Holidaying in Portugal with a Toddler

As I confessed on Saturday, we spent last week in Portugal. I didn’t mention it here until we got back because it didn’t seem wise to announce to the world that our house was empty for a week! But now we’re back and the tans are fading already, so I can tell you all about it.

One of the beautiful beaches in Sao Rafael

Where we stayed
We stayed in a resort called Sao Rafael, just outside of Albufeira town in the Algarve. I’d never been to Portugal before so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I needn’t have worried. It was fantastic. The resort was quiet, which suited us. And the town – a short 5 minute drive away – was lively without being messy. Perfect combination.

Looking out over Albufeira beach

Making the booking
We booked our flights with Ryanair – more on that experience another day (it was surprisingly good). And we booked a private two bedroom apartment through Owners Direct. That was another first for me. Any sunshine holiday I’ve ever gone on before was a package holiday. But this experience was so good that I’m converted.

The accommodation
Because the apartment was privately owned, it had all the little touches of a home away from home – beach towels, plenty of dishes, utensils, cutlery, and glasses, and even a swim ring and bucket and spade.

The view from the apartment

Driving
My parents came with us (actually it would be more accurate to say we went with them!). They arrived two days before us, so they had everything all set up in the apartment before collecting us from the airport. And because I knew I had another licensed driver to fall back on, I decided to attempt driving on the other side of the road! It was surprisingly easy. Took me a day or two to get used to it but then I was flying it. and we needed the car where we were. Most things were a drive away.

Swimming pool
The resort we were staying in had a shared pool – two pools in fact – a kiddies pool and a regular pool. Little Man just loved it! Splashing about, playing with the “sneaky snake” pool float, and some water pumps – he cried every time we told him it was time to get out!

Beaches
There were two beautiful beaches within walking distance of the apartment. They looked stunning – but the current in the water was scary and strong. We held Little Man’s hands tightly when the waves were receding. I felt it would be all too easy for a small child to be dragged under the water with the force of the tide. Luckily there were no mishaps! Just plenty of wave-chasing and sandcastle-building.

Splashing in the waves with Daddy

A short drive away, we visited Albufeira beach and Gale beach. Gale was perfect for a toddler. The water was
calmer, and there was more shelter available on the beach.

Gale beach

Eating out
We ate out every day of our holiday. All of the restaurants were welcoming of children. In fact, the Portuguese people seemed completely enamoured with children, and made us feel very welcome everywhere we went. We made the mistake of ordering from the children’s menu in one restaurant, but quickly discovered that – just like at home – Little Man was much happier eating real food from the real menu.

A kiss for Mammy before dinner!

Most of the restaurants seemed to have “hanging” high chairs for children. They were metal chairs that suspended from the table. To be honest, I think Little Man was too big for them – so after using them twice, we gave up and just sat him in a normal chair instead. And he was fine!

So that’s about it for the basics of our holiday. It was a lovely week in a great location. Little Man had a ball, playing in the sun and spending all that time with his Nana and Grandad. And as I looked out on the wind and rain today, I was very sorry not to be back there! 🙂