Algarve Road Trip with Kids: 1 Week from Faro by Car

Is it worth renting a car in the Algarve with kids?

Yes, if you want to see more than one resort. Many of the family beaches, boat trips, water parks and hilltop towns are spread along a long stretch of coast, and public transport may involve extra connections with children. A car lets you work around naps, the weather and busy beaches. If you plan to stay in one resort with a pool and a beach, transfers may be enough.

Should you hire at Faro Airport or in the resort?

Faro Airport lists Avis/Budget, Europcar, Goldcar, Guerin, Hertz and Sixt among its rental operators. Confirm the counter and collection point in your voucher; other firms may use a shuttle. For July and August, book early, especially if you need an automatic or several child seats.

Compare: Faro Airport car rental · All Portugal car rental

What should you check when booking?

• Total price: include young-driver, additional-driver and child-seat charges
• Excess and deposit: check the cover and the amount blocked on your credit card
• Fuel policy: full-to-full is usually the fairest
• Tolls: no A22 toll device is needed. For other motorways, check the payment system; a transponder is convenient but is not universally compulsory.
• Late arrivals: check desk hours and add your flight number

What are the child seat rules in Portugal?

Children under 12 who are shorter than 135 cm must use an approved child restraint suitable for their size, normally in the back seat. Check the official rules and your seat’s installation instructions before using any front-seat exception.

Are there tolls on Algarve roads?

The A22 across the Algarve became toll-free on 1 January 2025 under Law 37/2024. Other motorways can still charge tolls, using different payment systems. If you drive towards Lisbon, check the route and payment arrangements with your supplier; a rental transponder is one option.

Where should families stay in the Algarve?

This itinerary covers seven nights and eight days: three nights around Tavira, then four around Lagos or Carvoeiro.

Search hotels in Tavira · Search hotels in Lagos · Search hotels in Carvoeiro

Choose your dates, rooms and children’s ages before searching; check each property’s family facilities.

A week in the Algarve with kids

Day 1: Faro Airport to Tavira

Allow time to fit and check the child seats at collection, then head east from Faro Airport to Tavira. Spend the afternoon in the old town and on the Roman bridge.

Day 2: Ria Formosa beaches

Take the Silnido ferry to Ilha de Tavira, or ride the little train across the dunes to Praia do Barril. You can also walk to Barril. Look up the day’s departure times before setting off, especially for your return journey. Choose designated bathing areas and follow lifeguard advice; currents and conditions vary.

Day 3: Zoomarine or a water park

Zoomarine near Guia, Aquashow near Quarteira and Slide & Splash near Lagoa are options for an activity day. Check each operator’s current calendar and height restrictions before travelling. Outdoor attractions are seasonal and weather-dependent; Aquashow also has an indoor park, which is a separate option for wet weather. Search Zoomarine activities, or check official Zoomarine tickets for one- and two-day options. Confirm ticket inclusions, opening dates and the final price before booking.

Day 4: Move west via Silves

Stop at Silves's red sandstone castle, then continue to Lagos or Carvoeiro.

Day 5: Benagil caves by boat

You cannot swim into Benagil Cave, land on its beach or paddle in unguided. Maritime rules regulate commercial motorised and guided non-motorised visits, including kayaks and SUPs. Book an authorised operator and confirm age limits and sea conditions. Boat trips may be cancelled when sea conditions are unsuitable. Search Benagil boat trips and confirm the operator’s authorisation, age limits and current cave access before booking. Afterwards, walk the Algar Seco boardwalk near Carvoeiro.

Day 6: Lagos and Ponta da Piedade

Search Ponta da Piedade boat trips, then spend the afternoon on Meia Praia or Praia de Dona Ana. Check the departure point, age limits and sea conditions before booking.

Day 7: Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente

Visit the fortress at Sagres and the lighthouse cliffs at the south-west tip. Praia do Martinhal is sheltered from north-westerly winds by dunes, according to the local council, but check wind, surf and bathing flags on the day. You could visit the hills of Monchique instead.

Day 8: Return to Faro

Return to Faro Airport using the A22. Allow time to refuel and photograph the car before returning it.

Driving tips for the Algarve

• Beach car parks fill up early in July and August. Arrive before 10am
• Old towns such as Lagos and Tavira have narrow streets. Use the edge-of-town car parks
• At roundabouts, slow down and follow the signs and lane markings
• The N125 coast road is slower and busier than the A22, with many junctions