Property
Clube Porto Mos is a clean and picturesque 4-star resort catering to families and couples. The units available include twin rooms, studios, and one bedroom apartments. The resort has a restaurant, bar, large and beautiful outdoor pool, children’s pool, and indoor pool. There is a small gym in a basement that also has a sauna and a (luke warm) hot tub. The apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen with small fridge, stove, kettle and even a mixer that could be used to make baby food as well as all other items you will need. There is also a children’s playground at their sister property, a 10-minute walk away. There is a games room suitable for older children with pool table and video games.

Location
The property overlooks Porto de Mos Beach in Lagos, Portugal with a one-minute foot path that leads down to the beach. There are also walking paths that lead to town and other area beaches, however they may be too long and tedious for young children. There are 2 restaurants within walking distance on the beach. Lagos town is about a half hour walk by road or 5 minutes by car and well worth the trek. The entrance to the old town has a carousel and the narrow cobbled streets are packed with children’s stores and lots of outdoor restaurant options. Lagos also has a zoo and there are amusement parks nearby.

Sleeps
The one bedroom apartments have 2 large beds pushed together and there is also a double pullout sofa that could sleep 2 more people. They also have very sturdy infant cots available upon request. The mattress provided was a bit small, so we had to wedge blankets around the outside of the mattress and then cover with a sheet but felt this worked well.

Highlights
The apartments have large balconies where you can enjoy some quiet time while the children are sleeping. Our unit had one balcony off the kitchen/living area that had lots of sunlight and one unit off the bedroom that was covered. There are also lots of grassy areas where the kids can play.

Good to Know
If you plan to go into Lagos for an evening, taxis are relatively cheap (we were told around 4 euros) and plentiful at the main entrance to the old town.

Contact
www.clubeportomos.com

Written by Lisa Woodill

Property
This quaint guesthouse has 6 double rooms available all with private bath and balcony or terrace that provide views to the valley below.  Top floor looks out to the castles.   It is owned by a Finnish-Portuguese family which is reflected in the Scandinavian decorating style with attention to the small details.  The rooms are very clean and provide everything you need including mini-fridge, kettle, toaster, corkscrew, candles, fluffy towels and many other small touches.  If you require a heat source for milk, they can provide that as well. There is a cute cabin that is designated their internet kiosk, a swimming pool with lounge chairs, and lawns for the children to play.

Location
Sintra is a magical town, nestled in the hills outside Lisbon and near the beach resorts of Cascais and Estoril. It can be reached by train or bus from Lisbon. Taxi from the airport is under 30 euros. The guesthouse is 400 meters (less than ½ mile) from the center of town, at the bottom of a fairly steep hill. No problem for adults but keep in mind for little legs that it may take some extra time. The town has shops, restaurants, a palace and transportation to other area sights such as the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace (not to be missed). There is also a toy museum.

Sleeps
Each room has either a double bed or 2 twin beds. Two of the rooms can be joined together as a suite for a family of four. Another room has a sofa bed available. A baby crib is available, however check with the owner on the height of the crib. We found the mattress was too high for our baby that can stand up.

Highlights
The vistas from the balcony, the sense of peace and quiet despite it’s central location and the personal concern and attention provided by the friendly owners.

Good to Know
The family owns many dogs which you will see out running in the early morning and evening however the family is always nearby to keep them in check. Guests are also permitted to have dogs in certain rooms only.

Contact
www.casadovalle.com

Written by Lisa Woodill

Property
Monte dos Pensamentos is an authentic alentejo style farmhouse with rooms available in the main house as well as private one bedroom apartments located around the exterior. It is an enchanting property with a peaceful pool, gardens, fruit trees and several roaming farm animals. Breakfast is served in the main house at a large dining table next to the oversized fireplace.

Location
The house is located one minute from the motorway exit for Estremoz, Portugal. It is a 5-minute drive to the historic center of town, where a thirteenth-century castle overlooks the J. Portugal Ramos Vineyards situated between the farmhouse and the village. The marble town of Vila Vicosa and world heritage town of Evora are less than an hour away and make good day trips from Estremoz. Families may enjoy exploring the castles and standing stones in the area.

Sleeps
The one bedroom apartments sleep up to 4 people with 2 people in the bedroom and 2 people on a pullout sofa in the living room. Apartments also have a kitchenette with small fridge, kettle, toaster dishes etc. Rooms in the main house also sleep 2 people, some suites have private bathrooms. A safe and comfortable babycot is available upon request, complete with linens.

Highlights
The breakfast includes fresh squeezed orange juice, fruits, nuts, honey and eggs from the property as well as cereal, bread and yogurt all served in a charming traditional dining room. If you arrive at the right time, you may be able to see a sheep roaming with her lambs, chickens or other farm animals that the children will enjoy.

Good to Know
The owner does not speak English, so you may want to learn some basic Portuguese before you go. Payment can be made in cash only at the hotel. Credit cards are not accepted.

Contact
http://www.secretplaces.com/sp/1/hotels/Monte_dos_Pensamentos.asp

Written by Lisa Woodill

Property
Casa Da Calcada is a converted 16th-century palace overlooking the storybook town of Amarante in Northern Portugal. The hotel’s suites and rooms are lavish, and equipped with all the usual goodies (Casa de Calcada is a member Relais et Chateaux luxury hotel group if that matters to you). Children are warmly welcomed here, and the staff are excellent.

Location
The Casa Da Calcada is located between the Northern city of Porto and the Douro Valley in the picturesque village of Amarante. The Castle of Mateaus is less than an hour away, and makes a good day trip.

Written by Wendy Spivey

Property
The Sheraton Pine Cliffs Resort is quite simply the ne plus ultra of luxury family resorts. Set in pine forests overlooking miles of unspoiled beaches and the clear blue sea, its beauty is unsurpassed. Rooms and suites are designed to anticipate your every whim (and at these prices, they’d better be) with all the usual upmarket amenities plus comfortably furnished tiled terraces overlooking the land, gardens, or sea.

Location
The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region, and the town of Albufeira offers year-round sun, seafood, and laidback luxury. If you tire of the Sheraton’s sleek luxury, numerous rugged coves and quiet villages dot the entire coastline and beckon to be explored. Albufeira’s entire seafront is pedestrianized, making it an extremely safe and pleasant place to stroll with small children.

Sleeps
2-8.

Highlights
Take it from my husband Rich (who once took the most expensive cab ride in the history of Portugese tourism due to inattention to geography): Fly into Faro, not Lisbon.

Good to know
As of spring of 2007, there is a project underway to install new sewers and drains and to create pedestrian streets and squares in old Albufeira. Snoop around a bit online to check progress (and chaos) before booking a trip.

Contact
www.pinecliffs.com

Written by Jamie Pearson