This is the itinerary of our trip to South Portugal in 2021. We have detailed posts and vlogs from each location so do check them out. Portugal is a great destination in the European Summer and with an amazing quality price ratio. It is also one of the most uncrowded places in the South of Europe. Not sure how long the secret of how great the nature, food and people of Portugal are will remain hidden. It is an amazing place to explore independently and with the family.
We wanted to share our experience at Martinhal Resort in Sagres, often named as one of the most children friendly resort in the World. The Resort is located in the South of Portugal, in the Algarve region and enjoys warm Summers and mild Winters. We visited in September and the weather was perfect!
The video shows a few of the features that make Martinhal such a favourite with families. The most outstanding experience for me was the staff, especially the Kids Clubs qualified minders that my son enjoyed playing with so much. Each day they were organising new activities around a different theme. On top of the sport academy ( which we did not try) there was also a football hour for kids and parents teams that added to the long list of family activities.
And the family amenities that you might need, from prams to high chairs and baby food that you could order in the restaurant. The menu even had a separate section with baby food from 6 month on.
Would love to know what is the most family friendly resort you visited so far. If you have any questions regarding Martinhal Resort in Sagres, drop us a line below.
Hope you find the video and information useful. Safe travels!
After exploring the Alentejo region for about 2 weeks, we were looking for the perfect base to discover the South of Portugal. Lagos was our pick for the first stop in the Algarve. The town has an old part that retains the charm of a traditional Portuguese village, some great beaches within a short walking distance and Algarve’s most iconic rock formations a short drive away.
There are still hidden gems in Portugal, even at the height of the tourist season. Villa Nova de Milfontes is one of them. Do not get me wrong, it is not empty. Just that it is not well known to foreign tourists. There were many Portuguese families visiting in August and popular restaurants needed a reservation, especially at the week-end.
After a few days in Evora, we headed deeper into Alentejo region, a part of Portugal that is relatively unknown to international tourists that flock to the Algarve. Beja is a medieval city and a great base to explore further afield. It is also very hot in Summer, with temperatures above 30 for large parts of August and even September.
Evora is located about 1h 30 min by car from Lisbon, in the heart of the Alentejo region. It is a popular destination for day trips from Lisbon. But if you can give it a couple of days, you will find lots of things to explore and some great Alentejo food to try.
It is a pleasure to walk around Lisbon downtown. There are great things to discover any every turn and some really wonderful family activities like the ones we described here. Its most visited musem lies however in the East of the city, in the Parque das Nacoes, the former grounds of the Expo 98. It is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe!
Lisbon is one of our favourite destinations in South Europe, especially in Summer. Every time we visit Lisbon, we keep discovering new lovely spots and restaurants. Our latest trip from August took us to three sweeping viewpoints, some very relaxed squares and a Remodelado tram in our first 24 hours. If you are following the blog, you probably know that we also found some great food to fuel our Lisbon tour with the kids.
I have been to Portugal a few times already. First, about 8 years ago, I travelled with my best friend to Porto and Lisbon. I have then spend a couple of week- ends in Lisbon with friends. And of course, the Azores in 2011. But in the August of 2017, looking for possible destinations for a sort jaunt from Brussels, I stumbled on the coastal town of Sesimbra. It is then that Mr happened to mention he was never to Portugal. The decision was made. He received a trip to Portugal as his birthday present.
As Lisbon was my husband’s treat, I kept it for the end. Upon arrival we rented a car and drove down to Sesimbra, about one hour south of Lisbon. Potuguese colleagues recommended it for the nice, wide beach, fresh seafood and being popular with locals mostly. As we were travelling mid-August, there were bound to be people on holidays, so any tips to less travelled places were well appreciated.
Travel Tales and Teddy Bears 