Best holiday spots in Portugal for the whole family

One of our family’s favourite hotels in the world is the beautiful Martinhal in Sagres. The team behind the Martinhal Family Resort have tried to create a perfect harmony between a design-led hotel that has children at its heart – and as a design-conscious parent, it works!

The beachside hotel offers modern rooms, or villas if you prefer more space and privacy. I think your kids will love the brilliant kids club – my own son really loved all the activities organised, including film club as well as improving his footy skills at the football academy.

If your children aren’t really into kids’ clubs then they’ll love just splashing around in one of the hotel’s five pools. As Martinhal is located further away from the hustle and bustle of central Algarve, it’s also perfect for families looking for a more peaceful escape, especially during the summer months.

There’s no need to compromise when you stay at the Pine Cliffs Resort in Albufeira, this five-star hotel does all the hard work for you. This beautifully decorated hotel has an enviable position boasting 72 acres of grounds and panoramic views over the sea.

Kids will be in their element here, with a large playground and pirate ships ready to be explored, toddler pools and a kids’ club. It’s not all about the little ones though and Mum and Dad will be more than happy with the hotel’s amenities, including an indoor heated pool, exercise classes and a gym and watersports – all within a short walk of the sandy beach.

We love it when you get both the comfort of staying at a modern hotel with the added flexibility of a self-catered apartment, which is why Vilamoura Four Seasons, set in the heart of Vilamoura, is always a strong contender for our family. Our son loves being able to explore the landscaped pool area and making new friends at the Porcupines kids club, giving us grown-ups plenty of downtime enjoying the hotel’s spa and the indoor pool. When exploring the town and splashing at the beach is too much, then a catch-up on playtime on the shaded playground is the perfect way to keep the little ones busy. We’re not golfers, but for those of you who are keen, there is a nearby golf course and if you all fancy some off-site fun, there’s plenty the hotel will organise for you too including surfing lessons.

We love this stylish smaller hotel near the ancient town of Tavira. It’s set in a peaceful location that’s perfect for families looking to combine both countryside and beach on their holiday. Each of the rooms has a private furnished balcony with gorgeous views.

Local Portuguese crafts and materials such as cork are used throughout, with an exciting mix of retro and contemporary styles. You could quite easily stay in the hotel for your whole holiday if you so wanted. In the summer there is a kids’ club and a children-only pool, while parents can indulge with massages and spas, a Turkish bath and even a Padel court with equipment provided. There are also outdoor programmes designed for families with older children, including four-wheel driving, trekking and sport fishing.

The hotel has a terrace restaurant overlooking the sea, as well as a bistro looking onto the pools, with kids’ menus available of course. And for once they’re tucked up in bed, there’s a cocktail bar too!

Overlooking the sandy beach of Alvor, this beautiful hotel offers the perfect combination for families of staying in a villa, with all the benefits of a hotel. The villas all have large living spaces, and either a fully-kitted kitchen or a kitchenette giving you full flexibility.

Little ones looking for fun-filled days will love the Pestana Kids Club, while the grown-ups can relax by one of the two pools or enjoying a spa treatment or two. And when you fancy something different from the pool, the hotel is only a short wander down to Alvor’s beach, an expansive golden beach with calm waters, and far enough from Praia da Rocha to appeal to families who are looking for a peaceful location.