Top Family Days Out in Algarve
Here are some tried and tested family days out that generally hit the spot
Beach Day
Nothing beats a great day at the beach…and the Algarve has more great beaches per square mile that most places on the face of the earth. For a different day at the beach head to one of the amazing and pristine Ria Formosa islands. Take a ferry from Faro, Olhão or Tavira and enjoy the freedom of letting go of wi-fi, musak and traffic. The small islands (they are more sandbanks than islands) are a throwback to a time when we were all more connected to our natural surroundings. Go clamming, swim in the calm lagoons, look out for flamingos, storks and sea horses.
Zoomarine
No family visit to the Algarve is complete without a visit to Zoomarine Park. The biggest attraction of its kind in Portugal, Zoomarine is a marine themed park with the stars of the show undoubtedly the dolphins as they glide and frolic in the water with their trainers. Entertaining but also with a strong environmental and educational message, there are presentations with sea lions, tropical birds and birds of prey. There is an impressive and interactive dinosaur exhibition, a great aquarium and to round off all the fun, there are waterslides, swimming pools and even a beach! No matter what age you are, Zoomarine ticks a lot of boxes.
Water parks
There are several great waterparks in the Algarve – perfect for a fun and adrenaline packed day. Aquashow is one of the best around with some mega slides. Fancy a ride down the biggest freefall slide in Europe? On a wild roller coaster ride? You’ll find it at Aquashow. If that sounds a little too adventurous, relax – there is a wave pool, a great kids pool area with mini slides and plenty of slides too for the brave but not totally fearless brigade.
Learn to surf…or SUP….or sail…..or flyboard….
There are water sports galore to thrill you in the Algarve. Learn to Stand Up Paddle – and get the best views of the coastline. Mix your elements with a Fly Boarding experience – shoot from the sea into the air, on a water propelled jet board. Enjoy some beach fun with pedalos, kayaks and ringos at the Quinta do Lago watersports centre.
Dolphin Watching
Zoomarine isn’t the only place you can see dolphins in the Algarve. Take a high speed RIB out to sea to observe the fabulous creatures in the wild as the play in the water right next to the boat. Or take a relaxing boat trip along the coast, exploring the caves and grottoes that are quite simply stunning in their natural beauty.
Family time down on the Range
Every Friday during the summer months, the Quinta do Lago driving range transforms itself into a fun park for family evenings with the very popular Picnic in the Park. Grab a blanket, grab your kids, bring your own food and drink (or buy at the Park) and enjoy an evening of fun relaxation with live music, bouncy castles, Zorb balls and more. Outdoors and free, this is a great family favourite.
