Itching to Take the Kids to Europe? Here’s Why You Should Consider a Portugal Family Trip to the Algarve
Olhos de Agua, the Algarve, Portugal (Photo: lmallo via Twenty20)
Follow any travel account on Instagram, and you’ve likely seen photos from Portugal in your feed. Europe’s westernmost country has no shortage of dreamy locales and landscapes across its mainland and archipelagos. Everything from the tilework on its building facades and mystical palaces, to its dramatic shorelines and vineyards hugging the Douro River makes for an awe-inspiring view.
Lucky for parents: Portugal is also one of the best countries for families to visit, especially for those who prefer warmer, moderate climates. It gets even better in its southernmost coast, the Algarve, for families who want the most bang for their buck. If you’re itching to take the kids to Europe, here are five reasons why you should consider a Portugal family trip to the Algarve.
1. The seaside villages are just as charming as other, popular coastal destinations throughout Europe.
Family Exploring the Town of Alvor (Photo: SuzannePhotography via Twenty20)
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.
Families at the “hidden gem” beach of Praia do Camilo (Photo: SteveAllenPhoto via Twenty20)
Taking the kids to Europe doesn’t have to break the bank, and with a Portugal vacation, cost is one of the most alluring factors. This is all 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.
Learn more about why Portugal is the European vacation spot your kids (and budget) will love.
3. Recreational activities are relaxed and easily attainable.
View from Inside Benagil Cave (Photo: raphotoltd via Twenty20)
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 along 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.
Monte Santo Resort (Photo: Monte Santo Resort)
At first glance, the Monte Santo Resort in Carvoeiro -- where we ultimately decided to stay in March, at 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. Rates start under $200 per night, though we’ve seen online deals for much lower depending on the time of year.
5. The weather is pleasant year-round.
Our Son Reaching for Oranges at the Quinta dos Vales Winery (Photo: Gina Kramer)
It’s almost too good to be true. The Algarve (and most of Portugal) is located within the Mediterranean climate zone, so the region sees balmy 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 in March, we found the weather 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.
