Algarve, Portugal

• More about your oliver guide: Sarah Hart
• Trip type: Family, Beach
• Activity level: easy
• Ideal length of trip: 2-3 days

to & from

Lufthansa from SFO/Frankfurt/Porto and back home from Lisbon/Frankfurt/SFO. We wanted to explore as much of the country as we could in 12 days, so rented a car for freedom and flexibility. We ditched our car while in Lisbon, then rented another for the drive south to The Algarve.

Where to Stay

Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort: Beautiful property with private beach near historical Sagres. Family centered, luxury resort with multiple restaurants, kids club, and a variety of super fun, outdoor activities.

Where to Eat and Drink

• We ate mostly at the Martinhal Resort restaurants, which were a bit uninspired, but fine and with plenty of choices for the kids.
• Terra: Loved this cute spot across from the beach en route to to Cape St. Vincent. Perfect lunch with healthy options and warm, friendly staff.

What to Do

• After 12 days on the go, we wrapped up our trip at a family-friendly resort in Sagres. The Algarve feels like a completely different world as compared to bustling Lisbon, with jutting rock formations and spectacular, sea-carved cliffs.
• We mostly relaxed and enjoyed the resort amenities, but we did take a trip out to Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern most point in Europe. Often referred to as the “the edge of the world,” this spot has breathtaking views and a rich, maritime history.

inside scoop

• Go now! The secret is out, but it’s still a steal by European standards and there are so many amazing spots to explore. Summer in the Algarve sounds amazing for a beach vacation, but we traveled in April and found crowds to be super manageable, and the weather great for exploring.
• Would love to have visited chic Comporta, but didn’t have time and summer probably a better time.

What to Pack

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Additional Oliver Guides to Portugal:

Algarve:

• Megan Shoflick’s Algarve Oliver Guide here

Lisbon:

• Megan Shoflick’s Lisbon Oliver Guide here
• Sarah Hart’s Lisbon Oliver Guide here
• Julie de Halleux’s Lisbon Oliver Guide here

Porto:

• Sarah Hart’s Porto Oliver Guide here

Sintra:

• Sarah Hart’s Sintra Guide here