Calm, gently shelving beaches, sea caves to kayak into, water parks for the demanding middle years and boat trips to spot dolphins — the Algarve is family engineering at its finest. Transfers from Faro are mercifully short, and towns like Lagos and Carvoeiro balance beach days with pretty old centres. Grown-ups get cliff-top walks, seafood cataplana and some of Europe's most reliable sunshine.
Featured in Ten brilliant family holidays every age will actually enjoy · Family