Stunning coastline, year-round mild climate and welcoming atmosphere make the Algarve the perfect family destination. From exciting water parks and pristine beaches, to fascinating historical sites such as the fort of Prince Henry the Navigator and nature reserves such as Ria Formosa, the Algarve offers endless opportunities for family fun. In this guide we will explore the top things to do in Algarve for families, ensuring an unforgettable and stress-free holiday for all. Let’s dive into the best family- friendly activities this region has to offer.
Visit Zoomarine Theme Park
Zoomarine is the best theme park to visit in the Algarve for families. It is about 10km from Albufeira and easily accessible by bus from most locations. It is a combination of waterpark and sealife zoo. The daily shows with dolphins are the highlight. An amusement park caters for all ages and tastes we have visited on several occasions with our family one younger child and a teenager. The kids can enjoy a large aquatic area with waterslides, wave beach and rapids. Parents can join in the fun or relax on the sunbeds. There are several reasonably priced cafés and restaurants or you can bring a picnic. The amusement park includes rides and a ferris wheel with panoramic views out over the surrounding area. Book tickets here
Experience a Buggy Safari
This one is for thrill seekers. You get to drive a buggy and explore the Algarve off- road inland. You will need a drivers licence to be in the driver’s seat. Don’t forget to wear old clothes and expect to be covered in dust.
Take a Boat Tour
A boat tour is a great way to entertain the kids and adults alike. We have done a tour to the Benagil caves on several occasions because we love to see the coastline from a different angle. You can also take a tour on a pirate ship or go dolphin watching with a marine biologist. For thrill seekers there are rides on a jet ski. Below are some of the best options click through to find out more.
- Portimão: Pirate ship cave cruise.
- Portimão: Benagil caves speed boat tour with sunset options.
- Lagos: Dolphin watching boat tour with marine biologists.
- Lagos: Kayaking and Boat cave explorer tour.
- Albufeira: Benagil caves and dolphin watching speed boat tour.
Enjoy an Interactive Science Museum
Enjoy a day of fun and learning at the interactive science museum in Faro. Activities include two aquariums, a touch pool, earthquakes, gravity and volcanos. It is very good value for a few hours of fun. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful.
Splash & Slide in a Waterpark
Most kids will love splashing and sliding around a waterpark. You are never too far from a waterpark in the Algarve, check out some of the best below:
- Slide and Splash in Lagoa.
- Aqualand located inland between Albufeira and Portimão.
- Aquashow Park in Quarteira which has a jacuzzi for parents.
Explore the Algarve on a Bike
This is a great way to get active and explore the Algarve for families. There are seven cycle routes that connect the entire region. There are bicycles for hire in several locations all over the Algarve.
- Route 1 Vila Real de Santo António/Far0 – 69km
- Route 2 Faro/Albufeira – 43km
- Route 3 Albufeira/Portimão – 38km
- Route 4 Portimão/Lagos – 25km
- Route 5 Lagos/Sagres 40km
- Route 6 Sagres/Carrapateira – 38km
- Route 7 Carrapateira/Aljezur – 25km
Discover The Fort of Prince Henry The Navigator in Sagres
The mighty Sagres fort is perched on a cliff on the most western point of Europe. Once the headquarters of Prince Henry the Navigator. Prince Henry was a leading figure in the 15th century Portuguese empire. He created the first global explorers.
Sagres is about one and a half hours’ drive from Faro and about an hour from Portimão. Admission is very reasonable and parking is free on the long drive up to the fort. An easy walk from the car park to the fort for the kids and there is information about the birds and plants as you walk around. It can be very windy so don’t forget to pack a light jacket. Make sure the kids look up as many facts as they can about the fort and Prince Henry the Navigator.
The size of the fort itself is amazing. Inside the fort kids can see the historic compass used by the navigators many years ago. There is also a blow hole that allows you to stand over and experience the wind and noise the sea makes below the cliffs
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Have we inspired you to explore the Algarve with kids?
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