For gorgeous golden sunshine and truly unique beaches, Portugal is a perfect pick for your next family holiday. What’s more, many resorts in Portugal and the Algarve have a family-friendly atmosphere with lots of activities and facilities for children. That includes splash parks, outdoor playgrounds, children’s restaurant menus and more. With so much choice, we’re here to help you decide what are the best resorts in Portugal for toddlers…If you click on a link in this article, we may earn affiliate revenue.  

Albufeira

Albufeira is often top of the list for family holidays to the Algarve, and it’s easy to see why. This super-popular resort has an amazing range of attractions and activities to delight all age ranges. That includes the nearby Zoomarine with its waterpark, mini funfair and sea creatures, and the Aquashow waterpark just outside of Albufeira too. Perhaps the biggest appeal of Albufeira is in fact its beaches – there are 25 of them in total! You can opt for the sprawling white-gold sands of Fisherman’s Beach, with plenty of space for both building sandcastles and sunbathing. Instead, you could discover the Blue Flag-awarded Praia da Coelha. It’s backed by the rocky cliffs the Algarve coastline is famous for, adding a beautiful backdrop to the open ocean views of the Atlantic.

Where to stay in Albufeira

Eden Villas & Apartments

Families will love the fresh and modern accommodation at the Eden Villas & Apartments, which are laid out like an authentic and welcoming village. It also boasts a fun splash park for toddlers, and you can opt for All Inclusive for extra value on your holiday.

Jupiter Albufeira Hotel

The standout feature at the luxurious Jupiter Albufeira hotel is certainly the on-site waterpark! It has a fantastic range of towering water slides, tipping buckets, fountains and more. All Inclusive as standard means you can really make the most of the dining options.

VidaMar Resort Hotel Algarve

This fabulous 4* plus hotel is placed amongst the emerald countryside of the Lagoa dos Salgados Nature Reserve. Plus, there’s a hotel-run VIDA Baby Corner for 6 months to 2 year-olds.

Vilamoura

Located by a glittering marina and several sandy beaches, Vilamoura offers holidays in the Algarve with a more luxurious aspect. It’s also considered a top sporting destination, thanks to its choice of six stunning golf courses within the resort. The course known as Vilamoura Golf is even part of the European PGA circuit. But it doesn’t have to be all about getting active here. You can simply head to the Vilamoura Beach to enjoy the silky soft sands and a sun-sparkled seafront. Plus, for more fun in the sun, there’s the Family Golf Park Vilamoura that features two 18-hole mini golf courses. Aquashow waterpark is also nearby, with vibrant, neon-coloured chutes and slides and a smaller splash park that’s ideal for toddlers.

Where to stay in Vilamoura

Domes Lake Algarve

This stunningly stylish hotel has an array of impressive facilities. That includes a swimming pool lined with natural sand and a rich range of a la carte restaurants. There are family suites available, and the Domes Lake Algarve also has a hotel-run kids’ club for 4-12 year-olds.

Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort

This ultra-opulent residence has an entire area dedicated especially for families. The hotel offers inspired activities for children, including a golf academy, games room, and a hotel-run kids’ club. You’re also certain to be impressed by the buffet and a la carte restaurants serving Portuguese and international cuisine.

Alvor

Alvor is ideal if you’re looking for a more peaceful and scenic holiday on the Algarve. As an example, the Alvor Boardwalk is a popular point of interest here. This wooden walkway runs through the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve, so you can admire beautiful views of the wetlands and river that’s home to many different birds and plants. The most popular beach in the resort is the Praia de Alvor, which boasts an open expanse of white sand. It was awarded a coveted Blue Flag, so you can be sure of its cleanliness too. Being a harbourside resort, Alvor also offers boat trips to the Atlantic, with the chance to spot dolphins and whales serenely gliding through the water.

Where to stay in Alvor

Alvor Baia Resort Hotel

Both main pools at the Alvor Baia Resort Hotel offer plenty of space for swimming and sunbathing. There’s even a small water playground that’s ideal for little ones. Back on dry land, they’ll also be delighted by the outdoor playground too.

Pestana Alvor Praia Premium Beach Resort

As its name suggests, this hotel offers direct access to a bright burnished gold beach with open views of the azure Atlantic Ocean. You’ll also enjoy a great choice of buffet and a la carte dining.

Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro may not be as well known as some of the bigger resorts on the Algarve, but you’re bound to be amazed by the beaches here. For instance, Praia do Carvalho is a sandy cove nestled amongst craggy rock formations leading directly to the sea. Its super-soft sand is perfect for sandcastles too. Yet more unique cliff fronts await at Algar Seco, and you can even wander along the boardwalk at the top for front row views of the caves and cliff arches below. As a fun trip for toddlers, Carvoeiro is also home to a tourist train. It winds around the entire town and even stops at the nearby village of Ferragudo so you can explore more of the surrounding area.

Where to stay in Carvoeiro

Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa

This luxurious five-star residence has a classic continental décor throughout. Opt for an apartment set within its stylish townhouses and you’ll even have a fully equipped kitchen, ideal for self-catering holidays.

Now you’ve discovered which are the best resorts for toddlers in Portugal, you can book your ideal family holiday!