The Best Things to do in Portugal's Algarve Coast with Kids: The Perfect Family-Friendly Itinerary
After being flooded with DMs on Instagram asking about our recent trip to Portugal with kids, I'm beyond excited to share the details of our adventure through the Algarve Coast!
The Algarve, Portugal has this perfect mix of stunning beaches, family-friendly attractions, and that laid-back Portuguese vibe that makes traveling with kids actually feel like a vacation. We spent an incredible four days exploring this breathtaking region, and it truly exceeded every expectation. Here’s everything we did—and loved—on our family adventure, complete with tips for traveling with little ones!
Getting There: TAP Air Portugal
We flew TAP Air Portugal from Toronto to Faro with a stop in Lisbon en route. Their Stopover Program is amazing and lets you explore Lisbon (or Porto) for up to 10 days at no extra airfare cost. Since we only had a few days in the Algarve, we added 24 hours in Lisbon for a quick taste of city life before heading south. It was the perfect way to maximize our trip!
Family-Friendly TAP Perks
- Activity Bags for Kids - We flew in regular Economy seats, and the kids were thrilled to receive TAP activity bags after boarding. These included little passports, crayons, activity books, games, cozy socks, and eye masks for the flight. They also loved the red fleece blankets provided for the overnight journey!
- Children's Meals - The kids’ meals were a highlight—you can pre-order them for FREE up to 24 hours before the flight. They served pasta, salad with little faces made out of olives and cucumbers, juice boxes, fresh fruit, and the cutest child-sized silverware.
- Priority Boarding - TAP has priority boarding for families with kids under 5, which I really appreciate. I’m on team board first because I get so stressed out trying to settle the kids in when it's crowded and rushed!
Where to Stay: Martinhal Sagres (the ultimate family resort!)
After a 1.5-hour drive from Faro Airport, we arrived at Martinhal Sagres, and WOW— this is THE MOST family-friendly resort I’ve ever stayed at. Designed specifically for families, they’ve thought of everything. When we were in Lisbon, we stayed at the sister property Martinhal Chiado (you can read all about our experience here) but Martinhal Sagres was next level.
The resort itself stretches along the beautiful Algarve coastline in Portugal, with accommodations scattered among lush gardens and winding, stroller-friendly paths. We loved how easy Martinhal made everything. From the thoughtful amenities to the amazing kids’ activities, this resort allowed us to relax while the kids were entertained and happy. It felt like a real vacation for all of us!
Kids’ Clubs: Fun, supervised activities for all ages, from toddlers to teens. My youngest went to the Raposinhos Kids Club (for 6 months to 5 years) while my 6-year-old had a blast at the Fox Club. There is also a huge games room, slackline, outdoor climbing wall, mini putt golf course, and a fairy door scavenger hunt for kids to complete around the property.
Playgrounds Everywhere: Every restaurant has an attached play area so kids can run around while parents enjoy a meal. It’s absolutely genius! There are trampolines, playgrounds, bouncy castles, dirt bike course and even a zipline for kids to enjoy.
Epic Breakfasts: The breakfast spread was amazing with a HUGE variety of kid-friendly foods, high chairs at every table, a stunning view of the beach and the most impressive part was a play area with a staff member who supervised the kids. We actually got to enjoy our hot coffee!
Baby Concierge: Need cribs, strollers, bottle warmers, baby baths or literally anything else? Martinhal has a baby concierge that can arrange it all for you! My daughter ended up getting sick on our trip, and they even had a nurse on-site to meet with who then called a private clinic for us and made an appointment for the same day. This was such a relief and made a huge difference in our experience.
Pools for All Ages: Kids + pools go together like peanut butter + jelly. Martinhal Sagres has multiple heated outdoor pools, including a toddler pool and a family pool with a poolside bar serving snacks and drinks. There is also an indoor pool next to the fitness center with a slide and plenty of floaties and toys.
Direct Beach Access: Martinhal Sagres in Portugal is located directly on a gorgeous beach, which made it so convenient to enjoy the sunsets while the kids splashed and played.
When to Visit the Algarve, Portugal
May and September are ideal for families visiting the Algarve—warm but not too hot. July and August are busy but beautiful. Winter is quiet and the weather is still lovely (we went in November and loved it!!!)
The Perfect 4-Day Algarve, Portugal Itinerary
I crafted this itinerary to maximize fun while keeping it realistic for families with young kids. No rushing, plenty of downtime, and lots of flexibility built in—because we all know how unpredictable traveling with little ones can be!
Day 1: Martinhal Sagres
Touch down in Faro and head straight to Martinhal Sagres (approx. 1.5-hour drive). This day is all about settling in and exploring this incredible family resort!
Lunch: Enjoy a casual meal at one of the eateries surrounding the "Village Square,” complete with a giant playground, bouncy castles, and in-ground trampolines.
Afternoon: Enroll the children in the Kids’ Club, which offers a range of activities tailored for different age groups. Meanwhile, parents can relax, visit the spa, hit the fitness center, or just have a quiet poolside drink!
Evening: Take a stroll on the beach and eat dinner at one of the awesome restaurants at Martinhal Sagres! Go to bed early so you're ready for a full day of adventures in the morning.
Day 2: Sagres
If you want a quieter Algarve, Portugal spot, Sagres is ideal. With stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and a relaxed vibe, it’s great for escaping the crowds.
Zodiac Boat Tour with Mar Ilimitado
Start the day with a thrilling zodiac boat tour with Mar Ilimitado, a company known for their eco-friendly marine tours. The zodiac is a rigid inflatable boat, and seating is in a tandem arrangement, similar to a banana boat, where passengers sit one behind the other and hold onto a handle in front of them for stability. Our tour lasted approximately 2 hours and included stunning views of sea cliffs, hidden caves, the Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse up close, and the traditional Portuguese fishermen with their super long fishing lines working in some incredibly precarious spots.
While we didn’t spot dolphins, the experience of speeding across the waves was an adventure in itself—my 6-year-old called it “a rollercoaster on water.” Dress in layers, as it can get chilly on the water.
Sagres Harbor and Lunch at A Sereia
After the tour, head to A Sereia, a casual seafood spot in Sagres harbor known for its incredibly fresh catches. The restaurant is situated above the fish market, allowing diners to observe the bustling fish auction below while enjoying their meal. The staff were so welcoming to kids, and the seafood was some of the best we’ve ever had and very affordable! The fish auction typically takes place on weekdays around 3 PM, attracting dealers and restaurant chefs from across the Algarve.
Dinner in Sagres at Three Little Birds
Wrap up the day at Three Little Birds. This spot’s kid-friendly menu, which includes options like mini sliders and fruit platters, was perfect for our picky eaters. The photobooth added extra fun—don’t forget to bring coins to use it! Inside, there’s a small indoor play area stocked with toys and books. The setup is incredibly casual, with plenty of couches and comfy seating—my daughter even took a nap on one while we read "Captain Underpants" with my son. Outside, there’s a charming dining area complete with swings, making it a great spot to unwind after a day of adventure.
Day 3: Lagos
Ponta da Piedade, Portugal
This iconic spot with golden cliffs and turquoise waters is a must-see! There are many stairs, so bring a carrier for little ones. At the bottom, you’ll find a lagoon with stunning rock formations.
Small boats are available for tours (cash only), and they offer an incredible way to see the rock formations up close and explore hidden grottos. The tours typically last about 30 minutes. Make sure to bring cash as these tours do not accept cards. Since we didn’t bring any cash, we missed out, but it’s a must-do if you’re prepared! Don’t forget water bottles and some bribes for the climb back up.
Praia do Camilo, Portugal
The calm, protected waters make it perfect for families with young children, and the unique rock formations create a magical atmosphere for exploration. To get here from Ponta da Piedade, you can take an easy and scenic boardwalk walk for about 10 minutes. The boardwalk offers breathtaking views of the coastline, making it a pleasant and accessible journey for families. Access to the beach is via a wooden staircase with approximately 200 steps.
One of the highlights for kids is that the beach is actually divided into two small coves connected by a tunnel through the rock wall. It's pretty cool going through the tunnel and then discovering the second "secret" beach on the other side. Even in November, the water was warm enough for a dip! Pack snacks, water, and arrive early to secure a good spot, as it can get very busy in the high season.
Lagos Old Town
After the beach, explore Lagos Old Town, a charming area filled with history and family-friendly spots. Lunch at Eattico was a hit, not just for its delicious seafood tapas but also because they provided toys and games to keep the kids entertained. Later, we stopped at O Ninho Family Bar, a coffee shop and play space combo featuring a variety of toys, books, and activities that made it easy to relax while the kids played.
The pedestrian streets are lined with colorful buildings, street artists, and plenty of spots to grab a gelato or coffee. It's a charming place to explore and spend the afternoon.
Day 4: West Coast Wonders
The West Coast of the Algarve is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s an absolute treasure trove for families. Here’s how we spent our day.
Praia da Bordeira
This massive beach is often featured in photos of the Algarve. It's absolutely stunning - with expansive sand dunes, wooden boardwalks and insane panoramic views, this is a must visit!
One of the unique features of Praia da Bordeira is the river running behind the beach, which during the right tide conditions creates a natural lagoon where it meets the ocean. This lagoon forms a calm and shallow splash pool, perfect for little ones to enjoy safely. Unfortunately, our timing didn’t align to experience this firsthand, but it’s a well-loved feature of the beach and worth planning around if you’re visiting!
The wooden boardwalks offer an easy way to explore the area, with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and dunes. Even without the lagoon, the wooden boardwalks are a fun way to explore and the giant soft sand dunes were a major highlight for my kids, who loved climbing and sliding down.
Estrada da Praia
From Praia da Bordeira, take the scenic drive along Estrada da Praia, a route that offers stunning views of the Algarve coastline. There are numerous viewpoints and stops along the way, each offering beautiful vistas. Your final stop will be at Praia do Amado, a popular surfer beach that’s perfect for watching the pros ride the waves.
For families, Amado Surfcamp also offers surfing lessons tailored for kids starting at age 6! The beach’s energy is infectious and a highlight for all ages. You can grab snacks from the nearby cafes if your kiddos need to refuel.
Castelejo Beach
This beach was our favorite experience with the kids! Its unique black sedimentary rocks and tide pools provided endless entertainment for little ones, who loved spotting tiny sea creatures and exploring the rock formations. The wide, expansive sands gave us plenty of space to relax and play, while the dramatic black cliffs made for stunning scenery (we even spotted mountain sheep on the side of the cliffs).
Directly on the beach is a charming eatery called Restaurante Castelejo, which is an awesome place to grab lunch and enjoy the view of surfers catching waves. Please note that it operates on a cash-only basis, so be sure to bring sufficient cash for your visit.
Otherwise, head into town for lunch at the cozy family favourite restaurant Ribeira do Poço, that serves that serves up fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes. It’s also a great spot to try percebes, or goose barnacles, a delicacy the Algarve is famous for.
Cabo de São Vicente
End your day at Cabo de São Vicente (known as the End of the World) for an unforgettable sunset. The wind here is no joke, so bring sweaters! Watching the sun dip below the horizon here was truly magical. Alternatively, head back to Sagres and catch the sunset at the Sagres Fortress. Note that it's a lot of walking for littles, so a stroller or carrier is recommended.
The Algarve exceeded all of our expectations and is a destination we’d visit again in a heartbeat. From jaw-dropping beaches to family-friendly accommodations, it truly has something for everyone. If you’re considering a trip, I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable family adventure!