Malina and her husband are from Germany and have lived as digital nomads for about four years, without a fixed home base. The Algarve was originally meant to be just another stop among their travel destinations, a place to live for a few months.

When they first came, their son wasn’t even one year old, but they immediately fell in love with the region, and since then, it’s kept pulling them back. Today, they are lucky enough to call Lagos their home together with their two children.

Malina runs a successful Instagram account, Algarve with kids, where she shares useful tips for families with kids. Recently, she launched a Google Maps guide with 150 family-friendly spots to make exploring the Algarve even easier.

The Portugal News (TPN): How did the idea for Algarve with Kids start - was it spontaneous or something you planned?

Malina (M): When we first came here, it took me forever to find things to do with little kids. I spent hours scrolling through Facebook groups and researching, but back in 2021, there really wasn’t much information available.

Later, I started a WhatsApp group so local mums could plan playdates. The group kept growing, and people were asking the same questions over and over. So I began sharing small lists of recommendations - and at some point, I thought: why not collect all of this on Instagram?

TPN: What was your goal when you started the page - to document family life, to help others?

M: My main goal is to make it easier for other families - so they don’t have to spend hours researching or missing out on those amazing hidden spots you’d never find on Google or with ChatGPT. I want people to quickly discover the best places and experiences that local parents love, so they can simply enjoy their time here and make the most beautiful memories here. As I believe, spending quality time and making beautiful memories with your loved ones is what life is all about.

TPN: What do you love most about living in the Algarve as a family?

M: What we love most as a family is how incredibly child-friendly the Portuguese people are - it’s really next level. I also love that the kids can spend so much time outdoors, and that there are endless things to do here. You could honestly do something different every single day of the year with your kids - there’s so much variety.

TPN: How would you describe the Algarve from a kid’s point of view?

M: From a kid’s point of view, the Algarve is basically one big sandbox - with all its different beaches and endless space to play. It’s an absolute paradise surrounded by nature, full of possibilities - like one giant playground with so many kind people around.

TPN: What are your kids’ favourite spots or activities - the ones they’d never get tired of?

M: All the beaches - the beach always works! Our son is absolutely obsessed with the skate park in Lagos. Ice cream spots are always a hit. And anything with animals — they’re in heaven. They also adore the private, nature-based projects like Mogli and Alma de Lama; they are really kids’ heaven.

TPN: You recently launched a Google Maps Guide - what inspired you to create it?

M: With kids, you never really have much time, do you? So instead of researching and saving every single place separately, I thought it would be clever to have everything directly in Google Maps. That way, families can easily find all the spots at once, plus a few extra details or links for each place.

TPN: What was the most surprising or unexpected place you discovered while making the guide?

M: Lately, more people have been sending me amazing insider tips from a bit further away. There have been so many unexpected discoveries - like when someone’s neighbour offers pony rides (Quinta Quez in Barao de Sao Miguel) or an amazing restaurant with a pool and full play area: Lighthouse in Carvoeiro. Those have been such great finds - all through personal recommendations.

TPN: Do you have any tips for families on how to get the most out of the map?

M: You can either search by location - once you’ve saved all the lists, just look at the map and see what’s nearby. Or, if you’re in the mood for something specific (like a beach day), browse the full list and see which description speaks to you most.

TPN: What are your top 3 hidden gems in the Algarve that families shouldn’t miss?

M: I would say that families should really try floating at Praia da Amoreira. Watch the sunset at Ponta da Atalaia and pick blueberries at Quinta do Pincho in summer.

Credits: Supplied Image; Nick Mattia

TPN: If a family only had 3 days in the region, what would your “perfect family itinerary” look like?

M: This one is very hard, but if I must choose today, it would be this:

Day 1 (West Coast): Start with a horseback ride at Being with horses, then head to Praia da Amoreira or Monte Clérigo. Don’t forget your wetsuits and floaties. Go for a scenic walk or drive along the coast, then dinner at Maxi’s Warung and watch the sunset.

Day 2 (Lagos): Enjoy the sunrise at Dona Ana, have breakfast at Sunrays or Goji. Wander through the old town and get a Pastel de Nata at Padaria Central. Visit Ponta da Piedade on foot or by boat. Have dinner at Miam Burgau and stroll through the cute fishing village.

Day 3 (East): Enjoy the day in less touristic Olhão - take a Fuseta boat tour and visit the nearby islands, have playtime at the playground Parque infantil Jardim Pescador Olhanense next to the water and visit the local market. Explore the charming town and have an ice cream at São Gelados.

TPN: What’s one “touristy” spot that’s actually worth visiting?

M: As a Lagos fan, it’s definitely Ponta da Piedade for me - it’s absolutely breathtaking to walk around there. The views never lose their magic.

TPN: And what’s an underrated area you think deserves more attention?

M: Olhão and Tavira - both with a very special charm.

TPN: What advice would you give families moving to the Algarve or visiting for the first time?

M: There are so many things to do here. Let go of the pressure to see everything and just pick the few things that sound most fun for your family. It’s better to plan less than too much - slow down, soak it all in, and enjoy each place instead of rushing from one spot to the next.

TPN: How would you describe the Algarve in three words?

M: Stunning, wild, and chilled.

You can get the Southwest Algarve guide and learn more about Malina & her family adventures on the Instagram account: @algarve.with.kids and their blog: www.algarvewith.kids

Images: Nick Mattia