A family holiday in the Algarve. Didie Schackman went on a press trip for MamsatWork to discover the Algarve. To see and experience what a family holiday Algarve has to offer. Below is her experience story in which she takes us along and 'let us taste' all this special.
Ever since I'm the mother of one son and mother of two bonus kids, I make it a point every holiday to not be the snappy parent. And I succeed in doing so, thanks to my patience and inner peace. But when circumstances challenge me or a situation overwhelms me, this mommy is also upset and I often shout:“Don't whine, I'm not doing this for fun. I've entertained you all day, now you have to do it yourself." Then I walk away hoping for a long break. To recharge myself and make the next plan of attack together with my husband. But before we know it, our energy bombs are already in the air. “Momááá, what are we going to do now?”
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You can make it as difficult as you want. We have already experienced that. A rainy summer on the Wadden, a secluded campsite without a car, safari tents in severe weather or with a baby in an overwhelming city. Holidays full of expectation with a peak here and there and the occasional deep valley. But we never have any regrets. On the contrary, we are very proud. That we try it every time and explore the boundaries anew. Because it remains a puzzle, with three children on holiday (and two adults who also want to have something to say.) This year we have listed the wishes. We have become wiser through experience and in good spirits:we go for sun and friends. unanimous. Because as long as we feel the warmth on our skin and the children of 3, 8 and 11 have a companion, it is good enough for us. Everything that comes with that is a big bonus.
Read also: want an active holiday with your family in the Algarve?
Before that, I started looking for a relaxing family holiday in the sun myself. In the Algarve this time, at the invitation of the Portuguese Tourist Board. I had already read about spectacular views, entertaining boat trips, miles of beach and maximum number of days of sunshine. But now I would take a closer look at the family factor so that I know what to say on a family holiday Algarve when the kids ask:“What are we going to do now?”
Because whether you want to spend a day running around between the slides or walking in the sun, in the Algarve you make everyone happy. Also mom and dad, and I think that is quite unique for a family holiday where the children are often central. Moreover, in less than three hours flying with Transavia you are carefree in the Portuguese sun. And it shines brightly. Also in spring or any other season.
For me the biggest surprise of the Algarve family holiday, a jeep safari to the interior and the mountains of the Algarve. I expected a wild ride with a good dose of testosterone, but it turned out to be an authentic experience where I could pick the figs, almonds and oranges straight from the trees. Paddle in idyllic rivers, taste honey from the best nectar, fresh eucalyptus for peace of mind and high in the mountains marveled by spectacular views. A little wild, but above all extraordinarily authentic. A ride through the natural cuisine of the Algarve.
Particularly located near Faro airport, there is a nature reserve that the Portuguese are justifiably proud of. It is a plain characterized by a jagged pattern of grasses, water and land where countless birds and fish live in freedom. With boat and guide I left from the ancient city of Faro to one of the three islands in this reserve where the most exquisite fresh fish dishes were waiting for me:Ilha do Farol.
While I realized how grateful I could be for this trip, the best oysters, sardines and olives were served and I was allowed to taste all the goodies that the Algarve has to offer. The sound of the waves created an atmosphere that I will never forget. And within walking distance of my table I saw children running along the sea on the golden beach. We are sure that our family would enjoy many hours here.
Read also: activities with children on holiday, a list of our favourites
Because it can be sweltering hot in the Algarve and children simply cheer at every slide they see, you are absolutely a super mom if you take them to AquaShow Park during your family vacation in the Algarve.
This large-scale water amusement park has been around for several years now, but adds new slides every year. It reminded me of the French water parks of my own childhood where I had the time of my life as a little water rat. You can go there for all ages and the offer is so diverse that I couldn't even remember the number of slides. After a tour through the park I was allowed to enjoy a Portuguese buffet in the adjacent hotel. Ideal if your children are not bored after one day (and there is a good chance that). And yes, even the hotel has a swimming pool.
And then I suddenly looked into the eyes of Piet Piraat. I had already expected an aquarium, water shows and sea creatures, but this spectacle was unexpected. During my family holiday Algarve press trip I took a seat in the stands with parents and children to rest after seeing beautiful fish, sea lions, a Ferris wheel and colorful attractions. But before I knew it, I found myself in a world of swords, acrobatics, suspense and the occasional hilarious joke. My personal preference is not for big shows, but these inspired artists with their gymnastic skills from Zoomarine made me very enthusiastic. Swinging past a ship, climbing the mast, dancing on a rope and rolling through the air, the pirate bay was a success.
The azure blue sea and the jagged coast. That's what I secretly wanted to do. As surprising as the Algarve can be, I always go to the coast with my family. And so I said no to a boat trip along the spectacular cliffs and colorful soft yellow golden orange coast. Coves and miles of beach, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
And just when I had seen it all, the skipper took me to a mystical place. The sea was a bit rough and he proceeded carefully, but he took me to a cave with a magical beach. The amazement is over. It became quieter, the sea went its own way and the light slipped in through an opening. For a while I was no longer looking in the Algarve. I would always like to be here. The wild waves took me out of my ecstasy, but the feeling remained. My family should see this.
During my family tour through the Algarve I met Rikkert Barendse. An enthusiastic adventurer who had made his job of travel as a tour operator. Encounters with local culture, that was his best product. Workshops, travel and experiences from a pure drive; to stimulate creativity in people themselves. And with that he has created a surprisingly nice offer of workshops and trips for families in the Algarve. Goat herding on the path of the Via Algarviana, making wicker baskets and walking through nature with a donkey and picnic basket. All very refreshing and genuinely entertaining. Moreover, Rikkert and his team visited all workshops and locations themselves. Fancy a family holiday Algarve? Send Rikkert and his team a message for local inspiration with the family.
This article was drawn up as a result of a press trip that Didie was allowed to make. As you are used to from us, we always give our honest opinion.
