A Week in the Algarve with Family
The complete family holiday itinerary for the Algarve: 7 days with safe beaches, water parks and activities for all ages.
The Algarve is the perfect family destination. Over 7 days, combine calm-water beaches, theme parks, boat trips and educational experiences. This itinerary balances fun for kids with rest for parents.
Day 1 : Arrival and Albufeira
Morning: Check in at the hotel. Walk through Albufeira old town and Fishermen’s Beach.
Afternoon: Hotel pool and explore the old centre. Kids will love the narrow streets and artisanal ice cream.
Day 2 : Zoomarine
Full day: Zoomarine, the Algarve’s marine theme park. Dolphins, sea lions, wave pools and water slides. Book a full day.
Day 3 : Benagil Caves
Morning: Boat trip to Benagil caves : the Algarve’s most famous cave, a must with children over 5.
Afternoon: Praia da Marinha for sandcastle building and snorkelling in crystal-clear water.
Day 4 : Lagos
Morning: Praia de Dona Ana with calm waters perfect for children.
Afternoon: Visit Forte da Ponta da Bandeira and ice cream at the marina.
🏖️ Dona Ana · 🏨 Hotels in Lagos
Day 5 : Vilamoura
Morning: Praia da Falésia with its long stretch of sand and easy access.
Afternoon: Vilamoura marina, mini-golf and sunset boat trip.
🏖️ Falésia · 🏨 Hotels in Vilamoura
Day 6 : Ria Formosa
Morning: Ferry to Tavira Island : huge, safe beaches for children.
Afternoon: Boat tour in Ria Formosa with birdwatching and dolphin spotting.
🏖️ Tavira Island · 🏨 Hotels in Tavira
Day 7 : Free Day and Departure
Morning: Last beach or pool morning. Souvenir shopping at the local market.
Afternoon: Departure from Faro airport (30 min from Albufeira).
Practical Tips
- Best time: June to September (warmer water)
- Getting there: Faro Airport, 30 min to Albufeira
- What to bring: SPF50 sunscreen, beach toys, snorkels
How to prepare this itinerary
- Travel: confirm the duration of each leg for the expected departure time. Add margin for parking, queues, and stops; visit duration is separate from travel time.
- Parking: confirm access and conditions of the parking lot at each location. Keep an alternative and check if the accommodation has parking.
- No car: check the departure and return schedules for each leg before booking. If no suitable connection exists, reduce stops or compare a tour with included transport.
- Budget: add up accommodation for the number of nights and people, transport, food, tickets, and activities. Prices depend on dates; this itinerary is not an offer and does not include reservations.
- Alternative plan: adjust the days to weather and access. Do not replace a closed route with an unauthorized passage.
The map helps locate the stops; confirm access and journey duration on the day itself.