Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

The Ultimate May Half-Term
A Portuguese Family Beach Adventure

Alentejo - Sagres

Starting from between £1,800 to £2,400 per person for 8 days depending on the time of year, type of accomodation and activities

Itinerary Highlights

  • Family fun on the wide, wild beaches of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park
  • Introduce the children to surfing, SUPs and bodyboarding
  • Meet the marine wildlife on a boat tour with a marine biologist
  • See Sagres at sunset during on a 4x4 tour
Portugal holidays are a guaranteed crowd pleaser for May half term because the flights are short and the weather almost invariably better than in the UK. The charming rural region of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, straddling the Alentejo and Algarve, has particular appeal for the whole family thanks to beautiful beaches and activities galore for all ages. This week-long family beach getaway features surfing on some of Portugal’s most reliable breaks, boat trips accompanied by a marine biologist, and riding through the picturesque countryside with your whole crew.

Your action-packed Portugal getaway begins with a flight to Faro and a stay in the beautiful and unspoilt Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. From your family-friendly hotel, there are plenty of active pursuits on offer for every age group, like surfing, bodyboarding, swimming and paddleboarding. From here, you can also head to the seaside town of Sagres, renowned for its historic fortress, rich wildlife and array of watersports. Throughout, you’ll be treated to delicious seafood feasts and meals made with locally sourced ingredients (catering to even the fussiest of eaters). Featuring active and relaxing pursuits in equal measure, the whole family will return from the holiday refreshed and ready for the second half of the summer term.
Sagres - Algarve - Portugal © Katell Quere
Sagres - Algarve - Portugal © Katell Quere
Sagres - Portugal © Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel
Sagres - Portugal © Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel
Cap Saint Vincent - Sagres - Portugal © Martinhal
Cap Saint Vincent - Sagres - Portugal © Martinhal
Alqueva - Alentejo - Portugal © Chris Willemsen  - stock.adobe.com
Alqueva - Alentejo - Portugal © Chris Willemsen - stock.adobe.com
Cap Saint-Vincent - Portugal © mvtepixels/stock.adobe.com
Cap Saint-Vincent - Portugal © mvtepixels/stock.adobe.com
Castelo de Vide - Alentejo - Portugal © Olivier Romano
Castelo de Vide - Alentejo - Portugal © Olivier Romano
Castelo de Vide - Alentejo - Portugal © Olivier Romano
Castelo de Vide - Alentejo - Portugal © Olivier Romano
Estremoz - Alentejo - Portugal © Droits reservés
Estremoz - Alentejo - Portugal © Droits reservés
Surfurs at Cap Saint-Vincent - Municipalité de Sagres - Algarve - Portugal © Turismo de Portugal
Surfurs at Cap Saint-Vincent - Municipalité de Sagres - Algarve - Portugal © Turismo de Portugal

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Arrive at the airport en famille, and thanks to our Original Services, speed through security and relax in the airport lounge before boarding your three-hour flight to Faro. Although the flight time isn’t too long, our Sharky & George fun packs will keep the children entertained throughout, with destination-themed games and maps. Your flight lands early in the evening, so collect your bags and pick up your rental car, before setting off on the scenic drive to your accommodation in Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Sitting pretty between the coast and countryside, the farmhouse property is the perfect place to set up shop as a family for the next few nights. Little ones will likely be sleepy after your travel day, so settle in for a relaxed evening and good night’s sleep, ahead of an active day tomorrow.

There’s no rush to rise this morning, so you (and any teenagers) can enjoy a slow start to your day and explore the surroundings. The natural park is full of unspoiled nature that lends itself to a slower pace of life, while its coastline is punctuated with pristine beaches, perfect for crafting those all-important sandcastles, splashing about in the sea and trying your hand at some water-based sports. Come afternoon, prise your little ones away from their beach-based competitions and head for the scenic Mira River for a spot of stand-up paddleboarding. Cruise along the tranquil waterway and see what wildlife you can all spot, with help from an expert guide (who can also answer the children’s burning questions, so you don’t have to). Paddleboarding is very easy to pick up so it’s a great way to bond as a family.

Tuck into a hearty breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients this morning, which will fuel the whole family ahead of an action-packed day. Located close to your accommodation are numerous picturesque beaches, frequented by avid surfers and watersports lovers. Introduce your youngsters to the waves with private or group surfing or bodyboarding lessons. The rule of thumb with surfing is that the earlier you start the better you become, and there is no better activity to tire out children and guarantee they go to bed on time!

Animal lovers will be delighted with today’s planned activity – riding out from the hotel through the surrounding hinterland. Your trusty steeds are free to roam the grounds of the property you’re staying at, and today you’ll get to know them a little better as you saddle up and explore the area on horseback. A professional guide will take the lead and ensure that everything runs smoothly, as you trot along in unison and soak up the bucolic scenery. Spend the rest of the day as you please, at one of the nearby beaches (for plenty more beach games) or relaxing by/in the hotel pool after your equestrian adventure.

It’s time to head back to the beach for a couple more days. Consult the Sharky & George pack for brilliant beach game suggestions, enjoy more surf lessons or hire, or walk a circular section of the well-marked Rota Vicentina long distance walking trail, which hugs the beautiful coastline.

On the second day you’ll take to the waves again, this time for a boat tour accompanied by a marine biologist guide. The children will be thrilled by the chance to spot dolphins, whales, sea turtles, sharks and seabirds as you head out into the Atlantic Ocean. Your expert guide will share fun facts and answer any questions that curious children will ask.

The final full day of your May half-term family holiday has arrived, and one last treat awaits you all in the form of a sunset 4x4 tour. Spend your morning as you please, making the most of the beach or hotel facilities – no doubt your youngsters will want one last dip, either in the sea or the hotel pool. With tummies full of a delicious seafood lunch, hop into a vintage 4x4 Land Rover and get ready to explore Sagres and its stunning beaches. You'll visit Cape St. Vincent, the south-westernmost point of Europe, and your knowledgeable driver will also take you off-road to discover hidden beaches along the Vicentine coast. Enjoy exceptional views across the sea from the highest (at 511ft) cliff on the coast, watch the sun sink beneath the horizon and reflect on your fun-filled family trip.

After one last tasty breakfast overlooking the ocean, bundle the family back into the hire car and retrace your steps back to Faro airport this morning. Wave goodbye to Portugal and board your three-hour flight back to the UK, landing in the early afternoon. May half-term may be coming to a close, but your newly created family memories will live on for years to come.

Why visit Portugal with Original Travel ?

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Portugal

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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A rough idea of the price

Depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and activities

Based on two adults and two children travelling.

The cost for this trip starts from £1,800 to £2,400 per person.

The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote.

The average starting price for this trip is £1,900 per person.

Included in this suggestion

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