Some holidays are short but leave you with lovely memories. Our budget-friendly family getaway to Odemira was one of them!
We wanted a relaxing family break in Alentejo without spending too much. We found a cosy apartment, enjoyed the countryside and spent a day by the sea.
It was a lovely reminder that simple family holidays can be special, too.

Our Family Stay at Herdade do Carregouçal
We stayed at Herdade do Carregouçal, the most affordable option we found during our search. As we were keeping to a budget, it turned out to be a lovely choice.
We stayed from 23-25 July and paid €365 for our two-night stay. This was our accommodation cost, not the total cost of the trip.
Our cosy two-bedroom apartment gave us plenty of room to settle in. It had a kitchen, a living room and a large bathroom. Our host welcomed us warmly and made sure we felt comfortable.
Having our own space made the stay feel relaxed. And, as any parent knows, a little extra room is always welcome on a family holiday!
Saving Money by Cooking Our Own Meals
The kitchen was one of the most useful things about our accommodation. Shortly after we arrived, I headed to Aldi, about a three-minute drive away, for dinner ingredients.
Preparing our own meals helped us manage our spending. We still enjoyed time together around the table, without eating out for every meal.
If you’re planning a budget-friendly family holiday in Alentejo, consider self-catering accommodation. It gives you flexibility, especially when travelling with children.
Swimming, Farm Animals and Cycling
There was plenty to enjoy at the herdade itself. We had access to a large swimming pool and a farm with animals to visit. Guests could also ride bicycles over to the farm.

These simple extras made our stay even more special. There’s something lovely about slowing down and enjoying the countryside together.
A Family Beach Day at Zambujeira do Mar

Day 2, we headed to Zambujeira do Mar, roughly a 30-minute drive from our accommodation. It was a great choice for a family beach day, with restaurants nearby.
We spent time on the beach, enjoyed a good lunch and then returned to the herdade. Afterwards, we drove over to the farm to see the animals. It was a lovely way to round off the day!
Tips for a Budget-Friendly Family Holiday in Alentejo
Planning your own Odemira family getaway? Here are a few ideas inspired by our trip:
- Look for self-catering accommodation. A kitchen makes it easier to prepare meals and manage your spending.
- Check what’s included. A pool, bicycles or farm animals can give your family more to enjoy without extra outings.
- Mix countryside time with a beach day. We enjoyed having both during our short getaway.
- Keep your plans simple. A few relaxed activities can make a short holiday feel worthwhile.
Would I Visit Odemira Again?
Absolutely! Two nights went by quickly, but our Odemira family getaway was worthwhile. We relaxed, enjoyed the countryside and fitted in a beach outing, all while keeping an eye on our spending.
Sometimes, a cosy place to stay and a few days away with the family are just what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Odemira a good destination for a family getaway?
For our family, it was a lovely choice. We enjoyed a countryside stay with a swimming pool and farm animals, plus a day trip to the beach.
Where did you stay in Odemira?
We stayed at Herdade do Carregouçal in a two-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, living room and large bathroom.
How far is Zambujeira do Mar from Herdade do Carregouçal?
The drive took roughly 30 minutes from our accommodation. Travel time may vary, so check your route before setting off.
How did you keep the holiday budget-friendly?
We chose the most affordable accommodation we found in our search and prepared some of our own meals. We also enjoyed the facilities at the herdade.
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Sure seem like great fun, will consider a visit soon.
It really was such a lovely getaway! 😊 I hope you get to visit soon and enjoy it as much as we did!