If you “religiously” follow travel accounts on Instagram like I do, you’ve likely seen photos of the Algarve in your feed. Portugal’s southernmost region has no shortage of dreamy locales and landscapes. Seeing its whitewashed villages adorned with tile work, shimmering gold-sand beaches, rocky bluffs and caves that look like they’re straight out of the Jurassic era, and ancient castles could make anyone want to book a family trip.
Parts of the Algarve could be easily mistaken for somewhere along the Mediterranean coastline. It even shares the same climate. But what you’ll find roughly 150 miles south of Lisbon is a coastal paradise full of hidden gems, where your dollar takes you much further. Here are five reasons why you should consider a Portugal family trip to the Algarve.
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1. The seaside villages are just as charming as other, popular coastal destinations throughout Europe.
Whitewashed buildings sprinkled along the beach like confectioner’s sugar give off “Costa Brava” vibes, while cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored homes and sidewalk cafes could easily transport you to the French Riviera. The Algarve’s seaside villages aren’t just pretty pictures, though. You’ll also generally see less crowds than you would in more widely visited, coastal destinations such as cities in the Mediterranean.
Carvoeiro, in the western Algarve, is the perfect stepping stone for families to get a taste of the region. It’s quieter than more notable cities like Lagos and Faro, and has a laidback beach to boot. Families also can enjoy easy access to one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks, Benagil Cave, as well as short drives to Lagos and Ferragudo, arguably the cutest little town around.
(Psst: My top restaurant picks in the western Algarve include Travia in Lagos, Ferragudu’s Terrace in Ferragudo, and Chef’s Kitchen in Carvoeiro. While there are no dedicated kids’ menus, the dishes are fun and versatile, high chairs are plentiful, and the establishments are insanely accommodating to those with little ones.)
2. Your money will go far in the Algarve.
Taking the kids to Europe doesn’t have to break the bank. With a trip to the Algarve, cost is one of the most alluring factors. This is thanks to frequent flight deals to Lisbon, where you can easily rent a car and make the couple hours’ drive south; budget-friendly accommodations, especially during the offseason; and an all-around lower cost of travel when it comes to food, activities and more.
With strategic planning and timing—such as traveling during the country’s low season (December through March) or shoulder season months of May, June, September, and October—a Portugal family trip to the Algarve could actually cost less than visiting some destinations within the United States. Yep, you heard that right.
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3. Recreational activities are relaxed and easily attainable.
Adventures abound in the Algarve for families of all activity levels. The famed Benagil Cave is accessible by a rugged yet fairly level walking trail as well as via boat (some tours are wheelchair accessible) and kayak tours.
Trekking the Seven Hanging Valleys trail to Benagil Cave is free but doesn’t get you inside the cave like paid tours do; you still get awesome views, though. Note: The trail is a little less than four miles long in total, but the cave’s vantage point is less than half a mile from the parking lot.
More adventures await in ancient castles and fortresses along the Algarve coast, as well as on the Carvoeiro Boardwalk (stroller- and wheelchair-accessible), on the award-winning Praia da Marinha beach, and at the family-friendly Quinta dos Vales winery. Families traveling during warmer months might also want to check out the Slide and Splash water park.
4. Family-friendly resorts go above and beyond for kids.
At first glance, the Monte Santo Resort in Carvoeiro—where we ultimately decided to stay during the month of March, the tail-end of low season—might seem like more of a honeymoon retreat than a family resort. A closer look at the property and others in the area, however, will reveal great attention to detail when it comes to kid-friendly offerings.
Monte Santo Resort offers a youth club and well-equipped playground, dedicated activities for the whole family, babysitting services, and an array of baby gear (i.e. portable cribs, high chairs, potty training seats, baby monitors and swim diapers) available for free or a small fee.
Families also benefit from roomy accommodations, including two-bedroom suites and three-bedroom townhomes; swoon-worthy pools; free parking; a short walk (10 minutes) to Carvoeiro’s quaint downtown and beach; and central location to all the area’s highlights. The value of staying at Monte Santo Resort is unbeatable, with low rates for a resort of its caliber, and deals offered throughout the year.
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5. The weather is pleasant year-round.
It’s almost too good to be true. The Algarve is located within the Mediterranean climate zone, so the region sees comfortably warm summers and refreshing, mild winters. Higher winds, especially in the western part of the region, also help prevent it from feeling too hot and humid.
When we took our Portugal family trip to the Algarve, we found the weather in March during our stay to be ideal. Daytime temperatures typically hovered between the high 60s to low 70s, while constant sunshine made it feel even warmer.
