Aquashow Park

Lying northwest of Faro on the Algarve’s Mediterranean coast, Aquashow Park is one of the biggest and best-equipped water parks in Portugal. With 16 rides from wave pool to foam slides, it has all the makings of a fun-filled day out for families. Toddlers love the gentle water slides in Aqualand – where lifeguards are on duty – and the mini-train as it chugs around the grounds, families kick back on the Lazy River and adrenaline junkies adore the park’s newest attraction, FreeFall; with chutes dropping a mighty 32 m (105 ft) over 130 m (426.5 ft), it is the longest free-fall water slide in Europe. The daily shows featuring macaws, birds of prey and reptiles are both entertaining and education; book ahead of time for a slot to spend 45 minutes interacting with sea lions in the water (€49 extra per person). Facilities provided include sun loungers, Jacuzzi, changing lockers and eating options from fast-food kiosks to sit-down restaurants.

Practical Info

Semino, Estrada Nacional 396, 8125-303 Quarteira. Opening hours daily May 10am–5pm; June & Sept 10am–5.30pm; Jul 10am–6.30pm; Aug 10am–7pm. Admission adults €28; seniors & children aged five–10 €19; family ticket €56. Some rides have a minimum height of 1 m (3.3 ft). Aquashow Park is best accessed along of E1/A22 motorway by car, taking exit no 12 for Quarteira.