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Best family resorts in the Algarve: hotels the whole family will love
Beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine around a three-hour-flight from the UK? The Algarve ticks a lot of boxes for a family holiday. If you're wondering where's best to stay with little ones in the mix, we've rounded up the best hotels and resorts, as recommended by real parents.
By Gemma Lumley | Last updated Jul 30, 2023
The best family beach holidays allow you to enjoy quality time with the children, de-stress from everyday life, and indulge in some much-needed adult time with the help of fun kids' clubs. Most children will love a swimming pool to splash in and a beach to play on with new friends, and teens will appreciate a room of their own and decent WiFi.
Taking all this into consideration, we consulted the Mumsnet holiday forums for hotel recommendations to put together a list of the best family-friendly resorts in the Algarve. We've scrutinised every detail, from airport proximity and availability of baby kit to the quality of the food and the friendliness of the staff, to ensure that each hotel will be loved by parents and children alike.
Here are the best family hotels and resorts in the Algarve to book.
Best family hotels in the Algarve at a glance
Best overall: Monte Santo Resort, Carvoeiro | Book now
Best budget: Falesia Garden and Pool, Albufeira | Book now
Best all-inclusive: Be Live Palmeiras Family Village, Porches | Book now
Best beach resort: Pestana Dom João Beach and Golf Resort, Alvor | Book now
Best catered resort: Eden Resort, Albufeira | Book now
Best beachfront resort: Alfagar Village, Albufeira | Book now
Best for young children: Praia Verde Boutique Hotel, Castro Marim | Book now
Best family hotel: Marina Club Resort, Lagos | Book now
Best luxury resort: Vila Vita Parc and Spa, Alporchinhos | Book now
Best self-catering: Salema Beach Village, Salema | Book now
1. Best overall family resort in the Algarve: Monte Santo Resort, Carvoeiro
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What Mumsnet users say
“We've been to Monte Santo, and loved it. Lovely apartments. Great choice of restaurants in the town” - loved by Mumsnet user, ineedaholidaynow
What we like
Close to Faro Airport, just 40 miles
The Slide and Splash Waterpark is a 10-minute drive away
Efficient and friendly staff
What we don't like
The walk back from the shops and restaurants is uphill
Our verdict
There's plenty to delight everyone at the Monte Santo Spa Resort including a fun kids' club for little ones to enjoy while parents relax in the sumptuous spa, gym and wellness centre. And the food is fantastic too.
Accommodation ranges from family townhouses with private balconies to luxury suites with stunning panoramic views. Each is decorated and cared for to an excellent standard.
There are no fewer than six outdoor swimming pools and one indoor swimming pool which means the resort never feels too busy, even in high season. Beautiful Carvoeiro Beach is a 12-minute walk away, and there’s a range of lovely craft shops, cheap supermarkets, buzzing bars and authentic restaurants close by.
Read next: Best things to do in the Algarve with kids
2. Best budget resort in the Algarve for families: Falesia Garden and Pool, Albufeira
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What Mumsnet users say
“Look at Falesia Garden B&B basis (breakfasts are lovely, lots of choice). Large room, a lovely beach below, a nice pool, mixed age activities are organised throughout the day (including football), nice restaurants and scenery” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, Menopauseandteensdontmix100
What we like
Great for families with kids of mixed ages
Beautiful views
Bike and car hire available from the reception
What we don't like
Steps to the beach - so bring a light, foldable buggy for little ones
Our verdict
Falesia Garden and Pool Resort is set above a pretty private beach and has a well-maintained pool and sun terrace with stunning ocean views. It’s in a quiet location, but the bright lights of Albufeira and the busier beaches are within easy reach.
The apartments are lovely, with a well-equipped kitchenette and flat-screen TVs that you won’t need as there's so much for everyone to do, including a kids' club that provides a variety of activities throughout the day. There's a fantastic play park too.
The food is excellent, with breakfast, lunch and dinner options for even the fussiest of eaters. The bar is fabulous, too; it serves all the usual soft drinks for the kids, local wines and beer and fab cocktails.
Read next: The best family-friendly hotels in Lisbon
3. Best all-inclusive resort in the Algarve for families: Be Live Palmeiras Family Village, Porches
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What Mumsnet users say
“We stayed at a hotel in Portugal a few years back and both said how fantastic it would be with kids. It was the Be Live Hotel in Palmeiras. It was within walking distance of some beautiful beaches/coves and the local little village centre. It's also a short bus ride to Albufeira” - recommended by Mumsnet user, Tay17
What we like
Evening entertainment
Great value
Tasty food available 24/7
What we don't like
In spring, the swimming pools feel cold until the afternoon
Our verdict
The recently renovated Be Live Palmeiras Family Village is a short walk from a clean and pretty beach. Porches village centre, with its welcoming bars and eateries, is close by too. There are three swimming pools to pick from, one of which features a cute pirate ship for the little ones to play on.
Children will love the friendly kids' club, which means parents can relax in the fitness centre or enjoy a cold beer by the pool. There are three delightful on-site restaurants serving Mediterranean, Japanese and Brazilian cuisine so the whole family should be able to find something tasty to eat.
Some rooms have beautiful sea views to enjoy while you're drinking a cold drink on the private balcony. Staff are friendly and keen to help with all guest requests and queries and provide drinks and entertainment until late.
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4. Best beach resort in the Algarve for families: Pestana Dom João Beach and Golf Resort, Alvor
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What Mumsnet users say
“We stayed at Pestana Dom João and I was "oh lordy" when reading TripAdvisor reviews. It was great (there's a five-star review from me on there somewhere)” - recommended by Mumsnet user, Geamhradh
What we like
Free WiFi
Healthy options at meal times
Lots of activities for the kids
What we don't like
Some guests found the pillows uncomfortable
Our verdict
The Pestana Dom João Beach and Golf Resort is the perfect option if you want a hotel close to a gorgeous beach. When you leave the resort, your family will have their toes in clean white sand in two minutes. Just 10 minutes away, you'll find the pretty harbour village of Alvor, where there are plenty of things to see and do on your balmy holiday evenings.
There are three swimming pools to enjoy, and all are set in relaxing, green gardens, so sunbathing is a pleasure. We're also impressed with the range of fun activities available for kids of various ages, including games afternoons, mini-golf and bowling. In addition, parents can use the luxurious spa facilities and have plenty of golf games while their children are busy.
There's an extensive range of villas and suites at the Pestana; all have either garden or sea views and have recently been renovated and are spacious and tastefully decorated. When your family is hungry, head to the buffet restaurant, one of the three bars serving snacks or the more formal a la carte restaurant.
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5. Best resort in the Algarve for catered family holidays: Eden Resort, Albufeira
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What Mumsnet users say
“Check out Eden Resort in Albufeira. It’s out of the main drag but there’s a resort bus that takes you into the Old Town or a taxi is a few Euros. There are a few pools around the resort, including an adult only pool. There’s also a spa” - recommended by Mumsnet user, KitNCaboodle
What we like
Free shuttle buses to the private beach club and town centre
The kids' club has a child tracking system for parents' peace of mind
Spacious accommodation
What we don't like
Food in the restaurants is expensive if you’re not all inclusive
Our verdict
Albufeira is one of the most popular resorts in the Algarve, home to golden beaches and pristine golf courses. The beautiful Eden Resort is close enough to enjoy the holiday atmosphere while still feeling peaceful. The hotel is a short walk from a staffed beach club, where you get complimentary towels; however, there’s also a regular shuttle bus from reception.
The well-maintained modern villas come with everything families could need, including a well-stocked kitchenette and sturdy baby gates on request. There’s free WiFi too, which will please teens. The private balconies have lovely views of one of the five swimming pools or the manicured gardens.
The Pecado Restaurant has stunning panoramic views from the sun terrace. It's large but can be busy in high season. The local and international food mix is excellent, with dishes made from local ingredients. After your meal, take in the impressive entertainments programme.
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6. Best beachfront family resort in the Algarve: Alfagar Village, Albufeira
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What we like
Beautiful views
Pool tables for the teenagers
Taxis are always available at reception
What we don't like
The onsite mini market is expensive
Our verdict
The Alfagar Village is a beautiful hotel set in tropical gardens, located close to quiet and pretty St Eulalia Beach. The centre of bustling Albufeira can be reached via a stunning clifftop walk, a shuttle bus, local buses or a readily available taxi.
The clean, comfortable and elegant apartments all have large balconies with sea or garden views, a well-stocked kitchen and a cosy dining area. The staff at the Alfagar Village are welcoming, friendly and are great with children.
If you don’t fancy the beach, there are three large swimming pools to splash in, an impressive gym and a fantastic adventure playground that the kids will adore. Then, at the end of a sun-drenched day, tuck into your own food sourced from the on-site mini-market or the large supermarket a short drive away. Alternatively, there's a restaurant serving international dishes.
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7. Best resort in the Algarve for families with young children: Praia Verde Boutique Hotel, Castro Marim
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What we like
Very welcoming to small children
A relaxed atmosphere throughout the resort
Recently renovated, elegantly decorated suites
What we don't like
Some guests found the beds uncomfortable
Our verdict
Set in an unspoiled seaside town, the Praia Verde Boutique Hotel is ideal for families that like a quirky and relaxed vibe. This gorgeous resort is in a beautiful, quiet location with access to an outstanding beach just a 10-minute walk away, through an atmospheric forest.
Children are very welcome at this friendly hotel; there’s a play area in reception and a fun activity room where they can make biscuits or munch on popcorn at an early evening film screening.
After a day splashing in the sea or lounging by the swimming pool surrounded by fragrant pine trees, it’s time to dine. Many of the dishes are made from local ingredients, with fresh salads and crispy wood-fired pizzas served in the chilled-out restaurant.
Read next: The best family-friendly hotels in Ibiza
8. Best family hotel in the Algarve: Marina Club Resort, Lagos
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What Mumsnet users say
“Lagos Marina Club Resort is in a good place" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user excitedtobehere
What we like
Bikes and cars can be hired inexpensively from reception
Close to the action
Exceptionally clean
What we don't like
No lifts
Our verdict
The Marina Club Resort is a modern hotel that lies very close to the elegant marina and Lagos's bright lights and historic centre. It's a handy 10-minute walk to the family-friendly beach, Meia Praia.
Choose from elegantly decorated apartments or studios; both are luxurious and have large private balconies with marina or pool views to enjoy in peace once the kids are in bed. A simple but tasty breakfast can be added to your booking.
There’s a spa and a gym to enjoy, and the large swimming pool is great for kids. There are plenty of comfortable loungers available and a spacious sun terrace. It can feel busy in the summer, but there is so much to do for families nearby that it shouldn’t be an issue.
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9. Best luxury resort in the Algarve for families: Vila Vita Parc and Spa, Alporchinhos
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What Mumsnet users say
“I’d definitely recommend Vila Vita Parc, which ticks all your boxes I think” - suggested by Mumsnet user, Ricekrispie22
What we like
Huge variety of food styles available
Fantastic children's play park
5-star luxury without feeling stuffy
What we don't like
The onsite restaurants are expensive
Our verdict
The Vila Vita Parc and Luxury Spa is a beautiful Moorish-style resort that offers families exceptional service, delicious food with lots of variety, and an impressive range of facilities and restaurants. The hotel has panoramic views of the Atlantic thanks to its spectacular clifftop location, though it's only a minutes' stroll from the beach.
Rooms with sea or village views are large, impeccably clean and feel fresh and modern. Family suites have a comfy seating area to relax in once the kids are in bed. Choose from studios, two-bed apartments or family rooms depending on your budget; all are impressive.
At Vila Vita Park, there are several excellent swimming pools to lounge around with a fruity cocktail. In addition, there’s a cute mini-golf course, a play park and a tennis court, which is great for active families. If you love a spa experience, this is the ideal hotel for you as it offers a yoga garden and world-class therapies.
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10. Best self-catering family hotel in Portugal: Salema Beach Village, Salema
Check availability on Hotels.com | Check availability on Booking.com
What we like
Great value
Baby and toddler equipment such as high-chairs can be hired
Quiet, attractive location
What we don't like
No kids’ club
Our verdict
When you’re taking babies and toddlers on holiday abroad, the flexibility of self-catering can be a more comfortable, stress-free option than a buffet restaurant in a busy resort. And the pretty Salema Beach Village is a great choice for families. Each two-storey townhouse has a well-appointed kitchenette, including a dishwasher and a coffee machine and a private garden or a terrace to enjoy your meals on.
The hotel is in the traditional Portuguese seaside village of Salema and there are plenty of lovely restaurants nearby. The beautiful beach is a leisurely 12-minute stroll away. If you’re feeling adventurous, hire bikes from reception and explore the stunning landscape of the National Park or take a taxi to Lagos.
Everyone will love the small, super clean swimming pools; there’s one exclusively for the little ones. And the adventure playground is fab. During the day, the friendly staff at the pool bar serve drinks, light snacks and meals.
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Is the Algarve good for a family holiday with children?
The Algarve is a fantastic location home to gorgeous beaches, warm, hospitable people and delicious foods. It's perfect for a memorable family holiday. The weather is ideal for a visit at any time of year; the region enjoys the highest number of days of sunshine per annum in Europe.
Your choice of holiday location depends on the type of holiday you prefer. There’s genuinely somewhere for everyone. Albufeira is lively with big beaches and would suit an activity-loving family, Carvoeiro is a traditional fishing village-turned-holiday-hotspot and pretty Salema is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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What to consider when choosing a family resort in the Algarve
Price: Whatever your budget, you’ll find a holiday for your family in the Algarve. There are plenty of large-scale 5-star resorts and cheaper family-run B&Bs to choose from. The date of travel is important too. If your children aren’t yet at school, enjoy the more affordable off-peak prices while you can
Location: Choose from bustling tourist towns with enormous beaches, watersports, and lively nightlife such as Albufeira, traditional fishing villages like Porches and Salema, or Lagos with its historic walled Old Town
Accommodation: With small children, a spacious studio is a good idea. However, an apartment with separate bedrooms will be super important to privacy-loving teenagers.
Food: If you have fussy eaters or teenagers who march to their own drum or adore eating in a different restaurant every night, a self-catering option might be for you. Alternatively, if cooking on holiday is your worst nightmare, and you want meals on tap, plump for an all-inclusive package
Facilities: Facilities like swimming pools, kids' clubs and spas will make a big difference to the enjoyment of your holiday. Look for safe and secure adventure playgrounds to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy a drink after dinner; swimming pools with fun slides; and luxurious adult-only spaces like gyms and therapy rooms
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Where is the best place in the Algarve for a family holiday?
A family break at the 5-star Monte Santo Resort, Carvoveiro represents affordable luxury in the charming resort of Carvoeiro. This fantastic hotel is a wonderful choice for a holiday, from a pristine range of accommodation styles and excellent food to its closeness to a beautiful beach cove and the kid’s club run by the cheerful entertainment staff.
Carvoeiro, a traditional Portuguese fishing resort on The Algarve, is a favourite with holidaymakers seeking a quieter and more relaxed holiday vibe. “It’s a very scenic town and the beach is lovely,” remarked Mumsnet user loopsngeorge.
We love the dramatic coastal scenery, the choice of friendly, authentic restaurants and Blue Flag beaches. It’s a great base to explore from too. Take a boat trip to discover awe-inspiring sea caves and rock formations, or hop in a local taxi and head to the more bustling town of Lagos.
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How we chose our recommendations
We spent hours consulting family travel websites and specialist travel agents like Booking.com and Jet2. We sought out opinions from Algarve-loving families on hotel and holiday review sites and most importantly, scoured the Mumsnet travel forums for recommendations from real parents.
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in that time, we've seen, tried and reviewed thousands of products.
As a Mum and a lifelong lover of beach holidays, our writer Gemma was determined to provide honest and independent advice on Algarve holidays that you and your family will adore.
Our writers always spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and specialist travel blogs to find amazing hotels and locations that real parents and their kids will love.
Transparency is vital to us, and that's why we're always honest about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their friends and family.