Day 1-8- Arrival> Martinhal Quinta Family Resort
Arrive from Dublin International Airport to Faro Airport where you’ll make your way to the hotel.
Martinhal Quinta Family Resort
Located right in the middle of Quinta do Lago golf courses. Each villa has its own swimming pool and there is one general pool area at the Clubhouse with a wide range of accommodation, all villas have the necessary amenities to make you feel just like home.
It has family-friendly dining and service with an interesting and extensive children’s menus. Space is a luxury for family-time, with activities such as golf, tennis and horse-riding all only minutes away within Quinta do Lago, the hotel go that extra mile for a wonderful holiday for both parents and their children!
About the Algarve
The southern Portuguese province of the Algarve is divided from the rest of the country by a series of low-lying mountains. It is one of Europe’s most popular coastal holiday destinations, catering for millions of tourists every year. The region’s capital, Faro, is built around a charming harbour beside a wide lagoon. An international airport was opened near Faro in 1965 to cater for the incoming tourists, making the city the hub of the resort trade.
Most of the Algarve’s trendy, modern holiday resorts were formerly little fishing villages. They still feature central areas with narrow streets, whitewashed houses and ancient churches, but it is the region’s long sandy beaches which have ensured its place as a holiday Mecca. The coastline stretches 100 miles (161km) from Cape St. Vincent to Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the border with Spain, and much of it today is built up with high-rise hotels and holiday apartment blocks, particularly the area to the west of Faro.
A special feature of the Algarve is the myriad almond trees that are found throughout the region; in late January and early February, the countryside is blanketed with white almond blossom. There are also groves of lemons, oranges, carobs, pomegranates and figs growing inland in what is known as the ‘garden of Portugal’. Also characteristic of the province are swathes of green golf courses, associated with real estate developments and major resorts, which have proliferated since the tourist boom began in the early 1960s.
If you ever get bored of lying around on the beautiful beaches of the Algarve, why not head inland to the timeless village of Guia, just three miles (about 5km) north of the coast. This small though bustling village is full of interesting things to see and makes for a great excursion from any of the coastal resorts.
What to Do in the Algarve
Families visiting the Algarve in southern Portugal have a wealth of options for an enjoyable holiday. The region’s stunning beaches, like Praia da Rocha and Praia de Dona Ana, offer sun-soaked days of swimming and sandcastle building. For water-themed fun, water parks like Slide & Splash and Aqualand provide thrilling slides and aquatic adventures.
Zoomarine, in Albufeira, offers marine shows and animal interactions. Explore the coastline with boat tours, taking in dolphin sightings and breathtaking caves. Engage in mini golf competitions or venture on jeep safaris to discover the region’s natural beauty.
Historic towns like Lagos and Tavira offer cultural exploration, while local markets and water sports activities round out the family-friendly options. Whether it’s relaxation or adventure, the Algarve has something for every family to enjoy.
Day 8- Departure
Make your way back to Faro Airport where you’ll fly home to Dublin International Airport.
