Algarve is a real point of attraction for tourists – people from all over the world travel to the cozy Portuguese coastal region. Local sandy beaches gather those who like to soak up the sun, but lying on the beach all day long without going anywhere else is not the only thing Algarve can offer. The southern lands of Portugal are littered with lots of attractions, and marine parks deserve special attention. This is the key to the most exciting adventures, producing ideal conditions for an active family holiday.
If you are planning to visit Algarve with children, then the following marine parks will be a great place to relax. The best way to get to them is to rent a car in the capital of the region. It’s recommended to use Cael rent a car, which is a reliable provider allowing you to feel confident and comfortable on your trip.
Aqualand Algarve
Aqualand Algarve park offers its visitors a large number of water activities, which will be enough to spend the whole day there. The most popular attraction of the park is Anaconda with five tubes, curving down into the pool. However, another breathtaking local ride is Kamikaze – visitors roll down from the 36-meters-high just in a few seconds.
The pool is divided into two parts: a quiet part, where you can relax, and a part with ocean waves, providing diving and jumping opportunity.
The children’s area called Rainbow Beach offers the youngest visitors small slides and multi-colored forms in shallow water. At this time, parents can watch their children from the loungers on the lawn nearby.
In the park, you can eat pizza, burgers, pasta, and ice cream. For those who want to hide in the shade, a restaurant with Portuguese cuisine serves tasty specialties. If necessary, at the local kiosk you can buy sun creams, glasses, towels and souvenirs.
Address: Estrada Nacional 125 – Sítio das Areias, 8365-908 Alcantarilha
Admission: adults 20€, kids 4-12 16€
Aquashow Park
(photo by David McLaughlin)
During the summer months, visitors to the water park can also enter the theme park on its territory. The most popular attraction of Aquashow is the White Fall. This is a unique slide, which has no analog in the world – visitors roll down to the pool by using a swim ring.
Aquashow Park has the largest wave pool in Portugal – there will be fun for adults and children alike. If you’re tired from the waves, then relax in the pool with calm water or in the Jacuzzi bath.
In the children’s area called Aqualandia, little visitors won’t have time to get bored on a variety of slides, under the supervision of a large number of lifeguards.
The park has everything you need for a good rest: changing rooms, safe, restaurants, ice-cream kiosks, and a gift shop. In the theme park, you can visit the show of reptiles, parrots, a small museum of Portuguese history and all kinds of attractions, including water roller coasters.
Address: Aquashow Park Hotel Quarteira, Semino, Estrada Nacional 396, 8125-303 Quarteira
Admission: adults 15-25€, kids 5-10 10-17€ depending on the season
Slide & Splash
Slide & Splash Park was opened in 1986 and since then has been constantly updated, keeping the first position in the list of the European water parks.
This water park will be interesting for both adults and children. Adults will appreciate the steep hill called Black Hole and relax in the huge pool or in the Jacuzzi bath.
Children’s area is designed with a large number of sites in the pool and slides in the form of animals.
After enjoying numerous entertainments you will definitely want to eat. Fortunately, the number of restaurants and bars in the area is impressive. Children will especially love the ice cream parlor, located under a large awning. In a small kiosk, you can buy all the necessary things that may be needed in the park, as well as souvenirs.
In addition to water activities, the park hosts daily performances of parrots, reptiles, and eagles.
Address: Vale de Deus 125, 8401-901 Lagoa
Admission: adults 25€, kids 5-15 18€
Zoomarine Algarve
Zoomarine Park is located in the major resort of Algarve – Albufeira. All shows and entertainment presented there are connected with the life of marine inhabitants. The park covers the area of 8 hectares and offers visitors an animal show, a 4D cinema, an aquarium and terrarium, an exhibition center, swimming pools, recreation areas, attractions, restaurants, and shops.
Among the shows held in Zoomarine Algarve Park are:
- Dolphin show
- Magic Book: a show with the participation of sea lions
- Enchanting Forest: the major characters in this show are tropical parrots and birds
- Prairie Birds Show, featuring falcon, owl, and eagle
After enjoying show programs and exhibitions, visitors to the park can devote their time to the rides, have a snack at local restaurants or have a picnic on the green lawns of the park.
Zoomarine is a great place for families with children in Portugal, as it offers enough activities and entertainment venues to spend the whole day on its territory.
Address: N125 KM 65, 8201-864 Guia
Admission: adults 11-64 25€, kids under 10 16€
