Algarve advice

[BafanaBafana]

We're looking to book one week in Portugal any time between 31st July and 19th Aug - me, DH, 5 yr old and toddler.

We're probably looking at a package. We know the Algarve reasonably well, and would quite like to be in Lagos or Carvoeiro, but will consider Alvor or Albufeira - or anywhere else you say is decent. No high culture needed, really (hence not minding about Albufeira!)), just a clean, basic self catering apartment, within walking distance to the beach and restaurants (no steep hills as will have buggy) preferably as part of a family friendly complex with a good pool (or two).

Any suggestions? Am trawling the internet as we speak.

we stayed at albufeira and there is a steep hill to the beach in the old town and new town but many hotels have shuttle bus service. we found the place to be ok and a fair bit to do there but there were alot of people on an evening trying to sell you drugs! on the main street in the new part. i would probably go back but its not very good for a beach holiday with small kids

Praia de rocha - we've just come back from there - gorgeous beach, we stayed just outside the main town and it was stunning.

it's almost impossible to use a buggy in carvoeiro as the pavements are narrow and bumpy. It is also all steep hills. However it is lovely for small children, no teenagers or drugs to be seen.

We are going on Sunday.

we stayed near a nature reserve just outside lagos - beautiful beach. some areas of lagos are a little built up (though compared to be on a dirt track with goat herds i guess most things are!) but the centre of lagos was really nice - lots of good restaurants and a nice buzz without being ott. there's also a marina which is nice. i would def go back