The Algarve is an ideal region for family holidays. Many activities are fun. If the region is a well known beach destination, there’s a lot to do with children and teenagers, both on land and at sea.
Here are the 10 best things to do as a family in the Algarve; these experiences will give your children unforgettable moments.
Exploring the caves and the Algarve coast by boat is an ideal activity for children, teenagers... and parents.
The most beautiful sea caves ( Benagil cave) and beaches are in Lagoa between Ferragudo and Porches; they are accessible only from the sea ; discover the famous Benagil cave and beautiful cliffs from a boat ; you may be very lucky to spot dolphins; you can also swim in the crystal clear waters of a secret beach.
Cruises leave from the marinas of many towns in the Algarve (Portimao, Albufeira, Lagos). The closest departure points are Senhora da Rocha beach in Porches, Carvoeiro beach and Amarçao de Pera beach. Fishermen converted to tourism offer tours from these beaches
It is the largest water park in the region. Visit Slide and Splash Lagoa and be sure to spend a fun and refreshing day. The park has a number of impressive attractions (with a new one per year) for old and young. Shows with birds and animals are also offered several times a day.
You can relax in sun loungers on grassy areas; there is a massage area too. There are several restaurants, dining and picnic areas on the site. Remember to bring your own towels and beach umbrellas with you, all small additional services are not free of charges.
Book your tickets in advance on the park website to avoid the queue at the entrance: www.slidesplash.com
The Zoo Marine is a must in the Algarve, there are animals of course but it is also a real amusement park with rides, slides and swimming pool.
Dolphins and sea lions are the main attractions of the park ; watch them swim the pools and enjoy their shows .
Want to fulfill your dream, swim with a dolphin for example? Book this unique experience thanks to a special pass called "Dolphins Emotions". The pass includes admission to the park and 15 minutes in the dolphin pool with an animal carer ; booking the experience is a must: Book here.
If only one person in your group wishes to have the Dolphins Emotions experience we advise you to buy a classic pass for the rest of the group: Book here
The Zoo Marine is located in Guia, it is just 15 minutes from our holiday apartment in Porches. We advise you to book your tickets in advance to avoid queues on busy days.
Silves Castle is the largest castle in the region and one of its main attractions; it was built during the Muslim occupation and recalls in its style the magnificent Alcazar of Seville. From the top of the ramparts you can admire the view over the entire Arade valley and the Serra de Monchique.
Visit the castle and learn about the history of the Algarve region in a very beautiful setting. You can also choose to visit the Archaeological Museum of Silves
The castle is open to visitors all year round, visits are not free of charges (2.80 euros), children pay half-price.
You can get to Silves by car; if you want to discover the Arade river and the whole valley of Silves we advise you to book a guided tour from Portimao.
It is one of the best family activities in the Algarve. The largest sand sculpture park in the world is in Lagoa! In spring, artists from all over the world take turns to build incredible sculptures. Some represent famous monuments, celebrities, cartoon characters or famous paintings. Activities are offered on site such as workshops (how to sculpt sand.)
SandCity (formerly FIESA) generally opens from early April to early November. In summer it is possible to visit the park at night. Come at the end of the day to enjoy the park by day and the illuminations of the works at nightfall.
Book your tickets online for a 10% discount and skip the line: fiesa.org
The Atlantic Ocean bathes the Algarve coasts; it is enriched with nutrients for fish and dolphin colonies that have settled in the region. The Algarve is also a crossing point for species in transit between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
The population of dolphins is the strongest in summer when waters get warmer. Dolphins are everywhere in the Algarve but my favourite places are along the coasts of Portimao and Sagres.
Discover dolphins and underwater fauna on a boat trip and learn about dolphins from local experts.
You may not know it, but Portugal is the main cork producer in the world. Cork is produced all over the country, but more particularly in the Alentejo and in some parts of the Algarve.
Cork is used for wine bottles of course, but also as insulating material or decoration.
Discover the production, processing and use of cork during a visit to a factory located in the Algarve. Another way to discover the region.
Spend a pleasant time with your family outside the town at Lagos Zoo and discover animals from around the world.
The animal park is not huge but offers a wide variety of animals including many birds, monkeys, turtles, lynx, crocodiles, pygmy hippos, leopards and even penguins.
Remember to bring your swimsuit with you: there’s a swimming pool area to cool off at the end of your visit.
The whole Algarve region is well worth a visit and not only for its beaches. Stay away from tourist areas and discover a preserved and authentic region. The interior of the Algarve is sparsely populated and geared towards the cultivation of citrus fruits, almonds, figs and cork.
For a good overview of this other Algarve, we invite you to Foia, the summit of the region in the Serra de Monchique, the panorama is stunning and relaxing with its many lakes and hiking trails.
On foot, by bike or Jeep there are many ways to discover the Monchique region
The Designer Outlet shopping centre next to the Mar Shopping Algarve in Loulé
You may not think about shopping places before you book your holiday in the Algarve but the region has it all to please shopping fans.
Did you know that many famous brands like Zara or Pull and Bear are up to 30% cheaper there than in any of their Portuguese subsidiaries? (tip: unfold the price tag of the item to see the price in your country)
There are 3 main shopping centres in the region, all of them are outdoors like Californian shopping malls. You can also have a meal or a drink outside: the terraces are large.
The shopping centres are open 7/7 till 10 p.m. Want more information? Please read our article about the best shopping centres in the Algarve.