Family Holidays to the Algarve
The Algarve is brimming with things to do for families, including waterparks and karting tracks. But there’s no loss of Portuguese traditions and beauty as you can also explore old towns, nature reserves and vast beaches.
Best family friendly beaches in the Algarve
The Algarve is packed with sandy beaches, sheltered coves and dramatic coastal scenery, so there are plenty of spots for paddling, sandcastle building and family adventures by the sea.
- Armação de Pêra Beach is a long stretch of golden sand with plenty of room for beach games, plus a promenade lined with cafés and restaurants for easy family lunches.
- Praia Grande offers a spacious sandy shoreline near Ferragudo, making it a good option for families looking for room to spread out and enjoy the sunshine.
- Alvor Beach is a fantastic choice for a family day out, with miles of sand, scenic dunes and opportunities for watersports when conditions allow.
- Olhos de Água Beach is a pretty sandy beach known for its freshwater springs, which bubble up through the sand at low tide.
- Praia dos Salgados is a quieter stretch of sand backed by dunes and wetlands, with wooden boardwalks nearby that are great for a family stroll and spotting local birdlife.
Best family activities in the Algarve
When you fancy a break from the beach, the Algarve has plenty of family-friendly attractions, from waterparks and animal encounters to go-karting and nature trails.
- Aqualand Algarve is a great choice for a splash-filled day, with waterslides, pools and attractions for different ages.
- Zoomarine Algarve combines marine-life experiences with a waterpark, wave pool and other family attractions, making it an easy choice for a full day out.
- Aquashow Park has waterslides, pools and amusement rides, so there’s plenty to keep both younger children and older kids entertained.
- Slide & Splash is another popular waterpark, with a mix of thrilling slides, family rides and areas for younger visitors.
- Karting Almancil is a fun option for families who fancy some friendly competition, with go-karting for a more action-packed day out.
- Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve is ideal for a slower-paced adventure, with scenic walks, lagoon views and opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife.
- Luso Aventura Albufeira offers treetop rope courses and outdoor challenges, with options for different ages and confidence levels.
Frequently asked questions about family holidays in the Algarve
The Algarve has plenty of family-friendly resorts to choose from, whether you’re after sandy beaches, exciting days out or somewhere quieter to unwind.
- Albufeira is a great all-rounder, with sandy beaches, family attractions, boat trips and waterparks nearby. There’s plenty to keep children of all ages entertained, along with lots of restaurants and family-friendly hotels.
- Alvor is ideal for a more relaxed family break, with a long sandy beach, scenic boardwalks and a charming old town filled with cafés and restaurants. It’s a lovely choice for families with younger children.
- Olhos de Água offers a quieter resort atmosphere, with a pretty beach, natural rock pools at low tide and plenty of places to eat. It’s a good option for families wanting a laid-back beach holiday within easy reach of Albufeira.
- Armação de Pêra is perfect for families who love long beach days, with a wide sandy shoreline, seafront restaurants and watersports. It’s also well placed for visiting nearby attractions, including Zoomarine.
- Vilamoura is a great choice for families who enjoy a mix of beach time and activities. There’s a lovely marina lined with restaurants, family-friendly beaches, boat trips and nearby waterparks.
- Lagos suits families who want to combine beach days with exploring. You’ll find beautiful sandy beaches, boat trips along the coastline and a historic town centre with plenty of places to eat.
Popular family hotels in the Algarve
Looking for inspiration for your family holiday in the Algarve? Here’s some of our most popular family hotels: