Trip snapshot
- Destination: Quinta do Lago, Algarve (Portugal)
- Dates: 25 July 2025 → 27 July 2025 (Fri–Sun)
- Travellers: 2 adults + 2 kids (ages 6 and 2)
- Booked via: Jet2holidays
- Approx price per person: £300
- Getting there: East Midlands → Faro (FAO) with Jet2holidays
- Getting around: Hire car (Sixt Faro Airport — shout-out to Andre for consistently great service & upgrades)
Quinta do Lago is that unicorn for families: everything you need on your doorstep, flat buggy-friendly paths, beach and boardwalk access, and enough cafés to keep a hangry toddler at bay. Bonus: it’s prime celeb-spotting territory in summer.
Where we stayed: Wyndham Grand Algarve
Official site · Address: Quinta do Lago Resort Algarve, Av. André Jordan 39, 8135-024 Almancil, Portugal · Suite: 2-Bedroom (FOC upgrade from 1-Bedroom) · Board: Bed & Breakfast (excellent)
What worked for the kids
- Small kitchen + dining space for easy breakfasts and picky-eater dinners.
- Spacious suite layout; cot available; staff genuinely family-friendly.
- Quick access to resort paths and playgrounds around QDL.
What to watch out for
- It’s July — plan shade time and siestas; carry water and hats everywhere.
- Resort prices can sting; see our cheaper eats and shopping stop below.
Our rating: 5/5
Where we ate (kid-approved)
- KOKO — newly refurbished; pricier food but excellent service and a handy playground for the kids.
- Pizza Pasta Fantasia — extremely family-friendly; the Chicken Milanese with pomodoro spaghetti is a winner.
- Forum Algarve (Faro) — supermarket & food court stop to balance the spend.
What we did (2–3 day plan)
- Day 1: Explore Quinta do Lago boardwalks and Ria Formosa views; beach time near QDL.
- Day 2: Ponta da Piedade (Lagos) — clifftop walk and steps down for views; go early for cooler temps and easier parking.
- Day 3: Faro Old Town wander + Forum Algarve shopping stop (AC + supplies).
Extra ideas: Stroll the boardwalk towards Vale do Lobo; consider a short Ria Formosa boat trip (operator example). For buses, see VAMUS Algarve.
Costs & booking links
| Item | £ each | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flights & hotel | £300 | Jet2holidays package from East Midlands — book here |
| Car hire | — | Sixt Faro Airport (Andre’s team were great). Also on-airport: Hertz. |
| Attractions | Varies | Ponta da Piedade is free to walk; boat tours are paid separately |
| Approx total | From £300pp | Package via Jet2holidays |
Useful links: Quinta do Lago (official) · VAMUS Algarve buses · Met Office: Faro forecast · GOV.UK travel advice (Portugal)
Family tips (what we wish we’d known)
- Heat plan: July is hot — do boardwalks and Lagos early, pool/indoors at midday, dinner later.
- Buggy-friendly: QDL paths and much of the boardwalk are pram-friendly; Lagos cliffs have steps.
- Supplies: Stock up at Forum Algarve (air-conditioned, proper trolleys and baby facilities).
- Driving: Motorways are easy; coastal car parks fill by late morning.
- Celeb-spotting etiquette: It’s a thing here — keep it discreet so kids don’t get over-excited mid-meal.
Our travel tech that made it easier
- Portable 5G router: ZTE MU5120 with unlimited EE EU-roaming SIM (Scancom via Amazon) — rock-solid coverage for maps and streaming.
- Chargers: Apple MagSafe charger (also tops up AirPods Pro 2 and iPhone 15 Pro Max). We skipped power banks this time.
- Adapters: “Travel Bug” plug plus spares.
- Headphones for the kids: Belkin volume-limited.
- Trackers: Apple AirTags in each bag.
- Other: DJI Neo drone for quick selfies around Lagos rocks (fly responsibly); old BA amenity bags as cable organisers.
FAQs for families visiting Quinta do Lago
Is Quinta do Lago good with a pram/buggy?
Yes — resort paths and boardwalk sections are pram-friendly. Note that Ponta da Piedade has many steps and cliff edges, so a baby carrier is safer there.
How hot is late July?
Expect strong sun and high 20s to low 30s °C. Plan mornings/evenings out, long lunches, and plenty of water breaks.
Best way to get around?
Hire car is easiest with young kids. We used Sixt at Faro Airport; Hertz and others have desks on-site too. VAMUS buses cover the Algarve if you’re car-free.
Any easy day trips?
Yes: Lagos for Ponta da Piedade’s viewpoints; Faro Old Town for a gentle wander; short Ria Formosa boat rides from Faro/Olhão.
Where to grab supplies?
Forum Algarve (Faro) has a big supermarket, pharmacies and loads of food options — great for a cool pit-stop.
