A trip to Algarve, Portugal

A friend of mine who will soon be traveling to France for a wedding asked me if I knew of any interesting places to go to, as a part 2 of her vacation after the wedding. Requirements were that it should be child friendly, fairly close to Brittany (where they will be for the wedding) and preferably warm and beach-y. She did mention that she was thinking of somewhere else in France, or Spain, or Portugal.

So I took her suggestions, requirements and ran with it. Full of enthusiasm, I took on the challenge and came up with 3 suggestions for her which I will share with you here (and ummm... hopefully she won't mind).

The Algarve region of Portugal is great if you like beaches. An amenable year round climate offers an extended beach season, where the sun is always out from mid-April through October.

Beach in Algarve

Walking along the beach in Algarve

Vilamoura is a great area which offers city life and natural wildlife. You can chose to stay right in the middle of town or just outside for a more quiet setting.

Only 15 minutes away from Vilamoura, you can rent Fonte Verde a 2 bedroom townhouse, both with ensuite bathrooms. There is a large open plan kitchen-diner-lounge which opens out onto its own private barbecue area and dining terrace overlooking the pool. In the basement is a garage and a recreational room which may be used as the third bedroom with access to its own bathroom. The townhouse has direct access to the pool which is shared with the other townhouses in the development. The whole development is secured for children in a family-friendly setting.

Outside Dining Area at Fonte Verde

Pool at Fonte Verde

Master Bedroom at Fonte Verde

The Donovan family who own the villas, are also often on site with their own brood of three youngsters under 10, The junior family members are ready-made playmates for little guests, whilst their parents are a fantastic source of useful tips and advice for child-friendly activities, attractions and eateries nearby. With the larger Algarve resorts of Vilamoura and Albufeira and many lovely beaches within 10 minutes drive, plus the shops and restaurants in the village of Boliquieme, on the doorstep, there's certainly plenty of choice and the Donovans help ensure guests are directed to the best options for them. 


About an hour away from Vilamoura, is the Muxima eco-retreat. Starting at approximately 100 Euro, the Muxima really offers the opportunity and feeling of getting away from it all, while still being child friendly. Having 2 children of their own, the owners Jorge and Sofia understand children's needs and parents' expectations. The suites can all hold extra beds, and kids would love the mezzanine beds, the huge amount of space, the pool and the bikes and Stripey the donkey. Jorge and Sofia have a full range of baby paraphernalia including cots, highchairs and toys. Some suites also have kitchenettes, so going out to eat is not always necessary. Buffet breakfasts are also included and offer local cheeses, homebaked cakes and jams, cereal, dried fruits, fresh-squeezed orange juice, coffee and so much more. Makes me think i wouldn't want to leave.

Outside the Muxima eco-retreay

One of the rooms at Muxima

Another room at Muxima

Outside on the porch at Muxima

If a hotel is more your style, try the Memmo which offers gorgeous rooms, an amazing pool and everything else you would expect form a 4 star Design hotel, only without a crazy price. With rooms starting at 80 Euro/night, the Memmo has everything you would want for a relaxing family vacation onsite: a Kids Club catering to kids 3 - 10, a Surf Centre and outdoor activity clubm and even a Spa equipped with Turkish baths, a sauna and a massage parlour.

Suite at Memmo

Enjoy an outdoor adventure

So now that you have a place to stay, what are you going to do? The real question is, how much do you want to do?

In Vilamoura, Nikki Beach is not only the place to see and be seen but it's actually also very family friendly. There is also a kiddie pool and play area for the younger ones and all the staff are very child friendly. Don't get scared off by it's beach-club image, you'll be in company of many young couples with  young children & toddlers. The world famous Marina also offers a great way to spend a day or an afternoon.

Get the Water park experience or got to Zoomarine and experience a dolphin encounter (my dream). If your children love animals as much as E. does, they'll love Krazy World Zoo. See the Algarve coast from a boat tour or charter a fishing expedition. If you're adventurous you could always try a quad tour, and put your small on in a backpack baby carrier. There is also a Holistic Riding Centre offering activities for the whole family, and a Karting track where kids 3 and up can get their first racing experience! 

Lastly, check out this blog for more info on Algarve. 

So... Who's in?