Many destinations across the world are welcoming back British tourists after the pandemic’s travel restrictions are getting lifted. Families all across the world are dying to get back out there and take their well reserved vacations.
If you are looking to get your family out of your home for once, travelling to the Algarve in Portugal is a special treat.
The popular holiday destination offers all young to old people could wish for. Here are some insider tips for family vacations in the southernmost part of continental Portugal.
Did you Know? Fun Facts About the Algarve
If you haven’t yet decided on whether to travel to the Algarve, here are some great reasons to entice you and your children:
- The Algarve is the Most Important Touristic Area in Portugal – Lisbon might bring in more money overall, but the Algarve population triples during high holiday seasons, making it a major source of revenue for the Portuguese economy.
- The Algarve has over 3,000 hours of sunshine every year – That makes more sunny days than in the rest of Europe. Even the winter is enjoyable,, with a median temperature of 18 °C during the day.
- The Algarve was voted one of the best places to retire to – The warm weather and great infrastructure of the touristic areas in the Algarve make it a wealthy location with a high standard of living, safety and great healthcare. Retirees are looking forward to benefiting from these when they emigrate to the Algarve.
- The Algarve has a rich history – The area has been populated and/or captured by Celts, Phoenicia, Punic people, Romans, Goths (as in the Germanic people), Moors and Spaniards before it established itself as the Portuguese region we know today. We can still see many traces of these cultures all around, starting by the Arabic based name al-gharb = the West.
- The World Ends in the Algarve – Cabo de São Vincente marks the southwesternmost part of Europe and used to be seen as the end of the (known) world.
Regions to Choose From
If this has made you interested in an Algarve holiday, here are some popular regions and cities for tourists. They will help you choose the best destination for your family vacation and point you in the right direction to look for holiday flats in the Algarve.
The East
- Tavira | Tavira is responsible for the inscription of the Mediterranean Diet as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO, meaning authentic Portuguese cuisine can be found all over.
- Monte Gordo | Monte Gordo is a small town surrounded by woods which host one of the few species of chameleons in Portugal. Its VSRA Sports Complex is home of the Portuguese Olympic Committee, making it a popular spot for athletes, especially in winter times.
Central Algarve
- Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, Almancil | Home to the “Golden Triangle”, a touristic hotspot between the cities Vilamoura, Almancil and the gated communities Vale do Lobo & Quinta do Lago. It is known for more high-class destinations, such as golf courses, yacht marinas and multiple Michelin starred restaurants.
West of Central Algarve
- Carvoeiro | Carvoeiro has five beautiful sand beaches embedded in imposing cliffsides. All through the town there are paths and caves leading through these cliffs, next to some of the biggest sea grottoes in the Algarve.
- Lagos | Lagos is home to an incredibly well-preserved old town with many historic landmarks.
The West
- Salema | In Salema you can find 140-million-year-old dinosaur footprints that were found preserved close to the beach. The beach itself is on rank 15 of the 50 most beautiful beaches named by The Guardian.
- Sagres | Sagres is home to a nature preserve reaching along the entire southwestern coastline. You can also find many old forts and an ancient seafarer academy here.
Conclusion
A family holiday is important bonding time between parents, their children and each other. That’s why it is essential to choose a destination that will be enjoyed by every family member.
The Algarve is one of these, that have much to offer for many tastes. The warm weather and beautiful beaches are already reason enough to visit the southernmost part of Portugal. If you’re bored by the beach days, you can explore many fascinating cities.
Children and parents alike will enjoy the historic landmarks and traces of ancient cultures and even dinosaurs.