Well-known for its seashores (and golf programs), its year-round solar and string of household sights, you’ll be spoiled for selection for issues to do within the Algarve with children.
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And in addition to the larger resort cities, it’s simple to get off the overwhelmed monitor on this tempting nook of Portugal, whether or not you enterprise to the far west or jap Algarve, or keep on with one of many quieter spots alongside the coast between Albufeira, Carvoeiro and Portimao.
So whether or not your children are followers of waterparks or boat journeys, animal sights or castles (to not point out sandcastles), or in the event you’re on the lookout for days out with toddlers, I’ve picked out a few of my favorite issues to do within the Algarve with children to begin you off.
Take pleasure in a seashore day
The place to begin however with a seashore? The Algarve is residence to among the most stunning seashores in all of Portugal, from lengthy golden stretches of sand to little coves solely accessible at low tide (or by boat).
Wherever you keep alongside the coast, you’ll discover numerous gorgeous sandy seashores for adults to loosen up and kids to burn off some vitality, construct sandcastles, seek for shells, play seashore volleyball, and go swimming within the calm turquoise waters.
There are too many to say, and also you’re unlikely to go far flawed wherever you decide however listed here are only a few of our favorite family-friendly seashores within the Algarve…
Praia da Rocha, Portimao
One of many largest seashores within the Algarve, Praia da Rocha can be a preferred one – near the centre of Portimao, there are eating places lining the boardwalk on the again, loungers to rent, a viewpoint looking alongside the sand and loads of house to calm down and benefit from the water.
On windier days, the rocks which give the seashore its title additionally act as a useful windbreak, and there’s parking close by (although get there early if you’d like an opportunity of an area).
Praia do Anção, close to Faro
Near Faro, Praia do Anção is a well-liked household seashore within the Algarve, sitting near Faro and on the sting of the Ria Formosa pure park.
The lengthy stretch of golden seashore has lifeguards patrolling the calm waters, sunbeds and umbrellas to lease, watersports galore, and loads of beach-side cafes and eating places. Lots to maintain the entire household entertained for a day.
Try my full information to Portugal with children right here
Praia da Manta Rota, Vila Nova de Cacela
Praia da Manta Rota is one other nice seashore within the east of the Algarve – this one on the different finish of the Ria Formosa. The large seashore continues for miles, so there’s loads of room for youths to run round and discover.
With wetlands and sand dunes on the again, it’s additionally recognized for beautiful wildlife. Nevertheless, there are fewer meals choices alongside the seashore, so it’s a good suggestion to carry some drinks and a picnic in the event you’re staying all day.
Salema Seashore, Salema
Salema Seashore is a hidden gem within the western Algarve, positioned near the gorgeous fishing village of Salema.
The small, picturesque golden seashore is surrounded by limestone cliffs and has gained awards for its pure magnificence – though children will likely be most tempted by the prospect to seek for fossilised dinosaur footprints within the sand.
Praia da Gale, Gale
One other little hidden gem, Praia da Gale manages to get the stability between a quiet escape from the crowds and having a few little eating places and cafes close by.
The entire stretch of coast round Gale is a succession of coves, sectioned off by some large rocks – there’s a path on the cliff and dunes behind, and you may also get from cove to cove at low tide.
Wander eastwards in direction of Praia Lourenco and also you’ll discover caves alongside the way in which too. Be prepared for some scrambling and clambering! Or head west and you may stroll all the way down to Praia de Armação de Pêra, a extra open – and busier – stretch of sand.
Strive some watersports
With its lengthy stretch of shoreline and pristine waters, the Algarve is the best spot to check out a string of watersports, particularly in the event you’re visiting with older children and youths.
Browsing is without doubt one of the hottest water sports activities within the Algarve. There are many locations for youthful ones to provide browsing a go too, whether or not it’s their first time or they’re already a professional. Sagres and Lagos within the west of the Algarve are the very best spots within the area to search out children’ surf colleges and surf rent.
Apart from browsing, you’ll discover loads of different methods to take to the Algarve waters. You’ll be able to strive get up paddleboarding, bodyboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and crusing – whether or not you need to study to sail or choose a skipper to take you out.
You’ll be able to rent your individual tools and stick near the seashores, or head out on guided excursions alongside the coast. There’s even family-friendly coasteering for age 7+.
Take a ship tour
A household vacation within the Algarve isn’t full with out at the least one boat journey – and there are many differing types, so that you’ll be tempted to decide on a couple of throughout your keep.
Algarve boat excursions take you to discover the shoreline’s untouched seashores, hidden coves and dramatic caves, whereas children also can get pleasure from recognizing the area’s superb wildlife, together with wild dolphins.
For extra concepts of the finest Algarve boat excursions with children, take a look at my high picks
Dolphin-spotting in Albufeira
Cruise alongside the shoreline near Albufeira and also you would possibly see dolphins swimming and leaping round within the pure setting – in the event you’re fortunate, there’s even an opportunity of recognizing whales at some instances of the yr.
There are various dolphin watching boat excursions accessible to ebook – together with choices full with marine biologists who will fascinate children with information about these great creatures.
Go to the Benagil cave
The Benagil Caves (Algar de Benagil) are one of many Algarve’s most iconic sights and a must-see for the entire household.
Solely accessible from the water, it’s simple to leap on a ship tour to go to them – and a complete host of different much less well-known however equally eyecatching caves, plus the remainder of this gorgeous stretch of shoreline.
We booked a visit from from Portimão with Atlantis excursions (related journeys accessible through Tiqets and Viator) for a implausible two-hour journey in a inflexible inflatable boat, recognizing rock formations, listening to extra concerning the coast and getting tips about the place else to go to in addition to exploring the caves.
You’ll be able to watch my video of our boat journey to the Benagil cave right here.
Cruise across the Ria Formosa
The Ria Formosa lagoon is a nature lover’s paradise, consisting of a labyrinth of canals, islands, wetlands, and sandbanks – a world away from the busy resorts.
On a cruise across the Ria Formosa, children can get pleasure from recognizing the realm’s wildlife, together with many protected chook species in addition to an opportunity of seeing dolphins.
There are numerous totally different journeys on supply however I’d undoubtedly suggest the full-day tour (approx 5-6 hours) we tried with Odyssey excursions, which takes you to 3 totally different islands, in addition to a guided tour across the waters – unspoiled Farol was my favorite, together with the sight of a sea eagle and tales of the endangered seahorses residing within the protected waters.
Sail on a pirate ship
A pirate ship cruise is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do within the Algarve with children, crusing alongside the shoreline looking for hidden bays and coves (with buried treasure? Who is aware of…)
Children will love turning into pirates for the day on board a standard ship, with loads of pirate ship cruises to select from. The Santa Bernarda pirate ship might be the Algarve’s most well-known, with a half-day journey from Portimao.
Hit the waterparks
For extra water-based enjoyable within the Algarve with children, head to one of many area’s implausible waterparks for the day.
Algarve waterparks are normally open between April/Might and September/October. You should definitely examine the opening dates and instances earlier than your go to although, particularly in the event you’re travelling out of peak season.
Aquashow Park
Aquashow Park is the most important water park and theme park in all of Portugal, present in Quarteira, only a few minutes from Vilamoura and the Golden Triangle.
The large waterpark has loads of epic slides and water coasters for kids and adults of all ages to get pleasure from – from the 32m Free Fall/Kamikaze and racing slides to a lazy river, wave pool, and an aquakids space for toddlers and youthful children.
There’s additionally a brand new indoor water park, supreme in the event you’re visiting the Algarve outdoors the height summer season months. The one indoor water park within the Algarve, there are children’ water slides and child pool, in addition to a wave pool, journey pool with climbing wall and plenty extra for households.
Slide & Splash
Slide & Splash is one other large family-friendly waterpark, however this time positioned within the western Algarve, near Portimão and Alvor.
Older children and youths can get their adrenaline pumping on the corkscrew and kamikaze, whereas little ones can benefit from the froth slides and tropical paradise.
Aqualand
Aqualand is probably the most central waterpark within the Algarve and is simple to achieve from most resorts. It’s a bit smaller than the opposite water parks, however Aqualand nonetheless makes for an amazing day trip with children within the Algarve.
The park is residence to the best water slide in Portugal and has two devoted areas for youthful youngsters, that includes slides, fountains, and extra.
Zoomarine, Guia
One of many largest household sights within the Algarve, Zoomarine is a mixture of water park and wildlife reveals – finest recognized for the chance to swim with dolphins.
Whereas Zoomarine has gained awards through the years for its work with animals, and is an accredited zoo, the captive dolphin experiences are understandably very controversial.
My very own animal-obsessed daughter flatly refused to even contemplate visiting – in the event you do select to, it’s attainable to keep away from the dolphin experiences and reveals, and keep on with the waterpark (which has the same old mixture of slides and wave pool, in addition to a T Rex river rafting journey) plus different reveals that includes birds of prey.
Go to Lagos Zoo
Lagos Zoo is one other of the preferred Algarve household sights, particularly for animal lovers.
The small zoo is residence to over 140 totally different animal species, together with many unique birds and primates however there’s additionally a petting zoo the place children can work together with pleasant goats, donkeys, rabbits, and guinea pigs – good with youthful children.
The zoo focuses on conservation, so there are many alternatives for kids to study concerning the animals and the work being executed to guard them. Don’t miss feeding instances and the common keeper talks.
Lagos Zoo is extraordinarily accessible in the event you’re visiting the Algarve with toddlers, and it’s simple to navigate the whole park with pushchairs (in addition to wheelchairs).
For extra of the very best issues to do in Lagos with children, in addition to concepts for day journeys from Lagos, take a look at my high picks
Krazyworld, Algoz
A zoo, petting farm, swimming pool, waterslides, inflatables, pedal karts, minigolf, high-ropes, and paintball are simply among the superb kid-friendly actions on supply at Krazyworld.
The interactive zoo lets the whole household rise up shut and private with quite a lot of totally different animals. You’ll be able to stroke dwarf goats, llamas, and deer within the petting zoo, take pictures with the lemurs, feed the resident crocodile (from a distance in fact), trip the ponies, and go to one of many largest snakes in Europe.
Then, whenever you’re executed with the animals, seize your swimwear and head to the pool for a day on the water slides and inflatables – or get pleasure from a household sport of minigolf or paintball as a substitute.
Round 20 minutes inland from Albufeira, there’s loads to do at Krazy world for a enjoyable household day trip within the Algarve.
Sand Metropolis Lagoa
Maybe probably the most uncommon day trip within the Algarve with children, the sand sculptures at Sand Metropolis are distinctly spectacular – I visited anticipating to whereas away an hour with my daughter and got here away marvelling on the element.
Divided into sections impressed by the totally different continents, the sand sculpture park additionally options different areas themed by fable, the ocean and characters from movie and TV – together with Harry Potter, the Marvel universe and Paddington!
Count on to identify all the things from the Queen to Yoda, the temples of the Mayans, Ta Prohm in Cambodia, the Wild West, Historic Egyptian god Anubis, a herd of elephants and a large octopus.
All of that are, in fact, constructed from sand. There’s even an space with some buckets and rakes the place you might be impressed to make your individual, in the event you really feel impressed by seeing among the world’s largest sand sculptures. An incredible possibility for a cloudy day within the Algarve however in the event you go to in midsummer, head there early or late as there’s no shade.
Go to a fortress
Head to in direction of the border with Spain or in direction of the historic city of Silves and you may uncover a number of historical castles to discover.
Silves itself was as soon as a mighty Moorish capital generally known as Xelb (or Shelb), rivalling Lisbon in affect, and its fortress continues to be the very best preserved on the Algarve right now, with a string of day journeys to Silves Fortress.
With some components courting from the eighth century, Silves Fortress nonetheless towers above the city, with its fairly twisting streets and cathedral – it’s principally the partitions and fortifications which stay, so be ready to make use of your creativeness, however it’s an enchanting distinction to the Algarve coast.
Learn my assessment of a go to to Silves Fortress with children
Head additional east, and Tavira has its personal Moorish fortress; additionally partly in ruins, there are nonetheless some nice views out in direction of the coast. Tavira fortress is free to enter and you may also wander across the fortress gardens.
And a brief distance away, proper on the border with Spain, you’ll be able to see the third of the Algarve’s castles at Castro Marim.
The Castelo do Castro Marim is a medieval building, constructed on Roman and Moorish fortifications, with later additions when the fortress was restored – once more, there isn’t an enormous quantity to see inside (although you will get an audio information) however it’s solely a small payment and there are extra nice views.
Cabo de Sao Vicente
The Romans believed this was the top of the world, and that the solar dissolved into the ocean each evening – looking to the limitless sea and horizon from Cabo de Sao Vicente, you’ll be able to perceive why.
Essentially the most south-westerly level of mainland Europe, it’s round 900 miles to the Azores and greater than 4,500 miles to the US, which supplies you some concept of how explorers should have felt as they set off into the unknown from this spot.
Even on a sunny summer season’s day, count on it to be very windy, and it’s not arduous to think about how bleak it have to be in winter – underneath blue skies, it’s merely stunning although.
You’ll be able to go to the lighthouse on the finish of the world as nicely. The lighthouse constructing itself is never open, although you might be able to get entry on Wednesday afternoons, however you’ll be able to wander contained in the partitions and look out to that limitless blue ocean and absorb the views.
There’s additionally a small fort close by, though it was closed once we visited, and you may stroll out on the headland to look over to the lighthouse and again to Sagres – with uneven floor and sheer drops, do watch the place you stroll although and watch out with youthful youngsters. Finest to reach early, as it could get unexpectedly busy.
Fortaleza de Sagres (Sagres Fort)
Sat on the headland at Sagres, the massive fort might be seen for miles – as you’ll know in the event you’ve visited Cabo de Sao Vicente already.
Whereas the earliest sections date from the fifteenth century, most could be unrecognisable to Henry the Navigator because it has been repeatedly rebuilt, expanded and fortified since then, with main rebuilding work executed within the late 18th century.
Inside there’s a small lighthouse and you may climb among the fortifications, in addition to wanting all the way down to the mysterious markings on the bottom – a circle divided into sections, no-one is sort of certain whether or not it’s a type of compass rose, an enormous sundial or one thing else.
Do save a while to wander throughout the partitions, however brace your self for sturdy winds as you do: there are extra nice views, together with again to Cabo de Sao Vicente and all the way down to the seashores, with boards giving particulars on among the vegetation and animals which dwell right here, plus stones piled up into cairns.
The fort can get very busy, so once more it’s price arriving early. You’re additionally strolling distance from Sagres city right here, in addition to the city’s seashores, though these are finest for browsing than paddling with some large waves.
Time journey at Parque da Mina
The Parque da Mina is a theme park with a distinction, the place you’ll be able to journey again in time to find how life was lived within the Algarve in instances passed by.
In addition to an previous farm, the place you’ll be able to feed cattle and study extra concerning the nature and wildlife of the realm, there’s a museum set inside a home, furnished as it could have been within the early 1700s.
When you’ve explored these, head down into the decommissioned coal mine in addition to exploring the park, together with a bridge over a waterfall. Situated round 5 miles from Portimao.
Discover the Centro de Ciencia Viva
Uncover extra concerning the pure world – from the ocean to house – at one of many Centro de Ciencia Viva museums throughout the Algarve.
In addition to one simply outdoors Faro, which focuses on the ocean, there are two different areas in Tavira and Lagos.
The Faro centre is a good one to mix with a go to to the Ria Formosa, in addition to answering all these questions children ask on the seashore, reminiscent of how waves are fashioned, whether or not coral is an animal and why the ocean is salty.
Get tickets with free cancellation for the Faro Centro Ciencia Viva
At Tavira, there’s a number of hands-on enjoyable, with challenges based mostly round vitality and water – together with a water backyard – in addition to ones to get children occupied with sound.
In the meantime the exhibitions at Lagos have a look at navigation and discovery – lots of Portugal’s explorers left from this a part of the Algarve, and in addition to telling a few of their tales, it seems on the science concerned of their voyages.
Play a spherical of mini golf
Portugal’s Algarve is legendary for its unimaginable world-class golf programs. And luckily, there are many locations for little golfers to select up a membership too, with some very enjoyable mini golf…
Minigolf journey park, Albufeira
This 20-hole mini golf course is a well-liked possibility with households in Albufeira – hitting the stability so there’s sufficient of a problem with children, with out being completely unattainable, it’s a enjoyable approach to spend an hour or two with a restaurant and holes set round a small lake.
Journey Golf Alvor
Dinosaur lovers will get pleasure from strolling amongst prehistoric beasts at Jurassic Park themed Journey Golf Alvor. The positioning additionally has ten pin bowling with particular mini lanes for youthful youngsters plus a restaurant on web site.
Household Golf Park Vilamoura
At Household Golf Park in Vilamoura, there’s not one however two 18-hole mini-golf programs, all themed round historical Rome – there are information to find as you go, so it’s secretly academic as nicely! There’s a restaurant right here too.
Golfland
Additionally in Alvor, you’ll discover Golfland, set inside a stunning tropical backyard. The park has hundreds to do for the whole household, together with an 18-hole mini-golf course, indoor golf simulators, a playground, video games room, eating places, and day by day leisure.
Quinta do Lago
Quinta do Lago in Almancil (the Golden Triangle) has a novel mini-golf course that options miniature variations of among the world’s most iconic golf holes, reminiscent of Augusta, Belfry, and Sawgrass. An incredible place for avid golfers to get the little ones concerned within the sport early on.
Experience a vacationer prepare
If you wish to discover among the Algarve’s beautiful cities and cities in a manner that’s certain to maintain the little ones entertained, bounce on one of many area’s many vacationer trains.
The colorful trains allow you to bounce on and off at areas throughout the cities and alongside the coast. They’re not solely a enjoyable approach to sightsee however the trains are additionally a simple approach to get round whenever you’re travelling with little legs.
Just a few of the enjoyable vacationer trains to take a look at are…
Go to an journey park
With excessive ropes programs in addition to paintball, Parque Aventura in Albufeira is nice in the event you’ve exploring the Algarve with older teenagers, or those that fancy a bit extra adrenaline of their vacation.
There are three totally different ranges for the excessive ropes programs, beginning with Curious and ranging as much as Fearless, taking you thru the bushes, throughout bridges, rope nets and large zip traces.
You must be over a metre tall to deal with the best course, and over 1.4m for the Fearless possibility however in any other case there’s no want for any expertise. Or tackle the paintball discipline, stretching for greater than 2,500 metres squared inside a forest, full of pure obstacles in addition to a sequence of synthetic ones.
There’s a sister web site at Lagos, the place you’ll discover the identical excessive ropes and paintball to get pleasure from, in addition to at Vila Actual de Santo Antonio within the far jap Algarve, by the border with Spain, which has its personal excessive ropes course.
Discover Monchique
If you wish to uncover extra of the Algarve away from the coast, there’s some nice strolling and mountain biking within the space round Monchique – the colorful city itself can be price a go to.
The realm is legendary for its thermal springs, Caldas de Monchique, which the Romans valued for his or her therapeutic powers – the temperature continues to be a continuing 31C right now.
Or head as much as the highest of Mount Foia, the best level within the Algarve at 902m – when you can hike it, the most suitable choice with children is to enterprise up by jeep until you’re skilled walkers.
Throughout the identical Serra de Monchique mountain vary, the Serra da Picota is the second highest level at 774 metres and might be quieter than Foia. You can even drive a lot of the manner up, though it’s finest to stroll the final part.
Head off street
Whereas the Algarve is legendary for its coast, you’ll be able to head inland to find one other aspect to this a part of Portugal, with jeep safari journeys by the Algarve with children.
There’s a full-day jeep tour appropriate for age 2+ (though personally, I’d say it’s higher for older children) the place you’ll head into the mountains, style native jam in little villas, uncover among the surroundings to find previous settlements which have barely modified for hundreds of years.
Or this half-day jeep safari contains related experiences, in addition to the prospect to swim in a crystal clear spring and style honey alongside the way in which.
Go horse driving
One other enjoyable manner for the entire household to discover the gorgeous seashores and plush countryside of the Algarve is by horseback. There are various totally different routes you’ll be able to take across the area, together with sundown treks on the seashore – appropriate for 12+, though most horse treks and excursions can be found for kids aged six and above.
Many horse driving centres within the Algarve supply non-public and group classes for freshmen or those that want a refresher on a horse. There are additionally smaller ponies for youthful youngsters (4+). Horse driving garments and boots are provided.
Eat piri piri rooster
You won’t assume consuming piri piri rooster needs to be on an inventory of high issues to do within the Algarve with children – however when it’s the place which invented the dish, how are you going to miss out?
Within the quiet city of Guia, Restaurante Ramires lays declare to being the primary place to invent the dish – and that’s just about all you’ll discover on the menu right now too (although you will get plain rooster in the event you ask). Who wants Nando’s?
Learn my assessment of a go to to Ramires restaurant to strive their unique piri piri rooster
The place to remain within the Algarve with children
You’re spoiled for selection relating to locations to stick with children within the Algarve too – I like having my very own house for beachy holidays like this, and stayed with on the beautiful Villa Vivenda Gale Mar on one current journey, in addition to one other villa simply outdoors Praia da Luz.
Plum Information – which we used for our current journey to Lisbon, staying in a self-catering condo – additionally has properties within the Algarve all alongside the coast.
Or for family-friendly resorts within the Algarve, take a look at the choices on reserving.com in addition to package deal holidays from TUI.
Try my full information to Portugal with children right here
*First revealed 2022, final up to date 2024*
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Lemur/Aqualand/Monchique photographs courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels