4 Secret Spots in Portugal Perfect for Family Holidays (Post Lockdown)

As a family we've been visiting Portugal for 15 years both for work and visiting family and friends. Here's our top tips from our fave places we've visitedand love...

GALE

To the east of the hectic Albuferia. This beautiful beach has water temperature of 18 degrees, natural blowholes line the cliffs and has a lovely town with great local fish restaurants plus two campsites and great apart/hotels. It's quiet, local and very relaxing we've been going for 15 years pre and post kids. It's also a short drive (40 mins) to the main hub if you like a bit of bustle.

Pic: Road Affair

LOULE

40 minutes drive from Faro airport this local town and surrounding area (also called Loule) is pretty and quaint and surrounded by the hills for driving into the Alentajo and exploring. Market days are busy, make sure you keep change for the amazing donuts and grab a coffee to watch the world go by but I love it most of an evening. All the families come out to play. At weekends the grandparents dance in the main square!

Pic: Portugal Travel Guide

PORTO

OK so not so secret place but most people head to Porto and just go straight to the river which is a bit like going to London and only seeing Westminister. It has so much to offer... The centre itself is great, huge parks, a beach with windsurfing and the Boa Vista area which is more high end with fab shops including outlet for Bimba y lola. Plus design wise, bar wise, restaurants it's just fantastic. Fi over @nor_folk has written up their stay on the journal.

Pic: Portugal Visitor

TAVIRA

Quiet, wild, beautiful. Great place to base if you want to hop between Spain and Portugal. The actual Isle of Tavira is reached by boat and you can swim in super warm shallow water and really relax on the big stretch of sand. There is camping and some basic restaurants but I would recommend staying in Tavira and just visiting the Island. It's a small historic city but fun to wander round.

Pic: Algarve Tips

If you have any tips for visiting Portugal with the family would love to hear them. Just add a comment below!

Pic: @bellaalexandras @shelbyhagger Hats: Adventurer Gold & Adventurer Silver

Author: Emma Watson is the owner of Little Hotdog Watson

Little Hotdog Watson is a kidswear brand with a difference. We make kids hats unlike any other by combining style + innovation. Our sun hats offer triple protection from UV, Mosquitoes and Overheating, while our winter hats are water resistant, reflective and extra cosy. Take a look at our hats here.

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