Portugal has become one of our favourite destinations for family travel in Europe thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful coastline and incredible hospitality.

During our travels we explored both the Algarve region and Lisbon, staying in a wide range of family-friendly resorts and discovering some fantastic experiences along the way.

Travelling with Jayden (17), Sophie (12) and Ethan (8) allowed us to experience Portugal in a way that suited different age groups, from beach days and boat trips to family resorts with fantastic kids clubs.

One of the standout hospitality brands for family travel in Portugal is Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts, a collection of luxury properties designed specifically with families in mind. Unlike many resorts that simply add a kids club as an afterthought, Martinhal was created from the ground up to make travelling with children easier, more comfortable and genuinely enjoyable for both parents and kids.

Across their resorts you’ll find thoughtful touches that make a big difference for families — from family-friendly dining spaces and play areas to kids clubs tailored to different age groups, including babies, toddlers, younger children and teenagers. Travelling as a family with Jayden (17), Sophie (12) and Ethan (8), we really appreciated how each resort offered something for every age group.

During our travels in Portugal we stayed at several Martinhal properties across both the Algarve and Lisbon, each offering a slightly different experience while maintaining the same high standard of hospitality.

Located on Portugal’s dramatic southwest coastline, Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort is widely considered one of the best luxury family resorts in Europe. The resort sits beside a beautiful sandy beach within the unspoiled Costa Vicentina Natural Park, giving it a spectacular natural setting that feels far removed from the busier tourist areas of the Algarve.

The resort is designed with families in mind at every level. Spacious villas and family suites provide plenty of room to relax, while multiple pools, playgrounds and activity areas mean children are never short of things to do. One of the standout features is the Martinhal Kids Club, which offers age-specific clubs so children of different ages can enjoy activities suited to them.

For families who enjoy outdoor adventures, the Sagres area is perfect. The surrounding coastline is known for its dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches and incredible ocean views. Families can enjoy beach days, explore the nearby fishing village of Sagres or visit Cape St Vincent, the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe. For older children and teenagers, the area is also famous for surfing and water sports.

Martinhal Sagres combines luxury accommodation with a relaxed coastal atmosphere, making it a fantastic destination for families who want both comfort and adventure.

✈️ Nearest Airport: Faro Airport

Located within the prestigious Quinta do Lago resort area in the Algarve, Martinhal Quinta offers a different type of family holiday experience. Instead of a traditional hotel layout, the resort features luxurious private villas with gardens and swimming pools, giving families space and privacy while still having access to excellent resort facilities.

Quinta do Lago itself is one of the Algarve’s most exclusive resort areas and is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, golf courses and long sandy beaches. Staying here allows families to enjoy a more peaceful environment while still being close to fantastic restaurants and coastal scenery.

The resort is particularly appealing for families travelling with children because of the Kids Club and playground areas, which provide a fun and safe environment for younger guests. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, nearby golf courses or explore the nature trails that wind through the surrounding nature reserve.

For families who enjoy beach days, the nearby Quinta do Lago Beach is beautiful and easily accessible, with wooden boardwalks stretching across the lagoon to the ocean. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed afternoon by the sea, followed by dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants.

✈️ Nearest Airport: Faro Airport

Martinhal Oriente offers a completely different experience from the Algarve resorts, providing a stylish family-friendly base in the heart of Lisbon’s modern Parque das Nações district.

This area of Lisbon is particularly well suited for families. It’s spacious, modern and full of attractions within walking distance, including parks, restaurants and riverside promenades. One of the biggest highlights nearby is the Lisbon Oceanarium, one of the largest aquariums in Europe and an incredible place to visit with children.

The hotel itself offers contemporary family suites and apartments designed to make city breaks with children much easier. Play areas and family-friendly facilities ensure that younger travellers feel just as welcome as adults.

Staying here allows families to explore Lisbon while enjoying a calmer and more spacious part of the city. From here it’s easy to venture into Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods, ride the famous yellow trams or enjoy scenic viewpoints overlooking the city.

Martinhal Oriente is ideal for families who want to combine a city break with the comfort and practicality of a hotel designed specifically for travelling with children.

✈️ Nearest Airport: Lisbon Airport

Located in one of Lisbon’s most historic neighbourhoods, Martinhal Chiado offers a boutique family hotel experience in the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural district.

Chiado is known for its elegant streets, historic cafés and beautiful architecture, making it one of the most enjoyable areas of Lisbon to explore on foot. Staying here places families within walking distance of many of the city’s most famous attractions, including the Santa Justa Lift, the Baixa district and Lisbon’s scenic viewpoints.

The property offers stylish apartments that are ideal for families who want extra space while exploring the city. A dedicated kids playroom and babysitting services make it much easier for parents travelling with younger children.

Lisbon itself offers plenty to keep children entertained. Families can ride the famous Tram 28, explore the narrow streets of Alfama, visit historic castles or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city’s squares and cafés.

Martinhal Chiado combines boutique luxury with practical family-friendly design, making it one of the best places to stay for families visiting Lisbon.

✈️ Nearest Airport: Lisbon Airport

Located near the historic town of Lagos, Boavista Golf & Spa Resort offers spacious villas and apartments in a peaceful setting overlooking a beautiful golf course. The resort feels calm and spacious, which makes it a lovely option for families who want a quieter base while still being close to some of the Algarve’s best beaches and attractions.

The nearby town of Lagos is one of the most appealing places in the Algarve for families. It has a charming old town with cobbled streets, family-friendly restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for evening walks. There are also some wonderful nearby beaches, including Praia Dona Ana and Camilo Beach, both known for their golden cliffs and clear water. Boat trips from Lagos are also very popular and are a fantastic way to see the coastline from the water.

For families with children, Lagos offers a great mix of laid-back beach time and activities. Older kids and teens may enjoy boat excursions, kayaking or paddleboarding, while younger children will love the beaches and relaxed seafront atmosphere. The resort itself also provides plenty of room to unwind, with pools and open spaces making it easy to enjoy slower family days in the sunshine.

✈️ Nearest Airport: Faro Airport

Pelican Alvor is a fantastic family-friendly resort located close to the charming fishing village of Alvor, one of the Algarve’s loveliest areas for a relaxed family holiday. The resort offers modern apartments, generous living space and large swimming pools, making it especially practical for families travelling with children of different ages.

Alvor is known for its laid-back atmosphere, pretty seafront and beautiful beach. The village itself is lovely for evening strolls, with a boardwalk, small marina and plenty of restaurants serving fresh seafood and Portuguese dishes. One of the nicest things about staying here is how easy it is to combine pool time with beach days and simple family outings.

The local area is perfect for families. Alvor Beach is long, wide and ideal for children, while the Alvor Boardwalk is a great place to walk with the kids and enjoy the natural scenery. There are also boat tours and dolphin-watching trips available nearby, which can be a great option for families wanting to add a little adventure to their stay. For a family of five, Pelican Alvor works particularly well because it combines a calm resort setting with easy access to one of the Algarve’s prettiest coastal villages.

✈️ Nearest Airport: Faro Airport

Located near Carvoeiro, Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa offers spacious villas and apartments surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. The resort has a peaceful atmosphere and feels like a very relaxing base for families wanting a more tranquil Algarve stay while still being close to beaches, restaurants and attractions.

The area around Carvoeiro is especially appealing because it offers some of the Algarve’s most famous coastal scenery. The nearby beaches are beautiful, and the town itself has a warm, family-friendly feel with plenty of restaurants, cafés and places to explore. It is also well positioned for some of the Algarve’s best-known natural attractions, making it easy to plan day trips without long journeys.

For families, one of the biggest highlights of staying here is the access to nearby boat trips and coastal excursions. The Benagil Caves are within easy reach, and exploring this part of the coastline by boat is one of the most memorable experiences in the region. Carvoeiro is also a lovely place for relaxed beach time, sunset dinners and scenic walks. At the resort itself, the combination of spa facilities, pools and open space makes it ideal for balancing family fun with proper relaxation.

✈️ Nearest Airport: Faro Airport

Vale da Lapa Village Resort offers luxurious villas in peaceful countryside surroundings just outside Carvoeiro. It is a fantastic choice for families who want space, privacy and a more exclusive feel while still being close to beaches and local attractions.

The villa-style setup works particularly well for families, especially when travelling with children of different ages. Having separate living spaces and outdoor areas makes longer stays much more comfortable, and it gives everyone room to relax after a busy day out. The resort itself feels calm and private, which many families will appreciate.

The local area offers plenty to enjoy with the kids. Carvoeiro is nearby for family meals and beach time, while boat tours along the coastline are easy to arrange. This area is also a great base for visiting Benagil, exploring hidden coves and discovering some of the Algarve’s most scenic viewpoints. For older children and teens, the coastline offers a sense of adventure, while younger children can enjoy the beaches and family-friendly resort atmosphere. Vale da Lapa is one of those places that feels both luxurious and practical for family travel.

✈️ Nearest Airport: Faro Airport

Located in the peaceful countryside near Silves, Amendoeira Golf Resort offers a spacious and relaxed base for families looking to explore the central Algarve. The resort is surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves and beautifully landscaped golf courses, creating a calm atmosphere that feels far removed from the busier coastal resorts.

One of the standout features of the resort is the villa and apartment-style accommodation, which works particularly well for families. Having extra space, separate bedrooms and outdoor terraces makes longer stays very comfortable, especially when travelling with children of different ages. The resort also offers several swimming pools, sports facilities and wide open areas where kids can play and explore.

The surrounding area is perfect for discovering a different side of the Algarve. The historic town of Silves, with its impressive medieval castle and charming streets, is only a short drive away and makes a great family day trip. The beautiful beaches of Armação de Pêra and Praia da Galé are also nearby, making it easy to combine countryside relaxation with beach days.

For families travelling with teenagers and older children, the resort’s sports facilities are another highlight. Football pitches, tennis courts and golf courses provide plenty of opportunities to stay active while enjoying the Algarve sunshine. Amendoeira Golf Resort is ideal for families who enjoy space, outdoor activities and a peaceful environment while still being within reach of beaches and coastal towns.

✈️ Nearest Airport: Faro Airport

Located along one of the Algarve’s most spectacular stretches of coastline near Albufeira, the 5-star Pine Cliffs Resort is one of the region’s most famous luxury resorts. Set on dramatic red cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the resort combines stunning scenery with extensive facilities that make it an excellent destination for families.

The resort is spread across a large property featuring beautiful gardens, multiple swimming pools, luxury apartments and hotel accommodation. Families particularly enjoy the direct access to Praia da Falésia, one of the Algarve’s longest and most beautiful beaches, which can be reached via the resort’s private lift through the cliffs.

One of the standout features for families is the Porto Pirata Kids Club, a large pirate-themed playground and activity centre that is incredibly popular with younger guests. There are also a wide range of family-friendly activities available, including tennis, golf, swimming and water sports.

The surrounding area also offers plenty to explore. Albufeira’s old town is nearby and provides a lively atmosphere with restaurants, cafés and evening entertainment. Boat trips along the coastline are also very popular here, allowing families to explore the famous Algarve sea caves and spot dolphins in the Atlantic.

Pine Cliffs Resort offers the perfect combination of luxury, family facilities and an incredible coastal setting. For families looking for a resort that offers both relaxation and plenty of activities for children and teenagers, it is one of the standout destinations in the Algarve.

✈️ Nearest Airport: Faro Airport

Located in the heart of Quinta do Lago, Four Seasons Fairways offers a luxurious villa-style resort experience that works especially well for families who want more space, privacy and flexibility during their stay in the Algarve. The resort is known for its peaceful setting, elegant accommodation and warm, home-from-home style of hospitality, which makes it feel very different from a traditional hotel stay.

For families, one of the biggest advantages is the extra room to properly relax. The spacious properties give everyone their own space, which can make such a difference when travelling with children of different ages. It is the kind of place where you can enjoy slow mornings, relaxed afternoons and easy evenings, while still having access to excellent resort facilities, dining and the wider attractions of Quinta do Lago.

The location is another big highlight. Quinta do Lago is one of the Algarve’s most exclusive and family-friendly areas, known for its beautiful natural surroundings, golf courses, beach access and relaxed but upscale atmosphere. Staying here places families close to wonderful restaurants, scenic walking areas and some of the Algarve’s most attractive coastal spots, while still enjoying a calm and secure resort base.

For families looking for a more refined Algarve stay with the comfort of villa-style accommodation and the convenience of resort living, Four Seasons Fairways is a fantastic choice.

✈️ Nearest Airport: Faro Airport

Located within the prestigious Quinta do Lago estate, Vilar do Golf is a very appealing option for families looking for spacious self-catering accommodation in one of the Algarve’s most sought-after areas. The resort offers apartment and villa-style accommodation surrounded by gardens, giving families plenty of room to unwind while enjoying a relaxed and practical base for an Algarve holiday.

What makes Vilar do Golf especially attractive for families is the balance between independence and resort facilities. Having a kitchen, living space and outdoor area can make family travel feel much easier, particularly on longer stays or when travelling with children of different ages. The resort also offers indoor and outdoor pools, which adds to its appeal for families wanting a mix of beach time and pool days during their stay.

Its setting in Quinta do Lago works really well for families who want to enjoy the Algarve at a slightly slower pace. The surrounding area is known for its golf courses, beautiful natural scenery and easy access to Quinta do Lago Beach, as well as nearby restaurants and family-friendly outdoor activities. This makes it a great choice for families who want space, flexibility and a well-located base in one of the Algarve’s most attractive resort areas.

For families wanting a comfortable and well-positioned resort stay in Quinta do Lago, Vilar do Golf is a great option that combines practicality with one of the Algarve’s best locations.

✈️ Nearest Airport: Faro Airport

The Algarve coastline is one of the most beautiful in Europe, with dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s a region that feels made for family adventures, whether that means a scenic boat trip, a relaxed beach afternoon or simply stopping to admire the incredible views.

One of the most unforgettable experiences was taking a boat trip to the Benagil Caves, where sunlight pours through the natural opening in the cave ceiling, creating one of the most breathtaking natural sights in Portugal. Seeing the caves from the water is something special, and it’s easy to understand why this has become one of the Algarve’s most famous experiences.

The coastline is also full of beautiful beaches and family-friendly spots to stop for lunch. Many of the beachfront restaurants across the Algarve are perfect for relaxed family meals overlooking the ocean, and they help create the easy-going holiday atmosphere that makes this region so appealing. For families travelling with children, the Algarve coast offers the perfect mix of scenery, adventure and downtime.

For families travelling to the Algarve with football-loving children, the Real Madrid Foundation Clinics in Vilamoura are a fantastic addition to any Portugal holiday. These professionally run clinics give young players the opportunity to train under the Real Madrid Foundation methodology, combining football development with important sporting values such as teamwork, leadership, respect and effort. The clinics are held in Portugal across different times of the year, making them a brilliant option for families visiting during school holidays or seasonal breaks.

Our two children, Sophie, 12, and Ethan, 9, attended the clinics in Vilamoura and had a fantastic experience. For children who love football, it is a wonderful way to add something active, structured and memorable to a family holiday, while also giving parents the chance to enjoy the wider resort area knowing the sessions are built around quality coaching and player development. The Vilamoura clinics are offered in age groups, which helps create a more suitable training environment for children at different stages.

What makes these clinics especially appealing is that they are not just about football skills alone. The Real Madrid Foundation places a strong focus on its own training philosophy, known as “The Real Way”, which is designed around individual development and strong sporting values. For families staying in or around Vilamoura, this can be an excellent way for children to stay active, build confidence and enjoy a unique holiday experience in Portugal.

For families planning a Portugal holiday with sporty children, the Real Madrid Foundation Clinics in Vilamoura are well worth considering and are a brilliant example of the kind of extra experience that can make a family trip even more memorable.

Zoomarine Albufeira was one of the biggest hits with the kids and is one of the Algarve’s best family attractions. It combines water slides, pools, animal shows and marine life experiences, making it ideal for a full day out.

What makes Zoomarine so good for families is the variety. Younger children can enjoy the splash areas and shows, while older children and teens will love the more active water attractions. Ethan especially loved the water slides, while Sophie enjoyed the animal shows and the fun atmosphere throughout the park. It’s the kind of place where everyone finds something they enjoy.

For families spending time in the Algarve, Zoomarine is a brilliant way to break up beach days with something different. It offers a full day of entertainment and is one of those attractions that children talk about long after the holiday is over.

Quinta do Lago is one of the Algarve’s most luxurious and family-friendly destinations, offering a beautiful mix of elegant surroundings, outdoor space and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Known for its stunning beaches, world-class golf courses and refined atmosphere, it gives families a more polished side of the Algarve while still feeling welcoming and easy to enjoy with children.

One of the reasons Quinta do Lago works so well for families is the balance of natural beauty, excellent facilities and fantastic places to eat and drink. The beaches here are perfect for relaxed family days by the sea, while the area also offers lovely walking routes, open green space and a safe, spacious feel that many families really appreciate.

For families wanting to enjoy some of the area’s best food and drink spots, NOA Café is a lovely choice for brunch, The Bold Octopus is a great place to enjoy the sunset, and KOKO is a fantastic option for dining in the evening. These all add to the effortless lifestyle that makes Quinta do Lago feel so special.

For children, the beaches and outdoor areas are a big draw, while older children and teens may especially enjoy the sporty side of the area, from golf and cycling to nearby activities and training camps. It is also simply a wonderful place to slow down, unwind and enjoy the Algarve in a setting that feels both luxurious and family-friendly.

Portugal offers a wonderful mix of relaxed lifestyle, beautiful scenery and genuinely family-friendly hospitality. What makes it stand out so much for us is how easy it is to enjoy as a family, whether you are travelling with younger children, older kids or teenagers. Throughout our trips with Jayden (17), Sophie (12) and Ethan (8), we found Portugal to be welcoming, safe and incredibly enjoyable for every age group.

From luxury resorts and stunning beaches to exciting attractions and delicious cuisine, Portugal has a way of perfectly balancing relaxation with adventure. Families can spend their days enjoying pool time at fantastic resorts, exploring beautiful beaches along the Algarve coastline, taking boat trips to discover hidden caves, visiting waterparks and wildlife attractions, or wandering through charming towns filled with history and character.

It’s a country that feels warm, welcoming and easy to explore, which is why it has become one of our favourite destinations for family travel in Europe.

Thank you for taking the time to read our Portugal Family Travel Guide. We hope it helps inspire your own family adventures in this beautiful country. Be sure to stay tuned here on Instagram > The Family Travel Club, as we’ll be sharing many more travel guides, resort recommendations and family travel experiences from destinations all around the world.