20 Jun Family Sun in Albufeira

Family Sun in Albufeira, Algarve Portugal

Visit Albufeira, Algarve with your family this summer

EVEN if Albufeira, Algarve wasn’t blessed with year-round sunshine, miles of sandy beaches and stunning idyllic islands, it would still be right up
at the top of my ‘go to’ list, writes Patricia Devlin.

Eating in the Algarve

Why? The food. From crispy suckling pig, sardines straight from the boat or a slow-cooked country tavern wild boar. You are spoilt for
choice, quality and value when it comes to cuisine in Portugal.

Thanks to Albufeira’s popularity with tourists of all nationalities, tastes and ages, it offers a great selection of eateries.

One of the most popular restaurants is ‘A Tasquinha do Rossio’. This small eatery can only seat around 25 people at a time, so making a reservation in order to avoid disappointment.  You won’t find a menu here, instead visitors can choose from a platter of beef, chicken or fish, each of which is brought out in stages.

Offering an interesting fusion of Dutch and Israeli cuisine, the Shalom II based in the old town district boasts a menu packed with steaks, savoury pancakes and their famous ‘all you can eat’ ribs.

Advertised as the ‘best ribs in town’, the succulent pork pieces are so popular many tourists travel in from other resorts to have a taste.

When it comes to family holidays, Albuferia certainly ticks all the boxes.  A direct flight from Dublin to Faro, less than 1 hour transfer and offers a huge number of activities for children and adults alike.

The Luna Clube Oceano Apartments

The Luna Clube Oceano Apartments offer self-catering rooms with a hotel feel for great value.  Our apartment had a double terrace looking out over the famous golden and rugged coastline.

There’s no chance of getting cabin fever in one of Luna’s spacious studios.  A family of four can comfortably stay in a two room apartment, which comes with plasma TV, a fully stocked kitchen.  The three tiered Luna Clube Oceano leisure area comes with two ground floor pools, roof top jacuzzis and a terrace sun lounging area.

Holidaymakers can enjoy free Wifi while soaking up the sun. With a state-of-the art recently refurbished bar, which offers fabulous cocktails and coffee, there’s no need to venture too far from the pool side.

The nearby beach offers little secluded coves as well as a huge sandy strip – perfect for little ones to work on their sand castle building skills. For adults there are plenty of water sports and fishing trips to avail of. If you want an unforgettable family experience, I’d definitely suggest going on one of the daily dolphin spotting tours around the coast.

A number of companies offer the experience. A three hour boat ride and sizzling beach barbeque costs from €28 per person.

The Zoo Marine of the Algarve

You can get up close with some sea creatures as the nearby Zoo Marine of the Algarve offers the chance to swim with dolphins. There are also daily shows with sea lions, tropical birds & birds of prey. The Zoo Marine also boasts a number of water themed attractions, slides and an amazing shark aquarium.  The cost of admission for adults is quite high (€28pp), but small children do get in free.

With Portugal being home to some exquisite wines, it would be rude not to visit a local vineyard. Just 25 minutes from the resort is the Quinta do Miradouro winery, owned by pop legend Cliff Richard. The singer’s Vida Nova wine is vinified, matured and bottled on the estate. You can also take a bottle home for around €10.

Patricia travelled to Albufeira, Algarve in Portugal with Sunway. She stayed 7 nights in the 3* Luna Club Oceano Apartments, on a self-catering basis.

Holidays to the Luna Club Oceano Apartments start from €549pp.

Package holidays with Sunway to the Algarve start from €399pp in the 3* Colina Village Apartments. The price includes flights, 7 nights hotel on a self-catering basis, transfers, 20kg baggage and services of a Sunway representative. Price is per person and subject to availability. Offers valid at time of publishing.

Call Sunway on 01-2311800 or visit www.sunway.ie. For more details on family sun holidays, check out our family friendly holiday page.

Credit:Patricia Devlin, The Star
Published: 29 May 2016