Are you planning to take your little ones abroad for the first time? Portugal offers a delightful surprise for families navigating the airport with young children.
Here’s a little-known tip that can make your trip much smoother: families with young kids can go straight to the priority queue at Portuguese airports and departure lounges.
This sanity-saving benefit was still available even as our child approached three-and-a-half, allowing us to glide through security easily on our way to a sun-drenched getaway.
Family-Friendly Portugal Beyond the Airport
Portugal’s reputation for being child-friendly doesn’t end at the airport. This priority treatment extends to public buildings and tourist attractions—officially up to four years old, but no one seems to check ID. Throughout our week on the Algarve’s south coast, we enjoyed friendly interactions, fun staff, and even free lollipops in various restaurants and resorts.
After six long months of Irish winter, a quick escape to the Algarve was just what we needed. Even in early April, temperatures reached a pleasant 20°C. While it might not have been full beach weather for the locals, it was warm enough for us, especially having flown out on a reasonably priced Ryanair flight from Dublin.
Exploring the Algarve
Our adventure began with picking up a rental car at Faro Airport. The check-in process was straightforward, and we secured an affordable car equipped with a toddler seat. With our little one comfortably installed, we set off westward to Carvoeira, a charming beach town less than an hour’s drive from the airport.
Carvoeira is a picturesque, vibrant town that isn’t overdeveloped like some of Portugal’s larger beach resorts. It’s a favourite spot for Irish and European families looking for sunshine, good food, and reasonably priced drinks. We stayed at the Monte Santo Algarve resort, a luxurious five-star hotel with seven swimming pools, a restaurant, a bar, a cafe, a gym, and everything needed for a relaxing break.
Comfort and Activities at the Resort
Our accommodations were impressive—a spacious, fully serviced two-bedroom apartment with a balcony, just a short walk through manicured gardens to the main pool. The resort offered a heated indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna for chillier days, all perfect for family use. Each morning started with a generous buffet breakfast, followed by our toddler’s swim practice in the heated pool. As the outdoor pool warmed up, we would transition there, though our child’s favourite quickly became the shallow kids’ paddling pool.
Road Trips and Coastal Discoveries
If we felt adventurous in the afternoons, we’d take the car and explore nearby towns, such as Lagos to the west or Albufeira to the east. Each destination featured beautiful beaches, stunning clifftops, and vibrant atmospheres. Even in early spring, these coastal spots were alive with beachgoers and picnickers. Lagos, in particular, is known for its surfing and youthful nightlife. At the same time, we preferred a more laid-back approach, enjoying an afternoon beer (€3 for a pint of Super Bock) and leisurely dinners where a two-course meal for three, including a bottle of local wine, typically cost around €60 to €70.
Embracing the Algarve Lifestyle
The Algarve’s relaxed pace of life suited us perfectly. Although summer waves can be intense for young children, nearly every major beach we visited had a lifeguard on duty. Local families packed picnics and enjoyed sunny afternoons by the sea. Between visits to playgrounds and coastal walks, our days were well spent. The resort’s kids’ camp provided a welcome break while we lounged by the pool.
In summary, the Algarve is an ideal destination for a family vacation. Its guaranteed sunshine and welcoming atmosphere make it a fantastic choice when the Irish weather gets you down, offering a memorable and enjoyable experience for families with young children.
