Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Portugal – The Algarve
100% customisable for you
Your family adventure in the Algarve starts today, so pack up and head to the airport to catch your flight to Faro. Flights from the UK take just under three hours (don’t forget to have a film or two downloaded for the little ones).
Upon arrival, make your way through customs and collect your bags, then pick up your rental car. The first stop on your tour of the Algarve is Sagres, a 90-minute drive away. Once there, check into your hotel – your base for the next five nights.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Sagres. After a day of travel, take the children to stretch their legs at one of Sagres’ beaches – Praia do Martinhal is the best for families thanks to its sheltered bay. Once they’ve worked up an appetite, why not try some of the local flavours? Sagres is renowned for its traditional seafood stew, cataplana, but if you’ve fussy eaters in tow, you’ll find plenty of restaurants with child-friendly options too.
Today, you’ll join forces with a local resident for a tour of the region’s coastline and parks via 4x4.
First, discover the town of Sagres and its five beaches, all featuring pristine sands and inviting blue waters. Next, visit Cape St. Vincent (the most southwestern point of Europe) and the Vicentine Coast Natural Park via an off-road route. There are even more secluded beaches waiting to be discovered, so don’t forget your swimming gear.
After a day full of adventure, catch the dazzling sunset from the top of a cliff in the park – at 511ft high, the views are breathtaking. A beautiful way to end your first day soaking in the beauty of the Algarve.
There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful little corner of the Algarve. The charming coastal town of Sagres is home to several historical sites, including a hilltop fortress which boasts a panoramic view of the cape and the ocean.
The next two days are yours to spend however you like. You might like to visit the deep bays and rocky headlands near the town, where the little ones can hunt for crustations in the shallows, and the grown-ups can flop on a towel with a book.
For adrenaline seekers little and large, why not have a go at windsurfing, surfing or kitesurfing. History buffs might like to ; take a detour to admire the Neolithic standing stones scattered around the area; Aspradantes is one of the most striking – a white limestone structure dating back to around 3,000 BC.
If you’re keen to get out on the water, we can help organise a boat trip off the coast of Sagres and an introductory stand-up paddleboarding session – the perfect activity for keeping older children entertained.
While in the area, it’d be a shame to miss the beaches of Aljezur. This small coastal town has a relaxed atmosphere, with charming white houses, steep alleyways and a tenth-century Moorish castle to explore. It’s just a 45-minute drive from Sagres, making it the perfect destination for a day trip.
Aljezur almost rivals Sagres to claim the title of the Algarve surfing capital: surrounded by vast beaches stretching along the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, it's a paradise for wave riders. Monte Clerigo Beach, where natural pools form at low tide, is particularly popular with families. You can also pop your towel down on any of the beautiful beaches of Arrifana, Bordeira, Vale Figueiras, Amado or Amoreira.
If you’re in the mood, the latter is the starting point of an easy hike that winds through lushly vegetated hills, as well as typical Mediterranean scrubland, pine forests and dunes dotted with bushes. It’s a gentle walk offering views of the Aljezur river mouth, a popular bird sanctuary, and, at low tide, the marshes, reedbeds and sandbanks that add to the area's beauty.
It’s worth staying in Aljezur for sunset at the castle, which overlooks the river (you’ll want your camera ready to capture this one). Grab dinner at one of the seafood restaurants by Arrifana Beach, then head back to your hotel in Sagres.
It’s time to wave goodbye to Sagres and head east to Tavira, a 90-minute drive away.
Far away from the tourist crowds, Tavira is a lesser-known gem fondly nicknamed the ‘Venice of the Algarve’. The town is packed with Moorish architecture, including an 11th-century castle (another great sunset spot). It’s also known for its barrier island, Ilha de Tavira, which boasts white-sand beaches and the Ria Formosa Natural Park, where – if you’re lucky – you can spot flamingos.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and prepare to explore.
Today, you’ll get to know Tavira on a private tour of the town. Located slightly inland, historic Tavira is untouched by mass tourism and has retained its authentic character: it's a delight to wander through its narrow, cobbled streets, cross its bridges spanning the Gilao River, and visit the numerous small churches typical of the Algarve (the town boasts around 30).
You’ll be accompanied by a guide who knows the town like the back of their hand. Starting in the historic centre, the tour includes a visit to the municipal museum, and the churches of Misericordia and Santa Maria do Castelo.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll also have the chance to taste the local pastries. Folhado de Tavira is a flaky puff pastry stuffed with a sweet almond filling – sure to be a favourite with the little ones.
There’s plenty to see and do around Tavira, and today is yours to explore at your own pace. Faro, Olhao and Loule are all within a 30-minute drive of Tavira.
Faro, with its charming city centre, picturesque houses covered in azulejos (traditional tiles), tree-lined squares and beautiful cathedral, is well worth a visit.
Olhao is another destination we recommend visiting. This adorable little port town is renowned for its Saturday market – the perfect spot to relax and people-watch on the terrace of a small restaurant.
Loule, is another old Moorish town with a lively covered market and a historic centre crisscrossed by cobbled streets. You’ll find plenty of trendy bars and restaurants, antique shops and art galleries to peruse.
If you’d like to see more of Tavira’s lush nature, we can organise a private boat trip on the Ria Formosa lagoon. This coastal lagoon system is famous for its labyrinth of islands and beaches, as well as its biodiversity, including flamingoes and seahorses.
As your Algarve adventure draws to a close, don’t miss the small village of Cacela Velha, about six miles east of Tavira (just a 12-minute drive away).
This tiny cobbled village boasts whitewashed facades and a 17th-century fortress perched atop a rocky promontory overlooking the Ria Formosa. A walk around the Matriz de Cacela-Velha church gives you a breathtaking panorama that changes with the tides.
A few minutes to the west in Fabrica, you’ll find a beautiful beach dotted with fishing boats. It’s the perfect spot for catching one last sunset before heading home tomorrow.
Sadly, your quality family time in the Algarve is coming to a close. Stock up on pastries from your new favourite Portuguese bakery and then drive to Faro Airport (a 30-minute journey).
Return your rental car at the airport and then catch your flight back to the UK, which will take just under three hours.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
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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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
