2022-05-17

Condé Nast Traveller “The best family hotels in Portugal”

Condé Nast Traveller “The best family hotels in Portugal”

“Portugal is a fun destination for all the family – we seek out its most child-friendly yet stylish hotels”

BY ISSY VON SIMSON AND MARY LUSSIANA

17 May 2022

Between the short flight and the guaranteed sunshine, Portugal has always been a favourite for family holidays in Europe. But if visions of crowded buffet breakfasts along the Algarve have previously turned you off, we'd like to introduce you to the new generation of smart family hotels in Portugal. For the most part, these standout stays remain relatively under-the-radar, and range from relaxed beach shacks to plush villa hotels, all welcoming and well equipped to entertain young guests. Within our edit, most rooms come with convenient kitchens and washing machines, some have dedicated kids' pools and outdoor activities on offer, and most are close to some of the best beaches in Portugal. 

Pine Cliffs, Albufeira

A big, bouncy, box-ticking affair, where there is something for everyone. The sheer space of the resort, sitting atop the russet cliffs above glorious sandy Praia da Falésia, the clear blue skies, the reliable sunshine, and the fact everything you need is on tap all make for a reassuringly relaxing family trip. Those in the know, with a troupe of children in tow, make a beeline for the two- and three-bedroom garden-level Residence rooms, where each of the lovely big bedrooms and sitting rooms spills out onto a clipped lawn, an easy skip away from one of the eight pools. Those in the know also call two or three days ahead to secure a much-coveted sunset supper table at Maré, the gorgeous seaside restaurant; they book in at least three hours at the Serenity Spa for one of the new recovery treatments (immunity-strengthening quartz-crystal massage and Himalayan-salt foot scrubs); and they plot out a healthy timetable of sessions at Porto Pirata, the gallivantin