5 things to do in the Algarve on your next family trip
Before I continue my Winter ski holiday posts (there’s more to come on those), I thought I’d better get talking about Summer holidays for a bit, as this is what’s on everyone’s minds.
Since having our baby, our priorities when it comes to what makes a good holiday, have changed. We still want to travel and see new places, but we just have to think about things slightly differently when picking our perfect family holiday destination.
As you know, we love Italy and holiday there regularly, but we’ve been thinking about trying somewhere new and Portugal came to mind. We have lots of friends who also have babies, that holiday there annually, so for fear of missing out, we’ve jumped on that band wagon and done a bit of research ourselves.
Then I discovered The Algarve.
Think stunning beaches, activities in abundance, and attractions that range from historic castles to water parks. It’s no wonder that the Algarve makes for the most family-friendly of Portugal holidays according to many (can’t wait to find out for myself!). I started planning our ideal trip to Portugal’s southern coast, and was overwhelmed by the choice of things to do. So as you don’t have the same struggle, here are five suggestions to help you out:
1.Spend a day (or several) at the beach
Long stretches of golden sand adorn the coastline of the Algarve and choosing the best beach for your family is no easy task. We recommend Meia Praia, near Lagos, since it’s one of the largest around and a fantastic place to spend the whole day.
After long mornings paddling in the sea and building sandcastles, refresh with lunch at local restaurants and cafes. Adventurous older kids can try the water sports facilities on the west side of the beach too.
Stretching 4.5km along the coast, there is plenty of space on Meia Praia even in the height of summer, so your family won’t be struggling for space amidst a throng of sunbathers.
2.Get to know some marine life
Near Albufeira, the Zoomarine aquatic and marine park is guaranteed to entertain your kids. With shows, an aquarium, and a water park, to name but a few highlights, the only thing you’ll find yourself lacking is enough time to see everything. If you want a truly memorable day out, you can even swim with the Zoomarine dolphins.
3.Be a pirate for the day
The Algarve’s harbours are overflowing with boat trip operators, but venture to Portimão and you’ll find something a little bit different. Step aboard the Santa Bernarda, an old pirate ship, and set sail for the day. You can choose from a number of trips, but the caves around Carvoeiro are a particularly impressive sight.
4.Explore the Algarve countryside
If your family is outdoorsy, you should definitely take a trip to Ria Formosa Natural Park. With islands, marshes, and thriving wildlife, you won’t want to leave this natural paradise. Trails through the park make it easy to explore on foot, or you can hire bikes for some high-speed discovery. Keep an eye out and you might spot some interesting native animals, like the rare purple swamphen bird.
5.Play a round of mini golf
Golfers flock to the Algarve’s stellar courses, but for families, Vilamoura’s Family Golf Park promises hours of fun. Themed around Ancient Rome, the park’s two mini golf courses are some of the best around, and will entertain kids and adults alike. The park also offers a kids’ play area, a games room, and a train to take visitors on a tour of Vilamoura.
This is only a taster of the delights that I’ve found that Portugal’s southern coast has to offer. If it sounds like the place for your next family holiday, do let me know if you decide to book and where else you discover.
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Images by Graeme Maclean and Bert Kaufmann used under the Creative Commons Licence.
