Algarve family holiday recommendations

first78

We are a family of 4 and are planning our first holiday abroad for Summer 2022. We would like to go to the Algarve (possibly Praia da Rocha), and would welcome any recommendations regarding accommodation. Ideally looking for a venue with a pool that is also close to the beach, somewhere suitable for kids under 9 years old. Many thanks

NoodleDoodleMan

Hotel, holiday village or villa ?

More details would be helpful.

Ref. the proximity to the beach - the sea on the Algarve coast can be relatively cold compared to Spanish resorts, you are not on the Med.

stoneman

We go the the Algarve most years and always use Airbnb. You can specify everything you want and tailor every aspect. And cheaper. Remember that Uber is plentiful and cheap on the Algarve as well

first78

NoodleDoodleMan said:

Hotel, holiday village or villa ?

More details would be helpful.

Ref. the proximity to the beach - the sea on the Algarve coast can be relatively cold compared to Spanish resorts, you are not on the Med.

No preference really. I'm used to open water swimming in the UK, so the sea on the Algarve coast won't be a problem.

MATTR5

Hi first78 - There aren't a huge amount of family geared hotels in PD Rocha (Club Amarilis, Jupiter etc) - avoid Club P D Rocha - it's huge and like Butlins in a bad way - There's a lot more choice in Albufeira next door (busier) - Adriana Beach club, Eden Resort - many more - or if you want quieter try Olhos D'Agua - 3HB Clube Humbria or Armacao de Pera - Be Live Family Palmeiras Village - both excellent - But id search Free Child places with Jet2/TUI and see if they have anything at a great price

If you go the Villa route Guia is a great spot as lots of villas close to shops etc so you're not reliant on a car 
And once you find anything don't forget to pop it on the Beat my Quote Thread on here to see if Agents like me can save you any money - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/509598/beat-my-quote-travel-agents-thread/p1205 

I am a Travel Agent

My company’s ABTA/ATOL numbers are G9172/6053. MSE doesn't check my status as a Travel Agent, so you need to take my word for it. You can check my ATOL with the CAA. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Travel Agent Code of Conduct.

first78

MATTR5 said:

Hi first78 - There aren't a huge amount of family geared hotels in PD Rocha (Club Amarilis, Jupiter etc) - avoid Club P D Rocha - it's huge and like Butlins in a bad way - There's a lot more choice in Albufeira next door (busier) - Adriana Beach club, Eden Resort - many more - or if you want quieter try Olhos D'Agua - 3HB Clube Humbria or Armacao de Pera - Be Live Family Palmeiras Village - both excellent - But id search Free Child places with Jet2/TUI and see if they have anything at a great price

If you go the Villa route Guia is a great spot as lots of villas close to shops etc so you're not reliant on a car 
And once you find anything don't forget to pop it on the Beat my Quote Thread on here to see if Agents like me can save you any money - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/509598/beat-my-quote-travel-agents-thread/p1205 

I am a Travel Agent

My company’s ABTA/ATOL numbers are G9172/6053. MSE doesn't check my status as a Travel Agent, so you need to take my word for it. You can check my ATOL with the CAA. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Travel Agent Code of Conduct.

Thanks for your reply. I grew up in Monchique so am looking to go back to areas where I used to spend time. Looking at coastal locations so the kids can enjoy the beaches. Do you have any idea what Alvor or Carvoeiro are like for families these days?

lady1964

Alvor has beautiful beaches as does Lagos. We’ve never taken young kids but have seen plenty of families in both places. If you’re going self catering, there are supermarkets and a great choice of bars and restaurants and the Portuguese love children.

NoodleDoodleMan

I would recommend a proper ready made package deal from one of the major league short haul holiday outfits like Jet2 or TUI.

Since Covid impacted there have been countless "horror stories" of innocent holiday makers being denied refunds or acceptable alternative holiday offers by other players in the indsutry.

f4phixeruk

Beach at Praia Da Rocha is beautiful. If wanting to stay self catering try the Solmont Apartments. Has its own pool and is about 500m from the beach. We stayed B&B at the Jupiter Algarve hotel. On top of the hill above the beach. Make sure you get a sea view room, not a side sea view or one at the back of the hotel. Taxi to the Continente shopping center for all the food shopping too.

Doshwaster

Really like the old town of Albufeira which is mostly families and independent travellers. Just avoid the newer part of town ("the strip") which is a 18-30 hellhole.