Well-known for its seashores (and golf programs), its year-round solar and string of household points of interest, 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 observe 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 points of interest or castles (to not point out sandcastles), or when you’re in search of days out with toddlers, I’ve picked out a few of my favorite issues to do within the Algarve with children to start out you off.
Take pleasure in a seaside day
The place to start out however with a seaside? 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 calm down and youngsters to burn off some vitality, construct sandcastles, seek for shells, play seaside volleyball, and go swimming within the calm turquoise waters.
There are too many to say, and also you’re unlikely to go far unsuitable wherever you choose 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 also be a well-liked one – near the centre of Portimao, there are eating places lining the boardwalk on the again, loungers to rent, a viewpoint searching alongside the sand and loads of area to calm down and benefit from the water.
On windier days, the rocks which give the seaside its identify additionally act as a useful windbreak, and there’s parking close by (although get there early if you need an opportunity of an area).
Praia do Anção, close to Faro
Near Faro, Praia do Anção is a well-liked household seaside within the Algarve, sitting near Faro and on the sting of the Ria Formosa pure park.
The lengthy stretch of golden seaside has lifeguards patrolling the calm waters, sunbeds and umbrellas to hire, watersports galore, and loads of beach-side cafes and eating places. A lot 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 seaside within the east of the Algarve – this one on the different finish of the Ria Formosa. The massive seaside continues for miles, so there’s loads of room for teenagers to run round and discover.
With wetlands and sand dunes on the again, it’s additionally recognized for pretty wildlife. Nonetheless, there are fewer meals choices alongside the seaside, so it’s a good suggestion to convey some drinks and a picnic when 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 seaside is surrounded by limestone cliffs and has received 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 enormous 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’ll stroll right 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 perfect spot to check out a string of watersports, particularly when you’re visiting with older children and youths.
Browsing is likely one of the hottest water sports activities within the Algarve. There are many locations for youthful ones to present 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 rise up paddleboarding, bodyboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and crusing – whether or not you wish to study to sail or want a skipper to take you out.
You’ll be able to rent your personal 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 very least one boat journey – and there are many differing kinds, so that you’ll be tempted to decide on multiple throughout your keep.
Algarve boat excursions take you to discover the shoreline’s untouched seashores, hidden coves and dramatic caves, whereas children also can take pleasure in recognizing the area’s superb wildlife, together with wild dolphins.
For extra concepts of the greatest 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 surroundings – when you’re fortunate, there’s even an opportunity of recognizing whales at some instances of the 12 months.
There are a lot of dolphin watching boat excursions accessible to e-book – together with choices full with marine biologists who will fascinate children with details about these fantastic 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 an entire 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 by way of Tiqets and Viator) for a unbelievable 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 take pleasure in recognizing the world’s wildlife, together with many protected fowl species in addition to an opportunity of seeing dolphins.
There are numerous completely different journeys on supply however I’d undoubtedly advocate the full-day tour (approx 5-6 hours) we tried with Odyssey excursions, which takes you to a few completely 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 dwelling within the protected waters.
Sail on a pirate ship
A pirate ship cruise is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do within the Algarve with children, crusing alongside the shoreline in quest of 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 unbelievable waterparks for the day.
Algarve waterparks are often open between April/Might and September/October. Make sure you test the opening dates and instances earlier than your go to although, particularly when 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 massive waterpark has loads of epic slides and water coasters for kids and adults of all ages to take pleasure in – 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, preferrred when you’re visiting the Algarve exterior the height summer time 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 much 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 take advantage of the froth slides and tropical paradise.
Aqualand
Aqualand is probably the most central waterpark within the Algarve and is straightforward to achieve from most resorts. It’s a bit of smaller than the opposite water parks, however Aqualand nonetheless makes for an awesome 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 kids, that includes slides, fountains, and extra.
Zoomarine, Guia
One of many largest household points of interest within the Algarve, Zoomarine is a mixture of water park and wildlife reveals – greatest recognized for the chance to swim with dolphins.
Whereas Zoomarine has received 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 – when you do select to, it’s doable 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 most well-liked Algarve household points of interest, particularly for animal lovers.
The small zoo is residence to over 140 completely 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 – excellent with youthful children.
The zoo focuses on conservation, so there are many alternatives for kids to study concerning the animals and the work being carried out to guard them. Don’t miss feeding instances and the common keeper talks.
Lagos Zoo is extraordinarily accessible when you’re visiting the Algarve with toddlers, and it’s simple to navigate your complete 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 your complete household stand up shut and private with quite a lot of completely different animals. You’ll be able to stroke dwarf goats, llamas, and deer within the petting zoo, take images with the lemurs, feed the resident crocodile (from a distance in fact), journey the ponies, and go to one of many largest snakes in Europe.
Then, whenever you’re carried out with the animals, seize your swimwear and head to the pool for a day on the water slides and inflatables – or take pleasure in a household sport of minigolf or paintball as a substitute.
Round 20 minutes inland from Albufeira, there’s lots 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 completely different continents, the sand sculpture park additionally options different areas themed by fantasy, the ocean and characters from movie and TV – together with Harry Potter, the Marvel universe and Paddington!
Anticipate to identify the whole lot 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, produced from sand. There’s even an space with some buckets and rakes the place you might be impressed to make your personal, when you really feel impressed by seeing among the world’s largest sand sculptures. An incredible possibility for a cloudy day within the Algarve however when you go to in midsummer, head there early or late as there’s no shade.
Go to a fort
Head to in direction of the border with Spain or in direction of the historic city of Silves and you’ll uncover a number of historical castles to discover.
Silves itself was as soon as a mighty Moorish capital referred to as Xelb (or Shelb), rivalling Lisbon in affect, and its fort continues to be the very best preserved on the Algarve in the present day, 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, but it surely’s an interesting distinction to the Algarve coast.
Learn my evaluate of a go to to Silves Fortress with children
Head additional east, and Tavira has its personal Moorish fort; additionally partly in ruins, there are nonetheless some nice views out in direction of the coast. Tavira fort is free to enter and you may also wander across the fort gardens.
And a brief distance away, proper on the border with Spain, you possibly can see the third of the Algarve’s castles at Castro Marim.
The Castelo do Castro Marim is a medieval development, constructed on Roman and Moorish fortifications, with later additions when the fort was restored – once more, there isn’t an enormous quantity to see inside (although you will get an audio information) but it surely’s solely a small charge 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 – searching to the countless sea and horizon from Cabo de Sao Vicente, you possibly can perceive why.
Probably 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 time’s day, anticipate it to be very windy, and it’s not exhausting 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 properly. The lighthouse constructing itself is never open, although you might be able to get entry on Wednesday afternoons, however you possibly can wander contained in the partitions and look out to that countless blue ocean and absorb the views.
There’s additionally a small fort close by, though it was closed after we visited, and you’ll 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 kids. Greatest to reach early, as it could actually get unexpectedly busy.
Fortaleza de Sagres (Sagres Fort)
Sat on the headland at Sagres, the large fort might be seen for miles – as you’ll know when you’ve visited Cabo de Sao Vicente already.
Whereas the earliest sections date from the fifteenth century, most can be unrecognisable to Henry the Navigator because it has been repeatedly rebuilt, expanded and fortified since then, with main rebuilding work carried out within the late 18th century.
Inside there’s a small lighthouse and you’ll climb among the fortifications, in addition to wanting right down to the mysterious markings on the bottom – a circle divided into sections, no-one is kind of certain whether or not it’s a kind of compass rose, an enormous sundial or one thing else.
Do save a while to wander inside 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 right down to the seashores, with boards giving particulars on among the vegetation and animals which stay 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 greatest for browsing than paddling with some enormous waves.
Time journey at Parque da Mina
The Parque da Mina is a theme park with a distinction, the place you possibly can 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 possibly can feed livestock and study extra concerning the nature and wildlife of the world, there’s a museum set inside a home, furnished as it might 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. Positioned round 5 miles from Portimao.
Discover the Centro de Ciencia Viva
Uncover extra concerning the pure world – from the ocean to area – at one of many Centro de Ciencia Viva museums throughout the Algarve.
In addition to one simply exterior Faro, which focuses on the ocean, there are two different areas in Tavira and Lagos.
The Faro centre is a superb one to mix with a go to to the Ria Formosa, in addition to answering all these questions children ask on the seaside, equivalent to how waves are shaped, 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 plenty 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 – a lot of Portugal’s explorers left from this a part of the Algarve, and in addition to telling a few of their tales, it appears 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 fortuitously, 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 inconceivable, it’s a enjoyable strategy to spend an hour or two with a restaurant and holes set round a small lake.
Journey Golf Alvor
Dinosaur lovers will take pleasure in strolling amongst prehistoric beasts at Jurassic Park themed Journey Golf Alvor. The positioning additionally has ten pin bowling with particular mini lanes for youthful kids 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 details to find as you go, so it’s secretly academic as properly! 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 your complete 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 singular mini-golf course that options miniature variations of among the world’s most iconic golf holes, equivalent to Augusta, Belfry, and Sawgrass. An incredible place for avid golfers to get the little ones concerned within the sport early on.
Trip a vacationer practice
If you wish to discover among the Algarve’s attractive cities and cities in a means 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 strategy to sightsee however the trains are additionally a straightforward strategy to get round whenever you’re travelling with little legs.
A couple of 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 when you’ve exploring the Algarve with older teenagers, or those that fancy a bit extra adrenaline of their vacation.
There are three completely 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 strains.
You need to be over a metre tall to deal with the simplest 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, crammed with 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 take pleasure in, 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 also be price a go to.
The world 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 in the present day.
Or head as much as the highest of Mount Foia, the best level within the Algarve at 902m – when you can hike it, the best choice with children is to enterprise up by jeep until you’re skilled walkers.
Throughout the similar Serra de Monchique mountain vary, the Serra da Picota is the second highest level at 774 metres and might be quieter than Foia. You too can drive many of the means up, though it’s greatest to stroll the final part.
Head off highway
Whereas the Algarve is legendary for its coast, you possibly can head inland to find one other aspect to this a part of Portugal, with jeep safari journeys by way of 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 consists of 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 means for the entire household to discover the gorgeous seashores and luxurious countryside of the Algarve is by horseback. There are a lot of completely different routes you possibly can take across the area, together with sundown treks on the seaside – 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 learners or those that want a refresher on a horse. There are additionally smaller ponies for youthful kids (4+). Horse driving garments and boots are provided.
Eat piri piri rooster
You won’t suppose consuming piri piri rooster must 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 in the present day too (although you will get plain rooster when you ask). Who wants Nando’s?
Learn my evaluate of a go to to Ramires restaurant to strive their authentic piri piri rooster
The place to remain within the Algarve with children
You’re spoiled for selection in the case of locations to stick with children within the Algarve too – I really like having my very own area for beachy holidays like this, and stayed with on the pretty Villa Vivenda Gale Mar on one latest journey, in addition to one other villa simply exterior Praia da Luz.
Plum Information – which we used for our latest journey to Lisbon, staying in a self-catering residence – additionally has properties within the Algarve all alongside the coast.
Or for family-friendly lodges within the Algarve, take a look at the choices on reserving.com in addition to bundle holidays from TUI.
Try my full information to Portugal with children right here
*First printed 2022, final up to date 2024*
Disclosure: This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Lemur/Aqualand/Monchique photographs courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
