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A Family Summer Adventure in Algarve, Portugal
- Katy M
- Feb 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 25
This summer, we traveled with our 2.5-year-old son, Dandan, to one of the ultimate destinations for family trips—Algarve, in southern Portugal. Traveling with a toddler is a new and special adventure. There’s no doubt that as children grow older, more destinations become suitable for them, and it’s amazing to see them enjoy the experience alongside us.
Algarve turned out to be the perfect destination for a family summer vacation. The combination of luxury hotels that cater to children's needs and countless attractions such as amazing water parks, impressive zoos, and various entertainment options for all ages makes this region a true gem for families. And the best part? The beaches. The stunning Algarve beaches, with their soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, are the ideal spot for endless fun with little ones—building sandcastles and soaking in the warm sun. A vacation in Algarve with toddlers offers the perfect mix of relaxation and fun, with everything being accessible and family-friendly. Here’s a summary of my recommendations from our experience in the region.
Flights
The most popular way to reach Algarve is by flying into Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, and then driving about 2.5 hours south to Algarve. Another option is to land directly in Algarve via Faro International Airport, which is located on the eastern side of the region.
For our trip, we opted for a flight to Faro with a short connection in Munich. This was a quick and convenient way to reach the heart of Algarve’s sun and sea, with the airport being just a short distance from the beaches and charming towns.
Getting Around in Algarve
If you plan a vacation in Algarve and want to make the most of everything the region offers, renting a car is the most recommended and convenient option. Having a car allows you to explore the diverse areas of the Portuguese coastline and enjoy unique experiences in every cove and bay.
Driving in Algarve is a pleasant experience—the roads are well-maintained, traffic is light, and overall, it feels very safe. This is a huge advantage when going on day trips from the hotel and looking for complete flexibility in planning your daily itinerary.
We rented a car with a child safety seat for Dandan through an agency at Faro Airport. The process was simple and efficient, giving us the freedom to explore Algarve at our own pace. At the end of the trip, we returned the car to the same airport, making the whole process smooth and hassle-free.
Accommodation
As mentioned earlier, Algarve is a paradise for family trips, and one of the reasons for that is the abundance of resorts designed specifically to meet the needs of little ones. In the large hotels, rooms are spacious and often divided into two areas. There are luxurious kids' clubs with play areas, sports courts, playgrounds, and, of course, a full schedule of activities throughout the week.
In both hotels we stayed at, children aged four and above were allowed to stay at the kids' club without parental supervision, while younger children could enjoy babysitting services for an additional fee.
We spent nine days in Algarve and split our stay between two resorts in the central part of the region.
For the first part of our trip, we stayed at Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve, one of the most stunning resorts I have ever visited. This hotel combines luxury, comfort, and top-tier hospitality. It is located in the heart of Algarve and offers an unforgettable experience in a peaceful and indulgent atmosphere. The resort spans vast, beautifully landscaped gardens with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and it even has a private beach with one of the most beautiful sceneries I have seen. The kids' club at this hotel was the most luxurious one I’ve seen so far.
For the second part of our trip, we stayed at Cascade Wellness Resort, located just a five-minute drive from Lagos city center. This resort offers a luxurious hospitality experience that leaves you with sweet memories and breathtaking views. It is a massive hotel spread over a vast area, featuring a sports complex, three pools, and the highlight—an infinity pool with beach sand, specifically designed for toddlers. The sand mimics a real beach, and the shallow waters allow little ones to splash around freely and safely.
Babysitting Services in Algarve
As with every trip with Dandan, we looked for some assistance during parts of the day. During our search, we came across a local babysitting agency, but I wouldn’t recommend them as the service was below expectations, and the babysitter seemed inexperienced.
However, I do recommend the babysitter we arranged through Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve. Before our arrival, we contacted the hotel to see if we could have the same babysitter twice a day throughout our stay, and they arranged it. We had the pleasure of meeting Stella, a wonderful babysitter with excellent English and, most importantly, a fantastic approach to children. Dandan connected with her immediately, and we felt completely at ease leaving him with her for a few hours in the afternoon and evening, allowing us some well-deserved couple time.
Kid-Friendly Attractions in Algarve
If you're traveling with kids in Algarve, Zoomarine is an absolute must-visit! This is one of Europe’s top marine theme parks, offering an exciting experience for the whole family. What makes Zoomarine special is the combination of impressive marine animal shows, featuring dolphins and sea lions, alongside water attractions and an amusement park with rides for all ages.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy swimming pools, water slides, and even a stunning artificial beach with soft sand and turquoise waters. Dandan was mesmerized by the animal shows and had a blast in the toddler-friendly play areas. I recommend arriving at the park right when it opens and purchasing tickets in advance to avoid long queues. Upon entry, you’ll find a schedule of shows and activities alongside a park map. Plan for a full-day visit to make the most of the experience.
One of the most magical places in Algarve, especially for a family trip. This intimate and nature-focused zoo is home to over 140 different species from around the world. What makes it unique is the open design, allowing children to observe animals in a lush, natural environment without obtrusive cages.
From tropical birds and playful monkeys to friendly farm animals—every child will find something to love here. Dandan was particularly fascinated by the flamingos and the freely roaming monkeys. The zoo is not too big, making it perfect for families with toddlers. There are shaded picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a great spot to relax after exploring. We spent about 2.5 hours there, but I would recommend allocating at least half a day for a complete experience.
Boat Tours with Toddlers
Boat tours are one of the most popular activities in Algarve. There are several well-known routes, and many of them are suitable for young children.
Benagil Cave Tour – The only way to access this famous cave is by boat or SUP, and it depends on the tides. For toddlers, a 2.5-hour boat trip is recommended.
Ponta da Piedade Tour – The best way to admire Ponta da Piedade's beauty is on a boat tour. These trips allow you to enter sea caves and archways and enjoy the stunning cliffs up close. We took a morning tour of about 1.5 hours, which showcased Algarve’s breathtaking coastal landscapes.
Dolphin Watching Tour – We skipped this due to time constraints, but it’s one of the most popular activities in the area. These tours operate multiple times a day, though the early morning slots are recommended for the best chance of spotting dolphins. The trip usually includes sightseeing, passing through stunning wild beaches, dramatic cliffs, and sea caves.
Algarve turned out to be one of the best destinations for a family vacation, offering a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and kid-friendly experiences. I highly recommend it for anyone traveling with little ones!
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