Family Fun and a Great Time in the SunOur Albufeira, Algarve Adventure July 2025
There’s something about the word Albufeira that already sounds like sunshine. I wasn’t sure about going abroad at first — I’d said to Amy, “you just book something with your two” — but when she sent over a Jet2 holiday with a private villa, our own pool, sea views and a 9-seater hire car, even I had to admit it looked perfect. And honestly, it was.
Hello, World!
✈️ The Journey There
Flying from Bournemouth was a breeze — close to home and stress-free, apart from Amy’s fear of flying. There were a lot of nervous glances my way (which I found supportively funny). The only real challenge came after we landed: hunting down the car hire depot, which needed a shuttle bus and a few frustrating conversations. We got there in the end. Holiday mode: engaged.
🏡 First Impressions of the Villa
The villa was huge. The kids somehow bagged the best rooms — direct pool access and a rooftop terrace. Everything was spotless and modern; the garden was lush with twinkling lights (we never did find the switch). Everyone had an en-suite, and the kitchen had everything — including a coffee machine I made full use of. Within minutes, the kids were in the pool, beaming. Amy nailed it.
🏖️ First Day in Town
We eased in with a wander around Albufeira’s old town. It was hot — the sort of heat that hugs you — and beautiful. We ducked into Aldi for supplies (like home, just sunnier fruit and better pastries).
🍽️ Food & Drink Highlights
Every meal was good, but our final night at Restaurante Casanova was unforgettable. Me and my son shared a bubbling seafood pot packed with crab, lobster, mussels, prawns and rice. One of the best meals I’ve ever had. Even the waterparks did decent, quick food — exactly what you want after hours in the sun. And yes, plenty of sangria. Because Portugal.
💦 Days Out & Adventures
We’re not massive beach people (sand gets everywhere), so we went big on activities.
Slide & Splash delivered the thrills. Zoomarine had something for everyone — we even booked a dolphin experience for the kids. We also visited a sand-sculpture park (golf buggies were essential in that heat) and took a dolphin-spotting boat trip that became a highlight. Watching dolphins arc beside us while my usually-reserved son grinned from ear to ear? Magic. We anchored in a quiet bay and jumped in — total freedom.
🏠 Evenings & Poolside Chaos
The villa was the heart of the trip. Mornings were lazy — music on, coffee flowing, everyone doing their own thing. Afternoons were for the pool: games, laughter, and the occasional sneak-attack push into the water. Evenings were barbecues, simple dinners and that happy family chaos where you forget the time. One night Amy jokingly pushed me in at midnight — within minutes we were all swimming fully clothed under the stars.
We grilled fresh mackerel from the local fish market, hunted lizards with the kids, and spent far too long trying to locate the garden sprinklers (found them on the last night).
😂 Highlights & Disasters
I nearly achieved low-orbit on a waterslide thanks to a hidden dip — zero concern from the family, 100% laughter. Classic.
Then there was the time I left the towels and swim gear at the villa before the dolphin cruise. I spent ~€100 on shorts and towels… the shorts didn’t even fit.
We found an old Portuguese castle (closed, because I didn’t check) and tried to get ice cream during siesta (also closed). I then attempted a too-big car down a too-small road while locals shook their heads. All part of it.
💬 Reflections
Blending two families isn’t easy — four kids, four ages — but this trip brought us closer. The kids bickered like siblings, bonded over games, and we found a rhythm. Amy was amazing: calm when I wasn’t, patient in the heat, and the reason my “I don’t want to go abroad” turned into the perfect holiday.
🧭 What I’d Do Differently
Plan a few more pure chill days and stop trying to make every minute “special.” The best memories often happen when you do nothing. (Also: check castle opening times.)
❤️ Final Thoughts
Thinking of Portugal? Do it. Don’t fear the heat — there’s usually a breeze. The people are warm, the food’s excellent and surprisingly affordable, and there’s something for everyone: quiet coves, waterpark chaos, and dolphin days you’ll never forget.
Tagline: Family fun and a great time in the sun. ☀️
