Well-known for its seashores (and golf programs), its year-round solar and string of household points of interest, you’ll be spoiled for alternative for issues to do within the Algarve with youngsters.
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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 japanese Algarve, or persist with one of many quieter spots alongside the coast between Albufeira, Carvoeiro and Portimao.
So whether or not your youngsters are followers of waterparks or boat journeys, animal points of interest or castles (to not point out sandcastles), or in case 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 youngsters to begin you off.
Take pleasure in a seaside day
The place to begin however with a seaside? The Algarve is residence to among the most lovely 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 kids to burn off some power, 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 improper 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 preferred 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 house to cool down and benefit from the water.
On windier days, the rocks which give the seaside its identify additionally act as a helpful windbreak, and there’s parking close by (although get there early in order for you 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. Lots to maintain the entire household entertained for a day.
Try my full information to Portugal with youngsters 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 beautiful wildlife. Nevertheless, there are fewer meals choices alongside the seaside, so it’s a good suggestion to convey some drinks and a picnic in case 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 youngsters will probably 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 steadiness 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 big 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 best way 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.
Attempt 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 in case you’re visiting with older youngsters and teenagers.
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 most effective spots within the area to seek out youngsters’ surf colleges and surf rent.
Apart from browsing, you’ll discover loads of different methods to take to the Algarve waters. You may strive arise paddleboarding, bodyboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and crusing – whether or not you need to study to sail or want a skipper to take you out.
You may rent your individual gear 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 no less than 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 youngsters may get pleasure from recognizing the area’s superb wildlife, together with wild dolphins.
For extra concepts of the greatest Algarve boat excursions with youngsters, try 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 case you’re fortunate, there’s even an opportunity of recognizing whales at some occasions of the 12 months.
There are various dolphin watching boat excursions accessible to ebook – together with choices full with marine biologists who will fascinate youngsters with info 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 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 (comparable journeys accessible through 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 recommendations on the place else to go to in addition to exploring the caves.
You may 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, youngsters 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 completely 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 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 residing 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 youngsters, crusing alongside the shoreline in the hunt for hidden bays and coves (with buried treasure? Who is aware of…)
Youngsters will love changing into pirates for the day on board a conventional 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 youngsters, head to one of many area’s unbelievable waterparks for the day.
Algarve waterparks are often open between April/Might and September/October. You’ll want to test the opening dates and occasions earlier than your go to although, particularly in case you’re travelling out of peak season.
Aquashow Park
Aquashow Park is the biggest 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 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 youngsters.
There’s additionally a brand new indoor water park, ideally suited in case 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 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 youngsters and teenagers 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 essentially the most central waterpark within the Algarve and is straightforward to succeed in from most resorts. It’s just a little smaller than the opposite water parks, however Aqualand nonetheless makes for a terrific day trip with youngsters within the Algarve.
The park is residence to the very 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 points of interest within the Algarve, Zoomarine is a mixture of water park and wildlife exhibits – greatest recognized for the chance to swim with dolphins.
Whereas Zoomarine has received awards over time 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 case you do select to, it’s potential to keep away from the dolphin experiences and exhibits, and persist 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 exhibits that includes birds of prey.
Go to Lagos Zoo
Lagos Zoo is one other of the preferred 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 youngsters can work together with pleasant goats, donkeys, rabbits, and guinea pigs – excellent with youthful youngsters.
The zoo focuses on conservation, so there are many alternatives for kids to study concerning the animals and the work being accomplished to guard them. Don’t miss feeding occasions and the common keeper talks.
Lagos Zoo is extraordinarily accessible in case 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 most effective issues to do in Lagos with youngsters, in addition to concepts for day journeys from Lagos, try 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 stand up shut and private with a wide range of completely different animals. You may stroke dwarf goats, llamas, and deer within the petting zoo, take images with the lemurs, feed the resident crocodile (from a distance after all), experience the ponies, and go to one of many largest snakes in Europe.
Then, while you’re accomplished 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 lots to do at Krazy world for a enjoyable household day trip within the Algarve.
Sand Metropolis Lagoa
Maybe essentially the most uncommon day trip within the Algarve with youngsters, 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 fable, the ocean and characters from movie and TV – together with Harry Potter, the Marvel universe and Paddington!
Anticipate to identify all the pieces 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 an enormous octopus.
All of that are, after all, constituted of sand. There’s even an space with some buckets and rakes the place you might be impressed to make your individual, in case you really feel impressed by seeing among the world’s largest sand sculptures. An amazing possibility for a cloudy day within the Algarve however in case you go to in midsummer, head there early or late as there’s no shade.
Go to a citadel
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 historic 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 citadel continues to be the most effective preserved on the Algarve at this time, 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, nevertheless it’s a captivating distinction to the Algarve coast.
Learn my assessment of a go to to Silves Fortress with youngsters
Head additional east, and Tavira has its personal Moorish citadel; additionally partly in ruins, there are nonetheless some nice views out in direction of the coast. Tavira citadel is free to enter and you may also wander across the citadel gardens.
And a brief distance away, proper on the border with Spain, you may 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 citadel was restored – once more, there isn’t an enormous quantity to see inside (although you will get an audio information) nevertheless it’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 limitless sea and horizon from Cabo de Sao Vicente, you may 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 provides you some thought 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 should be in winter – underneath blue skies, it’s merely lovely although.
You may 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 may 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’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 youngsters. Finest to reach early, as it may 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 in case 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 accomplished 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 sort of certain whether or not it’s a form 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 right down to the seashores, with boards giving particulars on among the crops and animals which stay right here, plus stones piled up into cairns.
The fort can get very busy, so once more it’s value 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 big waves.
Time journey at Parque da Mina
The Parque da Mina is a theme park with a distinction, the place you may journey again in time to find how life was lived within the Algarve in occasions passed by.
In addition to an outdated farm, the place you may 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 places 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 youngsters ask on the seaside, equivalent to 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 lot of hands-on enjoyable, with challenges primarily based round power and water – together with a water backyard – in addition to ones to get youngsters fascinated by sound.
In the meantime the exhibitions at Lagos take 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 appears on the science concerned of their voyages.
Play a spherical of mini golf
Portugal’s Algarve is legendary for its unbelievable world-class golf programs. And happily, 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 steadiness so there’s sufficient of a problem with youngsters, with out being completely not possible, it’s a enjoyable option 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 location 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 historic Rome – there are info to find as you go, so it’s secretly instructional as nicely! There’s a restaurant right here too.
Golfland
Additionally in Alvor, you’ll discover Golfland, set inside a beautiful 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 every 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 amazing place for avid golfers to get the little ones concerned within the sport early on.
Experience a vacationer practice
If you wish to discover among the Algarve’s beautiful cities and cities in a method 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 places throughout the cities and alongside the coast. They’re not solely a enjoyable option to sightsee however the trains are additionally a simple option to get round while 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 case 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 big zip traces.
You must be over a metre tall to sort out 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 area, stretching for greater than 2,500 metres squared inside a forest, full of pure obstacles in addition to a collection 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 japanese 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 value 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 relentless 31C at this time.
Or head as much as the highest of Mount Foia, the very best level within the Algarve at 902m – whilst you can hike it, the best choice with youngsters 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 can too drive a lot of the method up, though it’s greatest to stroll the final part.
Head off highway
Whereas the Algarve is legendary for its coast, you may head inland to find one other facet to this a part of Portugal, with jeep safari journeys by means of the Algarve with youngsters.
There’s a full-day jeep tour appropriate for age 2+ (though personally, I’d say it’s higher for older youngsters) the place you’ll head into the mountains, style native jam in little villas, uncover among the surroundings to find outdated settlements which have barely modified for hundreds of years.
Or this half-day jeep safari contains comparable experiences, in addition to the prospect to swim in a crystal clear spring and style honey alongside the best way.
Go horse using
One other enjoyable method for the entire household to discover the gorgeous seashores and plush countryside of the Algarve is by horseback. There are various completely different routes you may 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 using centres within the Algarve supply non-public and group classes for inexperienced persons or those that want a refresher on a horse. There are additionally smaller ponies for youthful youngsters (4+). Horse using garments and boots are provided.
Eat piri piri hen
You may not assume consuming piri piri hen ought to be on an inventory of high issues to do within the Algarve with youngsters – however when it’s the place which invented the dish, how will you 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 at this time too (although you will get plain hen in case you ask). Who wants Nando’s?
Learn my assessment of a go to to Ramires restaurant to strive their unique piri piri hen
The place to remain within the Algarve with youngsters
You’re spoiled for alternative on the subject of locations to stick with youngsters within the Algarve too – I really 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 lodges within the Algarve, try the choices on reserving.com in addition to bundle holidays from TUI.
Try my full information to Portugal with youngsters right here
*First printed 2022, final up to date 2024*
Disclosure: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Lemur/Aqualand/Monchique pictures courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
