A Long Weekend Full of Family Adventure for Teens in the Algarve, Portugal

Vila Joya SEA, chic beach shack for lunch or sunset

Arriving in Portugal, our first stop along the coast were the calm waters and golden sand of Praia da Galé, outside of Albufeira. After enjoying the beach, we ventured to Vila Joya SEA for a truly unique and special lunch on the beach that we had booked well ahead. SEA is a chic, bohemian beach shack that opens seasonally.

As the little sibling to the 2-star Michelin restaurant at the hotel Vila Joya just above the beach, Vila Joya SEA was a gem. At the time, a chef was visiting from Mexico City, so the menu was influenced by Japanese and Mexican cuisine, with local seafood and ingredients from the Algarve. What an amazing way to start our long weekend in Portugal. An adventurous dining experience, tucked into the sand dunes while the sun glistened on the water. We immediately knew our time in the Algarve would be quite special.

Casa Mãe family 2-bedroom suite arrival

Casa Mãe

Continuing along the coast to Lagos, our home for the next few days would be Casa Mãe. A stylish, boutique hotel located within the historic walls of Lagos, our oasis of calm to come back every day. Our 2-bedroom family suite, complete with sunny courtyard, plunge pool, and hammock was the perfect respite from our adventures.

We enjoyed a matcha latte or cappuccino with our breakfast at ORTA, which featured local ingredients and produce from the on-site hotel gardens. In the rooms and restaurant, local textiles complement modern, crisp interiors. Dinner is a must under the lights of the garden al fresco. The music playlists in the rooms set the tone for a chic seaside escape at Casa Mãe. I still listen to their playlist on Spotify back at home, with fond memories of our stay.

Lagos & beyond

Just outside of town walls, the dramatic golden cliffs and stunning scenery are just minutes away. Walking and hiking trails lead from Lagos to the Ponte da Piedade “Point of Mercy” and hidden coves along trails and boardwalks. We walked the coastal trails for sunset views before dinner, as the coastline illuminated. Many people were gathering along the cliff’s edge with a bottle of wine and picnic at sunset. We make a note to return another night and do just that.

Benagil Caves kayaking excursion

Our first full day in the Algarve, we set out in our rental car to The Benagil Caves. We had booked an early kayaking tour of the iconic sea caves with large dome openings or skylights, accessible only by boat. An early morning start allowed us to arrive before the motorboat tours and enjoy the cave beaches and light filtering in, just magical. Nearby, The Seven Hanging Valley’s Trail boasts spectacular views over the jagged limestone coast, starting at one of the most beautiful beaches, Praia da Marinha. A swim is a must to enjoy the cool waters after a late morning hike. Praia da Marinha is truly a precious place.

Praia da Marinha

A late lunch was a great way to take a break from the midday sun and enjoy fresh Portuguese seafood and wine. We had planned ahead and booked a table at Restaurante Rei das Praias right on the Praia dos Carneiros beach. We enjoyed stunning views and ordered the Cataplana de Marisco, a traditional Algarve seafood stew. The restaurant’s beach club below invited us to lounge and swim after lunch. Relaxing end to an active day on the coast.

View from Restaurante Rei das Praias on Praia dos Carneiros

A day at sea

Perhaps our most memorable day was at sea, as we chartered a boat for the day to explore the Ponte da Piedade and the coast west of Lagos. Casa Mãe organized the charter and even the picnic lunch from their restaurant ORTA. After a short walk with our adorable picnic basket in tow, we arrived at the marina in Lagos ready for an epic boat day.

Boat day at Ponta da Piedade

Upon departing the port in Lagos, we encountered sea caves, arches, rock formations, and endless hidden coves to swim. Our captain for the day was so kind and knowledgeable. He found a cove with calm waters to anchor for paddleboarding among the spectacular views. We paddleboarded to shore and explored caves on the beach before heading back to the boat for lunch. After lunch, we headed further up the coastline where the topography opens to wide stone white cliffs and turquoise, shallow waters to swim. This excursion was a highlight and did not disappoint as we all left with amazing family memories from this day.

Swim spot during boat day

An emotional ending

As our time in the Algarve came to an end, we found Lagos itself to be a truly charming, vibrant town to base our stay for the long weekend. While we would venture out during the day, we would come back to relax poolside at Casa Mãe and we could walk to dinner in town. The historic old town has an authentic feel and a lively atmosphere at night.

During our stay, Portugal’s national soccer team was playing in the European Championship. Our last night, the bars in Lagos set up watch parties in the plazas, the streets packed with people, strewn with Portuguese flags. Locals and tourists alike enjoyed cheering on Portugal. Although they had a heartbreaking loss in penalty kicks in overtime, my kids still talk about the excitement of watching the game that night. The energy and enthusiasm of the fans was infectious and electric. A truly memorable night to end our stay in the Algarve.

Lagos historic old town center

The Algarve is located on the south coast of Portugal, with Faro (FAO) being the main international airport. Lagos is on the western end of the Algarve, less than a 3-hour drive from Lisbon along the Alentejo coast. You can take a slightly longer, scenic route and visit the chic seaside towns of Comporta, Sines (the birthplace of Vasco de Gama), or towns such as Vila Nova de Milfontes, with its authentic whitewashed homes and cobblestone streets.

Where to eat in The Algarve

Albufeira

• Vila Joya: For an exceptional 2-star Michelin dining experience in a magical setting overlooking the sea

• Vila Joya SEA: For a more laid-back lunch or sunset meal at the seasonal, bohemian beach shack with Japanese-influenced menu

Lagos

• Avenida Restaurante: A refined menu and rooftop pool bar

• Travia Natural Wines and Food: A casual wine bar with farm-to-table small plates

• Gelicia: Artisanal gelato and stroll through town

Praia dos Caneiros

• Rei das Praias: Traditional seafood dishes such as the Cataplana de Marisco, gracious service beachside with beautiful views, and atmosphere for a leisurely lunch

Portimão

• Vista: Exquisite setting restored palace on the beach with 1-star Michelin dining experience based on modern interpretation of regional cuisine and sustainable ingredients

How to get around

I highly recommend having a rental car to explore the area freely on your own schedule to explore beaches and other activities. The roads are very well-maintained and wide and open compared to other Mediterranean coastal areas. Directions were quite easy as signage was all well-marked.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Algarve page.