There are a few very special places I will travel to over and over again. One of them is the Algarve region of Portugal. As the country’s southernmost region, it boasts some incredible, cliff-lined beaches and tons of nautical pursuits.
But to miss what lies within the mountains and valleys of Algarve would be a shame. Although the shoreline is spectacular, it’s well worth spending some days exploring the tiny villages, cobblestone streets and nature trails of the Algarve, less than an hour away from the coast.
The Magic of Loulé
Begin your adventure in the gorgeous town of Loulé. This whitewashed town has all the charm of Old World Portugal while still boasting many attractions and sights to see. Stroll through the old canvas-covered markets and pick up some almond candies for the kiddos. Bring them through the white and red larger food stalls to see real fisherman selling what they just caught from the sea that day. If you and the family prefer something a little more hands-on, you can sign up for classes right in town to learn about local cooking, dancing and even theater. These workshops are designed for guests and cater to all ages. It’s what makes Loulé extra special and worth leaving the beach for!
A perfect place to stay
A great base to check out all the delights of the Algarve is the Loulé Jardim Hotel. It’s cozy, convenient and super welcoming to families. There’s no need to trek every day to Loulé from the airport or the coast – these accommodations provide a beautiful oasis to enjoy right in the center of town.
Enjoy air-conditioned rooms connected to quiet streets for the perfect night’s sleep. Bathrooms are spacious and equipped with many amenities to keep you and the little ones cozy and squeaky clean. There are flat screen TVs, tons of closet space and big, sunny windows to offer a home-like ambiance.
Included in many packages is morning breakfast. Don’t worry about scrambling to fill hungry tummies, as the hotel lays out a beautiful spread in their large dining area. Snag a table in the bright courtyard and let the kids choose from oodles of fresh fruit, juices, fresh eggs and homemade pastries, to name only a few options. Don’t forget to have the little ones try some of the are’as own version of their favorites – like Cola Cao, which is a Portuguese and Spanish version of Nesquik! While coffee is not available in the rooms, it’s almost better, as fresh cappuccinos and lattes await you at breakfast.
A highlight of the Loulé Jardim Hotel is up on the third floor. Take the elevator and be greeted with a beautiful rooftop pool overlooking the sunny surrounding landscape. The grownups can order cocktails through a call system from the pool loungers while the kids splash away all afternoon.
With the best part of Loulé and it’s charming surrounding villages only a few minutes from your doorstep, the Loulé Jardim Hotel is the ideal place to stay when visiting the incredible rolling mountains of the Algarve in Portugal with your whole family.
Learn more about the Algarve
