10 of the best family holidays in Portugal for 2024

It’s easy to fly into Faro airport from the UK and explore the Algarve’s multitude of family-friendly beaches, water parks, enjoy a boat trip to watch dolphins or a cycling adventure on the area’s many trails.

Portugal’s capital Lisbon is also worth a visit with the little ones, as there’s plenty to keep them entertained from imagining tales of knights at Castle of São Jorge to exploring the city’s zoo and science museum.

And older kids can get active in the north of the country around Porto, where activities include a dedicated surf school featuring skateboarding, beach football and sleeping in tipis as well as hitting the waves. There’s also the Norpark water park close to the northern beach resort of Nazaré.

To help you choose the best holiday for you and your family we have included distance from the nearest airport, an example price for the accommodation for a week in August 2024, and all the important details and added extras you should know about before booking your holiday.

10 of the best Portugal family hotels at a glance

• Best for young families: The Martinhal Quinta Family Resort, Quinta do Lago, Algarve, Expedia
• Best for family activities: Pine Cliffs Resort, Olhos d'Agua, Algarve, Booking.com
• Best for eco-credentials: Club Med, Da Balaia Portugal, Algarve, Thomas Cook
• Best for a tranquil family retreat: Villa Casa Palmeira, Algarve, Solmar Villas
• Best for older children: Portugal Family Surf School, near Porto, Families Worldwide
• Best for a relaxing break: Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa, Armação de Pera, Algarve, On The Beach
• Best for nature-loving families: Muxima, Aljezur, MuximaAljezur.com
• Best for beach access: NAU Salema Beach Village, Salema, Expedia
• Best for 5-star luxury: Onyria Marinha Boutique Hotel, Cascais, LisbonTivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, Booking.com
• Best for ocean views: Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, Booking.com

Like many holiday destinations, Portugal was hit by wildfires following temperatures soaring above 40C in summer 2023. It’s worth checking the Portuguese Met Office website for its latest forecasts and double checking what plans your accommodation has in the case of extreme weather, like that seen in 2022 and 2023.

For more holiday inspiration, take a look at the best Spanish family hotels with water slides or the best family hotels in Tenerife. Want to see what hidden gems Spain has to offer? See all best undiscovered beaches and places to visit in Spain.

If you're in holiday planning mode and like the look of the Balearic Islands, check out our roundup of the best family hotels in Majorca, great family-friendly hotels in Menorca, or family hotels in Ibiza. We've also picked the best family hotels in Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. Alternatively, for somewhere completely different, take a look at the best family hotels in Crete.

And if you're staying in the UK this year, don't miss our pick of the best Devon family hotels and best family-friendly accommodation in Cornwall or the New Forest.

Here’s our pick of the best Portugal family holidays ...

1. The Martinhal Quinta Family Resort, Quinta do Lago, Algarve

— Best for young families

Star rating: 4-star | Price: Two-bedroom townhouse from £3,272 for 4 in August 2024 (including private pool) | Number of villas: 178 | Board: Self-catering | Number of swimming pools: Private pool for each villa plus indoor and outdoor communal pools | Kids club: 6-23 months, 2-5 and 6-8 years | Faro Airport 4.1 miles | Pre-book baby equipment

With luxury villas and chic townhouses, each with private swimming pools, the accommodation at The Martinhal Quinta Family Resort is spacious, making it perfect for families.

Booking a villa offers all the privacy of a self-catering holiday, but you can also use the resort’s facilities like the kids’ club and daily maid service.

There’s a crèche and kids’ club for children from 6 months to 9 years old, while older children can entertain themselves in the Blue Room, an indoor games room with everything from PlayStations to table football.

The resort also gives you the opportunity to pre-book baby equipment, such as bottle sterilisers and warmers (although if you prefer to take your own check out Milton's super-handy travel steriliser or the genius Tommee Tippee Travel Food Warmer – both ideal for popping in your carry-on luggage).

Pros: Crèche and kids club from 6 months to 9 years, private swimming pools, can pre-book baby equipment, private

Cons: Expensive, self-catering only

Available from: Expedia, Booking.com and Kuoni

2. Pine Cliffs Resort, Olhos d'Agua, Algarve

— Best for family activities

Star rating: 4-star | Price: Two-bedroom apartment from £4,465 for 4 in August 2024 (B&B) | Number of apartments: 154 | Board: Half board, B&B or self-catering | Number of swimming pools: 8 including children’s pool | Kids club: 6 months-8 years and 8-12 years | Faro Airport 20 miles | Porto Pirata, 7,000sqm children’s play area on site, open 9am-4.30pm

Unwind in sumptuous surroundings at the award-winning luxury Pine Cliffs hotel, which takes its name from the pine trees and stunning cliffs that surround it.

Laze by one of the eight pools, or like the Martinhal Quinta Family Resort, you can take advantage of extensive leisure facilities including watersports and tennis.

There’s also a huge 7,000sqm play area, including a pirate ship to explore, while the kids’ club is run by qualified nannies.

There’s also plenty to enjoy as a family. For example, guests can choose from activities including a private family cooking class at the on-site cookery school, tennis lessons at the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, and fun mini golf, basketball and water games.

Pros: Kids club up to 12 years, plenty of pools, multiple board options, plenty of activities for all ages, large play area

Cons: Expensive, no all-inclusive option

Available from: Booking.com and Pinecliffs.com

3. Club Med, Da Balaia Portugal, Algarve

— Best for eco-credentials

Star rating: 4-star |Price: Interconnecting superior rooms from £4,143 for 4 in August 2024 (All-inclusive) | Number of rooms: 389 | Board: All-inclusive | Number of swimming pools: 3 | Kids club: 4 months-3 years, 4-10 and 11-17 years | Faro Airport 20.4 miles | Green Globe sustainability-certified resort, pre-book baby equipment

Perched on a cliff-top in the Algarve, the Club Med, Da Balaia Portugal is the perfect choice for active families.

The hotel is a luxury, all-inclusive option, but not only does that mean unlimited ice-creams for the kids, but it’s packed with activities your children can enjoy as part of your package, from tennis lessons to circus activities.

Reviewer and mum of 1 Tara says, "there really is something for everyone. The kids’ clubs are exceptional, the food excellent and the staff friendly and helpful."

However, she does admit “it’s not cheap”, so it’s worth saving up or seeking out special offers — read the full MFM review of the Club Med, Da Balaia Portugal.

The smallest visitors can be entertained in the crèche (4-23 months), while the kids’ club is open to the oldest age range of children in our list – up to 17 years old.

While the kids are making new friends, grown-ups can indulge in the Cinq Mondes spa.

The main restaurant offers a buffet dinner of international cuisine, but there is another restaurant with table service. There’s also a Baby Corner where parents can prepare food for the youngest members of the family.

Pros: Kids club up to 17 years old, plenty of activities for all ages, great food

Cons: Expensive, all-inclusive only

Available from: Thomas Cook and www.clubmed.co.uk

4. Villa Casa Palmeira, Algarve

— Best for a tranquil family retreat

Star rating: N/A | Price: Three-bedroom villa from £2,696 for 4 in August 2024 (B&B) | Number of apartments: 1 | Board: Self-catering | Number of swimming pools: Private fenced pool | Kids club: N/A | Faro Airport 29.6 miles | Car is essential

Away from the crowds, this private villa in the village resort of Vale Parra is perfect for some peace and quality family time, with the benefit of a private pool to have a relaxing swim, play games and entertain the kids in.

Overlooking the serene Algarve countryside, the villa has 3 ensuite bedrooms, and a covered terrace which leads out to the private pool, which is securely fenced and gated.

There’s outdoor table tennis too, and with all the bedrooms – plus three bathrooms – on one level, it’s easy for all the family to stay together.

A complimentary travel cot and highchair is available on request. The villa is just a short drive to sandy Gale beach, which is less than two miles away, plus other amenities such as golf, but do note that this villa is listed as car essential.

Pros: Secure fenced and gated private pool, peaceful, bedrooms and bathrooms all on same level

Cons: No kids club, car essential

Available from: Solmar Villas

5. Portugal Family Surf School, near Porto

— Best for older children

Star rating: 3-star | Price: Family tipi from £2,480 for 4 in August 2024 (Half board) | Number of apartments: Tipi accommodation | Board: Half board | Number of swimming pools: 2 | Kids club: N/A | Porto Airport 5.7 miles | Suitable from 6 years

If you like the idea of a sporty holiday like Club Med but it’s out of your price range, then Portugal Family Surf School could be a great option.

Great for outdoor fans, this one involves camping. Although you can’t take your own tent to cut costs, the tipi tents provided are comfortable and attractive – with transport each day to the beach for surfing fun.

With accommodation on the popular Angeiras campsite, there’s plenty of activities including two pools, mini golf, and table tennis on site, plus a mini market for stocking up on the essentials.

The holiday is aimed at older children – they recommend six years plus. You’ll join your children in the morning, learning to surf, and afternoons are kept free to practise or enjoy other optional activities available in the area such as yoga classes, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or beach volleyball.

However, unlike many resorts such as The Martinhal Quinta Family, there isn’t a kids club you can take your children to, although the holiday team can offer babysitting during the lessons.

Breakfast is included each day and dinner on five nights, ranging from Mexican and Italian dishes to Portuguese barbecue, or plainer options on request for less adventurous eaters. The site also has a fully-equipped kitchen, and hot showers.

Pros: Comfortable and attractive tipi tents, plenty of activities for children and adults, mini market on site

Cons: Half-board only, only suitable for 6+, no kids club

Available from: Families Worldwide (familiesworldwide.co.uk, 01962 302062) offers Portugal Family Surf School

6. Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa, Armação de Pera, Algarve

— Best for a relaxing break

Star rating: 5-star | Price: Two-bedroom apartment from £8,010 for 4 in August 2024 (B&B) | Number of rooms: 123 | Board: B&B | Number of swimming pools: 5 | Kids club: 6-12 years | Faro Airport 35.4 miles | Three pools are seawater, two are fresh water

Feel like having kids has taken its toll on your skin? Then take a trip to Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa, which has one of the best thalassotherapy centres in the world.

There’s an enormous array of treatments that you can indulge in while your children are being cared for in the kids’ club.

Unlike resorts such as the Club Med and Pine Cliffs Resort, which will take children from 4 months old upwards, the Koala Club only takes children from 6 years old (until 12), and it’s only supervised by staff in high season, so check the dates before you book.

For families travelling with one child, the hotel also has suites available starting from around £3,500 for a week in August 2024.

Pros: Enormous array of treatments, seawater and fresh water pools, luxurious

Cons: Expensive, kids club only suitable from 6-12 years

Available from: On The Beach, Booking.com and Thomas Cook

7. Muxima, Aljezur

— Best for nature-loving families

Star rating: N/A | Price: Family suite from £1,412 for 4 in August 2024 (B&B) | Number of rooms: 7 | Board: B&B | Number of swimming pools: 1 | Kids club: N/A | Faro Airport 66.4 miles | Baby cot and junior bed available on request, vegetarian buffet breakfast

Surrounded by a 28-hectare cork and eucalyptus forest, this North African-inspired eco-retreat is an ideal spot for a tranquil break.

Peace and quiet is the name of the game here. You won’t get the pampering of Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa or the non-stop activities of Club Med, but you will get some back-to-nature family fun.

Kids can learn to surf, visit the resident donkey, play in the Wendy house or splash around in the eco-friendly pool, which has a shallow end. Plus there is lots of equipment you can borrow including pushchairs, high chairs and travel cots.

The secluded spot set in 28 hectares of forest has loads of space for little ones to explore, and the owners have four children of their own who always appreciate new playmates!

Families with three children can spread out in the grand family suite, which sleeps 5 and costs from £1,562 for a week in August 2024.

Pros: Eco-friendly, peaceful, secluded, plenty of activities

Cons: No kids club, B&B only

Available from: MuximaAljezur.com

8. NAU Salema Beach Village, Salema

— Best for beach access

Star rating: 4-star | Price: Two-bedroom townhouse from £2,637 for 4 in August 2024 (Self catering) | Number of rooms: 114 | Board: Self-catering or B&B | Number of swimming pools: 2 including children’s pool | Kids club: N/A | Faro Airport 64.3 miles | 500m/7 minute walk to beach, kitchen with fridge, microwave, stove and dishwasher

Set in the charming seaside village of Salema, the duplex townhouses of Salema Beach Village are great if you want to self-cater.

You’ll get your own garden and terrace, and although you don’t get the ultimate luxury of a private pool here (as in the Martinhal Quinta Family Resort), there is a shared pool to swim in.

You can borrow stair-gates, cots and high-chairs for your children and if you don’t fancy cooking, there’s a range of restaurants within walking distance (check out our round up of the best lightweight buggies for tiny travellers, including the Familidoo Air which can even fit into an overhead airplane locker).

This is a great option for smaller budgets, however, unlike most of the rest on our round-up, there is no kids’ club.

Pros: Close to the beach, private garden and terrace, restaurants close by

Cons: Self-catering or B&B only, no kids club

Available from: On The Beach, Expedia and Booking.com

9. Onyria Marinha Boutique Hotel, Cascais, Lisbon

— Best for 5-star luxury

Star rating: 5-star | Price: Deluxe room from £2,500 for 4 in August 2024 (B&B) | Number of rooms: 84 | Board: B&B | Number of swimming pools: 3 | Kids club: 2-12 years | Lisbon Humberto Delgardo Airport 23 miles | Kids club closed 1-2pm each day

For those who want to take a trip to Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, the Onyria Marinha Boutique Hotel is a fabulous choice for families.

After changing hands from the Martinhal group in 2023, the hotel is still packed with child-friendly features like a playground, bike hire and extensive activities in the action-packed kids’ club.

The kids’ club can be booked in sessions from an hour up to half a day, to escape for a bit of pampering in the gorgeous spa or perhaps a round of golf?

The Onyria Marinha’s kids’ club is for 2-12 years old, and includes a sensory room, interactive zone with more than 50 games and even a sea life rescue centre activity. Equipment including cots, highchairs and baby baths is on hand, and there’s three pools for splashing about in.

Pros: Plenty of activities for children, kids club suitable from 2-12 years old

Cons: B&B only, expensive

Available from: British Airways, Easyjet and Booking.com

10. Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort

— Best for ocean views

Star rating: 5-star | Price: Family deluxe room from £3,632 for 4 in August 2024 (B&B) | Number of rooms: 248 | Board: B&B, half board or all-inclusive | Number of swimming pools: 3 including children’s pool | Kids club: Up to 10 years | Faro Airport 38.3 miles | Pet friendly – dogs and cats allowed

Sink into the sumptuous new family rooms at the Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, which have wonderful ocean views.

There’s a kids’ club filled with activities for under 10s, so you can enjoy some me time by the pool, which overlooks the Atlantic ocean, or head to the spa.

Unlike some others on this list including Club Med, you won’t find your day filled with on-site activities, but staff will help you get the most of your trip by organising special day trips if you want to.

Pros: Multiple board options, luxurious, ocean views, good kids club

Cons: Not as many on-site activities as other resorts, expensive

Available from: www.nh-hotels.com or Booking.com

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