Take a family holiday in the Algarve for a sunshine getaway everyone will love

Take a family holiday in the Algarve for a sunshine getaway everyone will love

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Discover the wonders of Portugal with a family trip in the Algarve

Portugal's Algarve region has long been a popular choice for families. The southernmost part of the country's mainland, the Algarve is blessed with gorgeous sandy beaches and has a wonderful climate all year round. There's plenty to keep the kids happy on family holiday in the Algarve, from water parks to whale watching. When you want a cheerful sunkissed beach holiday with the kids, the Algarve is always a good choice.

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Planning things to do on a family trip to the Algarve

What attractions are best suited for families in the Algarve?

The first attraction of the Algarve is its beaches. There are over 100 beaches in the region, so a family holiday in the Algarve will give you lots of opportunities to explore them. Most are covered with soft golden or white sand; while some have wild waves for surfers, a significant number are family-friendly. As well as beaches, there are water parks, adventure parks, and other fun activities for families. From June to September, add a whale-watching boat trip to the itinerary as it's one of the best things to do for families. Several species of whale, including minke and fin whales, as well as orcas and bottlenose dolphins, are a common sight in the Atlantic waters - and are a great way to bring some magic to your family holiday. Another popular choice for a boat trip is the Benagil Cave, a spectacular sea cave with dramatic holes in the roof that let in the sunlight.

Where should I stay on a family holiday to the Algarve?

There are great, family-friendly resort towns across the Algarve. Lagos is among the most popular, thanks to its lengthy beach and excellent selection of restaurants and cafés. Tavira is another good choice; older kids may enjoy exploring the historic town centre, and there are also daily boat trips to an offshore island with one of the region's best beaches. For a quiet holiday, look for holiday lettings in the Algarve around Carvoeiro. This charming fishing village has a pedestrianised centre, making your family beach holiday in the Algarve feel very safe for children. It's close to several sea caves, and you can take a boat tour to explore them.

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FAQs: Family holidays in Algarve

What's the best time of year to visit the Algarve?

The peak months for visiting the Algarve are July and August, as it's a popular summer holiday destination. However, it's mild and sunny for most of the year; in fact, September is often the hottest month, with daily averages of around 26°C. In the off-peak season, temperatures rarely drop under 10°C, so it's a good choice for some winter sunshine. The waters in the Algarve are generally swimmable from June to September, although some brave souls may venture in for a dip out of season!

Where are the best family beaches in the Algarve?

There are family-friendly beaches all across the Algarve, but a few stand out for their popularity. Raia da Marinha in Lagoa has gentle, shallow waters in which youngsters can splash around - but Mum and Dad can enjoy some of the region's most dramatic scenery, admiring the cliffs that surround the beach. Vilamoura's Praia da Falésia has long expanses of flat golden sands that are just perfect for building sand castles. For a full day trip, consider taking the ferry to Ilha de Tavira. This island has a beach over 11 kilometres long that is known for its pristine beauty. It's a quiet, peaceful island where kids can run and play without Mum and Dad having to worry about busy streets or other dangers.

What are the most popular family attractions in the Algarve?

The Algarve is a very popular family destination, so it has a number of great attractions designed for kids. Parque Aventura is a chain of adventure parks with several centres in the Algarve where brave youngsters can move between trees on ropes, wooden ladders, and rickety bridges. They'll need to be at least 1 metre tall to tackle these courses, and there are supervisors on hand in case anything goes wrong. As well as these adventure parks, the region also boasts three impressive water parks. Aquashow, Aqualand, and Slide and Splash all have a great selection of slides, wave pools, and so on. Aqualand has the highest water slide in Portugal, the jawdropping 36-metre Kamikaze, while Aquashow has a unique attraction in the form of a water rollercoaster.

How easy is it to find family-friendly restaurants in the Algarve?

Youngsters are often fussy eaters, but don't worry - there are lots of options for them to dine comfortably in the Algarve. Traditional Portuguese restaurants rarely offer children's menus; instead, ask the waiter for a smaller portion of the dish that your child would like to try. The Algarve's more popular tourist resort towns all have a selection of international cuisine, fast food, and so on, so even the pickiest youngster will find something to eat.

What can I do with my kids in the Algarve if the weather's bad?

Rain is rare in the Algarve, but if you're very unlucky, you might get caught in a shower. Don't let it ruin your holiday - just move the fun inside! The resort towns all have plenty of indoor activities to keep the family's spirits high on a rainy day. You'll find escape rooms in Faro, Albufeira and Lagos, while Olhão has an indoor karting circuit located in Ria Shopping Centre. Albufeira Marina also has a family-friendly bowling alley, which is open until 11 pm in the summer months.