Portugal is renowned as a sports lover’s playground – a place where surfer dudes flock to catch some of the best waves in the world, and a destination for snowbird golfers who want to tee off in temperatures that remain warm even in winter.
Family fun in Portugal
But, this vastly varied country is also pretty hard to beat as a year-round family-friendly destination. The Algarve, in particular, is packed with attractions for all ages and, with a good choice of cheap package and flight options available from most countries it’s easy to get to.
Portugal is one of our favorite countries to visit with our little ones in tow so we’ve experienced a raft of family days out in the Algarve. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Costing around 84 euros for our family of four to get in, Zoomarine is certainly not cheap. But, you can get good deals from tour providers in resorts, such as nearby Albufeira, if you book in advance – we found we saved the price of two child tickets. And, you can easily spend the whole day here.
Our two are mesmerized by the dolphin show, laugh at the sea lions, duck as birds of prey swoop over their heads and hold their hands out so the parrots can take food straight from their palms.
There is also an aquarium, swimming pools, and a 4D cinema – although last time we visited, the 3D element wasn’t working, so we actually just watched a 2D movie and were squirted with water in time with splashing sea creatures on-screen.
Lily Kwan says
Portugal looks very fun. Thanks for sharing!
Melody D says
My father is from Portugal and I have family there!
I have never been but would love to visit soon.
Gianna says
How beautiful!
Cameron Vedder says
Awesome dolphin pic! If I ever go to Portugal, I’ll have to be sure to stop by Zoomarine.
Lyndsey R. says
I would LOVE to go to Portugal. What a beautiful country. Looks very calming. That water-park looks like extra fun!
kathy pease says
What a beautiful place to visit id love to go there someday..It looks so peaceful and relaxing 🙂
Sami says
Would you go back?
Christy Maurer says
Wow! I’ve never been out of the country except to go to Canada. I’d love to go to Portugal. Looks so fun!
Vanessa says
I have actually never considered Portugal as a family vacation destination but it looks awesome!
Raqibah Jones says
I would love to visit Portugal!
Traveling to far off places is my dream.
April Yedinak says
I would love to visit. I think it is a beautiful place.
Todd Lovessweeps says
Wow this looks like it would be an awesome trip
Elisheva says
Would love to go!
Michele P. says
looks like a lot of fun! My friend Sany is Portugese and always talking about how pretty her country is…
Denise Taylor-Dennis says
I have never been to Portugal but I would love to one day. It looks like they have a lot to offer.
Marcie W. says
I would love to take a trip to Portugal and who would have thought there was so many family friendly activities offered!
Shannon M says
Nice post I would love to go there with my family if that was to ever happen it would be the icing on the cake
Mary Happymommy says
Great post! My husband is Portuguese and I’ve only traveled to Portugal once with him. We’d like to take our kids in a couple of years.