This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.
I’m new to Portugal, but I’m also a Mom with two kids and a love of luxury travel. I’m always looking for the best resort in Portugal for families.
When you travel with kids, many say that you’re not going on vacation, you’re going on a trip. Others say, you’re just parenting in another city.
I REFUSE to accept that. If I’m going on vacation, I’m searching for a place that my kids can have fun, but also a place that I can relax and refresh. Otherwise, I’m staying my behind at home.
Portugal has quietly become a top pick for family vacations, and for this exact reason.
You have sandy beaches, luxurious family-focused resorts, and enough activities to keep young children, older kids, and even teens entertained.
Below, I’m going to tell you about the best luxury resort for families in Portugal. Pack your sunscreen—luxury and family fun are waiting!
Martinhal Sagres Family Beach Resort
My family and I stayed at the Martinhal Sagres Family Beach Resort and were truly stunned by the entire experience. This stay was not gifted.
When I say Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort is a slice of paradise tailored for families, I mean it.
It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a place where every member of the family, from the tiniest baby to the moodiest teen, feels like the VIP guest.
Located on the ridiculously beautify Algarve coast, Martinhal effortlessly combines five-star luxury with thoughtful family-focused touches.
Honestly, this place was built and crafted with a tired, busy mother in mind. Dads too, but let’s be real—Mom need this place more than Dad.
Tailored Services for Families at Martinhal Sagres
From the moment we arrived at checkout, there was a welcoming space for my 3 and 5 year old to go play with toys while we checked in.
This eliminates the whiny tantrums that usually occur during ANY type of waiting that a child has to do.
After a long trip in the car, that is exactly what we all needed.
Then, the woman at the front desk, who could sense my relief, pulled out 2 backpacks for the kids with a stuffed fox. A pink one for my girl, with a dress! I think it is the Martinhal mascot.
What sets Martinhal apart from other luxury family resorts is their obsession with the tiny details that keep parents sane and kids happy.
Their thoughtful services go beyond the usual, proving that they truly get what traveling with a family entails.
The front desk walked us through everything that the resort offers for adults and children. The list was long and I was smiling as she rattled off each service.
This List Makes Martinhal the Best Resort for Families
Here’s a peek into what makes Martinhal the best resort in Portugal for families:
Baby Concierge
Traveling with a baby often means packing up your entire world. At Martinhal, you can skip hauling everything yourself. Martinhal gives you the option to pre-book FREE baby essentials.
Their baby concierge service provides high chairs, baby gates, cribs, little potties, baby baths, and even sterilizers.
I am the trip planner. I am the packer. Unfortunately, I do it all. Martinhal makes it super easy for Moms in the same position.
There is so much stuff that babies need, and to be able to have it all waiting for you at your destination puts you at ease. You don’t need to lug these things, or rent them.
It’s all about making things easier so you can focus on enjoying your time. I love Airbnbs, but I have never stayed in one that accommodating to my needs as a Mother.
Kid-Friendly Meal Options and Dining Experiences
Family dining? Check. Martinhal offers everything from gourmet meals for the grown-ups to healthy, kid-approved dishes at every restaurant.
Plus, they’ve got high chairs on hand so the tiniest members of the family can join mealtime with ease.
The best part of each and every dining experience, was that there was a play area for the kids. Dining with my kids is a crapshoot.
Sometimes, they behave and don’t give me anxiety, other times, I’m READY TO GO and my dining experience is less than enjoyable.
Martinhal has high end restaurants where kids can run and play and parents can enjoy a beautiful dinner together. Our kids would come check in, get a bite of food, and run back to the play area. The experience was unforgettable, and I will be going back.
Even during the day, there was a large courtyard play area outside surrounded by restaurants.
The kids played for literal hours on end while my husband and I ordered drinks and snacks all while having eyes on our kids the entire time. It was so fun.
One of the best things about this resort was that there is a grocery store on site! It was well stocked and affordable.
They had fresh produce, snacks, toys, souvenirs, swimwear and anything else a family would need. Truly a perfect addition to the resort.
Kids’ Club Heaven
With multiple age-specific kids’ clubs, this resort makes sure every child has something to do. From baby playgroups to teen activities, the clubs are stacked with games, creative sessions, and supervised fun.
The resort features kids’ clubs designed for different age groups.
There’s the Crèche for babies (6 to 23 months), the Raposinhos Club for toddlers (2 to 4 years), the Fox Club for younger kids (5 to 6 years), the Explorers Nature Club for children 7 and up, and the Blast Club for teens (14 to 17 years).
Each club offers activities and experiences tailored to suit the interests and needs of its age group.
You book these in 3 hour increments for morning or afternoon sessions. The pricing is super affordable
My kids had a session the kids club in their age range. My son had a blast and did not want to leave.
I made the mistake of staying within sight of my daughter outside the toddler kids club. When she saw me, she wanted to leave.
Here’s a tip: drop them off and run! They are in wonderful hands, everyone was so warm and welcoming.
Babysitting Services
If you want childcare outside of the kids club hours, Martinhal Sagres offers babysitting services, giving parents the chance to relax while their children are cared for by skilled staff.
Both the creche and babysitting options have been highly praised by guests for their quality and professionalism. We didn’t use babysitting services, but would not hesitate if we needed them.
Family-Centric Design
Here’s where Martinhal shows they’ve thought of everything. The villas and hotel rooms come fully stocked with safety features like baby gates and toddler-proof furniture.
The resort manages to feel luxurious and homey all at once—perfect for larger families or those traveling with small children.
We stayed in two adjoining hotel rooms with the most serene ocean view. Even my 5 year old couldn’t get enough of it.
The room also had everything we needed and a little terrace where we ate snacks and took in the view and the beautiful sunsets.
From the thoughtful features to the stunning location, Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort really does deliver what every great family vacation should: zero headaches and 100% joy.
How to Get to Martinhal Sagres Family Beach Resort from Lisbon
Getting to Martinhal Sagres Family Beach Resort from Lisbon is a scenic and relatively straightforward journey—perfect for families looking to ease into their Algarve adventure.
By Car: The Most Direct Route (Approx. 3.5 to 4 hours)
The most convenient way to reach Martinhal Sagres is by car. Parking at the hotel is free. The drive from Lisbon to Sagres takes around 3.5 to 4 hours via the A2 and A22 motorways. These roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate, with plenty of rest stops along the way. I found the rest stops extremely family friendly, with clean family bathrooms and great food. It is a stark contrast from the rest stops I grew up frequenting along the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway in NJ! Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the Algarve’s charming towns, beaches, and viewpoints at your own pace.
Hot Tip: It is important to know that when you are filling your tank Gasóleo = Diesel and Gasolina = Gasoline. We might have made that mistake on our way back. It could have been worse, but we had a really great experience with Discover Cars and getting back to Lisbon.
By Car: The Scenic Coastal Drive from Lisbon to Sagres (Approx. 4.5 to 5.5 hours)
If you’re in no rush and want to soak in the beauty of Portugal’s coastline, consider taking the slower but stunning coastal route from Lisbon to Sagres. Instead of the direct A2 highway, take the A2 south, then veer west toward the Alentejo Coast (Costa Vicentina) via the IC1 and N120. You’ll pass through charming seaside towns like Sines, Vila Nova de Milfontes, and Zambujeira do Mar. From there, continue hugging the coastline south through Aljezur before reaching Sagres. While this route adds 1–2 hours to your drive (totaling about 4.5 to 5.5 hours), it offers some of Portugal’s most unspoiled views and the chance to explore quiet, wild beaches along the way.
By Train + Taxi (Approx. 5-6 hours total)
If you prefer public transportation, take a train from Lisbon’s Entrecampos or Oriente station to Lagos, the closest major train station to Sagres. The train journey takes about 4 hours and offers beautiful views of the countryside. From Lagos, you can take a 30-minute taxi or transfer service to the resort.
By Private Transfer
For stress-free travel, consider booking a private transfer directly from Lisbon to Martinhal Sagres. Though more expensive, it’s ideal for families with children or lots of luggage. Some services offer child seats upon request and door-to-door service that takes the hassle out of traveling.
By Domestic Flight to Faro + Transfer
If you’re flying into Lisbon but want a quicker journey south, consider a short domestic flight to Faro Airport (about 45 minutes). From Faro, it’s a 1.5-hour drive to Martinhal Sagres. This is a great option if you’re combining multiple destinations within Portugal.
Rental Cars
I’ve heard stories of tourists in Portugal having bad experiences with rental car companies.
This has not been my experience at all. I have rented a car several times on visits and while living here.
I may be biased because I use Discover Cars to find my rental each time I need car. Discover Cars compares car rental deals from different companies.
They make it easy by showing upfront prices that include all mandatory fees, taxes, and extras—no surprises!
They also work directly with car rental companies to secure lower prices, so we always feel like we’re getting a good deal.
Their roadside service is also fantastic and quick, which we needed with our Gasóleo mishap.
It’s always a great experience and I easily can find the best and most reputable companies so that I’m not worrying about surprise fees potential scams when we return our car.
I’ve rented more affordable options, as well as luxury cars when I was feeling bougie. You can find everything you need.
If you want a more in-depth look at what it was like to rent a luxury car in Portugal, read more about the experience here.
Conclusion
Portugal doesn’t just offer sandy beaches and delicious food—it delivers the full package for families looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure.
I plan to update this post as I experience more resorts in Portugal, but I don’t think Martinhal Sagres Family Beach Resort can be topped.
If your family craves the fun of kids’ clubs and water sports, the peace of private swimming pools, or indulgence in five-star dining, this place has it all.
This wasn’t just a place to stay; it set the stage for unforgettable moments. My kids are desperate to go back. I’m so glad we live in Portugal and this place is only 3.5 hours away from us.
So, what are you waiting for? Book that trip! Let me know if you have questions—and start browsing those flight deals! Luxury and family-friendly travel are waiting, and trust me, it’s closer than you think.
Check out these articles if you’re looking for more to do in Portugal!
The 13 Best Luxury Wellness Retreats in Portugal
The Best Luxury Hotels in Comporta
Luxury Mom’s Retreat in Lisbon
Luxury Car Rentals in Portugal
