Portugal for family hols
Discussion
Looking to go away for a week mid-July, but need it cheap and good for kids (my son is 4). For once, we'd be happy somewhere with little to do, as long as my son is happy and we can all lounge about in the sun! So far settled on Portugal as it's a relatively short flight (preferably from Luton) and should be sunny. Can anyone recommend somewhere, so that I don't risk a last-minute booking to a clubbing and football-shirt capital!
Lots of places to go in the Algarve. Flights will generally go into Faro airport from the UK.
We just spent a week at a villa rental in a place called Santa Barbara de Nexe, very small town in the hills a bit (wouldn't particularly recommend the location).
I would suggest somewhere like Vilamoura or Albufeira will probably be your cheapest options as you won't need to hire a car, but plenty to walk around restaurant wise, marina, beach etc.
Vilamoura is closer to the airport so you'll save about £50 in taxi fares over the return trip to Albufeira from the airport. If you have transfers included then it doesn't really matter.
Parts of Albufeira can be a bit 'wahey the lads!' but if you go to the 'Old Town' as opposed to 'The Strip' you'll generally avoid most of them. That being said, there is much more to do in the Old Town, don't think of it as a quaint village with 1 restaurant.
Should help you a bit!
We just spent a week at a villa rental in a place called Santa Barbara de Nexe, very small town in the hills a bit (wouldn't particularly recommend the location).
I would suggest somewhere like Vilamoura or Albufeira will probably be your cheapest options as you won't need to hire a car, but plenty to walk around restaurant wise, marina, beach etc.
Vilamoura is closer to the airport so you'll save about £50 in taxi fares over the return trip to Albufeira from the airport. If you have transfers included then it doesn't really matter.
Parts of Albufeira can be a bit 'wahey the lads!' but if you go to the 'Old Town' as opposed to 'The Strip' you'll generally avoid most of them. That being said, there is much more to do in the Old Town, don't think of it as a quaint village with 1 restaurant.
Should help you a bit!
We took our soon last year when he was 4. Lots or firms offering private transfers at the airport though we pre-booked for about £50 return I think.
We just pottered around the hotel and pool for the week. Went to the beach twice but the sea is quite rough and very cold!
Also did went to the marine park which my son enjoyed.
We just pottered around the hotel and pool for the week. Went to the beach twice but the sea is quite rough and very cold!
Also did went to the marine park which my son enjoyed.
Groan! Wife's just thrown Mallorca into the mix. As ever with everything, you could spend a month or so full-time doing all the research! I think I'll just tell her to pop to a high street travel agent and try and get a package deal to somewhere nice, and just trust what they come up with!
tobeee said:
Groan! Wife's just thrown Mallorca into the mix. As ever with everything, you could spend a month or so full-time doing all the research! I think I'll just tell her to pop to a high street travel agent and try and get a package deal to somewhere nice, and just trust what they come up with!
Just back from there. It's only a two hour flight from Luton. Sea was warm enough. Weather was great.BTW, Luton have doubled their charge for using the drop off zone. Gits.
Zambujeiro de Mar is a pretty little town not far North of Lagoa, we holidayed here for a couple of years on the trot when the boys were 4-5. Fantastic beach, good restaurants, much cheaper than the Algarve,day trippable to water park,but
- you will need a car
- there is a music festival every year when it gets mobbed, would have to avoid this.
- you will need a car
- there is a music festival every year when it gets mobbed, would have to avoid this.
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