Lagos · With kids

Small boats leave the marina for the sea caves and stacks, about forty-five minutes, on calm mornings only. Ages 4+; life jackets provided.

A sheltered cove between cliffs, with steps down and calm water. Go early in July and August, because the sand fills by eleven. Toddler-friendly.

A small, walkable zoo at Barão de São João with primates, a farm section and a playground. Half a day; ages 2–10.

Four kilometres of flat sand east of the marina, lifeguarded in summer, with space for football and shallow water at the town end.

The coves lose their shade by midday and the clifftop paths are unfenced. Restaurants serve dinner from seven, earlier than anywhere in Spain.