Consider Lagos; from what you say, I think it'll provide everything you need. There's plenty going on there but the serious partying folk don't usually travel that far along the Algarve. You've a breathtaking choice of beaches, from the 5km Meia Praia to more secluded little coves - the one thing they've all got in common ( apart from the sand and the water ) is that they're all spotlessly clean with first class facilities in terms of beach bars.
Water borne trips and activities are readily available from the beautiful Marina - game fishing, dolphin safaris and barbecue cruises to name but a few -and Lagos is at the Western end of the Algarve rail network and part of the major bus routes should you prefer a d.i.y. excursion or two
The choice of restaurants in town is legendary and your 3 year old will be made welcome everywhere as the Portuguese people adore kiddies.
Self-catering accomodation close to most of Lagos' attractions is available right on the Marina and the Marina Club aparthotel has a large pool as well as a kiddies' pool and playground. Other alternatives are available but the Marina Club will take some beating for facilities and proximity to town.
A slight drawback is that Lagos is a fair distance from the airport; private return transfers for a party of your size would cost around €130 and take around 45-50 minutes each way.
Shout out if you need more detail.

Hi sagras

Thank you so much for all that info I will do some research on the area/Apts you have mentioned. I appreciate your help, you have helped to restore some of my faith in this site Will give you a nudge if I need any more info.

thank you
chazy

Hi Chazy.
My Sister-in-law lives in Praia-da-luz, (Where Maddie McCann went missing from).
and she also owns an apartment just opposite the marina in Lagos. (Vasco da gama apartments).

We visit quite often, and usually can't make up our minds whether to stay in Lagos, or Praia-da-Luz, as both are equally lovely.

I would however NEVER recommend Albufeira or Praia da rocha, if you prefer a quieter resort, they're a bit "Blackpoolish".

Also as sagres mentioned, Lagos is near to the bus station and train station too.

For ease of travelling, I would recommend Lagos, There's lots to do there.

It's also very easy to get the train from Faro airport to Lagos if your flights are in the DAYTIME!!!
We do it all the time, it saves a fortune in transfers. (Don't attempt this at night time though, it's a nightmare trying to get a taxi to the airport from the train station, and it's not within walking distance).

We get a taxi from Faro airport to Faro train station (it's only a short distance, and doesn't cost much).
There's a lovely little coffee shop at the train station if you've got a bit of a wait for the train, then get the train straight through to Lagos. The journey takes less than an hour, and the trains are also massive, and very roomy.

Trains from Faro to Lagos run every hour, and are ALWAYS on time!!! (we usually get another taxi from Lagos train station to apartment, again not far, and very cheap).

You can also catch a bus at the bus depot in Lagos, and visit other lovely nearby resorts like Burgau (our favourite place)
Sagres, Bispo, and Praia-da-Luz.
A day trip to the lovely Monchique mountains is also a must. Climb up to the top to see the derelict convent, and the views are to die for, then go for piri piri chicken in one of the little typical Portugese roadside cafes.

All in all, Lagos is a great town with easy access to other lovely places to visit.
Visit the fish market, and the Saturday produce market (near the bus station) they're great!!!
and the "spaceman" statue in Lagos square. (it's a statue of Dom Sebastio, but it looks like a spaceman).

I totally agree with Sagres, Lagos is your best bet. It's lovely!!
Wherever you end up on the Algarve, have a lovely time, and give my love to Angie.
and let us know where you choose, or if you need any info.
Portugal is like our 2nd home, and there's not many places there we don't know about.

Pandy, thank you for all the info, I will def relay it to my Daughter who is sorting all the details out for us. We have had good reports about a resort not sure what the name is.... something like la villa lol ... We really need to do some research and soon as we fly in 3 weeks

I will pass your message onto my Sister though I doubt she will be back. Thanks again Pandy

Chazy xxx

Could it be VilaMoura??

Don't let a few eejits put Angie off coming back on Chazy!!!!

Hi Pandy, yep that's it lol. My Daughter has been told to go to the old town of Albafura {SP} lol but I am not sure with the reviews I have read.

Thanks Pandy x

I'm not very 'keyed up' on Albufeira I'm afraid.
I have been once, and thought it was a bit rowdy and touristy for my liking,
although many people have said the 'old town' is nice.
I'm sure wherever you go, you'll make the most of it and enjoy the company
of your family. Your holiday is what you make of it, have fun, and have a few laughs

The Old Town is nice for a visit and mooch about but I agree that Lagos sounds as though it would suit you much better. We always stay around the Marina area and there are some lovely apartments there. The area around the Marina is very central to everything you could need especially with having the 3 year old with you. Everything is on a flat level there & there's a good supermarket Pingo Dolce within walking distance.

I'm spoiled rotten Glynis.
My (very rich) Sister-in-law got fed up with
relatives and friends turning up on her doorstep for their 'annuals', so bought an apartment opposite
the marina, right by the bus station.(just for us)!!! She and her Husband don't charge
close relatives, and we get to go over around 3 times a year.
We absolutely love Lagos, and all it has to offer, and we very craftily
book morning, or early afternoon flights, as we've worked out we don't even need to cough
up for expensive transfers, just hop on the train from Faro to Lagos,
for just a few euro's.
We're spending Christmas there this year, and we have just managed to book flights for just £49 each!!! (We even named our dog Pingo after the supermarket)
We're in the process of getting him a doggy passport so he can come too!

Pandy - sorry to dent your enthusiasm for the trains a bit (I also use them a lot) but the other week a train broke down between Lagos and Portimao, my train as cancelled and they were busy rounding up buses to use until the offending train could be shifted.

A few days ago we were held 20 minutes at Tunes waiting for a late running connection down from Setubal. No disaster there as the bus from Albufeira station into town was also late - it had broken down as well!

But you can usually depend on them.

And you cannot beat all the way from Faro to Lagos for €5,90 that's for certain.

Mind you some of the trains are over 30 years old and it's a pity there is no money to buy any new ones. I wonder what will happen when these finally wear out for good.

Oh cubsur, you've shattered my illusions of Portugese public transport. How could you???

Oh well, I suppose even they have their problems from time to time. Lol

Yes those big old girls have seen better days, but I always feel safe in them,
they're so robust and chunky (a bit like me).

When you think of our excuse for British transport and the disastrous time keeping,
and trains built like tin cans, I'm sure we can forgive the old Portugese girls for the odd blip
don't you reckon?

Problem lol, we would really like a villa or at least a 4 bed apt, any ideas girls and boys I have looked till my eyes are blurred, found one or two but they are in rural areas, the others I have seen are not available. Please if anyone sees anything for a week starting 2nd Aug would you get back to me

thanks
chazy

Sorry chazy.
I could help with a 2 bed as my Sis-in-law's place is sitting empty right now,
but it only sleeps 6 people max, (although we've squeezed 15 people in, with air beds and such)
I'll have a look around the web for you.

Do you definitely need to go on 2nd? If you can go from 19th there's one here:- http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p402430

Here's a 4 bedroomed Villa with pool that looks really nice:- http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/lagos/115655

There's 5 Bedrooms in 2 homes here if you don't mind splitting up:- http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/lagos/125686

Not sure if this is too far out:- http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/lagos/116451

Other posters are right chazy. 2 August falls on a Monday,
and therefore a very difficult date to find you accommodation.
If you could give us some details as to how many adults/children
it would help a lot.
I found a few, but the let starts 31 July.
Also how long do you want it for, 1 week or 2?

This could be PERFECT!! There's a penthouse on the actual Marina (lovely area - it's where we stay) :- http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/lagos/93748

Just realised that the above one you use the Hotel pool.

There's this one though :- http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/lagos/56026

I reckon they look perfect Glynis