Where to Stay in the Algarve with Family: Martinhal Sagres

Families dreaming of a beach escape in Portugal’s famed Algarve region will fall in love with Martinhal Sagres. This five-star resort blends kid-friendly fun, European elegance, and the natural beauty of the Algarve Coast. From handmade purées for babies and playful spaces for kids to teen adventures and thoughtful touches for weary parents, every age is cared for. My husband, son, and I were wowed by the design and attention to detail at this family-focused property. If you’re wondering where to stay in the Algarve with kids, Martinhal Sagres delivers. Here are 10 reasons to book a stay at Martinhal Sagres with family.

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1. Stunning Setting in the Algarve

Martinhal Sagres is located in the western Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region. Travelers come here for dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and charming whitewashed villages. The luxury family resort sits within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean.

This part of the Algarve is more remote than the popular central coast, making it an excellent place for a tranquil beach family holiday surrounded by nature’s beauty. Its coastal setting and proximity to Cape St. Vincent—known as the “End of the World”—make it feel like a true escape.

Built into the hillside, Martinhal Sagres blends beautifully with its natural surroundings. Look for native plants like rosemary, lavender, and Stone pine trees. From wooden toys in the lobby to whimsical Pony Pop Sculptures and fairy houses throughout the property, every detail is designed to delight.

2. Martinhal Beach, a Showstopper

Resort guests have direct access to Martinhal Beach, but like all beaches in Portugal, this is a public space open to anyone to enjoy. This expansive sandy beach stretches 2,000+ feet (650 meters) along the Bay of Baleeira.

Who knew the Atlantic Ocean could look this turquoise and pristine? The water at Martinhal Beach is calmer and clearer than any other Atlantic-facing beach I’ve ever encountered. That’s thanks to its sheltered bay, gentle slope, and minimal wave action.

Beach Hangout

The Beach Hangout is a private lounge area reserved exclusively for Martinhal guests. No reservations are needed for hotel guests to get cozy in a whimsically coconut-shaped, shaded beach bed. Order food and drinks to your loungers from the nearby Pool Hangout Bar.

Martinhal Watersports Centre

The Martinhal Watersports Centre sits right on the beach. Rent equipment like kayaks and paddleboards, or sign up for windsurfing and sailing lessons for an additional fee. Ask the resort’s family concierge for help in choosing rentals and lessons to meet your children’s skill and comfort level.

3. Pools with Personality

Martinhal Sagres offers five distinct swimming pool areas. The main pool, named the Pool Hangout, is the resort’s most iconic spot and my family’s favorite. This stunning outdoor pool is perched above Martinhal Beach with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Swimming Pools at Martinhal Sagres

• Pool Hangout: Swoon at ocean views and a stylish wooden deck. Order meals, cocktails, and mocktails at the adjacent pool bar for delivery to your beach chairs.
• Village Square Pools: Two pools located in the heart of the resort, with indoor-outdoor swimming, ideal for cooler weather or rainy days. A smaller toddler pool is also located here.
• Oasis Pool: A serene, free-form pool reserved for adults only, located near the Garden Houses.
• Club 98 Pool: At the resort’s tennis courts and sports center, designed for active swimming with lap lanes and aqua bike classes. Look also for a small toddler pool here.
• Vilas Mimosa Pool: A seasonal pool near the resort entrance, exclusive to guests staying in the Vilas Mimosa accommodations.
• Private Pools: All Luxury Villas at Martinhal Sagres come with their own private pool, varying in size and style. These villas are independently owned but managed by the resort. Each one is set within its own landscaped garden, often with child-safe fencing around the pool.

3. Kids Clubs & Hangout Spaces

Martinhal Sagres features an impressive array of kids’ camps, classes, and hangout spaces. Much of this takes place in Village Square in the resort’s center, while sports activities are spread throughout the property.

Sign up in advance for supervised clubs and lessons for kids of all ages, which require an additional fee. Meanwhile, family-friendly play areas are included for guests. Some offerings may be limited during the off-season. In-room private babysitting is also available.

Supervised Kids Clubs

• Nursery (ages 6 to 12 months) – Group babysitting for infants in a safe and soft environment, including cribs for naps.
• Crèche (ages 13 to 23 months) – Supervised play for toddlers that focuses on the five senses, plus outdoor walks and playtime in an outdoor playground.
• Raposinhos (ages 24 months to 4 years) – This kids’ club offers crafts, musical play, puppet shows, and outdoor time with tricycles and playground time for the preschooler set.
• Fox Club (ages 5 to 6 years) – In addition to supervised indoor activities like arts and crafts, outdoor activities abound like picnics, exploring a small forest, sports, and looking for insects.
• Explorers Nature Club (age 7+) – A camp for bigger kids, focused on exploring nature and playing sports outdoors like basketball, soccer, archery, and petanque (French lawn bowling).
• Sports Academy – Kids and teens get active with tennis lessons (ages 4 to 14), soccer/football training (ages 4 to 12), and padel tennis (ages 12 to 16). Morning and afternoon sessions are available during high season in summer months.

Unsupervised Play Spaces

• Blue Room (all ages) – Parents can come here to play with young kids with toys on playmats while older children build with LEGO bricks and play board games. Independent tweens and teens will appreciate foosball, a ping pong table, video games, and a cinema space.
• Outdoor Playground (all ages) – Located just outside Os Gambozinos Restaurant, this expansive space features a sandpit, playhouses, slides, and other play equipment.

4. Finisterra Spa for Parents & Kids

Finisterra Spa at Martinhal Sagres offers an escape for moms (and dads) who need a break from family time. My Finisterra Ritual is the signature treatment, a 110-minute experience that blends face and body care into one dreamy session.

Teens and tweens can get in on the pampering, too. For the 4-11 crowd, parents can bond with their kids during shared parent-child treatments, such as facials, back massages, or mini-manicures. With parent approval, kids aged 12+ can go solo for a purifying facial that helps with breakouts, a mani-pedi to get hands and toes beach-ready, or a teen massage.

5. Spacious Villas & Suites

One of the biggest perks of staying at Martinhal Sagres Resort is the variety of accommodations designed for families. The décor is colorful and modern, evoking an elegant yet playful vibe. For multigenerational groups, the resort’s luxury villas and multi-bedroom suites offer the perfect setup. Parents, grandparents, cousins, and extended family find the room to relax together while still enjoying personal space.

• Hotel Rooms & Suites – Traditional hotel experience with one bedroom and one bathroom, no kitchen or laundry facilities, and partial or full sea views. Located near the main building and beach.
• Village Houses (Ocean, Bay, Garden, Pinewood) – Spacious townhomes with two to three bedrooms, full kitchens, washer/dryer setups, and varied views ranging from ocean to parkland. Only Pinewood Houses include private pools.
• Vilas Mimosa – Modern two-bedroom townhouses with full kitchens, laundry, and private gardens, but no private pools. Slightly farther from the Village Square, offering families a quieter, more residential feel.
• One-Bedroom Apartments – Compact, self-contained units with full kitchens, washer/dryer, and garden or walled courtyard views. Located near the Oasis Pool and surrounded by parkland. Good for couples or small families seeking self-catering in a cozy space.
• Luxury Villas – Expansive private homes with three to six bedrooms, full kitchens, laundry, and private pools. Positioned in the best areas across the resort with ocean, garden, or panoramic views. Perfect for larger families or groups seeking upscale amenities and privacy.

6. Kid-Pleasing Dining Options

Martinhal Sagres offers dining options to suit all preferences, from the picky to the adventurous. Families can expect fresh baby purées made daily (yes, really!). There are also kid-friendly classics like pasta and pizza, plus mocktails and build-your-own poke bowls. Meanwhile, grown-ups appreciate coastal Portuguese and international cuisine, ocean views, and a solid wine list.

Martinhal Sagres Restaurants

• Os Gambozinos – A casual Italian and international restaurant with plenty of options for picky eaters and adventurous teens. Adjacent to the massive outdoor play area with bouncy houses, swings, slides, and climbing structures. For dinner, small children can load up on familiar favorites from a special kids’ buffet.
• As Dunas – Breezy beachfront restaurant, serving fresh fish and seafood dishes with panoramic Atlantic views and a relaxed vibe.
• O Terraço – Serving fine-dining Portuguese fusion cuisine for a more refined dinner experience. It’s also where the breakfast buffet is served daily, with a wide selection including made-to-order eggs and omelets, a tempting array of pastries, and squeeze-your-own orange juice.
• M Bar – A retro-inspired coffee shop with smoothies, snacks, and a camper van play area.
• Pool Hang Out Bar – Laid-back spot near the beach with a casual menu featuring burgers, salads, and poke bowls.

Room service is also available at Martinhal Sagres during limited hours. There is a notable afternoon gap between 3 and 5 pm when no delivery is offered. Traditional room service isn’t available in the resort’s villas, but guests can easily order takeaway from on-site restaurants.

7. On-Site Store for Essentials & Indulgences

Don’t worry about packing every last item. Martinhal Sagres features an on-site store, Mercado Deli & Bake, stocked with essentials for all ages. This goes way beyond your basic hotel gift shop. Think fresh fruits, children’s toys and books, wine for mom and dad, beach gear, souvenirs, and an extensive baby section. It’s especially helpful for families staying in units with kitchens, allowing you to stock up on breakfast items and treats for late-night cravings.

8. Outdoor Activities & Fitness Center

Beyond the Watersports Centre and Sports Academy, Martinhal Sagres offers lots of ways to stay active and fit while traveling. My teenage gym-rat son made good use of the cardio and strength-training equipment at the on-site fitness center. Meanwhile, the resort’s fleet of bicycles, with options for all ages, makes it easy to explore nearby trails together. For thrill-seekers, the hotel’s own BMX track adds a fun way to get an adrenaline fix. Add guided nature walks, yoga sessions, and boat tours. Sporty children of all ages can’t complain of boredom, that’s for sure!

9. Baby & Children’s Concierge

Martinhal Sagres goes above and beyond to make planning a family beach vacation in the Algarve easy and fun. The unique Baby Concierge lets parents pre-book essentials for young children like cribs, bottle warmers, baby gates, high chairs, and toddler toilets—free of charge. Plus, their Children’s Concierge helps families plan details, from kids’ clubs and gear rentals to surf lessons and bike excursions. Just email [email protected] to request items, book activities, or get personalized recommendations for your whole family.

Want to explore further afield? You can also book tours of Sagres and the Algarve via boat, e-bike, horseback, jeep, and beyond with my trusted partner, Get Your Guide.

10. Cape St. Vincent at The End of the World

Martinhal Sagres is just a 15-minute drive from Cape St. Vincent, one of the most significant and popular attractions in the Algarve. This dramatic cliffside viewpoint was once believed to be the edge of the known world. Today, it remains the most southwestern point on the continent of Europe.

Known locally as the “End of the World,” this site offers dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also home to a historically significant lighthouse, a small maritime museum, and a reflective stone labyrinth. Cape St. Vincent is a symbol of Portugal’s maritime legacy, where explorers set sail toward the unknown and history changed course.

Getting There

Getting to Martinhal Sagres is definitely worth the detour. Faro Airport is just over an hour’s drive away, and Lisbon is about three hours by car. Many families (like ours) fly into Lisbon to enjoy a few days in the city before heading south. The drive is scenic and straightforward, with highway access most of the way.

Book Your Stay at Martinhal Sagres with Kids

Traveling with kids, teens, or grandparents? Martinhal Sagres is honestly one of the best family-friendly luxury hotels I’ve ever stayed at (and I’ve stayed at plenty!). From baby gear to teen adventures and spa time for grown-ups, this place truly caters to all ages. The luxury villas and suites are ideal for multigenerational trips, with plenty of room to be together, yet space to breathe. This resort is so great, it made our list of

Ready for your Algarve beach vacay? Read additional Martinhal Sagres reviews and book with Hotels.com to earn a free night after every 10 nights at 1,000,000 properties worldwide. Or, reserve directly with Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts.

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Save These Martinhal Sagres with Kids Tips

For future reference and inspiration, keep this list of reasons to book a family vacation at Martinhal Sagres in Portugal’s Algarve. Simply save the image above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Which of these reasons to stay at Martinhal Sagres makes you want to book a family trip to the Algarve ASAP? Let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

A Note from Colleen: Martinhal Sagres hosted two nights’ accommodations and some meals for my family at the resort. I did not receive any monetary compensation related to this blog post.

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