, 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

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

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

& 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

Heading to Europe for a villa holiday is an ideal way to while away a week during the summer months. So where are the best places to go?FRANCELe Sarrail – three luxurious houses near Carcassonne in the south of France – comes with everything from a