Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Review (2026): Is This the Best Family Resort in the Algarve?
First Impressions: A Family Resort That Still Feels Like a Holiday
I first came across the Martinhal brand a couple of years ago, Portugal’s leading family-friendly resort, catering for kids without compromising on style/luxury for the adults. Always a big tick from me.
After multiple friends and clients asked for my opinion, I knew I had to experience it for myself.
We’d previously stayed at their Lisbon property, which set the bar high. Stylish apartments in the city centre, with a kids club and breakfast included. But the Sagres resort was their flagship, and I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype.
From the moment we arrived at Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort, it felt different.
Rather than a typical resort, it feels like a small coastal village; spacious, calm and incredibly well thought out for families.
Location: Why Sagres Feels Different to the Algarve You Might Know
Martinhal Sagres is located around 90 minutes from Faro Airport. While that might sound like a long transfer, it’s absolutely worth it.
Sagres sits on the far western edge of the Algarve, and the difference is noticeable. The coastline is more rugged, the atmosphere more relaxed, and it feels far less commercial than the central Algarve.
If you’re looking for something that feels a little more authentic and less built-up, this part of Portugal is a great choice for a family holiday in the Algarve.
Getting There from the UK
We flew from London Gatwick to Faro, but you can fly to Faro from most major UK airports with a range of airlines.
From Faro Airport, the transfer to Sagres takes around 90 minutes. Next time, we’d likely hire a car to explore more of the surrounding area.
Rooms & Accommodation: Space Matters with Kids
One of the standout features of Martinhal Sagres is the variety of accommodation.
You can choose from:
Hotel rooms
Apartments
Beach houses
Luxury villas
We stayed in a terrace hotel room, which was surprisingly spacious for a family of four.
There was a large double bed, a single bed for our toddler, and enough room for a travel cot for our baby without it feeling cramped. The view overlooked the pool and out towards the beach, which made it feel even more special.
Food & Dining: Designed for Real Life with Kids
The food was consistently excellent throughout our stay.
Breakfast included eggs made to order alongside a generous buffet, and dinner options focused on fresh fish and a good variety of dishes.
But what really stood out was how family-friendly the dining experience was:
Kids’ play corners in every restaurant
Staff on hand to supervise
Playgrounds next to dining areas
Children’s meals brought out first (without asking)
It meant we could actually enjoy a meal, something that doesn’t always happen when travelling with young children.
They also had different types of high chairs available, catering for both babies and toddlers.
Pools & Facilities: Thoughtfully Done
We visited in March (shoulder season), two of the four pools were open and both were heated.
An indoor/outdoor pool, perfect for all weather
An outdoor pool right by the beach
Both were warm enough even for our 4-month-old, which made a huge difference.
The resort also offers:
Bike hire
Free mini golf
Pétanque
Tennis and padel courts
A spa
A fairy trail for children
We didn’t use everything (our children are still quite young), but that’s part of the appeal. It’s the kind of place you could return to year after year and experience something new each time.
When We Visited: March (Shoulder Season in the Algarve)
We travelled in March, just before peak summer pricing.
Weather: 15–18°C
A mix of sun and cloud
Noticeably quieter than summer
Better value on accommodation
And honestly, still far more enjoyable than the UK at that time of year.
If you’re considering the Algarve with a baby or toddler, shoulder season is a great option.
Exploring Sagres
Sagres itself is just a 10-minute taxi ride from the resort.
We asked reception to arrange this, and it was seamless. The drivers were familiar with the hotel, and both journeys included car seats for the children, which made things much easier.
Sagres is relaxed and unpolished in the best way. Perfect for a wander, a beach walk and a laid-back lunch.
Practical Details That Make a Difference
One thing I really appreciated was how easy everything felt.
Everything (restaurants, shop, taxis) can be charged to your room
No need to carry cash
Staff are genuinely helpful and proactive
It’s those small details that make travelling with children feel less stressful.
Is Martinhal Sagres Worth It for Families?
In short yes, especially if you’re travelling with young children.
It works so well because:
The layout feels safe and contained
Everything is designed with families in mind
There’s space to relax without feeling overwhelmed
It suits babies, toddlers and older children
It’s not about it being “easy” it’s about it being flexible, which makes a huge difference when travelling as a family.
Final Thoughts
We absolutely loved our stay at Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort and would 100% return.
Next time, we’d likely book a two-bedroom house and hire a car to explore more of the area.
It’s one of those rare places that manages to balance luxury and family life really well and that’s not always easy to find.
FAQs About Martinhal Sagres
Is Martinhal Sagres good for babies?
Yes, we travelled with a 4-month-old and found the heated pools, spacious rooms and thoughtful dining setup made it very manageable.
Is Sagres a good alternative to the central Algarve?
If you prefer a quieter, more relaxed and scenic setting, Sagres is a great option.
Planning Your Own Stay
If you’re considering Martinhal Sagres for your next family holiday and want help choosing the right room or timing, feel free to get in touch, I’m always happy to share honest advice.
