From the moment we stepped into the light-filled, air-conditioned lobby at Pine Cliffs Resort, it was easy to see why this award-winning destination has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s leading luxury family resorts. Sitting high above the golden sands of Praia da Falésia on Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast, the clifftop setting alone is enough to impress, but we’re certain it’s the effortless blend of luxury and family-friendly living that keeps guests returning year after year.
From the spacious accommodation choices and one of the Algarve’s largest children’s clubs to the exceptional (and we really mean exceptional!) restaurants, impressive wellness facilities and activities for every age, Pine Cliffs strikes that rare balance between grown-up luxury and a genuinely relaxed family getaway. We travelled with a teenager in tow, so we know how important that high-low mix is. Ultimately, what makes Pine Cliffs work is that everyone can holiday differently, but together.
So, whether you’re planning your first holiday with young children, travelling with teenagers, looking for some well-deserved R&R with a world-class spa and wellness offering, wanting kids’ clubs that genuinely keep children entertained, or searching for a home-from-home base that works just as well for grandparents and multi-generational family holidays, here’s why Junior believes Pine Cliffs Resort deserves a place on your family travel wish list.
5 Strong Reasons Families Will Love Pine Cliffs Resort in Portugal
1. A Resort That Grows With Your Family
One of Pine Cliffs’ biggest strengths is its flexibility. Rather than one hotel, it’s a collection of accommodation designed for every type of traveller.
During our visit, we stayed in the Pine Cliffs Hotel, which sits at the heart of the resort. Our spacious room, complete with a generous balcony, was perfectly positioned within walking distance of the beach, pools, restaurants and Serenity Spa, making it an ideal choice for families wanting hotel convenience.
If you need more space, there are excellent alternatives. Pine Cliffs Gardens which offers stylish one, two and three-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens, perfect for families with younger children or longer stays. Ocean Suites which combine contemporary apartments with interconnecting rooms, while Pine Cliffs Residence and Village offer elegant apartments, townhouses and villas tucked among the pine trees overlooking the golf course – ideal for larger families, teenagers wanting their own space or holidays with grandparents.
Pine Cliff Hotel in the stunning Algrave
Ocean Suites at Pine Cliffs, Portugal
One of the many pools at Pine Cliffs
The walkway down to the Blue Flag Praia da Falésia beach
2. The Beach You'll Return to Every Day
One of Pine Cliffs’ greatest luxuries isn’t just found in the spa or the restaurants, but in the resort’s direct access to Praia da Falésia. A panoramic glass lift carries guests down the striking ochre-red cliffs before a boardwalk opens onto miles of golden sand and the Atlantic beyond.
Be Warned: It’s a good 10-minute walk, so wear sensible shoes for the steps and wooden boardwalk.
Complimentary sun loungers and umbrellas are available for resort guests (subject to availability, so get there early), along with beach service, watersports and paddleboarding, making it easy to spend an entire day by the sea.
If pools are more your thing, the resort is home to eight pools, including family pools, quieter hideaways, an infinity pool, children’s pools and a heated indoor pool, so whether you want to swim, relax with a book or keep little ones entertained, there’s always a spot to suit.
3. Dining That Works for Families
Dining is refreshingly relaxed and varied. With more than a dozen restaurants, cafés and bars across the resort, there’s enough choice to keep every member of the family happy throughout the holiday.
Start the day with a generous buffet breakfast at Jardim Colonial in the main hotel where live cooking stations, fresh fruit, pastries and made-to-order eggs keep everyone happy, or head to Lemon Square for healthier option at Zest.
Speaking of which is a great spot for lunch as Zest serves colourful salad bowls, cold-pressed juices, healthy snacks and gluten-free options – ideal after a wellness session. Meanwhile, Corda Café, in Sea Square at the heart of the resort, is perfect for relaxed family meals. Don’t miss the (I’m still daydreaming about it!) Prego do Lomo, a delicious Portuguese steak sandwich. There’s also a great children’s menu. For relaxed dining try O’Grill where the tables sit amongst the poolside and bridges – great for a salads, burgers and cocktails.
For food on the go, Burgler, housed in a bright yellow food truck near the square, serves excellent smash burgers and fries, while the nearby ice cream cart is always a hit. MIMO Café is the perfect stop for coffee and one of those irresistible pastéis de nata.
Evenings feel a little more grown up, with a selection of restaurants that are just that little bit, well extra. O Pescador offers elegant fine dining and exceptional local seafood, while Piri Piri Steakhouse, is one of the resort’s signature restaurants, serving perfectly grilled steaks cooked over organic coconut shells. Quite possibly the best steak my teenager has ever eaten. It’s also worth mentioning the excellent, genuinely family-friendly service.
For a more informal evening, Portofino by MIMO in Lemon Square -which feels like you’ve wandered into a charming local village piazza -is a relaxed alfresco trattoria serving pizzas, fresh pasta and a huge tray of tiramisu that’s presented at your table. Try to resist.
There are also Indian, Japanese and Mediterranean restaurants across the resort, plus a gin bar, Champagne bar and deli mini market. So many options, so little time.
O’Grill for relaxed poolside dining
Breakfast at Jardim Colonial
Corda Café in the main square is near the pool and beach
Make healthly choice at Zest
Burglar smash burger van – the kids will love it!
The Deli Mini Market is near O’Grill – so pick up snack and supplies here
The Adventure Park is ideal for tweens and teens.
The impressive Annabel Croft Tennis Academy and Padel courtsÂ
4.Facilities to Suit Every Mood - and Age
Whether your idea of a holiday is action-packed or wonderfully slow-paced, there really is something for every age, mood and energy level at Pine Cliffs.
Families can challenge themselves on the resort’s new Adventure Park tree-climbing circuit, with 10 fun obstacles and two exhilarating slides, or put their teamwork to the test in the immersive Escape Room in Lemon Square. Younger children will love mini golf and playground adventures, while older kids and teenagers can enjoy football, basketball, tennis, padel and a wide range of organised activities throughout the resort.
For those who prefer to stay active, there are two ACTIVE by Serenity health clubs with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, alongside yoga, Pilates, personal training and group fitness classes. The Annabel Croft Tennis & Padel Academy offers expert coaching across four tennis and four padel courts, while golfers can enjoy the resort’s spectacular clifftop nine-hole course.
If relaxation is more your pace, the award-winning Serenity – The Art of Wellbeing Spa is a destination in itself. Spend a few peaceful hours in this Thermal Oasis, moving between the hydrotherapy pool, sauna, Himalayan salt sauna, Turkish bath and relaxation areas, or indulge in one of the spa’s signature treatments. For an extra wellness boost, IV vitamin and hydration infusions are also available.
5. The Kids Club of Dreams
There’s kids’ clubs, and then there’s Porto Pirata. This imaginative children’s village is the kind of place little ones will be talking about long after the holiday ends. Covering an impressive 7,000 square metres, it’s one of the largest kids’ clubs in the Algarve, but don’t let its size overwhelm you – it feels more like a welcoming outdoor park and a whole new adventure in itself.
The beautifully landscaped playground, complete with pirate ships, climbing frames, bridges and shaded play areas, encourages children to spend hours outdoors while parents enjoy some well-earned downtime.
Designed for children aged 12 months months to eight years, the professionally run club also offers a packed programme of age-appropriate activities, from arts and crafts and treasure hunts to outdoor games, sports and imaginative play. Older children and teenagers aren’t forgotten either, with mini golf, football, tennis, Padel and basketball. (See more on activities below.)
WE LOVE: The flexible babysitting service, available during both the day and evening, allowing parents to enjoy dinner, a spa treatment or simply a little quiet time together.
Porto Pirata Kids Club at Pine Cliffs
Do try Padel lessons …
Junior Fact File
Where: Pines Cliffs Resort, Pinhal do Concelho 8200-912 Albufeira, Portugal
How to get there: The nearest airport is Faro International Airport (FAO) which is around 30 minutes by car from the resort.
Prices: Lead in price of £402 per night for a 2 Bedroom Pine Cliffs Suite based on 2 adults and 2 Children based on an October 2026. Price is £500 per night during half term.
