We previously compiled a list of “The Best Hotels with Exceptional Features for Babies in Europe“. And we realised that the Algarve, in Portugal, hosts some of the best of them. Bear in mind that some hotels that are great for toddlers may not be as good for babies. In this post, we discover the best ones.
What to look for in baby-friendly hotels?
When we travel with babies (and not toddlers) we also look for some additional key features like green spaces (our little one loves to play on a mat in the shade), a fully equipped kitchen (they could be weaning), an area for baby playing (sensory toys, etc), a baby-friendly pool with baby facilities (umbrellas to say the least) and a short distance to a beach with facilities.
On top of dedicated baby clubs, creche, professional babysitting services, and baby-friendly dining options.
Additionally, we also want to be close to a town that can offer some entertainment. But at the same time, you don’t want to be in cities hosting many party-goers or that kind of crowd. So a huge resort in the middle of nowhere or in places like Albuferia is not the best choice for us.
Best Hotels for Babies & Parents in Algarve
Martinahal, Sagres
Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort is one of the most recommended baby-friendly hotels. It is all over the place in online blogs and collections, and it is a super common recommendation among prenatal course friends.
One of its key features is its popular Baby’s First Holiday Package, which includes a baby welcome pack (nappies, cream, wipes), bottle warmer and sterilizer, and a special gift for the baby. What is more important is that it includes 1 session in “Raposinhos” Creche per day (3h) for 6-months+ and a romantic dinner that comes with 2 hours of a babysitter. And some extras: a water experience for babies and parents and spa treatment for a couple.
It is not on the high end in terms of prices but it is not cheap either. They offer different prices according to 3 seasons. It is not all-inclusive so you need to eat in their restaurant or drive to the closest town and find restaurants, which can be better and cheaper.
Pestana Alvor Park Suites Hotel, Alvor
Pestana Alvor Park Suites is a great value-for-money option, the best we’ve found. They offer all the features we were looking for (described in the section above) for a moderate price. It is not cheap and not new, but it ticks all the boxes.
It is also close to the fishing village of Alvor, which is a chilled-out town with scenic beauty and a lot of amazing seafood restaurants. It is located on the banks of the Ria de Alvor Estuary where the local fishermen dock their boats. There are even tour guides that can take you on coastal trips to see dolphins.
To the south is Praia de Alvor, one of the largest sandy beaches in the Algarve. It is beautiful and natural with plenty of space to lay down and play with your children/baby.
We stayed there in 2024 and we liked it a lot. We booked an entire apartment for 3 adults, which gave us more space than a standard double, including a living room, balcony and fully equipped kitchen.
Vila Vita Parc and Spa, Alporchinhos
Vila Vita Parc and Spa is probably the best luxury resort in this post, renowned for its exceptional facilities and services, making it an ideal destination for families with babies.
The resort offers a serene and picturesque environment with lush gardens, pristine beaches, and breathtaking ocean views. For families travelling with infants, Vila Vita Parc provides a range of baby-friendly amenities like baby gear, including cribs, high chairs, changing tables, professional babysitting services and a well-equipped crèche.
The downside is, of course, the price, which at the time of writing is around €1000 per night.
Monte Santo Resort, Carvoeiro
Monte Santo Resort, situated in the picturesque town of Carvoeiro, offers a perfect blend of luxury and family-friendly amenities, making it an excellent choice for families with babies.
This five-star resort is set within beautifully landscaped gardens and provides spacious and well-appointed suites and townhouses designed with families in mind. Each accommodation is equipped with all essential baby amenities plus some other available for hire. It also features professional babysitting services and a Kid’s Club. The latter is only children aged 4 to 12 years old.
Falesia Garden and Pool, Albufeira
Falesia Hotel, located close to Albufeira, offers an exceptional retreat for families with babies for a very good price, maybe the cheapest on the list. The hotel is set amidst beautiful gardens and is just a short walk from the iconic Falesia Beach, known for its expansive sandy shores and dramatic red cliffs.
Families staying at Falesia Hotel can enjoy spacious and well-appointed rooms equipped with essential baby amenities and babysitting services. There is also a nice playground and pool, and nice amenities in the shade where you can stay with your little ones. On a side note, children under 2 do not pay.
Vitor’s Village, Ferragudo
Vitor’s Village, located in the charming fishing village of Ferragudo, is another great value-for-money resort featuring spacious and modern apartments which are very close to the beach. These well-equipped accommodations include all baby essentials.
The tranquil surroundings, with picturesque views of the Arade River and lush gardens, create a peaceful atmosphere where families can unwind and enjoy quality time together. The resort also features a dedicated play area where little ones can engage in age-appropriate activities in a safe and stimulating environment.
White Shell Beach Villas, Porches
White Shell Beach Villas, situated in the picturesque coastal town of Porches, offers luxurious and spacious villas, each thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of families travelling with young children.
The villas (there are 55 villas of various sizes) are equipped with all the essential baby amenities surrounded by a serene and secure environment, with lush gardens and very close to the beach. The resort features a beautiful, shaded playground equipped with sensory toys and safe play structures where babies can explore and play. The on-site dining options include a restaurant that offers baby-friendly meals and fresh purees, ensuring that even the youngest guests are well taken care of.
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort, Lagos
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort, located in the scenic town of Lagos, is a luxurious resort and spa offering spacious and elegantly appointed apartments, each equipped with essential baby amenities. The resort is just a short walk from the beautiful Porto de Mós Beach, making it convenient for families to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea without the hassle of any transport.
It also features multiple outdoor pools, including a shallow baby pool with sun umbrellas, creating a safe and fun environment for little ones to splash around. Moreover; gardens provide plenty of shaded spots for babies to play on mats, ensuring they are comfortable and entertained.
Ukino Palmeiras Village, Porches
Ukino Palmeiras Village is located in the tranquil area of Porches and just 300 metres from the beach. It comprises spacious family rooms equipped with cribs and high chairs and all the needed baby equipment.
It features 3 on-site restaurants with Japanese, Brazilian and Mediterranean cuisine, all of them providing baby-friendly dining options, including freshly prepared baby foods and purees. The resort also provides professional babysitting services and has a well-equipped playground and a dedicated baby play area with sensory toys, on top of a big pool for the little ones.
Vila Alba, Carvoeiro
Vila Alba Resort, located in the stunning coastal area of Carvoeiro, is a boutique resort offering a tranquil and luxurious escape with spacious suites and apartments that are well-equipped with baby-friendly amenities.
The resort provides a serene environment, surrounded by lush gardens and close to secluded beaches. It offers a variety of baby-friendly facilities, such as a shaded playground and a baby pool, where little ones can safely play and explore. Additionally, the resort’s proximity to the charming town of Carvoeiro means that families can easily explore local attractions and enjoy a peaceful, crowd-free environment.
Reviews and Price Summary
This is our resort selection in the Algarve for babies ordered by average rating.
| Hotel | Google Rating (1-5) | Booking.com Rating (1-10) | TripAdvisor Rating (1-5) | Average Rating (1-10) | Average Price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vila Vita Parc and Spa | 4.8 | 9.3 | 5.0 | 9.7 | 500 |
| Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort | 4.7 | 9.1 | 4.5 | 9.1 | 300 |
| White Shell Beach Villas | 4.8 | 9.0 | 4.5 | 8.83 | 200 |
| Pestana Alvor Park Suites Hotel | 4.5 | 8.9 | 4.5 | 8.63 | 150 |
| Belmar Spa & Beach Resort | 4.5 | 8.9 | 4.5 | 8.63 | 200 |
| Vila Alba Resort | 4.6 | 8.8 | 4.5 | 8.63 | 300 |
| Monte Santo Resort | 4.6 | 8.7 | 4.5 | 8.6 | 200 |
| Falesia Garden and Pool | 4.6 | 8.5 | 4.5 | 8.53 | 100 |
| Vitor’s Village | 4.4 | 8.7 | 4.5 | 8.53 | 100 |
| Ukino Palmeiras Village | 4.4 | 8.3 | 4.0 | 8.03 | 150 |