The amazing Algarve in Portugal is perfect for a fun-filled family getaway all year round
Experience the ultimate, easy, destination for a great holiday with little ones where there is enough to keep you busy for a month. I’ve been lucky enough to visit a few countries, but there is one oasis I choose to bring my family back to every year — Portugal’s Algarve. It is the ultimate, easy, place for a great holiday with little ones. The weather is ideal, especially in spring and autumn when it’s not quite as hot as the blazing days of summer. And the local people are great with kids, so families fit in no matter whether they are on the beach or in a high-end restaurant at night.
My two wee girls, Tara and Emma, love Portuguese food so add in theme parks, good value for money and great places to stay and you can see why the Algarve stacks up. Where you stay is crucial. We alternate each year between a hotel and a villa. The hotel is always the Pine Cliffs, a resort that boasts its own beach and myriad swimming pools. It’s away from the busy main resort of Albufeira, so is much quieter. We were lucky enough to have stayed at the seriously plush new Ocean Suites recently but they have everything from hotel rooms to big villas. Pine Cliffs also have the ultimate family playground, Porto Pirata. It’s a massive area set around full-size pirate ship. There are organised activities, but kids are also free to ramble all over the ship, bash around on the karts, check out the bouncy castle and play basketball. Another neat touch is that the resort is connected by a cute miniature train service. If you prefer a villa, we rate Vintage Travel.
On our last trip we booked Casa Idalina, an eight-person villa with loads of space. The heated pool was a big draw — something I’d strongly advise if you’re visiting outside summer. We also appreciated being able to cook for ourselves and knowing the kids were safe in a locked, gated garden with us. And when it comes to things to do, there is enough to keep you busy for a month, so choose wisely. One regular for us is Zoomarine (zoomarine.pt), which is much more than just a theme park. They have rides and water slides and much more. Next door to Zoomarine is Fiesa (fiesa.org) at Pena. From March through to the end of October the world’s largest collection of sand sculptures — created by artists from all over the world — is on show. I love seeing the faces on kids arriving for the first time. Sculptures up to 12m high soar everywhere they look. And, of course, there is a sandpit for the wee ones to mess about in. My girls enjoy wandering around the Algarve’s towns and villages checking out the shops.
Faro is also ideal. They love exploring old towns, so we usually head for historic Lagos as well as sleepy Tavira with its riverside strolls and flurry of churches. Inland I’d recommend Silves, with its fairytale castle. The most fun way of getting there is by boat up the river from Portimao. It shows another side of the Algarve away from the busy resorts. You will see far more birds than people on the silted-up river. There is a superb piri piri chicken restaurant by the ferry dock, so time your boat for lunchtime.
The beaches are, of course, what brought tourists to the Algarve in the first place. If you want to escape the crowds then hire a car and head east. At Pedras D’el Rei you can take the fun train over to an island with the sands of the massive Praia do Barril. Another family favourite best reached by car is Burgau in the west. You can amble down the cobbled streets of this charming village before messing about on the picture-postcard sands. A cafe and seafood restaurant tempt afterwards.
Eating out is another thrill in the Algarve. There is a multitude of choice. The cheap and cheerful tourist menus are always handy but if you’re looking to tickle your tastebuds with more local dishes then make for Guia. The town is famous as the home of piri piri chicken. Our favourite is Palladium (restaurantepalladium.com), an old-timer with plenty of character, as well as delicious grilled chicken. If you’re staying at Pine Cliffs there is a flurry of eating options. Their Piri Piri Restaurant is superb — a bit of a theme gathering here. But this time it is not for its chicken but the range of superb charcoal-grilled steaks. And the staff are spot-on with the kids here. There is a great value Italian restaurant just across the road from the resort. My wife and I sneaked off for lunch one day when Tara and Emma were at the kids’ club.
If you’re staying at a villa then the local supermarkets are great. Or head to the Olhao Fish Market. This grand design was the work of Gustav Eiffel — more famous for his tower in Paris. Here the wee ones can help pick fresh fish and learn how they are caught and filleted. The prices are cheap too. On the money front with the euro exchange rate volatile, we find Portugal always comes in a little cheaper than Spain. Money-saving tips include opting for the prato do dia (menu of the day) in restaurants. Get car hire petrol away from Faro Airport and take your own beach towels so you save on sun lounger fees.
I’ve taken my young family to lots of lovely places but there is one place that is set in stone for us every year. That is Portugal’s southern charmer, the Algarve. Hopefully you will get the chance to enjoy the ultimate family holiday there too.
Source: The Scottish Sun