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With 300 days of sunshine each year, there is no excuse not to enjoy one or all of the many waterparks in the Algarve, Portugal. The Algarve is a water lover’s playground home to 130 beaches covering nearly 125 miles of coastline.
And it gets better. Anchored in the south of Portugal, Algarve waterparks are known for their huge size, loads of different, unique waterslides and pools, and is home to the largest waterpark in Portugal. AquaShow is even one of the largest waterparks in the whole of Europe! You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to waterparks in the Algarve.
There are three main waterparks in the Algarve, all only about 30 minutes drive from each other. So don’t be afraid to pick the best waterpark for you, your friends and your family, rather than just choosing the closest one. For this comparison, we have not included Zoomarine and Krazy World Zoo. While they have small water park sections, they are more animal theme parks rather than focusing on the water.
Heading to Northern Portugal this summer? Check out the Best Waterparks in Porto for more fun in the sun along this stunning Portuguese coastline.
There are also some suggestions for the Best Waterpark Hotels in the Algarve if you really want to make the waterpark centre of attention for your next sunny holiday.
Top tip – buying your tickets online and in advance is usually cheaper than on the day at the waterpark. You can also grab more savings by purchasing multiple days and doubling the fun!
So, hold on tight and be prepared to get wet…
1. Aquashow Waterpark, Portugal
Aquashow Park is the closest waterpark to Faro, located in Quarteira. It’s also just a 15 minute drive from Albufeira. This is the largest waterpark in Portugal (and in Europe) and one not to be missed by thrill seekers! You could almost call this a giant theme park rather than a waterpark! If you are looking for the highest and most daring waterslides, this park is for you!
The list feels almost endless when it comes to the outdoor Aquashow Waterparks attractions:
- Ride one of the biggest Watercoasters in the world (with speeds up to 70 km/h)
- Leave your heart at the top of the Free Fall (the Algarve’s highest waterslide at 32 metres high and 129 metres long – it feels like it never ends!)
- Dare yourself to let go on the White Fall (often mentioned as Portugal’s scariest waterslide)
- Take on the Mammothblast
- Surf the huge themed Wave Pool
- Launch yourself from the Twin Space Shuttle
- See who is fastest on the Speed Race
- Blink and you’ll be at the bottom of the Thunder Cruise
- Coast along the River Slide in bumper boats
- Escape the Shark Slide
- Slip and slide down one of the many water tubes, slides and the never-ending Pink Slide
- Try and stay upright on the Speed Foams
- Splash about on the many slides, jets and fountains on Aqualand and within the AquaKids zone
- Float around and catch your breath on the Lazy River
- Relax in the Tropical Pool and Jacuzzi
- Get some lengths in the dedicated Swimming Pool
And the list goes on… dry off on the Air Race, see the park from a different perspective on the Top Swing and the little kids will love the Mini Train.
AquaShow Indoor Waterpark
What makes the Aquashow Waterpark so good? Not only does it have the best and wildest range of outdoor waterslides, but it also has the best indoor waterpark in Algarve as well.
All year round, there is a whole Waterworld waiting for you to discover, including:
- Waterslides such as Tornado, Black Hole, Hydrorace and the Hydrotube
- A Wave Pool to ride the waves again and again!
- An Adventure Pool where you can climb and swing as much as you like
- An Adventure Island with kid’s slides, jets and fountains
- A Kid’s Pool with water jets
- A Relaxing Pool with massaging fountains
- A Babies Pool for a safe zone for the little ones
- Spa with sauna, relaxation area, aromatherapy and massages to get that AquaFeeling – perfect for some Water Wellness
What else is at the Algarve AquaShow?
Indoors, there is also a Mega Playground with trampolines, tunnels, bridges, slides, climbing and more for the kids. Bigger kids can take on the multi-adventure circuit – Heaven’s Challenge – for something more challenging. With different difficulty levels, climb high as you battle on oscillating wooden steps, ropes, spheres and more!
If you want a bit of dry entertainment, sit back and enjoy one of the AquaShow shows, including the Parrot Show with the humourous Macaw, the Birds of Prey Show with Golden Eagles and Hawks, or the Reptiles Show including ancient tortoises!
Feeling a little peckish after all that excitement? The waterpark restaurant will have you topped up with the usual cafe snacks, bites, drinks and ice creams. A shop is also available, selling souvenirs, swimwear, AquaShow towels, suncream and all the bits you didn’t know you’d forgotten. Lockers are also available for your valuables.
Please note – with such a varied amount of waterslides and zones, there are a number of different height restrictions to be aware of in the waterpark. Check out this AquaShow Waterpark map for more details:
Tip – AquaShow often has discounted tickets available on their website during certain times of the year. It’s worth checking out before you head there. You can also take your own food and drink into the waterpark (just not glass bottles) for your own healthier options. Make the most of the picnic areas available. Sundays are often quieter on weekends, with shorter queues for the bigger waterslides and rides.
AquaShow Waterpark Hotel
As this Algarve waterpark is so big, it’s no surprise that it comes with its own hotel. It really is a waterpark destination in itself, and understandably you could make a whole holiday of it!
This 4 star waterpark hotel in Portugal has its own swimming pool, kids playground, international cuisine restaurant, bars, modern bedrooms, wellbeing and fitness centre, free daily entry into its fabulous waterpark, free parking and is ideally located to explore the Algarve and beyond.
This really is the best waterpark hotel in Portugal!
Book here for the best deals on Booking.com.
2. Slide & Splash Algarve Waterpark
Slide & Splash Parque Aquatico is one of the Algarve’s favourite water slide parks. Located at Lagoa, it’s in a popular area and easy to get to. It is huge (10 hectares kind of huge) with its vast amount of blue and green spaces. It gives AquaShow Waterpark a run for its money though, in terms of adrenaline and smiles!
As one of the oldest and most loved waterparks in Portugal (don’t worry, it has many new rides and improvements since the beginning!)
Recommended Tickets – Lagoa: Slide & Splash Water Park Entrance Tickets
For adrenaline seekers, there is no shortage of fast and wild waterslides, including the Corkscrew, Tunnel, Blue Hole, Banzia, River Ride, Big Wave, Tornado, Kamikaze, Black Hole, Boomerang, Big Fall, Race Slides, Drop Waterslides, Foam Slides, Disco River and the Big Slides Tower!
Its Black Hole is known as one of the scariest Black Waterslides in Portugal due to its sheer length!
Height and age restrictions apply on many of the waterslides within the park, so it’s worth checking out this Slide & Splash Waterpark map before you go.
There are the Children’s Foam Slides and dedicated kids zones for the little ones. For some relaxation, soak in the Tropical Paradise or big Lagana. Or why not hire a Slide & Splash Cabana for the day, with your own little bit of privacy and tranquillity?
Slide & Splash Waterpark also hosts interactive animal shows throughout the day for more entertainment (and a little rest from all those slides!).
There is a wide range of food options, a shop with forgotten bits and souvenirs, sun loungers (chargeable), lockers, the Aquafeeling Feet Fish Spa & Massage and free parking.
Check out this virtual tour of the waterpark to discover what to expect during your visit:
3. Aqualand Algarve
The most voted family favourite waterpark along the south Portugese coast.
Aqualand may not be the biggest waterpark in Algarve, especially up against the other two giants at AquaShow and Slide & Splash, but it does claim to have the fastest waterslide in Portugal! Centrally located at Alcantarilha, Aqualand has more than enough to keep you splashing about for the whole day. It’s the perfect Algarve waterpark if you are looking for something a little less intense!
Thrill seekers can get wet and wild on the daring new King Cobra, get loopy on one of the 3 Hydro Waterslides, a Crazy Jump that will plummet you 3 metres deep, race your friends on the Supersurf, cruise the Lazy River but with fast descents and rapids, speed down the 92 metre long Kamikaze or take on the fastest waterslide in Portugal – the Banzai – that will have you skimming like a stone across the top of the water at tremendous speed after being dropped from a height of 23 metres!
For the kids, there’s the Children’s Paradise with a water castle, fountains, big splash buckets, waterslides, jets, waterfalls and fountains, or Rainbow Park, which is perfect for splashing about in the shallow water.
For the whole family, get chucked about on the waterslide Carpets, laze on the Combo River, jump the waves on Surf Beach and enjoy the semi-Olympic sized Swimming Pool in the sun.
The Best Waterpark Hotels in the Algarve
You don’t have to venture too far with these hotels that have their own dedicated waterparks!
4. AquaShow – Algarve Waterpark Hotel
As mentioned above, the AquaShow Hotel and Waterpark is the best of its kind in Portugal, possibly even Europe! With so much to do within the park, you can easily base yourself at this hotel close to Faro, whilst spending just a few days exploring the local area (or other Algarve waterparks!)
Book here for the best deals on Booking.com.
5. Jupiter Albufeira Hotel
Discover Jupiter World at this 5 star resort in Albufeira. A dedicated hotel waterpark with a splash zone, waterslides, inflatables and an extensive pool area for adults and children. A world of fun awaits – especially when standing under the giant water bucket, where the timing is completely random!
Happily, the larger water slides come with enough twists and turns to keep you returning for more – and, yes, adults can try them too. The best part is when the hotel breaks out the inflatable Zorbs for kids to run across the water in.
It’s not all about the outdoors though. Jupiter Albufeira Hotel has a luxurious indoor pool with spa facilities to help you maximise your relaxation time.
It’s not just the waterpark that will keep you and the family entertained. Try activities such as Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, Aquafitness or even Archery. For the younger ones, in addition to the Kids Club, there is a wide range of activities throughout the day including Facial Paintings, Mud Molding, Water Games, Workshops, Yoga, Zumba and more!
6. 3HB Clube Humbria
Situated in Olhos de Aqua, near Albufeira, 3HB Clube Humbria has a modest waterpark that will keep the little ones splashing about for hours as you sunbathe. This waterpark may not deliver big thrills, but it’s ideal for a fun day by the pool that is included in the cost of your hotel.
The colourful mini waterpark has structures and slides suitable for 2-5 year olds – while the wider pool area has four larger slides suitable for ages 6 and upwards. Unfortunately, adults are not allowed to join in this fun! The additional gaming room, playground, kids club, tennis courts and table games make this hotel a great shout for children of all ages. The fact that the children’s pools and play areas are away from the serenity of the main pool is a plus factor too.
Despite the child-friendly amenities, inflatables are a no go at this hotel. For water-based fun, stick to small beach balls or games.
Located just 850 metres from one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, 3HB Clube Humbria is a pleasant resort for families seeking a service of excellence on an All Inclusive basis.
Do you have a favourite Algarve Waterpark? Are you thinking about staying in one of Portugal’s best waterpark hotels? We’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.
Booking.comFeatured Image Credit: AquaShow Waterpark, Algarve, Portugal
Inspirational content to spend more time outdoors, in blue spaces and experiencing Water Wellness.
