The gloriously sunny and beachy Algarve is heroic when it comes to family villa holidays. Not only does it have the perfect combo of coast and countryside, it’s also the heartland of fabulous water sports, top region for first-time surf lessons, spoiled for dramatic Atlantic panoramas, and more gifted at golf than almost anywhere else in Europe.
It’s a favourite destination for Villa Plus, and the ideal setting for some of their loveliest family villas, all with private pools, and each as unique and original as the Algarve itself. Great value holidays are another feature of this fabulous region, and Villa Plus are happy to continue that grand tradition too with prices starting at just £769 per villa, per week. Have a look at their top five picks for 2018, available to book now.
1/5 Villa Caminho, Almancil
Sleeps up to 16, from £769 per week
Perfect for larger families, or two families holidaying together, seven bedroom Villa Caminho has a lovely countryside setting and is only a short drive from central Algarve beaches, and stunning coastal resorts like Quinta do Lago.
The villa’s huge garden is a fantastic feature, with masses of lawn for younger kids to run around on, and elegant terraces for sunbathing and dining. There’s also a full-size tennis court, and private pool to keep the most energetic guests entertained, plus outdoor games tables and WIFI to appeal to teens.
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Seven bedrooms, four bath/shower rooms.
- Separate ground, first floor living rooms and kitchens.
- Large, mature gardens with sun and dining terraces.
- Private, heated pool, and full-size tennis court.
- Outdoor games tables, and built-in brick BBQ.
- Aircon in bedrooms and WIFI.
- Countryside setting, five minutes drive from Almancil.
- 25 minutes drive from Faro Airport.
About the area
Nearby Quinta do Lago is one of the Algarve’s great sporting resorts, with three superb golf courses, and a huge range of family activities from horse riding to dolphin spotting cruises. Several beautiful Blue Flag beaches are within a short drive of the villa too, and both Albufeira and Faro are less than half-an-hour away for aerial adventure courses, water sports, galleries, museums, and shopping.
Find out more about Villa Caminho, available to book now with Villa Plus.
2/5 Villa Quinta Riad Alamos, Guia
Sleeps up to 11, from £1019 per week
Moroccan-style Quinta Riad Alamos is a lovely countryside villa surrounded by vineyards, just a short drive from the coast. The charming little town of Guia is nearby too, and lively Albufeira is less than 15 minutes away.
Ideal for larger families, the villa is also part of the Villa Plus Collection, and includes extras like a handy starter pack, Bluetooth speaker/iPod dock, and pool towels. Younger kids love the large, grassy garden, and outdoor games tables, WIFI, and the enormous pool have masses of teen appeal.
- Five bedrooms with en-suite bath/shower rooms
- Two living rooms, separate dining room.
- Large, enclosed garden with lawn areas and games tables.
- Private, heated swimming pool.
- Outdoor dining terrace with built-in BBQ.
- Aircon in bedrooms.
- 35 minutes drive from Faro Airport.
About the area
Gorgeous Atlantic beaches like Praia da Galé and Praia São Rafael are less than 10 minutes drive from Quinta Riad Alamos. Lively Albufeira is nearby too for water sports, family cruises, and adventure parks. There are fun cycling and walking routes in the lovely countryside around the villa, and the pretty little town of Guia is good for local restaurants and shops.
Find out more about Villa Quinta Riad Alamos, available to book now with Villa Plus.
3/5 Villa Hacienda, Vale do Lobo
Sleeps up to 5, from £769 per week
Villa Hacienda is set in the grounds of Michelin starred, São Gabriel Thai Garden restaurant, minutes from Vale do Lobo, one of the Algarve’s great golf resorts. It’s also close to beautiful beaches like Praia do Ancão and Praia do Garrão, and a 40 minute drive from Albufeira.
Amazingly spacious, indoors and out, this charming two bedroom villa is perfect for smaller families. The huge, enclosed garden has a lovely dining terrace with a built-in barbecue, plus kid-heaven lawns for running about on and a large swimming pool, surrounded by lush, tropical planting.
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Two bedrooms, one bath/shower rooms.
- Enormous, beautifully landscaped, private garden.
- Extensive sun terrace, and pretty dining terrace with BBQ.
- Minutes from exclusive Vale do Lobo and Blue Flag beaches.
- Private heated swimming pool.
- WIFI and aircon throughout.
- 25 minutes drive from Faro Airport.
About the area
Both Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago are golfing legends, and less than 10 minutes from Villa Hacienda. Non-golfing kids have acres of golden, sandy beaches nearby. Fun Albufeira is a 40 minute drive west for water sports. Or you can head east, to explore Faro’s traditional street markets, interesting museums and delightful old town.
Find out more about Villa Hacienda, available to book now with Villa Plus.
4/5 Villa Eve, Olhos d’Agua
Sleeps up to 9, from £1559 per week
Villa Eve is an easy stroll from Olhos d’Agua; one of the prettiest resorts on the central Algarve coast, famous for its fishing village charm, peaceful coves and friendly, local restaurants.
A good choice for larger families, this light and airy villa has balconies overlooking the pool from its first floor bedrooms, and a living area which opens on to the garden. It’s also part of the Villa Plus Collection, so pool towels, a starter pack, and Bluetooth speakers or iPod docks are included.
- Four bedrooms, four bath/shower rooms.
- Striking, contemporary design.
- Safe, enclosed garden with lawn area.
- A short walk from Olhos d’Agua village for beaches, restaurants and shops.
- Private heated swimming pool.
- Pool and table tennis tables
- Aircon in bedrooms, lounge and kitchen.
- Pool towels, starter pack, WIFI, Bluetooth speakers/iPod dock.
- 35 minutes drive from Faro Airport.
About the area
Albufeira is only four miles from Olhos d’Agua if you want a complete change of pace, and brilliant water sports on enormous Fishermen’s Beach. Aqualand Algarve and Zoomarine are both nearby too, and gorgeous Praia da Oura, Praia da Falésia, and Praia dos Aveiros are the local legends for soaring cliffs, dramatic stone arches, and rock formations.
Find out more about Villa Eve, available to book now with Villa Plus.
5/5 Villa Mar y Sol, Olhos d’Agua
Sleeps up to 9, from £959 per week
Peace of mind is just one of the many great features that make pretty Mar y Sol ideal for families with younger kids. Not only is the villa set in gorgeous, open countryside close to the village of Olhos d’Agua, you can request to have the swimming pool fenced and the garden has plenty of lawn for safe play. The views here are stunning too, especially from the villa’s lovely dining terrace. So even if you don’t want to stroll down to Olhos d’Agua for lunch or dinner on the waterfront, you can recreate a lovely experience at home.
- Four bedrooms, three bath/shower rooms.
- Peaceful, countryside setting.
- A short walk from Olhos d’Agua for beaches, restaurants, and shops.
- Private, heated and fenced swimming pool (for an extra charge).
- Aircon in bedrooms and WIFI.
- Large, enclosed gardens with mature trees, and lawn.
- Open views of the countryside.
- 35 minutes drive from Faro Airport.
About the area
Olhos d’Agua’s quiet, sandy cove is just a short walk from Villa Mar y Sol. Although older kids will probably prefer the non-stop activity on Albufeira’s big beaches, less than four miles away. Bustling Vilamoura is another popular family resort nearby, and if you’re in the mood to enjoy an Algarve icon; head for Praia da Falasia to see the amazing, rainbow-streaked cliffs overlooking the Atlantic.