rafael and Praia da Oura.
• Vilamoura is the largest single tourist resort in Europe and another golfing great. Large family villas and apartments are the signature here and the nearest beach is the one all the others want to be: Praia de Falésia.

For quaint seaside towns, peaceful beaches, spectacular nature reserves and more than a hint of pre-tourism Algarve, head east. There are fewer resort hotels and developments in this area, but the gentle easy-going pace works well for family holidays with younger kids.

• The pretty town of Olháo to the east of Faro is typically Portuguese from its red-tile roofs to the sugar cube houses. Originally a wealthy fishing port, the historic quarter has some lovely buildings and several interesting churches.
• Traditional Tavira has no less than 37 churches and some of the loveliest architecture in the Algarve. The historic quarter is charming and the town’s close to Barril Beach, known as the ‘graveyard of anchors’.
• The star of eastern Algarve is always Ria Formosa Natural Park. This protected expanse of wetlands and salt marshes is one of Portugal’s most important nature reserves and teems with wildlife and birds.

The land where tourists seldom roam is definitely worth getting to know. Away from busy beaches and resorts, nothing much has changed for centuries. The unspoiled countryside is green and mountainous. Quaint towns and villages have colourful summer festivals and lively market days. Walking, hiking and cycling on well-marked routes and trails makes for fun days out and the Atlantic coast looks even more impressive viewed from above.

• Climbing in the Serra de Monchique foothills is good with older kids and teens.
• Caldas de Monchique has traditional thermal spas surrounded by lush pine forests and mountain panoramas.
• Loulé has several of the best weekend markets in Algarve.