Family Fun in the Algarve

29 April, 2024 | Reading Time – 5 min

To experience the Algarve intensely is to live like a local. Discovering hidden corners, the most iconic beaches, understanding the history and culture of any Algarvian.

But that’s not all! This paradisiacal part of Portugal offers a huge number of activities for the whole family that you can’t miss. From boat trips to dolphin watching, to surf lessons on its majestic beaches or even a peaceful stroll through a farm vineyard.

There’s something for everyone here! Are your children already asking you what they’re going to do during their summer vacation? Relax, we’ve prepared a checklist of the family fun in the Algarve. Open your mind to creativity and embark on a journey of adventure and unlimited fun.

Benagil Cave

Sculpted by the force of the sea thousands of years ago, this cave is one of the country’s greatest natural wonders. Located near the village of Carvoeiro, this structure looks like a cathedral with a skylight. It has two arched openings and a small beach inside, which gives it a very peculiar natural position and, because of this, it can only be reached by sea.

In conclusion, you can only visit it by boat! And honestly, there’s nothing more pleasurable than a boat trip on the wonderful Algarve sea. To get a boat, you need to go to Praia de Benagil, but if you don’t want to go there, you can always go from the beaches of Vale Centeanes or Carvoeiro. During the summer months it is possible to book boat trips from Albufeira, Armação de Pera, Lagos and Vilamoura.

We recommend that, if you are accompanied by a large group, you book in good time, as there is a large influx of tourists in this area during the vacation period. As far as boat trips are concerned, you should research the route you want to take, as each trip is different.

Many boats stop only at the entrance to the cave and continue on to other stops. You should pay attention to the size of the boat you choose, because of the currents and seas. Besides, the smaller the boat, the more likely you are to get close to the cave. During the summer season, tours are rarely canceled, but not during the rest of the year, due to the unpredictability of the weather.

We have a tip for you: if you want to do this tour in a more creative way, look for the Santa Bárbara boat, a replica of a 15th century Portuguese caravel that departs from the port of Portimão.

Finally, there are hundreds of options for traveling to this natural treasure, from group tours, private tours or luxury boats, the choice is yours! But don’t miss out on one of the best family fun in the Algarve.

Fiesa

Playing with sand isn’t just for kids! Fiesa is the largest sand sculpture festival in Portugal. Organized by a group of amateur sculptors since 2003, its initial theme was the representation of states and continents in sand sculptures. The initial space was 1.5 hectares.

Over the years, the festival has grown in size and broadened its themes. Dozens of talented sculptors from all over the world come to this festival every year, bringing to life sculptures ranging from animals, people, famous personalities or places they have visited or intend to visit.

Visitors can enjoy not only the imposing sand figures, but also other activities that take place throughout the festival, such as masterclasses on sand sculpture, creative competitions, theater shows, film screenings and live performances by musicians.

The vast majority of these entertainment events are planned for the evening, which leads to an increase in visitors. It should be noted that, within the perimeter of the exhibition, there is a playground where children are encouraged to try their hand at creating sand sculptures.

During the festival, the coastal area becomes a great adventure around the world, with the sky and the blue sea as a backdrop. You can visit this fantastic exhibition between the months of May and October and the ticket costs about 9 euros.

We recommend that, if you can, organize your trip to Portugal at this time!

Water parks

Visiting a water park during the summer is an almost obligatory way to keep your children entertained.

This is one of the best family fun in the Algarve and will certainly be an experience you’ll all remember later! To make the most of hot summer’s days, wake up early, pack your suitcase and dream of a fantastic day of water slides and refreshing dives.

There are several options for water parks along the Algarve coast, with different sizes and types of slides, to suit all tastes.

However, there aren’t just swimming pools in these parks, there are some places where you can do activities with animals, such as swimming with dolphins or watching the majestic flight of some birds of prey. Get ready for a day of thrills and amusements for young and old alike!

Dolphin and whale watching

This is one of the most exciting activities to share with your family. The Algarve coast is one of the most popular regions for observing marine animals in their natural habitat.

Studies in the field of marine biology, which have been carried out over the years, indicate the presence of 15 different species of cetaceans in Algarve waters.

However, the most frequent sightings are of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and minke whales. Dolphin and whale watching is possible on boat trips lasting around two hours. These boats usually depart from different cities, so you can adjust this activity depending on your location and availability.