Rose's perfect family holiday in the Algarve

Looking for inspiration for a family holiday in the Algarve? Our Villa Specialist Rose shares why Quinta do Lago is one of her favourite places for a family holiday, including where to eat, what to do and where to stay.

When you know the Algarve as well as our Villa Specialist Rose does, where do you choose to spend your own annual family holiday? The Algarve, of course! 

Rose loves this beautiful part of Portugal so much that she recently returned to Quinta do Lago with her husband and 16-year-old son, Alfie. The family stayed at Apartment Serene, using it as their base to revisit some of Rose’s favourite restaurants, beach clubs and family activities in and around Quinta do Lago.

So, what does an Algarve Villa Specialist do on her own family holiday? Rose shares her personal recommendations…

Why is Quinta do Lago perfect for a family holiday?

“I absolutely love the Algarve, so when it came to choosing where to spend our annual family holiday, it had to be Quinta do Lago.

Having spent so much time here through my work as a Villa Specialist, I’ve built up quite a list of favourite places over the years. I loved being able to enjoy them as a family with my husband and 16-year-old Alfie.

For me, one of the best things about a family holiday in Quinta do Lago is the variety. We can have an active day playing padel or cycling, spend the day relaxing around the pool or at a beach club, try watersports on the lake and then finish with a fantastic meal (and maybe a bit of world-class football player spotting). There really is something for everyone.

Where are the best places to eat in Quinta do Lago?

“Food is always a big part of our Algarve holidays and I have several favourites that I return to time and time again.

Maria’s is a must for us. Dinner followed by dancing on the roof terrace makes for such a brilliant evening, while Parrilla Natural is one of my favourites when we want a really special meal.

For lunch, I love Casa do Lago. It’s in a gorgeous setting overlooking the lake and is perfect for a long, leisurely lunch.

For breakfast, I highly recommend Lahana at Quinta Shopping - their açai bowls are SO good! And no family trip would be complete for us without heading to Marufo for their famous Piri chicken.”

What are the best things to do in Quinta do Lago with teenagers?

“Quinta do Lago is a fantastic choice for families with teenagers because there is so much to do.

We’re quite an active family, so we played padel at the tennis academy and hired bikes from Bikers at Quinta do Lago to explore the area on two wheels.

We also spent time at The Shack, where we headed out onto the lake for watersports with Artur’s before staying to enjoy the live band afterwards. It’s such a fun way to spend the day as a family.

For something completely different, we had a brilliant day at Aquashow Water Park, and one evening we headed over to Vilamoura Marina for a wander.”

Which beach clubs does Rose recommend in the Algarve?

“For a relaxed day in the Algarve sunshine, Well Beach Club is one of my favourites. It’s a lovely place to spend the day, and we particularly enjoy visiting when there’s live music.

That’s one of the things I love about holidaying here - you can make every day different. One day can be all about relaxing in the sunshine, while the next can be filled with cycling, padel or watersports.”

Where did Rose stay in Quinta do Lago?

“We stayed at Apartment Serene and absolutely loved it.

The apartment has fabulous views over the padel courts, and the pool gets the sunshine all day. It was the perfect base for everything we wanted to do in Quinta do Lago, but it was also somewhere we were very happy to spend the day.

Some days on holiday are made for doing very little, and we loved having a slower day relaxing around the pool and enjoying the Algarve sunshine.”

Why does Rose recommend the Algarve for families?

“What I love most about this part of the Algarve is that you can create exactly the kind of family holiday you want.

If you'd like to take advantage of Rose's villa and resort knowledge for your own Algarve holiday, imply email reservations@sun-hat.com or call 01522 889450.