Algarvefor families with babies
The Algarve has the shortest flight in this set: 2hr 55min direct from London Heathrow to Faro, with no time zone change for British travellers (Portugal runs on GMT, same as the UK in winter, BST in summer). This is the single biggest reason it works for families with a baby under one. The other reason is Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort, which is purpose built for families with children under five and the only hotel I know in Europe that runs a Nursery for 6 to 12 month olds as a distinct age group, then a separate Creche for 13 to 23 months, then a Raposinhos club for 2-4s. Most hotels lump everyone under three into one room; Martinhal does not. Pine Cliffs further east near Albufeira delivers the polished all inclusive end with a Mini Club and proper kids' pool. Vila Vita Parc sits between them on the Porches coast with quieter sandy coves and a stronger food offer. The Algarve coast itself shelves out gently at most family resort beaches, water in July sits around 20 to 22C (cooler than Greece, which some parents actually prefer for babies), and the resort restaurants are used to British families: high chairs in stock, plain pasta available, no need to negotiate. Eating times skew slightly later than the UK but earlier than Spain, with most family restaurants serving from 6.30pm.
