The Algarve is a great place for families with kids of all ages and you’ll find it easy to keep them entertained. For this top 25 activities list we’ve grouped Alvor, Portimão, Praia da Rocha, Carvoeiro and Ferragudo as they’re all so close together meaning you have even more to explore!
1 Spend a day at the beach
The extraordinary beaches of Praia do Vau (with safe shores and absolutely no pollution), Praia da Rocha (with a vast amount of sand where kids can easily play sports or build sandcastles), Praia do Carvoeiro (in walking distance from the town of Carvoeiro) and Praia dos Caneiros(with small waves so children can safely swim in the sea) allow for truly amazing days spent between swimming and sunbathing on the towel. Crystal clear waters, a thin golden sand and overall impeccable hygiene conditions which grant most of the beaches a Blue Flag justify why this is one of the most visited areas in the Algarve. Spend a day at the beach with your whole family and enjoy the best the Algarve has to offer.
2 Slide & Splash
Slide & Splash is a water park located in the Lagoa area, a few minutes away from Portimão. It is in this water park that there is the terrifying Black Hole, a shoot where all the descent is done in the dark without ever knowing when the next turn is going to be, and the Kamikaze, a slide almost 20m high. There are also many other slides and attractions and even birds, parrots and reptiles shows.
3 Catamaran Boat Trip from Zona Ribeirinha
Want to discover the beautiful Algarve coastline. Then join a boat trip on board the Ophelia catamaran and cruise along the western coast of the Algarve. Certainly, a great way to spend a day. This trip includes visits to the areas of Benagil and Algar Seco so that you can explore where some of the most beautiful caves in the area are located, a barbecue lunch on the beach and time to relax with some snorkeling. On different days the trips are either ‘family days’ or ‘adult days’ ensuring the perfect atmosphere for you and your family.
The Ophelia departs from the Zona Ribeirinha (Riverside Zone) of Portimão which is also a great place to enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants of the area or simply go for a stroll and an ice-cream.
4 Alvor Sailing boat trip
Travel back in time to an age of excitement and Discoveries, when the dangers of the oceans were unknown and yet a few brave men set out to conquer the seven seas. Set sail in Alvor through the western coast of the Algarve, on a beautiful trip that is guaranteed to make you fall in love with the southern region of Portugal.
Depending on the type of trip chosen, there will be stops for you to swim, to snorkel or to visit other towns in the Algarve such as the historic and picturesque Lagos so there is plenty to keep the kids active and interested.
5 Take a boat trip to see the famous Benagil caves
A fun trip for the entire family can be a trip to the nearby caves. Visit the stunning caves of Benagil and be enchanted by the Algar de Benagil, a cave long lost in time that looks like it should belong in a fairy tale. In fact, Algar de Benagil is one of the most beautiful natural monuments in the Algarve and is within easy reach of Carvoeiro, Ferragudo, Portimão and Praia da Rocha all of which regular trips departing and lasting 1-2hours depending on the trip you choose making them perfect for kids with shorter attention spans.
Rock formations sculpted by the wind make this a magical place without equal. In this place, there are natural pools and rock holes, created by the winds and seawater for several thousands of years, which look like authentic windows and balconies. Spend a stress free and outdoor day exploring the multitude of beaches, caves and cliffs of the western Algarve.
