Travel with Children
The Algarve is a fun, kid-focused area with loads of attractions, family-friendly beaches and cultural activities. Try thrilling water parks such as Slide & Splash and Krazy World; the great zoo in Lagos; and, at Silves, the imagination-firing castle.
There are some excellent museums, too: in São Brás de Alportel there’s a simple cork display in the Museu do Traje, and in Portimão the wonderful Museu de Portimão re-creates a former fish cannery.
Many towns along the coast run boat trips and several have little trains.
Albufeira has a plethora of agencies in the area selling a variety of trips, from horse riding to cruising on pirate ships. Most boat trips leave from the marina. Other kid-oriented activities include the following:
- Albufeira Riding Centre On the road to Vilamoura. Offers one- to three-hour horse rides for all ages and abilities.
- Aqualand Huge loop-the-loop slide and rapids.
- Aquashow In Quarteira, 10km east of Albufeira, with parrots, reptiles and a wave pool.
Need to Know
- Save time and money by prepurchasing tickets for big-ticket attractions (eg water parks) online.
- Car-hire companies can usually provide child seats; book in advance as numbers are limited.
- Discreet breast-feeding in public is normally fine.
- Formula (including organic brands) and disposable nappies (diapers) are widely available at pharmacies and supermarkets.