Portugal punches well above its weight as a family holiday destination, combining the Atlantic coastline's spectacular beaches with a warmth of welcome, quality of food and value for money that together make it one of the most rewarding places in Europe to travel with children. The Algarve's beaches are world-famous for good reason — dramatic golden cliffs, calm turquoise water, long flat sands — but they represent just one facet of a wonderfully varied country. The Alentejo, Portugal's great rural interior, is a landscape of cork oaks, vineyards and whitewashed hilltop villages where agriturismo stays on working farms and wine estates are both exceptional and exceptional value. Lisbon and Porto are two of Europe's great family-friendly cities, both compact, hilly enough to be exciting and full of trams, pastéis de nata and viewpoints that earn genuine gasps from children and adults alike. The Portuguese are among the most naturally welcoming people in Europe — children are fussed over in restaurants, strangers will offer directions unprompted and the general atmosphere is one of relaxed generosity. For UK families, short flight times, good value and a reliable Atlantic climate make Portugal an easy choice that consistently over-delivers. Photo courtesy of Wine & Books by the sea – Algarve Resort