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If you have googled family friendly holidays in Europe or a variation on that theme one of the places that always comes up is Martinhal in Portugal.  It has a very loyal repeat customer base, gets excellent Tripadvisor reviews and the photos of the resort are stunning. However whilst there was always just one Martinhal there are now 4, making the choice not should we go to Martinhal, but which Martinhal Resort is Best for You?

Martinhal Sagres, Quinta, Chiado or Cascais? Which Martinhal Resort is best for you?

We have full reviews on each option which I have linked in this post but if you’re searching for some pros and cons of each then here we go:

Martinhal Sagres – Which Martinhal Resort is Best

The original and some would say still the best.

Martinhal Sagres is a stunning contemporary 5 star resort at the tip of the Algarve.  The resort sits within the protected Costa Vicentina National Park a fabulously unspoilt, wild and rugged setting for such a beautiful hotel, but the combination of luxury in nature really does work.

The determination the owners have to provide incredible and stylish family friendly accommodation is evident throughout the resort and from the moment you and your children step foot in the resort to the moment you leave, everything is designed to make sure you feel spoilt rotten whilst ensuring that the children are at the centre of everything.

It’s slightly isolated location means you do end up eating most if not all meals on resort and it is expensive. Lovely but very expensive.

The resort is quite hilly so you may need a buggy/baby carrier depending on your children’s walking ability.

Our full review of Martinhal Sagres at February Half Term is here

Martinhal Quinta – Which Martinhal Resort is Best

Martinhal Quinta is a beautiful 4 star villa resort in a stunning part of the Algarve.  If you want a beautiful villa in the Quinta area of the Algarve then you will not be disappointed. The villas are huge and lovely inside and they all have a private plunge pool.  You can choose from 2, 3 or 4 bedroomed villas and some of the larger villas look seriously huge!

It’s close to the airport and only a 25 minute transfer.

There are some beautiful beaches around the Quinta area and some fantastic restaurants.  Indeed for me this is one of the upsides to choosing Quinta over Sagres and unless you want to pay for taxis every time you go out for dinner I’d highly recommend that you hire a car.

If you have little ones who don’t walk that easily then a pram would be useful as it is a little hilly in parts and depending on where your villa is will depend on your distance to the club or pool.

The pool is now heated, it wasn’t when we went, but do check on the times of year it is heated before you book.

Less resort based and more individual houses than the other properties so it does have a different feel.

Our review of Martinhal Quinta at February Half Term 2016 is here but it had only just opened when we visited.

Martinhal Chiado – Which Martinhal Resort is Best?

Martinhal Chiado is perfectly located in the heart of Chiado in Lisbon, and even more perfectly located across from the road from a really fab wine bar with wine bottles all over the roof! There is a Kids club that runs in the evening too so you can go out for a drink and then dinner in the city without the kids! How incredibly civilised!

It’s location in Lisbon allows you to explore with ease and the apartment style rooms allow you to self cater too if that’s what you’d prefer. A two bedroomed suite in a city centre with a kids club, space and a really central location is almost impossible to find and with Martinhal Chiado you have it all. We LOVED it and save for a swimming pool (being picky here) it really did have it all!

There is no outside space here, so not one for you if your kids need to run around outside – albeit it isn’t too far from the promenade and the beach they can do that on.

It’s right on the hill which makes it not ideal if you’re pushing a pram but you could always use a sling – don’t let the hills put you off exploring Lisbon but do be aware of them.

You can read our full review of Martinhal Chiado here!

and what my Travel Monkey thought of Martinhal Chiado too.

Family Friendly & Chic according to One Tiny Leap

Our Family City Break by Not Another Mummy Blog

Martinhal Cascais – Which Martinhal Resort is Best

Martinhal Cascais is on the outskirts of Lisbon and is a new addition to the Martinhal portfolio which means that if you’re a fan of the original in Sagres you will notice some similarities.  Things are also changing every day to bring the property into line with the Martinhal brand.

There is a very small indoor spa pool and reports of the outside pools are that they aren’t heated to the temperature of Sagres. This it seems needs a bit of work.

The outdoor playground area is a lot of fun and ours enjoyed it, as they did the kids club.

It’s too far from Cascais for my liking for regular evenings into town, although there is a free bus you can take advantage of if it’s at the right times.  If you can’t get into the town happily then the food offering can be expensive. Take advantage of full board/half board offers if you don’t think you are going to leave the resort.

You can read our full review of Martinhal Cascais here.

One Tiny Leap thought it was Stylish, Laid Back and Kid Friendly

Our chilled out family holiday said Not Another Mummy Blog

For me our order of preference goes:

Chiado, Sagres, Quinta, Cascais but yours may be very different to that!

Why not PIN this post about Which Martinhal Resort Is Best For You? | Family Friendly Accommodation in Portugal

NB: We visited all the properties as guests of Martinhal but all views and opinions are my own.