If you’re looking for a luxury beach resort in the Algarve that works just as well for parents as it does for children, Martinhal Sagres deserves a place on your shortlist.
Set beside Martinhal Beach on Portugal’s dramatic southwestern coast, this five-star resort combines a boutique hotel with a large collection of family houses and villas, plus an unusually extensive range of activities and facilities.
The resort is designed around family holidays, but it doesn’t feel like a conventional children’s resort. The architecture is stylish and contemporary, the setting is spectacular, and there are plenty of spaces where adults can relax while children are entertained.
So, is Martinhal Sagres worth it? Here’s everything you need to know before booking.
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Is Martinhal Sagres worth it?
Yes, particularly if you’re looking for a high-end family holiday where you can spend most of your time without leaving the resort.
Martinhal’s biggest advantage is the combination of location, accommodation and facilities. You’re directly beside Martinhal Beach, surrounded by the natural landscape of the western Algarve, while the resort itself has multiple pools, restaurants, a spa, sports facilities, water sports and children’s clubs.
It is also more flexible than a typical luxury hotel. Couples or small families can stay in the hotel, while larger families can choose houses or villas with kitchens, living areas and, in some categories, private pools.
The main drawback is simple: Martinhal isn’t cheap. You’re paying for a five-star resort experience and an enormous amount of infrastructure aimed at families. Food, drinks and some activities can also add significantly to the cost of a holiday.
But if you value convenience, space and family-friendly luxury, the premium can make sense.
What is Martinhal Sagres like?
Martinhal Sagres is a large, design-conscious family resort rather than simply a hotel.
The resort sits overlooking Martinhal Beach, next to protected natural surroundings, and consists of a boutique hotel together with a collection of houses, apartments and villas. Martinhal describes the property as a five-star family beach resort, with accommodation designed specifically around families.
The hotel itself is positioned close to the beach and has 37 rooms, including Beach Rooms, Terrace Rooms and two duplex Beach Suites. Many have full or partial ocean views and private outdoor space.
Away from the hotel, the resort feels more like a small holiday village. There is a Village Square, restaurants, children’s facilities, sports facilities, pools and accommodation spread throughout landscaped grounds.
The overall atmosphere is relaxed and upscale rather than flashy. Think natural materials, ocean views, contemporary interiors and plenty of outdoor space.
And while children are clearly at the heart of the resort, Martinhal has made an effort to ensure adults don’t feel as though they’ve checked into a giant children’s playground.
Is it good for families?
This is where Martinhal really stands out.
The resort has been designed specifically for families, from its accommodation to its restaurants and children’s programmes.
There are dedicated clubs and activities for different age groups, beginning with nursery and crèche services for babies and toddlers and continuing through children’s clubs and activities for teenagers. The resort currently lists programmes including Raposinhos for ages 2–4, Fox Club for 5–6, Explorers Nature Club from age 7 and Blast Club for teenagers aged 14–17.
There is also a baby concierge service, and Martinhal provides useful baby equipment such as cots, highchairs, pushchairs, bed guards and monitors. Houses and villas have child-friendly features including stair gates and blackout curtains.
That makes a major difference for parents travelling with younger children.
Instead of packing half the contents of your house, you can arrange many of the essentials before arrival.
The resort also has playgrounds, sports activities, a children’s bar and dedicated spaces for younger guests.
In other words, Martinhal isn’t merely a hotel that happens to allow children. Its entire holiday concept is built around families.
Martinhal Sagres location
Martinhal Sagres is located in the western Algarve, just outside the town of Sagres in the municipality of Vila do Bispo.
This is one of the resort’s biggest attractions.
Rather than being surrounded by apartment blocks and busy tourist developments, Martinhal sits beside a spectacular stretch of coastline and natural landscape. You’re at the southwestern end of the Algarve, where the scenery becomes wilder and the Atlantic feels much more dominant.
Martinhal Beach is approximately 2 km from central Sagres, according to VisitPortugal.
This means you get a peaceful beachfront setting while still being close enough to Sagres for restaurants, shops, cafés and sightseeing.
It is worth remembering that this is western Algarve, not the resort-heavy central Algarve around Albufeira and Vilamoura. The landscape is more rugged, the beaches feel wilder and the atmosphere is considerably more laid-back.
Location:
Martinhal Beach
Martinhal Beach is one of the biggest reasons to stay here.
The wide sandy beach sits directly in front of the resort and is backed by the dramatic landscape of the Sagres peninsula. It is also a public beach, it does not belong exclusively to Martinhal.
The beach is particularly attractive for families because its setting is more sheltered than some of the exposed Atlantic beaches around Sagres.
The water is also popular for water sports. Martinhal’s own Water Sports Centre offers activities including windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, with equipment and instruction available for guests.
The resort also has its own Beach Hangout, where guests can use private resort facilities, towels and beach seating.
One important distinction: the beach itself is public, but the resort’s Beach Hangout facilities are for Martinhal guests.
For a family holiday, having the beach practically on your doorstep is a huge advantage.
Rooms vs villas
This is one of the most important decisions to make when booking Martinhal.
Hotel rooms
The hotel is best suited to couples, small families and anyone who prefers a traditional hotel experience.
The Beach Rooms are positioned close to the beach, while Terrace Rooms are located in the main hotel building. The rooms range from around 35 to 38 square metres, and the Beach Suites offer more space and a duplex layout.
The major advantage is convenience: hotel guests have access to the resort’s facilities while enjoying hotel-style service and breakfast.
Compare Martinhal Sagres rooms, villas and current rates →
Houses and villas
For larger families, houses and villas can be a much better option.
Martinhal offers several accommodation categories, including Ocean Houses, Bay Houses, Garden Houses, Pinewood Houses, Vilas Mimosa and Luxury Villas. Some accommodate up to six people, while the largest luxury villas can accommodate substantially larger groups.
The houses are particularly useful because they provide kitchens, living spaces and laundry facilities.
That means you can prepare some meals yourself, wash clothes during a longer stay and give children more room to spread out.
Some villa categories also have private pools and gardens.
Our general rule: choose a hotel room for a shorter, simpler stay; choose a house or villa if you’re travelling with several children or staying for a week or more.
Pools and facilities
If your family loves swimming, Martinhal has plenty to keep you occupied.
The resort has five pool areas, including the Pool Hangout near the beach, family pools at the Village Square, the adults-only Oasis Pool, pools at Club 98 and a pool area for Vilas Mimosa guests.
The facilities go well beyond swimming.
Club 98 is the resort’s sports centre and includes tennis and padel courts, as well as other sports facilities. There is also a gym, fitness trail, mini golf, petanque, a pump track and bike rental.
For families who don’t want to spend the entire holiday lying on the beach, this is a major advantage.
There is also direct access to water sports, with kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing among the options available through the resort.
The result is a resort where you could easily spend several days without needing a car.
Restaurants
Martinhal has a surprisingly extensive dining scene for a resort in such a relatively remote part of the Algarve.
The main restaurants are O Terraço, As Dunas and Os Gambozinos.
O Terraço has ocean and Martinhal Beach views and offers contemporary Portuguese cuisine. As Dunas is located close to the beach and focuses on a more relaxed seaside dining experience. Os Gambozinos, located around the Village Square, is particularly suited to families.
There is also the M Bar, a relaxed surf-style coffee shop and bar, plus Gelataria and the seasonal Josper Grill.
Parents will appreciate that the restaurants have children’s menus and children’s areas, while the resort can accommodate dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
For villas and houses, self-catering is another advantage. The resort’s O Mercado provides groceries, breakfast items, baby products and other essentials, while takeaway and delivery options are available.
Kids’ activities
You could probably make an entire holiday out of the children’s programme alone.
At Martinhal hotel younger children can enjoy supervised activities involving crafts, stories, music, outdoor play and age-appropriate games. Older children can take part in sports and nature activities, while teenagers have options including surfing, diving and cycling.
Sports academies are another highlight, with activities such as tennis and football available for children.
There are also playgrounds around the resort, including a playground at the Village Square and another near As Dunas.
The resort’s approach is particularly useful for parents because children aren’t simply given a playroom and left to entertain themselves. Activities are organised around different age groups.
That gives parents the opportunity to enjoy the beach, spa, restaurant or simply some quiet time.
Spa
The Finisterra Spa is Martinhal’s answer to the inevitable question: “What about the parents?”
Located in a secluded part of the resort, the spa has six treatment rooms and offers treatments for different generations, from babies and children to adults and grandparents.
There are massages, facials and family treatments, including treatments designed for parents and children.
The spa also offers couples treatments, and the resort specifically notes that children can be looked after by the Kids Club while parents enjoy a treatment.
It’s a thoughtful touch because it makes the spa much more practical for families than the traditional adults-only hotel spa.
What is nearby?
Although Martinhal has enough facilities to keep you busy, you shouldn’t spend your entire holiday inside the resort.
Sagres and the surrounding area are packed with dramatic scenery and outdoor attractions.
The Fortress of Sagres is one of the most important historical attractions. Located on a spectacular promontory, the fortress has panoramic views over the Atlantic and is closely associated with Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.
Then there’s Cape St Vincent, the dramatic southwestern tip of mainland Europe, with its lighthouse, cliffs and huge Atlantic views.
For beach lovers, nearby options include Mareta, Tonel and Beliche, while the wider Costa Vicentina offers some of the Algarve’s most spectacular wild beaches and cliffs.
The resort can also arrange activities including boat trips, dolphin watching, hiking, cycling, diving, horse riding and other outdoor experiences.
Planning More Than Just a Stay in Sagres?
Make the most of your Algarve trip with our Algarve Guidebook, packed with beautiful beaches, places to visit, restaurants and experiences across the region:
How far is Sagres town?
Martinhal Sagres is approximately 3–3.5 km from central Sagres, depending on the exact starting point, and the drive takes roughly five minutes.
That is close enough to visit easily but far enough away that the resort feels peaceful.
Sagres itself is quite different from the busier Algarve resort towns. It has a relaxed surf-town atmosphere, restaurants, cafés, shops and access to some of the region’s best beaches.
If you want nightlife, extensive shopping or a huge choice of restaurants, Lagos is a better base. If you want dramatic coastline, surfing and a slower pace, Sagres is much more appealing.
How far from Lagos?
Martinhal Sagres is approximately 32 km by road from Lagos, with a typical driving time of around 32 minutes.
This makes Lagos close enough for a day trip.
You can spend the morning exploring Lagos’s historic centre, have lunch there and return to Martinhal for an afternoon by the pool.
Public transport is possible, but it is considerably less convenient. The bus journey from Lagos to the Martinhal area takes around an hour or more, depending on the service and connections.
For a resort holiday, having a rental car is therefore useful, particularly if you want to explore several beaches and attractions around the western Algarve.
Pros and cons
Pros
Exceptional for families: Few Algarve resorts offer such a comprehensive collection of children’s facilities.
Beautiful location: You are directly beside Martinhal Beach and surrounded by the landscapes of the western Algarve.
Excellent accommodation choice: Hotel rooms, apartments, houses and villas mean there is something for different family sizes.
Lots to do: Pools, water sports, tennis, padel, cycling, kids’ clubs and outdoor activities reduce the need to leave the resort.
Great for longer stays: Houses and villas with kitchens and laundry facilities are particularly useful for families staying a week or more.
Parents aren’t forgotten: The Finisterra Spa, adults’ pool and resort dining give grown-ups plenty of opportunities to relax.
Cons
It is expensive: Martinhal is a premium resort, and the total holiday cost can rise considerably once meals, drinks and optional activities are added.
It is remote: The location is beautiful, but you’re not in the middle of Lagos or Albufeira.
A car is useful: While you can stay on the property without one, exploring the surrounding coastline is much easier by car.
Some activities cost extra: Not every academy, lesson or specialised activity is necessarily included in your accommodation rate.
Not ideal for a party holiday: If you’re looking for nightlife and a lively resort atmosphere, this is not the right part of the Algarve.
Who is Martinhal Sagres best for?
Martinhal is best for families who want luxury without sacrificing practicality.
It works particularly well for:
- Families with babies and toddlers
- Families with several children
- Families staying for a week or longer
- Parents who want children’s clubs
- Families who enjoy outdoor activities
- Families who want a beach holiday combined with sightseeing
- Parents who want a genuinely good spa
- Larger groups who need a villa or house
It can also work for couples who appreciate peaceful luxury, particularly outside the busiest school-holiday periods.
However, couples looking for an intimate adults-only escape may find the family focus overwhelming.
Is Martinhal Sagres worth the price?
This depends on what you’re comparing it with.
If you’re simply looking for a beautiful hotel room near a beach, you can certainly find cheaper accommodation in the Algarve.
But that’s not really what you’re buying at Martinhal.
You’re paying for a complete holiday ecosystem: beachfront location, multiple pools, children’s clubs, baby equipment, sports facilities, restaurants, spa, water sports and a choice of accommodation ranging from hotel rooms to large villas.
For a family, those extras can have real value.
A cheaper hotel may have a pool and a beach nearby, but it probably won’t have a crèche, children’s clubs for different age groups, a baby concierge, multiple sports facilities, several restaurants and a collection of family-sized houses.
So my verdict is:
Martinhal Sagres is worth the price if you will actually use the facilities.
If you plan to spend most of your holiday exploring the Algarve and eating outside the resort, you may be better off choosing a cheaper hotel.
If your ideal holiday is waking up, walking to the beach, letting the children go to a club, having lunch by the pool, enjoying a spa treatment and finishing the day with dinner overlooking the Atlantic, Martinhal makes much more sense.
Want to see how much Martinhal Sagres costs for your dates? Check current prices and availability →
Things to know before booking
Before booking, there are a few things worth checking.
Choose your accommodation carefully. Hotel rooms and villas provide very different experiences. Larger families should compare the cost of a house or villa against booking multiple hotel rooms.
Check what is included. Some activities and specialist programmes may carry additional charges, so don’t assume every facility is included in your room rate.
Think about meals. Villas are designed for self-catering, while hotel accommodation includes breakfast depending on the applicable offer. Meal plans can be added separately.
Book children’s activities in advance. Popular kids’ clubs, academies and activities can have limited availability.
Don’t assume Martinhal Beach is private. The beach is public; the resort’s private Beach Hangout facilities are what are reserved for guests.
Bring a car if you want to explore. The resort is beautifully isolated, but a rental car makes trips to Sagres, Lagos, Cape St Vincent and the surrounding beaches much easier.
Check your check-in time. Hotel check-in starts at 2pm and check-out is at noon. Villas and houses generally have different check-in and check-out times.
Before booking, compare the available room and villa options and cancellation policies →
Where is Martinhal Sagres and how do you reach it?
Martinhal Sagres is located at Quinta do Martinhal, 8650-908 Sagres, Portugal, on the western Algarve coast.
The easiest way to reach the resort is by car.
From Faro Airport
Faro Airport is the main international airport for the Algarve. Martinhal is approximately 115 km by road from the airport, with a drive of around 1 hour 25 minutes under typical conditions.
A private transfer or rental car is generally the most convenient option, particularly for families with luggage and children.
Public transport is possible but involves connections and takes considerably longer.
From Lagos
From Lagos, Martinhal is approximately 32 km by road and takes around 30–35 minutes by car.
From Sagres
From Sagres town, the resort is only around 3 km away and takes approximately five minutes by car.
For most visitors, renting a car at Faro Airport is the easiest option, particularly if you plan to explore the western Algarve during your stay.
Activities To Do in Sagres
Staying at Martinhal Sagres puts you in one of the Algarve’s best areas for outdoor adventures. Beyond spending time on Martinhal Beach, there are plenty of ways to explore the dramatic coastline, discover the area’s history and enjoy the wild landscapes around Sagres.
Here are some of the best activities and tours to add to your itinerary:
Sagres & Cape St. Vincent Tour – Visit Sagres and the spectacular Cape St. Vincent, with its dramatic cliffs, lighthouse and sweeping Atlantic views. Book Here →
Sagres Fortress– Explore this historic fortress perched on a dramatic headland, with spectacular views across the Atlantic. Book Here →
Sagres Natural Park Sunset Tour by Jeep – Explore the rugged landscapes of the Natural Park by 4×4 before watching the sunset from one of the area’s scenic viewpoints. Book Here →
Sagres Wildlife Adventure: Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour – Head out into the Atlantic to look for dolphins, whales and other marine life while enjoying views of the Algarve coastline. Book Here →
Coasteering – Swimming, Cliff Jump & Rock Climbing – Combine swimming, rock climbing and cliff jumping for an exciting adventure along Sagres’ rugged coastline. Book Here →
Surf Lesson – Try surfing with an experienced instructor and learn the basics on one of Sagres’ beautiful beaches. Book Here →
Sagres Sunset Private Tour – End of the World Experience – Discover the southwestern tip of Portugal and watch the sun set over the Atlantic from spectacular cliff-top viewpoints. Book Here →
Sagres Wine Tasting Tour – Sample regional wines and discover more about the Algarve’s wine-making traditions on a relaxed tasting experience. Book Here →
Sagres to Alentejo Full-Day 4×4 Tour & Wine Tasting – Spend the day exploring the countryside between Sagres and Alentejo by 4×4, finishing with a local wine-tasting experience. Book Here →
FAQ
Is Martinhal Sagres a five-star hotel?
Yes. Martinhal Sagres is a five-star family beach resort with a luxury hotel as well as houses and villas. Portugal’s tourism information lists Martinhal Beach Resort and Hotel as a five-star property.
Is Martinhal Beach private?
No. Martinhal Beach is a public beach. Martinhal Resort does, however, have its own private Beach Hangout area and guest facilities.
Is Martinhal Sagres good for babies?
Yes. Baby-friendly services are one of the resort’s strongest features. There is a nursery and crèche programme, baby concierge service and complimentary baby equipment such as cots, highchairs and pushchairs.
Does Martinhal Sagres have a kids’ club?
Yes. There are programmes for different age groups, from babies and toddlers through to teenagers. Activities range from crafts and outdoor play to sports, nature activities, surfing and cycling.
Does Martinhal Sagres have villas?
Yes. The resort has several types of houses and villas, including Ocean Houses, Bay Houses, Garden Houses, Pinewood Houses, Vilas Mimosa and larger Luxury Villas.
Does Martinhal Sagres have a spa?
Yes. Finisterra Spa has six treatment rooms and offers treatments for adults, children, teenagers and even babies, as well as couples and family treatments.
How far is Martinhal Sagres from Lagos?
The driving distance is approximately 32 km, and the journey normally takes around 32 minutes by car.
How far is Martinhal Sagres from Faro Airport?
The driving distance from Faro Airport is approximately 115 km, with a typical driving time of around 1 hour 25 minutes.
Is Martinhal Sagres suitable for couples?
Yes, but it is primarily a family resort. Couples who enjoy peaceful surroundings, beaches, good food and spa treatments can have a wonderful stay, particularly outside school holidays. However, anyone looking specifically for an adults-only atmosphere should choose a different hotel.
What is the difference between Martinhal Sagres and Hotel Martinhal?
Hotel Martinhal is the boutique hotel component within the larger Martinhal Sagres Family Beach Resort. The overall resort includes the hotel plus houses, apartments and villas and all the associated facilities.
Is Martinhal Sagres worth staying at?
For families looking for a luxury Algarve beach holiday, yes. Its combination of beachfront location, spacious accommodation, extensive children’s facilities, pools, sports, restaurants and spa makes it one of the more complete family resort experiences in the Algarve.
The biggest question is not whether Martinhal is good, it is whether you will use enough of what it offers to justify the premium price.
For families who will spend their days enjoying the beach, pools, kids’ clubs and resort activities, the answer is likely to be yes.
For travellers who plan to spend most of their time sightseeing around the Algarve, a less expensive hotel in Sagres or Lagos may offer better value.
But if you’re looking for a stylish, luxurious and genuinely family-focused escape at the wild southwestern edge of the Algarve, Martinhal Sagres is one of the strongest options to consider.
And if you’ve been searching for “Martinhal Beach Resort and Hotel Sagres Portugal,” you’re essentially looking for this same Martinhal Sagres resort, the hotel is one part of the larger beachfront property.
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