The Algarve is a beautiful destination year-round for sun-seekers and nature lovers. It was our second time spending our summer holidays with kids in this area, and I really fell in love with the laid-back yet very hospitable and friendly attitude of the Portuguese, especially towards children. We discovered several new family-friendly accommodations with lots of character, from boutique hotels to self-catering villas. All of them are fairly close to Faro airport, so travelling there with children could not be easier – especially when you take into account the short flight-times from most European airports.
I am happy to share our two latest additions with you; The Algarvian Hideaway and The Algarvian Nature Escape.
First of all The Algarvian Hideaway, a unique and family-friendly boutique hotel about 20 minutes away from Faro airport. The property has found the perfect balance for both families and couples, with a designated family pool that has its own loungers and pool bar, as well as a separate adults-only area that includes a garden and swimming pool. This hotel truly offers something for everyone.
Rooms vary from Deluxe Rooms that are ideal for 2 adults plus baby, to larger Family Suites, all stylishly decorated.
Their kids adventure club runs in July and August and offers a diverse programme of activities in the hotel’s garden, which is also an ideal place for little ones to run around. My kids especially loved the pond, where they could watch the frogs, turtles and fish. There is also a small play area with a slide that was a welcome distraction from the daily splash time at the pool.
Right afterward we visited The Algarvian Nature Escape, which is also just a quick drive from Faro airport and located in the middle of the UNESCO-protected Ria Formosa Natural Park. This is a 27,000 m2 estate, with 7 unique, fully-equipped, self-catering holiday houses (suitable for families with up to 5 members). It’s a perfect spot to enjoy nature and view animals in their natural habitat in a sustainable, family-friendly environment.
Breakfast can be included and they have a small grocery shop on site that sells many kinds of products, from home cooked meals to organic produce, and most importantly ice cream!
Children tend to mingle with the other kids. And they’ll have lots to keep them busy: two fenced swimming pools, a fenced natural swimming lake with its own mini beach, two play areas plus a covered games area with a snooker table, table football and much more.
They also offer child bikes, baby bike seats, helmets and lots of outdoor toys.
Both Portuguese properties are already starting to get bookings for next summer, which is a great time to visit. But aside from the popular summer months, these places are also great for off-season travel: the Algarve has an annual sunshine record of over 3000 hours!
Last but not least I am very happy to announce that we have added a new Portuguese property from the family-friendly Martinhal hotel brand to our site: Martinhal Lisbon Chiado, for the perfect family-friendly city escape, that combines the best of Estoril and Lisbon.
If you got curious, please contact me and I will be happy to send you more details or a quote for any of these new properties.
Happy travelling!
Ilonka
