The Algarve for families: Where to stay?

Planning a family holiday can come with its difficulties. You want somewhere safe, fun, and full of variety to keep everyone happy. Well, that’s why the Algarve is such a favourite with families all over the world. With lots of beaches and towns to explore, and plenty of activities for both kids and adults, it provides a great balance of relaxation and adventure! 

Is the Algarve good for families?

Absolutely! One of the greatest things about this wonderful region is the variety of atmospheres from town to town, or city to city. You’ll find everything from lively resorts to peaceful towns. With sunshine pretty much all year round, family-friendly restaurants, theme parks, waterparks and endless beaches, it’s no coincidence that so many families choose the Algarve for their European break.

 

Where to stay in the Algarve for families?

For a low-down on the best areas to stay in the Algarve for families, you’ve come to the right place. It’s an extremely popular destination for families to come to because there’s a lot to keep the children entertained. 

Based on the Portuguese coastline, it’s blessed with the best scenery and luxurious beaches for the whole family to enjoy. The temperatures can reach up to almost 30 degrees Celsius in the peak of summertime, so be sure to book wisely. Here are some of our recommendations for great places to stay in the Algarve for families.

Lagos

Lagos is a chill and pleasant city where families can enjoy great scenery on the cobbled streets and high–rise walls. It has many tourist attractions, including the Museu Municipal, which opens from 10 am, showcasing Roman mosaics and historical features. There’s also a beach that stretches for miles, so you’re never worried about finding a spot.

You’ll be able to find lots of other adventures beyond the beaches too, with boat trips to hidden caves and dolphin-watching tours departing from the marina. For animal lovers, Lagos Zoo is a must, featuring over 150 species of animals.

Lagos points of interest for families:

• Museu Municipal: Founded by José Formosinho in 1932, this museum showcases a broad range of historical artefacts, including Roman mosaics and artwork. The museum is open from 10:00-12:30 and 2:00-5:30, except on Mondays. 
• Lagos Zoo: A family-friendly attraction home to over 150 species of animals and birds, with an emphasis on conservation and natural habitats. This zoo is open 10:00-19:00.

• Ponta da Piedade: Famous for its limestone cliffs, grottoes, and crystal-clear waters, this coastal landmark offers some of the best views in the Algarve.

• Lagos Marina: A lively waterfront hub lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops, serving as a gateway for boat trips and water sports. Lagos Marina is open 08:00-21:00.

 

Portimao

Portimao is well known for the rocky beaches that border the coastline. It’s a great place to meet other holiday goers and explore the rock formations in the small caves. If you wish to get really up and close, boat rides are available that go out to the rocks to get a first-hand experience of their beauty.

In addition to its striking coastline, Portimão is home to one of the Algarve’s most famous beaches, Praia da Rocha, which offers vast stretches of sand and a lovely boardwalk.

Portimao points of interest for families:

• Alvor Boardwalk: A scenic wooden walkway stretching across dunes and wetlands, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying panoramic views of the coastline.

• Praia da Rocha: One of the Algarve’s most famous beaches, known for its wide golden sands, striking cliffs, and nightlife nearby.

• Boat trips to Benagil caves: A must-do excursion that takes you along the rugged coast to explore the iconic Benagil sea cave and hidden grottoes accessible only by water.

 

Vilamoura

Vilamoura is one of the Algarve’s most family-friendly destinations, offering everything you need — relaxation, luxury, and activities. You have the glamorous marina right on your doorstep, where you and your family can take a lovely walk along the promenade, spot luxury yachts, or stop at one of the many restaurants. For beach lovers, both Praia de Vilamoura and Praia da Falésia offer a brilliant day out, with both being sandy, which is ideal for the children. 

Aside from the beach, Vilamoura also has the Family Golf Park, providing fun Roman-themed mini-golf courses, with the nearby Aquashow Park also being a popular place for people on family holidays in Vilamoura. If you all like to learn a little bit about history, then there’s also the Cerro da Vila Roman ruins. 

Vilamoura points of interest for families:

• Family Golf Park: Opened in Vilamoura in 2000, this Roman-themed attraction features two 18-hole miniature golf courses designed for all ages, with replicas of Roman architecture and interactive features. Family Golf Park is open 10:00-19:00.

• Vilamoura Marina: Built in 1974, this award-winning marina is the largest in Portugal, hosting over 800 berths for yachts, surrounded by luxury hotels, fine dining, and a lively nightlife scene.

• Praia da Falésia: Stretching nearly 6 km between Vilamoura and Olhos de Água, this beach is famed for its striking 30–40 metre high cliffs, layered in red, orange, and white sandstone formed millions of years ago.

• Cerro da Vila: An archaeological site dating back to the 1st century AD, it preserves the remains of a Roman villa, including mosaics, baths, and fish-salting tanks, with a museum showcasing artefacts from Roman, Visigothic, and Moorish periods.

 

Tavira

Tavira is located on the eastern side of the Algarve and is one for those who are looking to really get away from the busy environments. It’s a rather quiet town that is flooded with cobbled streets.  It’s also home to the castle, which offers great views from up high. You also have the option to visit the local museum to get clued up on a bit of cultural knowledge.

Children love the miniature train ride to Praia do Barril, while parents can explore the Camera Obscura, which gives a fascinating 360-degree view of the town through mirrors and lenses.

Tavira points of interest for families:

• Ponte Romana: The current bridge dates mainly from the 17th century, but chances are it stands on Roman foundations, spanning the Gilão River with seven stone arches and remains a central landmark of Tavira.

• Camera Obscura: Installed in a former water tower from the 1930s, this optical device uses mirrors and lenses to project a 360° live view of Tavira, offering a unique perspective over the town’s rooftops and coastline. Opening hours for the Camera Obscura are 11:00-14:00 Tuesday to Friday.

• Praia do Barril via miniature train: Originally built to transport tuna fishermen in the 1940s, the narrow-gauge train now carries visitors across the Ria Formosa Nature Park to Praia do Barril, where an “anchor cemetery” commemorates Tavira’s tuna fishing heritage.

• Tavira Castle: Dating back to the Moorish occupation between the 8th and 13th centuries, the castle preserves parts of its defensive walls and towers, with a garden and viewpoints overlooking Tavira’s historic centre. Tavira Castle is open 08:30-17:00 Monday to Friday, 10:00-22:00 Saturday, and 10:00-17:00 on Sunday.

 

Albufeira

This is a rather popular destination for most families, and it has lots going on. More of a party scene, there are plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy, packed with plenty of tourists. One fantastic attraction for kids is the Algarve water park, as well as pirate shows and pools that are on–site.

Other family attractions include Zoomarine, which features marine life shows, pools and more, as well as Krazy World, which has zoo animals, mini golf, and splash areas for younger children.

Albufeira points of interest for families:

• Aquashow Park: Opened in 1999 in Quarteira, this is one of Portugal’s largest waterparks, featuring high-speed water slides, wave pools, a water rollercoaster, and live animal presentations. Aquashow closes during the winter months, but you can visit May to September where it’s open every day 10:00-18:00.

• Zoomarine: Established in 1991 near Albufeira, this marine theme park combines animal shows with aquariums, rides, and educational exhibits focused on ocean conservation. Zoomarine is open 10:00-17:00 on Wednesdays, and 10:00-18:00 Thursday to Sunday.

• Krazy World: A family adventure park near Algoz, it offers a small zoo with reptiles and exotic animals, interactive feeding areas, mini-golf, swimming pools, and tree-top adventure courses. Krazy World is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00.

 

Sagres

Sagres is an isolated village that really gets you away from the noise. There are plenty of quiet cafes and bars that you can enjoy some quality family time at, and it’s essentially the complete opposite atmosphere to Albufeira. There are fishing harbours and cliff tops to embrace the terrific scenery that it offers too.

Sagres points of interest for families:

• Sagres Fortress: Originally constructed in the 15th century under Prince Henry the Navigator, this coastal stronghold was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake; it features massive stone walls, a giant compass rose, and sweeping views over Cape St. Vincent. You can visit Sagres Fortress Monday to Sunday, 09:30-20:00. 

• Praia do Martinhal: A wide sandy beach near Sagres, it is sheltered by small islets just offshore and is popular for windsurfing and kayaking, while also offering calmer areas for families.

 

Carvoeiro

Similar to other destinations in the list, Carvoeiro also offers beaches and high cliff tops for the family to enjoy. However, due to the size of the town, the beaches tend to get packed rather quickly, so it’ll be an idea to get there early. They also have pushchair access, which is useful if you have small children.

Families in Carvoeiro can also explore the nearby Algar Seco cliffs, a natural playground of caves, tunnels, and stunning viewpoints. In the evenings, the village square fills with live music and entertainment, making dining out something to remember. 

Carvoeiro points of interest for families:

• Praia do Carvoeiro: A beach in the town of Carvoeiro, surrounded by a promenade and colourful cliffs. It’s been a popular spot since the early 20th century and is known for calm waters, ideal for swimming and family visits.
• Algar Seco cliffs: Located just outside Carvoeiro, these limestone formations feature grottoes, tunnels, and rock arches shaped over millions of years, with boardwalks and stairways offering stunning views of the Atlantic coastline.

 

Luz

Located close to Lagos, Luz is a rather popular destination for British tourists. This is mainly because of the relaxing atmosphere that it has compared to Albufeira. It’s filled with plenty of cafes and restaurants for you to get stuck into the local cuisine in and it also provides boat trips to see the local dolphins and caves.

Luz points of interest for families:

• Praia da Luz: A beach in the town of Luz, dating back to a former fishing village that has a promenade and incredible cliffs.

• Beach Hut Watersports: On the beach of Praia da Luz, Beach Hut Watersports offers activities such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, parasailing, and kayaking. They’re open 09:00-19:00 and prices for Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) start from €15 per hour, or you could take a 2 hour SUP Tour for €40.

 

Almancil

This is a destination that may not be familiar to most, but Almancil still offers plenty to explore and do for families. It has magnificent architecture and plenty of beaches to enjoy. The Igreja de São Lourenço de Matos is a church located in the region which has an excellent interior design that is truly breathtaking. 

Another popular attraction is Karting Almancil, which offers safe tracks for children as young as seven. The town is also close to MAR Shopping Algarve, where you’ll find restaurants, entertainment, kids’ play areas and more, all under one roof.

Almancil points of interest for families:

• Karting Almancil Family Park: Opened in the 1990s near Almancil, this outdoor karting track offers adrenaline-filled racing for all ages, alongside mini-golf, go-karts for children, and other family-friendly attractions. Opening times are 11:00-19:30, and 10 minutes on the junior circuit with a 120cc Kart costs €13. They also have a mini Formula 1 track with battery-powered cars that costs €7.

• MAR Shopping Algarve: Opened in 2006 in Loulé, this modern shopping centre features over 160 stores, a cinema, restaurants, and seasonal events, making it one of the region’s main retail and leisure hubs. The shopping centre is open 09:00-23:00 Monday to Saturday and 10:00-23:00 on Sundays.
• Igreja de São Lourenço de Matos: Dating back to the 18th century, this church is known for its blue-and-white azulejo tiles that show the life of Saint Lawrence, highlighting traditional Portuguese Baroque art. The opening times are Monday 15:00-17:00, Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-13:00 & 15:00-17:00, and closed on Sundays.

 

Faro

As the capital of the Algarve, Faro never disappoints. It has plenty of tourist attractions, including the local fish market and the Trem Gallery of Municipal Art. There are islands around the area that can be easily reached by boat, covering the area with golden sand and can be great to embrace in such a quiet area.

Faro offers a cultural twist on the typical beach holiday. Families can explore the medieval Old Town, join a boat tour through the Ria Formosa Nature Park to spot flamingos, or enjoy a relaxed shopping trip at Forum Algarve.

Faro points of interest for families:

• Forum Algarve Shopping: Opened in 2001 in Faro, this shopping centre houses over 120 shops, a cinema, restaurants, and a large supermarket. Forum Algarve Shopping is open every day 10:00-23:00.

• Trem Gallery of Municipal Art: This gallery features a collection of modern and contemporary Portuguese art, including paintings, sculptures, and temporary exhibitions showcasing regional artists. Opening times are Tuesday to Friday 11:30-18:00, and Saturday 10:30-17:00.

• Faro Old Town: Surrounded by 9th–12th century city walls, the historic centre features cobbled streets, the Arco da Vila, and landmarks like Faro Cathedral, recalling Roman, Moorish, and medieval history.

• Ria Formosa Boat Tours: You could take a guided boat tour through the Ria Formosa Natural Park. These kinds of tours explore lagoons, salt flats, and birdwatching hotspots, highlighting the park’s rich biodiversity and conservation work.

 

Olhos de Agua

Last but not least, the small fishing village of Olhos de Agua is located about 7km from Albufeira. The beach located in the area is relatively small but still boasts clear blue waters and plenty of rock pools. Roman ruins are based at the Museu Cerra da Vila in Vilamoura to the east of the village, and there are impressive cliffs to explore towards the east.

Olhos de Água is a calmer alternative to nearby Albufeira, making it ideal for younger families. Its sheltered beaches are perfect for small children, while nearby attractions like Parque Aventura offer climbing and rope courses for older kids who want that extra adventure!

Olhos de Agua points of interest for families:

• Parque Aventura: Opened in the 1990s near Albufeira, this adventure park offers treetop obstacle courses, zip lines, and climbing activities set in a pine forest. You can visit Parque Aventura from Wednesday to Friday, 10:00-17:00 and Saturday to Sunday, 10:00-18:00.

• Praia dos Olhos de Água: A scenic beach in Albufeira, named after its freshwater springs (“eyes of water”), featuring golden sands and rocky outcrops.

 

Book your Algarve family holiday today!

With so many family-friendly towns and villages to choose from, the Algarve truly offers something for everyone. The only question left is where you and your loved ones will call home during your stay.

If you’d like to enjoy the Algarve in style, why not start with luxury villas in Vilamoura, one of the most popular bases for families? If you’d like tailored advice on choosing the perfect villa for your trip, contact us today.