SLIDE & SPLASH, ESTÔMBAR
Waterpark
Slide & Splash, located in Estômbar, in the Algarve, Portugal, has been a popular waterpark since 1986. The park offers a variety of attractions for all ages, including thrilling water slides like the Boomerang (a Boomerango water slide), Race (a Whizzard water slide), and Big Fall (two Flatline Loop water slides), all part of a 17-metre-tall thrill tower. For younger children, there are two dedicated areas with gentler slides and water play zones. In addition to the slides, Slide & Splash features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, large lawn areas with sun loungers, and various restaurants. A convenience and souvenir store are also available, along with reserved cabanas equipped with sun loungers, safes, and fridges. Guests can also treat themselves to massages, fish spa treatments, AquaTatoos, and hair braiding services. Live animal shows, including birds of prey and reptiles, provide additional entertainment. This is more than just a waterpark; it's a full day out. You'll find the park to be clean with well-maintained facilities and friendly staff. Slide and Splash will help make your family holiday to the Algarve a memorable one.
Estômbar, home of the waterpark
Accommodation
There are a few places to choose to stay while in the Algarve, we recommend staying in Lagos which is only a 30-minute drive to the waterpark. Top tip - Albufeira is lively with a buzzing atmosphere but that spills over into the evening which isn't ideal for families. By staying in Lagos, you can get to Albufeira in 45 minutes but have the choice how long to stay for.. 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 (available throughout the summer months), designed for children aged 4 to 12, offering activities that promote environmental awareness. 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. For those able fasmilies who enjoy 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. The Algarve is also known for its burgeoning wine culture, producing varieties that are gaining international recognition.
Cataplana
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.
Lagos 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. 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. 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.
Wild dolphins
Car Hire
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.
Coastal routes of the Algarve
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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