We are looking for suggestions for a very nice all-inclusive type resort suitable for toddlers, thirty-something’s and ‘young’ seniors alike, however prefer to avoid the huge sometimes sterile chain experience. This may be an unrealistic ask, we can definitely rent a car and head out on our own adventures if so, however we prefer to get to know the culture and charm of Portugal. Need beach and warmth too for the little ones. Suggestions very much appreciated.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6813 posts
I don't know of any "all-inclusive" type resorts in the Algarve (there might be a few, but at least when I was there, we didn't see any). We stuck to the far western coast (near Sagres and north along the caost). You might do better around Lagos or Faro, which seemed to be bigger magnets for larger development.
"Early October" might not be reliably warm (warm enough for swimming and beach time).
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5513 posts
The Algarve is horrible off-season. A total ghost town.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
These days, early October isn’t off season in the Algarve.
Two points - all inclusive isn’t that common and attracts a down-market crowd with average at best food. There are many excellent restaurants in Portugal which offer excellent value.
Secondly, if you want culture and charm, then there are better areas of Portugal to experience this rather than the Algarve, which is all about the beaches and golf.
The weather should be ok in early October, but I have been caught up in some torrential downpours in addition to many days on the beach, so pack accordingly.
For families, Lagos and Alvor are popular.
Posted by
Massachusetts
847 posts
I was there in March so I think similar to October. Don't count on it being really beach weather. Maybe nice for walks on the beach but not necessarily for swimming, especially for toddlers. It definitely won't be high season but not 'dead' either. We based in Lagos and Faro and found they had stuff to do if the weather wasn't conducive to being on the beach.
Even if you could find an 'all inclusive' I think that would be exactly what you would NOT want if you want to experience some of the 'culture and charm of Portugal'.
Posted by
Calgary, AB, Canada
567 posts
You might want to look more at renting an apartment for your family, there are many in Portugal. I would personally try to rent in a town so you can walk to restaurants, you will get more of a feel for the culture of Portugal doing this. We also head in to the grocery stores where you are buying with the locals too. Restaurant and grocery prices are very reasonable as well.
If you are wanting the scenery with the pictures you have seen of the Algarve then the west end is where it is. Lagos might be good, Tavira is also a pretty town on the Algarve, but does not have the same cliffs etc.
The average temperature in October in the Algarve is listed as 23. As a Canadian that is warm enough for me to lie or build sand castles on a beach!
I would suggest thinking of somewhere else in Portugal too, or instead, unless you only want beach. You could even stay in Lisbon and train to the beaches in Cascais, or stay in Cascais and train in to Lisbon. I also think Evora is a beautiful town. One other thing with renting a car, it can be expensive if you don't drive standard.
Posted by
OP
Canada
2 posts
Thankyou. Some of these responses have been very helpful.
Ruled out the all-inclusive idea altogether. Not our thing generally but was thinking of ease for varying schedules and activities.
Cheers