, Portugal is a very special place indeed. Located in an unspoilt, idyllic area in the western Algarve, just steps from the beach and a protected national park, it is perfect for a relaxing family holiday. Martinhal aims to become Europe’s finest family

in Menorca – three villas which sleep up to six adults with space for two cots. A week at The Distillery in Portugal, near Lisbon, which sleeps four adults and has two cots, costs from £615 per week.Visit www.totstotravel.co.uk

Penha Longa Resort & Spa, Portugal This luxury resort is set amid the lush surrounds of a national nature reserve, where you can wander on a nature trail, or jog or cycle on the dedicated keep fit routes, not to mention a choice of fabulous

When it comes to enjoying sunshine, relaxation and food and drink, Oporto in Portugal is one of the world’s premier destinations. The place to stay is The Yeatman – a plush hotel where you can sample the many rare delights of the extensive wine

With a choice of chic hotel or village house accommodation, the Martinhal Resort in Portugal caters to its family audience with no less than five different clubs for children from six months to those tricky teens. Modern design lends to its hip

This summer,  the new luxury Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel will be welcoming families when it opens on Portugal’s Algarve. Surrounded by a national park, the resort includes a five-star boutique hotel, spacious village houses and privately owned

two-bed suite. We also like the Martinhal Resort in Portugal, a Highly Commended  family hotel in the Junior Design Awards 2012, and The Yeatman in Oporto,which offers the chance to sample some of the country's fine wines.

& Beach Resort in Portugal. There’s a glamorous hotel on site but it’s the gorgeous villas for families (some with private pools) that catch the eye with breathtaking ocean views, designer interiors, daily maid service, wireless internet access

is particularly family-friendly when it comes to villa holidays, and all bookings are made via a team of family specialists. The four-bedroom villa Quinta da Maranhao in the western Algarve in Portugal is particularly appealing. The villa, which stands on a

not to be too happy if they’re bundled off into a room of toddlers.At Portugal’s Penha Longha Hotel & Golf Resort, a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, Powder Byrne has programmes for all ages. Scallywags (aged four to nine) can take part in tennis and swimming