The Algarve has lured travelers since the Phoenicians sailed its shores. Today, it remains Portugal’s sunniest corner, where ochre cliffs meet calm coves and whitewashed towns hum with café chatter. Faro anchors the east with its walled Old Town and the wildlife-rich Ria Formosa lagoon, while Lagos to the west showcases dramatic rock arches, golden beaches, and a breezy marina.

Seafood shines here—simple and superb. Grilled sardines, cataplana stews, and pasteis de nata fuel beach days and evening strolls. Markets brim with oranges and local cheese; pastelarias tempt whenever little legs need a reset. English is widely spoken, tap water is potable, and public transport is straightforward, making the region easy with toddlers.

Practical notes for families: many beaches are gently shelving and lifeguarded in season; sun shades are essential; and you’ll find highchairs in most restaurants. For boats, operators provide life jackets (ask for toddler sizes). Biking is lovely on flat coastal paths, especially near Faro’s Ria Formosa and along Lagos’ Meia Praia.

Faro

Faro is your easy gateway to the Algarve—15 minutes from the airport to town and a short hop to Ilha de Faro’s broad, family-friendly beach. The Old Town (Vila Adentro) is compact for strollers, and the Ria Formosa lagoon offers birdlife, boardwalks, and breezes on warm days.

• Top sights: Faro Old Town’s Arco da Vila, the marina, and shady Jardim Manuel Bívar; the Ludo/Quinta do Lago nature trails and long wooden bridge to the dunes; Mercado Municipal for snacks and picnic supplies.
• Family vibe: Flat paths, playgrounds, and easy bus/taxi access to Praia de Faro for sandcastle-perfect afternoons.

Where to stay (budget-friendly options for 5): Search family apartments near the marina/Old Town via VRBO Faro or check kid-friendly hotels on Hotels.com (Faro). Look for a kitchenette and a washing machine to simplify life with twins.

Getting there (from Vilnius): Fly to Faro with one easy connection (often Lisbon, Frankfurt, or London). Compare times and prices on Omio (Flights in Europe). Typical travel time is 6–9 hours door-to-door; off-season fares often land around €150–€280 per adult each way. Airport to downtown: 15 minutes by taxi (~€12–€17), or local Bus 16.

Getting around: For trains/buses across the Algarve, use Omio (Trains) and Omio (Buses). Faro–Lagos takes ~1h50–2h10 by regional train or coach (~€7–€12 adult; under-4s free, 4–12 ~50% off).

Eat & drink (Faro picks):

• Café Aliança — A century-old café in the Baixa for coffee, toasties, and pastel de nata; big windows for people-watching between stroller naps.
• Chelsea – Coffee & Brunch — Pancakes, eggs, and fresh juices for an easy kid-pleasing breakfast.
• A Venda — Homey Algarvian small plates (grilled chorizo, octopus salad) and vegetarian options; go early for highchairs and space.
• O Castelo — Simple seafood with lagoon views; sunset is magical even if dinner is early.

Lagos

Lagos blends postcard cliffs with a walkable Old Town, a safe marina promenade, and a little tourist train the kids will adore. Beaches range from broad Meia Praia (great for tots) to pocket coves below honeycombed cliffs. The dramatic Ponta da Piedade headland is a must—by boat for sea caves or by boardwalk for stroller-friendly views.

• Top sights: Ponta da Piedade, Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo (stairs), Meia Praia, the fish market, and Lagos Zoo (a short drive/bus).
• Family vibe: Gentle waves on Meia Praia, shaded cafés, and loads of ice cream stops in the Old Town.

Where to stay (Lagos): Apartments with kitchens near the marina or Old Town via VRBO Lagos and Hotels.com (Lagos). Family-friendly hotels to consider: Cascade Wellness & Lifestyle Resort (kids’ pools and playgrounds), Lagos Avenida Hotel (walk-to-everything), and Vila Galé Lagos (excellent value near Meia Praia).

What to do (Lagos tours we love):

• Half Day Cruise to Ponta da Piedade with Lunch and Drinks — Relaxed 3.5-hour coastal cruise with shade and food—great with small kids.

  

• Boat Trip to Ponta da Piedade (1h15) — A short-and-sweet grotto ride for toddlers’ attention spans.

  

• Dolphin Watching Half-Day Cruise — Big smiles guaranteed; bring light jackets for sea breezes.

  

• Pastel de Nata Baking Class — A sweet, weather-proof activity; older toddlers can sprinkle cinnamon.

  

Eat & drink (Lagos picks):

• Goji Lounge Café — Smoothies, porridge, and eggs to kick-start beach days.
• Adega da Marina — Bustling, budget-friendly spot near the marina; giant salads, grilled fish, and rice dishes ideal for sharing.
• Casa do Prego — Tapas-style plates, rooftop seating, and quick service—go on the early side with kids.
• O Camilo — Classic seafood above Praia do Camilo; book lunch to pair with a cliff-top stroll.
• Mar d’Histórias (shop + café) — Local products, light lunches, and a rooftop for sunset juice or vinho while the kids snack.

Easy biking: The paved path behind Meia Praia and the marina promenade are flat and stroller/balance-bike friendly. Around Faro, the Ludo Trail and Quinta do Lago bridge offer scenic, mostly flat cycling and pram-friendly boardwalks.

Day 1: Arrive in Faro

Afternoon: Land in Faro and taxi or Bus 16 into town. Check into your apartment/hotel via VRBO Faro or Hotels.com (Faro). Stretch little legs around Jardim Manuel Bívar and the marina boardwalk—flat, shady, and stroller-friendly.

Evening: Early dinner at A Venda (home-cooked Algarve flavors; ask for a simple grilled fish/veggie plate for kids). Treats at a pastelaria, then bedtime to sync with local time.

Day 2: Ria Formosa Nature + Beach Time

Morning: Easy breakfast at Chelsea – Coffee & Brunch. Taxi to the Ludo/Quinta do Lago trailhead for a short, flat nature walk—look for flamingos and egrets. Cross the long wooden bridge for dune views. Pack a simple picnic from Mercado Municipal.

Afternoon: Head to Praia de Faro (broad, family-friendly). Rent an umbrella, build sandcastles, and keep swims short if the Atlantic is brisk.

Evening: Sunset juice for the kids and a mocktail for parents at O Castelo overlooking the lagoon. Light dinner nearby.

Day 3: Faro Like a Local

Morning: Browse Mercado Municipal de Faro—grab oranges, pão, and cheese for snacks. Explore the Old Town (Arco da Vila, cobbles manageable with a sturdy stroller).

Afternoon: Playground time at Jardim da Alameda João de Deus, then nap at your stay. Optional short boat ride in the Ria Formosa (conditions permitting) for birdlife and breeze.

Evening: Casual dinner in the Baixa. Try Café Aliança for simple bites and dessert if everyone’s fading.

Day 4: Faro to Lagos (Train) + Old Town Orientation

Morning (travel): Take a regional train from Faro to Lagos (~1h50; ~€7–€10 adult; under-4s free, 4–12 half-fare). Check times and book on Omio (Trains) or Omio (Buses). Taxis at both stations have trunk space for a folding stroller; request car seats if booking a private transfer.

Afternoon: Check in via VRBO Lagos or Hotels.com (Lagos) (consider Vila Galé Lagos for value and pool space). Gentle beach time on Meia Praia—wide, shallow, and perfect for toddlers.

Evening: Stroll the marina. Dinner at Adega da Marina (fast service, shareable portions, friendly to kids).

Day 5: Caves by Boat + Beach Afternoon

Morning: Breakfast at Goji Lounge Café. Visit the Lagos Municipal Market for fruit and fresh bread. If little ones are up for it, ride the cute Lagos tourist train around town (short loops; fun for a 5-year-old).

Afternoon (boat): Choose a shaded cruise with time to breathe. Our pick for families is the Half Day Cruise to Ponta da Piedade with Lunch and Drinks (3.5 hours, onboard meal, WC).

Bring hats, sunscreen, and ask for toddler-size life jackets.

Evening: Early dinner at Casa do Prego (book or go early). Gelato stop in the Old Town before bedtime.

Day 6: Zoo + Baking Natas + Clifftop Views

Morning: Head to Lagos Zoo (compact, shady paths, petting areas; an easy half-day). If you prefer to stay car-free, ask your hotel to arrange a quick taxi; baby seats available on request.

Afternoon: Hands-on sweetness at the Pastel de Nata Baking Class—fun, tasty, and weather-proof.

Afterward, push the stroller along the Ponta da Piedade boardwalk for cliff views without stairs.

Evening: Seafood at O Camilo or grilled options at A Forja (casual, good value). Early night or a marina stroll.

Day 7: Short Boat Ride + Depart

Morning: If the sea is calm, squeeze in a short grotto trip: the Boat Trip to Ponta da Piedade (1h15) keeps it toddler-friendly.

Alternatively, pick a marina playground and pastries-to-go.

Afternoon (departure): Travel to Faro Airport (by train+taxi or direct coach; ~2–2.5 hours total). Check schedules and book on Omio (Trains) or Omio (Buses). Keep snacks and sticker books handy for the flight via Omio (Flights in Europe).

Optional Swap: Dolphin Watching

If seas are calm and the kids are up for a little splash, swap Day 5 or 7’s boat for the Dolphin Watching Half-Day Cruise (bring layers; mornings are smoothest).

Note: operators may set minimum ages in rough conditions—ask on booking day.

Money-saving tips for a 31/100 budget:

• Base in apartments near supermarkets (Pingo Doce, Continente) and picnic at the beach or parks.
• Ride regional trains/buses between cities (~€7–€12) instead of private transfers.
• Pick one paid boat trip and one free clifftop/boardwalk day; beaches are the Algarve’s best-value playgrounds.

Wherever you stay, consider these family standbys for Lagos: Cascade Wellness & Lifestyle Resort, Lagos Avenida Hotel, or Vila Galé Lagos. For even more space and savings, browse apartments on VRBO Lagos and VRBO Faro.

In one week, you’ll sample the Algarve’s greatest hits at a gentle pace: Faro’s bird-filled lagoons and laid-back cafés, Lagos’ cliffs and calm coves, and a boat ride your kids will talk about for months. With smart apartment stays, easy train hops, and sun-sensible planning, this family-friendly itinerary keeps costs—and stress—comfortably low.