Vila Gale Lagos

Vila Gale Lagos is a short stroll from the sandy Meia Praia Beach, regarded as one of the finest in Portugal's Algarve region. The sandy stretch extends for around 5km, extending from the resort centre at Lagos, to the scenic viewpoint at Farol da Meia Praia. If you’re being green and you hire an electric car, then the charging point at the hotel may prove useful.

The hotel’s extensive grounds feature a garden and sun terrace, as well as three pools, one indoors (heated) and another for the kids to have fun in, complete with waterslides. Little ones preferring to stay dry can make new friends in the playground. Alternatively, they can join the themed children’s club, based around the character Nep.

The fully equipped spa is both for those who want to relax and exercise, boasting a gym, sauna, hydromassage pool, Turkish bath and a Vichy shower. You can also book a massage here. Active families can challenge each other to a game of football on the multi-sport fields or you may wish to have a doubles match on the tennis courts.

Versátil is the hotel’s main restaurant, offering both a buffet and a la carte service. Inevitável offers an evening menu that includes a wide variety of steak cuts and numerous fish options, from traditional cod to roasted octopus. Afterwards, maybe sample the Panna Cotta with pumpkin jam and walnut. During summer the eatery remains open until 11pm, ideal if you arrive back late from an excursion. Massa Fina is perfect for pizza lovers, open for both lunch and dinner. For a drink or light snack, there’s a choice of two bars, one poolside. The indoor option offers a kids menu buffet.

Rooms are fully equipped with air conditioning, WiFi, cable TV, minibar, hairdryer and a balcony or terrace. Family rooms additionally include a sofa bed.

You can find plenty of places to eat and drink along the promenade close to the wide beach. Meia Praia is quietest at the eastern end, with more facilities closer to Lagos Marina at the western end. The sea is generally shallow and fairly calm, and you can still sometimes see local fishermen bringing in their catch.

Vila Gale Lagos is 200m from Meia Praia Beach and 2km from the centre of Lagos, a historic town surrounded by 16th century walls. Here explore the castle, or you can wander around the narrow cobbled streets of the old town, stopping for a drink in a local cafe. You could also take a tour around the vineyards of Monte da Casteleja to see how Portuguese wines are produced. The dramatic rock formations and cliffs of Ponta da Piedade are 5km away, or you could take a day trip to Cape St Vincent, the most south-westerly point of Europe. Golf lovers can get in a round at the nearby Palmares golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.