**This is a collaborative post
Not-so-hidden away in the South of Portugal sits the Algarve; a small region with a very big reputation across Europe.
Especially in the last ten years, the Algarve has become one of the continent’s very best family destinations, with 4.2 million guests visiting in 2018, making up a fifth of all visitors to Portugal.
As far as holidays go, the region ticks every box, offering sun, sea and a whole load of fun accompanied by good food and friendly people. If you’re planning your next big family getaway, here are four reasons why the Algarve should be on your shortlist.
The Weather
Let’s start off with the obvious; it’s always sunny in the Algarve! Thanks to its Southerly location, you’ll experience the best weather the country has to offer pretty much all year round, but temperatures never get uncomfortably warm.
Great for if you have young kids who are sensitive to the sun, visiting anywhere from May to September time will see you enjoy temperatures of around 25-30 degrees, with mild air temperatures meaning you can enjoy the sun without ever getting too hot and sweaty.
Stunning Scenery
Ask anyone who’s been to the Algarve about their trip and one of the first things they’ll tell you is how beautiful the whole place is. Littered with beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs and caves to explore, the Algarve is your prototypical white sands and crystal blue waters paradise.
The area is also populated with quaint little towns, with a selection of classic Mediterranean architecture (see the Se Cathedral in Faro or the Silves Castle) on display.
Budget Friendly
If we’re being honest about it, family holidays always need to be budget friendly. After all, shipping three or four people off to a beautiful location for a week is never going to cheap, but the Algarve, indeed Portugal in general, is one of the most pocket friendly regions in Europe.
Short, cheap flights are readily available, with the likes of Villa Plus offering great value deals on luxury villas. You’ll be able to eat out regularly for €10- €15 and find a whole host of reasonably priced family activities to engage with.
Activities Aplenty
Speaking of family activities, the Algarve is filled the brim with fun, exciting and entertaining adventures for you and the kids. From water parks and zoos to go-karting and crazy golf, there are plenty of child-friendly days out away from the more ‘adulty’ castle and cathedral trips.
Off-land, however, is where the Algarve really comes into its own, with a range of boat trips around the island where you can go looking for dolphins or board a pirate ship. And even if you don’t succeed at seeing dolphins in the wild, you can swim with them at Zoomarine for a once in a lifetime experience.
The area boasts a range of the finest Portuguese cuisine, particularly seafood, and towns like Albufeira and Portimao offer lively nightlife with a friendly reception from the locals.
Overall, the Algarve offers a beautiful, safe and inexpensive family holiday that promises a lot of a fun and the chance to make plenty of amazing memories. Whether you want a lazy week away on the beach or an action-packed adventure trip, there’s something for everyone in this Southern Portuguese gem.
