With its guaranteed sunshine (summer temperatures averaging 25-30°C), golden beaches and year-round direct flights (Faro airport is around 2½-3 hours’ flight-time from the UK), the Algarve is, not surprisingly, one of the top choices for a family holiday. Our pick of the best family hotels in the Algarve is wide ranging from a luxury resort to chic, laid back B&Bs.

The Portuguese are very family-orientated so children - and their parents - are welcomed in hotels and restaurants. You’ll often find Portuguese families out and about until late evening as they stroll the streets or linger over post-dinner drinks.

Similarly, hotels - especially the larger resorts - are geared up to looking after children, with kids’ clubs and activities, children-friendly pools and babysitting services. Near the larger resort towns, such as Albufeira, Lagos and Carvoeiro, you’ll also find a host of family attractions such as zoos, theme parks and watery-themed adventure playgrounds where thrills and spills are high on the agenda.

Some hotels offer the choice of self-catering villas to allow families even greater flexibility. But, whether you choose to go all-inclusive, half-board or room-only, do remember the region is hugely popular especially in the school holidays. To bag one of the best family hotels in the Algarve, it is best to book well ahead.

8 of the Best Family Hotels in the Algarve

With self catering options

Casa Flor de Sal is perfect for a family holiday. It has seven uniquely designed one and two bedroom houses which accommodate from two to six. Each is well equipped and all have a lovely outside eating area with Weber BBQ. The facilities are excellent too with two outdoor pools, a natural swimming lake, guided kayak tours, yoga and much more.
The colourful and contemporary apartments of Casa Vicentina, near Odeceixe on the west coast, will suit active families. There’s a pool, playground and nature reserve plus it’s close to the beaches.
Casa Beleza do Sul’s self-catering apartments, in Tavira, combine traditional and contemporary style - designed by the architect owner - to make a lovely cool retreat after a day on the beach or exploring the town. Plus there’s a shady roof terrace with stunning views over the many church domes of the town.
Close to Tavira, but feeling a world away, Quinta da Colina is a traditional manor house with high-beamed ceilings, set amongst citrus and carob trees. As well as B&B rooms, there’s a self-catering cottage, ideal for families, plus there’s a rustic-chic pool made from a former irrigation tank.

For those on a budget

With large, rustic-style suites, Muxima offers simple and colourful rooms, close to the west-coast beaches; ideal for families looking for a well-priced beach holiday. Each room has a small terrace plus there’s an eco-pool in which to cool off.
The beach, the outdoor pool, the kids club and junior dive courses are amongst a host of other activities that make Memmo Baleeira, on the south-western tip, a great family choice. Plus it has a chic white-on-white style and spa that will keep the grown-ups happy.
Tucked away in the lesser-visited, eastern Algarve, Companhia das Culturas, a working farm, offers just eight cool and whitewashed rooms with a charming rustic style. Four rooms are large apartments, converted from an old mill and sheepfold, are ideal for families. There’s also a hammam, saltwater pool and yoga classes.

Best mid-range Algarve family hotels

Quinta da Cebola Vermelha

Close to Sagres, in the south-west, and right on the beach, Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel offers a range of activities including snorkelling, windsurfing, riding and kayaking. Crisp and contemporary in style, choose between standard rooms, condos and beachfront villas.

For a luxury resort

No-one will be bored at Vila Vita Parc, a cliff-top resort near Porches that offers a children’s club, playground and pool, while parents can choose between deep-sea fishing, tennis, golf and a spa. Contemporary luxury rooms and a choice of eight dining options.
Vila Vita Collection is the sister establishment to Vila Vita Parc, but here they offer a gorgeous range of luxurious villas and apartments, many located in an authentic little fishing village, where you can either opt to look after yourself, or you can indulge in the seriously spoiling add-ons including private chef, butler service and use of the Vila Vita Parc's yacht!

For more choices, check out our full range of the Algarve hotels or contact a friendly guru for advice.

10 of the Best Family Hotels in the Algarve

Memmo Baleeira

Sagres

This chic beachfront hotel overlooks the dramatic Atlantic coast. Bright rooms are dressed in earthy tones with natural accents; the best have a balcony with sea views. The hotel boasts a newly renovated pool, spa and restaurant, plus a fun children's play area. A fresh look for this seaside hotel.

Active Holiday - There are endless options for an active holiday at this hotel; explore the coast on foot, two wheels or even by boat
Families - This is family holiday heaven- with kids club, kiddie menu, junior dive courses, plenty of beaches and activties.
Great walks - Take a picnic and head out along this rugged and stunning coastline and discover some of the least spoilt beaches in Europe.
Surfing - Memmo's surf centre offer's lessons, equipment and storage facilities; make the most of some of Portugals best surfing.

from £116 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Vila Vita Parc

Algarve

Luxury cliff-top family resort in lush gardens. Contemporary, light rooms with white on white decor drawing the eye to the spectacular sea views. Fantastic children's facilities, tennis courts, golf course, luxurious Sisley spa, and excellent food. A beach paradise.

Families - Loads of kiddie stuff so parents can unwind- playground with trampoline, swings and slides, kids club, creche and pool.
Foodies - Eight onsite restaurants to choose from- we recommend the tasting menu from two Michelin Star Ocean with wine pairing.
Spa breaks - State of the art spa with a huge range of treatments, yoga and meditation classes and top notch hair salon
Diving - Vila Vita Parc run dive certification courses as well as courses in underwater photography& deep sea diving.

from £166 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel

Sagres (Vila do Bispo)

The varying luxury accommodation at Martinhal, from rooms to beachfront condos to private villas, makes this resort ideal for energetic family holidays. The plethora of water sports and activities available is thrilling. A child-centric haven on the Algarve’s unspoilt west coast.

Families - Children are more than well catered for with a range of activities on tap including football on the beach and bikes to borrow.
Spa breaks - Finisterra Spa offers a range of therapies for all ages (from babies to grandparents), plus couples' and family treatments
Resort - Your own stylish villa with activites, entertainment and delicious menus. How to make your stay stress free.
Private villas - The resort is made up of varying private villas and beachfront condos.

from £139 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Quinta da Colina

Algarve (Algarve)

Traditional Algarvian manor which has been tastefully converted to provide B&B accommodation plus cottages and an apartment for self catering. Set amid 6 hectares filled with olive, orange and carob trees. A quieter, truly relaxing spot from which to enjoy the pleasures of the real Algarve.

Swimming Pool - Created from the old irrigation tank with original well and water wheel feature on the terrace. 5m x 5m
Full of character - Retaining original features giving a true taste of Algarvian style.
Sights nearby - Only 6 minutes by car from Tavira
Sailing

from £120 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Muxima

Algarve

Delightfully rustic eco retreat within striking distance of the best surfing beaches. Large suites with around the world themes, think India to Tunisia. Lovely terraces, eco pool, and nature reserve nearby. Great value for a family holiday and beach life.

Families - Family suites and total informality, stimulating books, toys, outdoor games & activities for all.
Eco break - Using natural processes and recycled materials.
Sights nearby - On the way to the beaches of Carriagem don't forget to visit the Arregata windmill.
Surfing - Monte Clerigo Surf & body board lessons are available.

from £116 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Casa Vicentina

Algarve

A charming collection of suites that sleep up to 4. Stylish, bright interiors, pool, playground for children, and not far from the beach and nature reserve. Be at one with nature in an ideal spot for a family holiday, and great value.

Families - Lots of space for children to play, ride or swim and suites that sleep 4, family freedom.
Groups - 12 suites, make this a great venue to book up with other families or friends.
Kids Club - Playground.
Birdwatching

from £108 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Casa Beleza do Sul

Tavira

Beautifully restored 19th-century house in the unspoilt, delightful town of Tavira in the Algarve. Stylish suites and self-catering apartments have been designed by the architect owner. Original mosaic floors and features have been left intact. Shady roof terraces with panoramic views. A gem.

Self catering - Self-catering studio and apartments have well-equipped kitchenettes, terraces with tables and sun loungers
Town - Tavira is a charming and unspoilt old town, pretty squares and gardens, fishermen at work on their nets
Golf - The Algarve is famous for its golf courses and some of the best are close to Tavira
Beach nearby - Beautiful sandy beach close by

from £100 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Companhia das culturas

Altura (rua do monte grande)

Charming and rustic hotel on 40 hectare working farm. Rooms have whitewashed walls, antique furnishings and French doors leading out into garden. With a hammam Turkish bath, outdoor saltwater pool, yoga, Tai-chi and Qi-gong classes. Close to beaches, local markets and great walks. Value chic.

Restaurant - Mediterranean and Atlantic food fusion
Great walks - Around Castro Marim and Cacela Velha
Full of character - Simple and rural rustic charm
Fishing

from £150 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Casa Flor de Sal

Olhao

Seven unique holiday houses in the Algarve located in the UNESCO Ria Formosa Natural Park near the historic town of Olhão. Complimentary yoga and bikes, sandy island beaches and wildlife, activities for all ages. Casa Flor de Sal is a home from home with 24h customer service.

Kayaking - Casa Flor de Sal operates guided kayaking tours of the lagoon in front of the property
Minimum Stay - Low Season min stay is 3 nights, but in high season you need to book 7 nights.
Swimming Pool - There are two outdoor pools and a natural swimming lake.
Full of character

for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Vila Vita Collection

Algarve (Alporchinhos)

Beachfront holiday villas in the Algarve don't come better than this! Contemporary and luxurious with private pools, beach views and terraces. Managed by Vila Vita Parc guests have access to all of the hotel's facilities during their stay. Private luxury with access to the best hotel in the Algarve.

Sea Views
Spa - Exceptional Sisley Spa at Vila Vita Parc, it even has a menu for teenagers.
Restaurant - Plenty of restaurants to choose from at Vila Vita Parc
Tennis - Tennis court and coaches available at Vila Vita Parc

for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

10 of the Best Family Hotels in the Algarve

8 of the Best Family Hotels in the Algarve

With self catering options

For those on a budget

Best mid-range Algarve family hotels

For a luxury resort

10 of the Best Family Hotels in the Algarve

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