AQUASHOW WATERPARK, QUARTEIRA
Aquashow Park, located in Quarteira, in the heart of the Algarve, is a premier destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. This popular park offers a wide variety of attractions catering for all ages, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for a fun-filled day out. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Aquashow Park boasts several exciting rides. The Watercoaster, a unique blend of roller coaster and water slide, is a definite highlight, and an unforgettable experience. There’s also excitement to be had on the Free Fall and Twin Space Shuttle slides, both promising heart-pounding drops and exhilarating moments. Groups of friends and families can enjoy the River Slide together, a thrilling descent designed for three to four people. The Top Swing offers another dose of thrills, swinging riders to impressive heights. Families and those looking for a more relaxed experience will find plenty to enjoy as well. The Lazy River provides a gentle float through the park's scenic surroundings, perfect for unwinding. The Aquakids area is specifically designed with younger children in mind, offering a safe and fun environment for them to splash and play. The Wave Pool offers the experience of ocean waves in a controlled setting, providing fun for all ages. For a leisurely tour of the park grounds, the Mini Train is a great option. The park typically operates from May to September.
Quarteira, home of the waterpark
Accommodation
There is accommodation attached to the water park - Aquashow Park Hotel. You will find the hotel has exceptional standards of cleanliness, with rooms and common areas consistently maintained to a high level. The comfort provided by the well-equipped and spacious rooms is another highlight, making it an appealing choice for families and couples alike. The hotel offers various room configurations to suit different needs, from cozy twin rooms for couples or smaller groups to larger family rooms accommodating up to five guests, ensuring flexibility for travellers. The range of facilities at the hotel ensures there is something for everyone. Families particularly enjoy the waterpark (there's an indoor one too) and the children's playground is also a big hit. Dining at the on-site restaurant is another aspect that you'll enjoy with a diverse menu catering to a range of tastes and dietary needs. This applies to the breakfast too.
If you don't want to stay on-site then we recommend staying in Lagos which is only a 30-minute drive to the waterpark. Albufeira is another option but it's lively both day and night, a day trip will be enough to experience it and it's only 45 minutes away.
For an upmarket stay, Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve is a 5-star family hotel located on Meia Praia beach, just a 4-minute drive from the city centre. The hotel offers rooms with private terraces, Balinese beds, and ocean views, providing guests with a luxurious and comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy four swimming pools, including one heated pool and a children's pool, as well as a comprehensive spa featuring a heated indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, whirlpool bath, and massage services.
The hotel also provides a 24-hour fitness room equipped with cardio and bodybuilding machines. For dining options, the main restaurant offers traditional Portuguese dishes, and there are additional venues such as a lobby bar and snack bar. Families will appreciate the Star Camp program, designed for children aged 4 to 12, offering activities that promote environmental awareness. The program is available during the summer months.
The hotel features a cycling station with bike parking, a maintenance and repair workshop, and storage for large groups, making it convenient for guests who wish to explore the Algarve by bicycle. Golf enthusiasts will find three courses nearby: Palmares (2 km away), Buenavista (5 km), and Espiche (10 km). The hotel is known for its cleanliness, comfort, and good facilities.
Lagos
For a cheaper option, Clube Porto Mós - Sunplace Hotels & Beach Resort is a four-star establishment located atop a cliff, offering guests panoramic views of Porto de Mós beach, one of the Algarve's most iconic shorelines. The resort is approximately 2 kilometres from the centre of Lagos, providing easy access to the city's rich cultural heritage and attractions.
The resort features 71 tastefully decorated apartments, available in T0 (studio) and T1 (one-bedroom) configurations. Each apartment is designed with functionality and comfort in mind, ensuring that the sea remains a constant presence throughout the accommodation.
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a strategically placed outdoor swimming pool surrounded by well-maintained gardens, creating a serene environment for relaxation. The on-site Health Club offers facilities such as an indoor heated pool, gymnasium, and sauna. Massage and treatment services are also available upon reservation and for an additional fee.
Dining options at the resort include a restaurant serving buffet-style breakfast and dinner, as well as a bar offering a variety of snacks throughout the day. You'll be suitably impressed with the stunning sea views, proximity to the beach, and the spaciousness of the apartments.
For a budget option, Apartamentos Turísticos Marsol is a three-star aparthotel situated just on the outskirts of the centre. The property offers 31 apartments, each featuring a seating area with a television, a kitchenette equipped with a microwave, and a modern bathroom. Guests can enjoy amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, a rooftop terrace, and a bar/lounge. The aparthotel also provides complimentary private parking on-site. For recreation, there is a mini-golf course available. Apartamentos Turísticos Marsol has a lot of positives, it is clean, comfortable, and close to the city centre.
Food
Being a coastal town, traditional dishes often feature fresh seafood, with specialities like cataplana - a flavourful stew of clams, fish, and sometimes pork - showcasing the area's maritime bounty. Piri-piri chicken, marinated in spicy chili sauce, is another local favourite, highlighting the region's penchant for bold flavours.
Piri Piri chicken
The Algarve is also known for its burgeoning wine culture, producing varieties that are gaining international recognition. For those seeking to explore the local gastronomy, several restaurants in Lagos come highly recommended. Casinha de Petisco is renowned for its authentic Portuguese fare, particularly its exceptional cataplana, offering diners a genuine taste of the regional cuisine. Another notable establishment is Buteo Kitchen & Bar, which provides a contemporary twist on traditional dishes, blending local ingredients with modern culinary techniques. For international cuisine, Lagos doesn't disappoint! 7 Hills Indian Restaurant offers a diverse menu of Indian dishes, catering to those craving rich and aromatic flavours. Additionally, La Piazzetta Pizzeria Italiana serves authentic Italian pizzas and pastas, bringing a slice of Italy to the Algarve. Even if you aren't a fan of seafood, Lagos's dining scene promises a memorable culinary journey for every palate.
Other Activities and Sights
The town's stunning coastline is what Lagos is renowned for, if you want a relaxing holiday then this is the place as it's adorned with several notable beaches. Praia Dona Ana, known for its golden sands and clear waters, is a favourite among visitors. Nearby, Praia do Camilo offers a more secluded experience, accessible via a wooden staircase that descends through the cliffs.
Praia do Camilo
Meia Praia, one of the longest beaches in the area, provides ample space for sunbathing and water sports. But, Lagos offers more than just beautiful beaches; its rich history and stunning natural landscapes are equally compelling. History buffs can explore the Ponta da Bandeira Fort, a former defensive stronghold now showcasing the town's maritime past, and the adjacent Igreja de Santo António, with its ornate Baroque interior. For nature lovers, Ponta da Piedade is a must-see, featuring dramatic cliffs, arches, and sea caves best explored by boat or kayak. If you want to relax and enjoy the coast, this is the perfect place. For those more adventurous, we'd recommend hiring a car to maximise your stay.
Shopping
Lagos isn't huge but there is enough uniqueness to keep you occupied. A visit to the Mercado Municipal de Lagos provides an authentic taste of local life, where vendors offer fresh produce, regional delicacies, and handcrafted items, making it an ideal spot to immerse oneself in the town's culture. Strolling through the historic centre, particularly along Rua Cândido dos Reis, shoppers will discover a variety of shops. From clothing and jewellery to gourmet products, these establishments offer a personalised shopping experience distinct from larger commercial spaces. For those interested in local crafts, Mar d'Estórias is a notable venue that showcases Portuguese artisans' work, including ceramics, textiles, and decorative items, reflecting the region's rich heritage.
Portugese ceramic
On Wednesdays, Viv'o Mercado comes alive, featuring stalls with organic produce, handmade crafts, and live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere that highlights the community's creative spirit. While Lagos doesn't have large shopping centres within its immediate vicinity, several major supermarkets like Pingo Doce, Lidl, Aldi, Continente, and Intermarché are located approximately 1 to 1.5 kilometres from the town centre, providing convenient options for everyday needs.
Organised Trips and Tours
The countryside in the Algarve is often overlooked but with this trip you can venture into the heart of the Algarve on an exciting jeep safari adventure. After a convenient pickup, travel in a convoy of jeeps through stunning scenery, traversing off-road trails, crossing streams, and exploring hidden corners of the region. Visit traditional villages, sample "medronho" at a local distillery, witness traditional honey production, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional restaurant. This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into the authentic Algarve.
Jeep safari
Being by the coast, a boat trip seems mandatory but how about discovering the magic of wild dolphins on a captivating speedboat tour? Join a team of marine biologists as you cruise the Atlantic Ocean in search of these graceful creatures. Learn about their behaviour, ecology, and the important conservation efforts being undertaken to protect them. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views and contribute to valuable research on this unforgettable dolphin watching experience.
We really would recommend a hire car for this trip, it's such an excellent way to explore the country's diverse landscapes, charming towns, and stunning coastlines at your own pace. Major international car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Europcar operate across Portugal, along with reliable local agencies offering competitive rates. Car hire is widely available at major airports, the closest will likely be Faro but city centres and tourist hubs will also have places to book or collect them from. Driving in Portugal is generally a pleasant experience, with well-maintained roads and scenic routes that showcase the country's beauty. The highways, known as "autoestradas," are efficient and connect major cities and regions. Many are toll roads, so travellers should be prepared to pay either at toll booths or via electronic systems provided by rental companies. Secondary roads, while narrower and more winding, often lead to picturesque villages and breathtaking coastal vistas, adding an adventurous element to your journey. Portuguese drivers are known for being confident, and traffic in cities like Lisbon can be busy and fast-paced. Patience is key when navigating urban areas, where narrow streets and limited parking can pose challenges. Outside the cities, the pace slows down, and driving becomes more relaxed, particularly along the scenic coastal routes of the Algarve.
Lisbon is accessible by car
Flights
Flying into Faro is a great way to begin your journey to Lagos. Faro Airport (Aeroporto de Faro) is the region’s primary international airport, situated just 7 kilometres from Faro’s city centre and about a 90-minute drive from Lagos. The airport offers a range of direct flights from major European cities, including the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain, and other countries. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air, along with full-service airlines, make the journey to Faro affordable and convenient for travellers. Once you land at Faro, you have several transport options to reach Lagos. The most popular way is by car, with rental services readily available at the airport. Faro to Lagos is scenic and straightforward, taking you along well-maintained roads. For those who prefer not to drive, there are also reliable bus services, trains and taxis, with travel times typically around 1.5 hours. Faro Airport is modern and well-equipped, offering services such as duty-free shops, cafes, and transportation options to make your arrival as smooth as possible. The Algarve’s Mediterranean climate makes it a year-round destination, but during the summer months, flights are more frequent due to the region’s popularity with beachgoers.
Final Word
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