Portugal – Family Vacations: 5 Destinations, 5 Hotels

After the article about the 10 destinations and the best 10 Portuguese pools, this one is, in a certain way, an answer to some requests we received by e-mail about hotels for a family vacation. Vacation and Summer make us want to spend time with our families and enjoy the children, with whom we spend less time on the daily life, either because we overwork or the activities they’re involved in. For that, I chose some of the best hotels in Portugal, trying my best to run away from the beach cliché, also choosing green spaces, with outdoor activities or historical places, because learning in family is certainly more fun.

Minho

Fábrica do Chocolate, Viana do Castelo


Located in the building where once lived the oldest chocolate factory in Portugal, the Hotel pays tribute to all the history of the place and its main ingredient. Needless to mention the connection between children and chocolate, reason why this is a family hotel. Here anyone can loosen the Willy Wonka they’ve got inside, with themed rooms, a Chocolate Museum and of course, classes and workshops to transform the kids in some real master chocolatiers.

For more informationFábrica do Chocolate

Beira Interior

Casa das Penhas Douradas, Manteigas – Serra da Estrela

Serra da Estrela is much more than a winter destination and the activities of this small Boutique Hotel, inserted in the natural park, are an example of it. Trekking, Btt, lakes, watersports, everything to keep the kids active. Take some time to meet some of the Portuguese historical villages and some Castelos Raianos (the castles in the Portugal/Spain border). At Casa das Penhas Douradas is possible to join sports, nature and history in some relaxed and animated holidays.

For more information, Casa das Penhas Douradas

Centro

Penha Longa Resort, Sintra

There are few places in Portugal with the same magic Sintra has (I confess it has a very special place in my heart), so I could not fail to choose a hotel in this region. Penha Longa Resort wants to give its best to the guests and for that it got prepared to their families, with a professional team, a Kids Club full of activities and toys and also some activities for the teenagers, nothing is left to chance. The surrounding area also allows some horse riding, golf, tennis and of course taking a walk and get to know Vila de Sintra.

And, this being a gastronomical blog we can’t fail to mention the Resort has some of the best restaurants in the region like the Arola or the Japanese Midori.

For more information, Penha Longa Resort

Alentejo

EcoSuites Resort, Santiago do Cacém

Lost between the Alentejo hills, Ecosuites is able to join peace and serenity for a family vacation hand to hand with nature. Without the luxuries of some other hotels here recommended, the Infinity Pool is one of the most interesting in Alentejo, the fields that surround the resort are perfect for walks and riding a bicycle, providing to many children an environment that the city doesn’t allow. Another strong point is the location, near the beach, the Natural Reserve of Lagoa de Santo André and of course, if the subject is family and children, the famous Badoca Safari Park.

For more information, EcoSuites Resort

Algarve

Sheraton Algarve & Pine Cliffs Resort, Albufeira

One of the best and biggest hotels in Algarve which is being recognized as one of the best hotels for a family vacation in Europe. The Resort pays special attention to the kids, with playing fields such as Campo Pirata or the Junior Club, a tennis school, a golf school, video game rooms, babysitting service and of course many and good pools. Also the possibility of spending a vacation at the Pine Cliffs flats brings more convenience to the families that go to Algarve for their summer vacation. (full article about the Hotel)

For more information, Sheraton Algarve & Pine Cliffs Resort

Many units offer accommodation for children till the age of 12.

TEXT: Cíntia Oliveira
Photos: The pictures in the article belong to the hotels except the photo of Sheraton Algarve & Pine Cliffs Resort
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