10 Adventurous Activities to do in the Algarve with Kids

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In addition to stunning beaches, historical towns, and delicious food, the Algarve also offers many opportunities for adventurous activities that will make your holiday truly unforgettable. If you are travelling to the Algarve with kids there are plenty of opportunities for memorable family adventures.

Regardless of your family’s skills, confidence, budget, and ages, there is an adventurous activity to suit your family. We have chosen the Algarve’s top 10 adventurous activities. Even if you select just one you will transform your family holiday to the Algarve into an adventurous getaway.

1) Horseback riding

A unique way to explore the Algarve’s breathtaking coast is on horseback. Give the children an adventurous experience that they will remember for years to come.

Regardless of your riding experience, you will find a riding centre that will cater to your family’s needs and skills. Treks are guided by an experienced rider familiar with the area who will be able to show you beautiful trails by the beach or countryside. The equipment is provided, so all you need to do is enjoy the ride.

There are various riding schools and clubs offering horseback riding and pony trekking experiences across the Algarve. You probably won’t have to travel too far to find a centre near you. However, the views in Albufeira, Vilamoura, and Silves are worth the journey.

In addition to beach and countryside treks, Albufeira offers riders beautiful lagoons such as Lagoa dos Salgados. The riding centres in the medieval city of Silves will take riders on treks across Serra de Monchique. The children will love the ocean views and riding through trails surrounded by eucalyptus and orange trees. Vilamoura’s beautiful beaches, lagoons and clifftops offer a selection of stunning treks suitable for a variety of skills.

Never ridden before and nervous about trying it out? Beginners are often paired with calm friendly horses who are easy to ride and your guide will ensure that the trek is suitable for your family’s skill level. The minimum age for riding will vary depending on the riding centre. If you are travelling to the Algarve with younger kids, shop around for a school that will cater to your family.

2) Dolphin watching

There is something incredibly magical about seeing dolphins surfing the waves and playing in their natural habitat. Create amazing memories by adding a dolphin watching adventure to your itinerary.

The best towns to book tours from are Albufeira, Olhão, Lagos, Portimão, Sagres and Vilamoura. There is a large selection of tours available, from one-hour tours to longer ones that combine a visit to the local caves. Shop around before you book.

Wondering which animals you are likely to see? The species found in the Algarve’s coast include Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso Dolphins, and Striped Dolphin. If you are very lucky you might also spot Minke Whales, Orcas, sharks or turtles.

Take a waterproof and prepare to get wet from the surf splashing the side of the boat. If anyone in your family gets travel-sick, take precautions so that everyone can enjoy the experience.

Back problems, pregnant or travelling with a child younger than 3 years old? Check with the tour operator if the tour is suitable for your family. The majority of tours are on rib boats which make the ride bumpy and not suitable to all for safety reasons.

What if we don’t see any dolphins? Dolphins are wild animals so there is always a chance you might not see them. However, dolphin watching companies work together to ensure that all their customers have a great experience. If one company spots the dolphins, they will share their location. Therefore, your chances of seeing dolphins are actually quite high. To avoid disappointed children (and to protect your wallet!) book with an operator that will either refund you or offer you a replacement trip if dolphins are not spotted.

3) Sailing and Boating

For the Portuguese, sailing is in their blood. Join centuries of sailing history by adding a sailing or boating trip to your holiday. Calm seas and fair weather make the Algarve a great place for young or novice seafarers. Be sure to hop on a boat at some point during your visit so that you can admire the imposing limestone and sandstone cliffs from a different perspective.

Lagos , Portimão, Albufeira and Vilamoura offer a range of sailing and boating experiences. From a sailing day trip, having lunch aboard (or a BBQ at a local beach!), sailing off on a catamaran, or a visit to the local caves (including the unmissable Benagil cave).

You can also book full week sailing holidays or classes at local sailing schools. Sailing is a skill that the children will be able to take with them on future adventures. Who knows what passions you’ll awaken in them. Today they are enjoying a day’s sailing with their family and in 10 years’ time, they are circumnavigating the world.

4) Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle (SUP)

Most of the Algarve’s popular beaches with calm waters will have facilities where you can hire water sports equipment such as Kayaks, Canoes and SUP boards. This is an excellent way to spend a day on the water and explore the Algarve’s coast.

You can also book organised Kayaking or SUP tours which will help you explore beautiful and unique locations, some of which can only be accessed by the water. If you book a trip to one of these more remote locations your tour operator will take you closer by jeep, catamaran or motorboat. Most tour operators will offer double Kayaks so if you are travelling with children too young to keep up with the tour, they will be able to ride along with an adult and still enjoy the fun.

The most famous of these Kayak or SUP tours is a visit to the Benagil Cave (which can be booked from Ferragudo or Lagos). However, not all Kayak or SUP tours take place at sea. Ria Formosa is a large lagoon on a beautiful nature reserve. You can explore the marshlands and the lagoon by Kayak. SUP tours are available at Barragem de Bravura, the calm waters of this beautiful lake make it ideal for families. 

5) Snorkelling

Don’t forget to pack your snorkel and masks, the Algarve has plenty of clam beaches filled with marine life which are perfect for the kids to snorkel in. The Algarve’s limestone and sandstone rock formations make great shelters for fish, crabs, anemones and if you are lucky you might even spot an octopus. 

Some of the best beaches for snorkelling in the Algarve include Praia do Camila (Lagos), Praia Dona Ana (Lagos), Praia da Marinha (Lagoa) and Praia dos Aveiros (Albufeira).

Keep in mind that the Algarve’s waters can be chillier than you would expect. Therefore, if your children are avid snorkelers who are likely to be out in the water for prolonged periods, consider taking a wet suit with you.

Alternatively, you can join a snorkelling tour and have your experienced guides take you to the best sites.

6) Zoomarine

Zoomarine is one of the Algarve’s most popular family-friendly attractions. This marine-life theme park and water park with a variety of activities including an aquarium, rides, walk-through habitats, a 4D cinema and shows featuring dolphins, sea lions and so much more.

There are also plenty of opportunities for you to get wet, so don’t forget your swimsuit. Visit dinosaurs by taking a ride on the Jurassic River, zoom down the water slides and relax on the Coconut River. Younger visitors will also enjoy the Zoomarine Express train ride and the Treasure Island aquatic playground. 

Zoomarine has a variety of facilities to make your family’s visit more comfortable. You will find picnic areas, restaurants, snack bars, and shops across the park. There is also a first aid station should your family need medical support during your visit.

If you want to turn your visit to the Algarve into a true adventure and give the kids an experience they will never forget, make sure to book a Dolphin Emotions Encounter. Your encounter starts with an educational talk about bottlenose dolphins. Participants then spend an unforgettable 15 minutes in the water with the dolphins. Encounters are available for children aged 6+.

Good to know:

• There is so much to do so allow a full day to make the most of your visit.

• Children under one metre in height enter for free. However, be aware that some of the rides also have a 1-meter height limit. If you are travelling with young children check at the entrance which rides are off-limits to them so that you can plan your visit (and manage their expectations!).

7) Learn to surf

When you think of surfing in the Algarve, you may automatically picture record-breaking waves, however, there are also plenty of beaches perfect for beginners.

Surfing is a skill that your little traveller will be able to take with them on future adventures. Whether you book a one-off lesson or a full week of classes at a surf school, it’s definitely worth making learning to surf part of your visit.

The minimum age for surfing lessons will vary depending on the school. If you are travelling with younger children shop around for a school that will cater for your family.

The best beaches for surfing can be found in Western Algarve, however, there are plenty of water sports schools across the whole Algarve coast, with plenty of options available to meet your family’s needs.

Here are some surf-friendly towns and villages for you to consider.

Carrapateira – This surfing village has two beaches which are ideal for beginners, Praia da Bordeira and Praia do Amado. These are often used by surf schools for beginner lessons. While the children are attending their lesson, the rest of the family can relax on the beach or if you prefer a little more action, you can also hire water sports equipment.  

Lagos – If you don’t want surfing to be the full focus of your trip, Lagos is a great destination to combine surf lessons with a wide variety of family-friendly activities. The city of Lagos has a wide range of surf schools that will run classes at local beaches suitable to your children’s age and skill. After class, you can enjoy all the fun activities Lagos has to offer including dolphin watching, Lagos Marina, and Lagos Zoo.

Sagres – A surfer’s paradise, Sagres is known for its big waves and has some of the best surfing in the Algarve. This area is great if you have intermediate or experienced surfers in the family. Novice surfers but staying in the area? Praia da Mareta, Praia do Tonel and Praia da Arrifana are all suitable for beginners.

Odeceixe – Further north than the majority of the Algarve’s popular surfing beaches is Praia de Odeceixe. This beach is located on the mouth of the River Seixe, which creates a fantastic beach with surfing at sea and a calm paddling area by the river.  The sandbanks keep the waves small, making it a great place for beginners to catch their first waves.

8) Visit a Water Park

Zipping down slides at a water park is a great way to spend a hot day in the Algarve. The Algarve has several popular water parks, all with a combination of adrenaline-filled slides and areas suitable for young children or novice swimmers.

Before choosing a water park, read our descriptions below in order to select a park that meets your family’s needs. If travelling with young children, check the height and age restrictions at the various parks. The Algarve has three attractions that have mini-waterparks: Lagos Zoo, Krazy World and Zoomarine. A good alternative if you don’t want to spend a whole day at a waterpark but still want to give the children a chance to splish and splash.

Slide and Splash: (open from early April to early November)

Slide and Splash offers a variety of attractions including slides, chutes, pools and animal shows.

The most popular rides are the Big Wave, the Kamikaze, the Tornado and the Black Hole. Younger children and novice swimmers will enjoy splashing in the Children’s Zone, which has fountains, mini-slides and shallow pools.

If at any point you need a little break from sliding, there are restaurants, landscaped gardens with sun loungers, and live animal shows with birds of prey and macaws.

Aquashow: (open June to September)

In addition to the usual slides, chutes, pools, Aquashow also has Portugal’s only (and Europe’s largest!) water roller coaster. Aquashow also hosts Portugal’s largest wave pool.

Popular attractions include the Twin Space Shuttle, White Fall, Freefall, the Wild Snake, and Speed Race. Young children will enjoy the Lazy River, and two children’s areas (Aquakids and Aqualand). The fun isn’t limited to the pools, slides and rides. Aquashow also has a variety of restaurants and animal shows for the whole family to enjoy.

Can’t get enough of slides? Why not spend a night (or two!) at Aquashow’s four-star hotel.

Aqualand Algarve: (open June to September)

Aqualand Algarve hosts Portugal’s highest water slide. Start this adrenaline-filled slide at 36 meters into the sky and slide down Kamikaze in just 4 seconds!

Aqualand’s popular rides include Racing Rapids, Crazy Leap, Hydra and Flying Carpet. Love playing in the waves but don’t like sand? Then you will love the wave pool at Surf Beach.

If you are travelling with small children or inexperienced swimmers you will enjoy playing in the Children’s Paradise and in the Rainbow Park. These shallow pools contain slides, fountains and water canyons. 

Need a break from all of the excitement? Relax on the Congo River (a 270 meter long lazy river) or enjoy the park’s restaurants.

9) Karting

Do you have budding drivers in your family who can’t wait to be old enough to drive? If so, surprise them with a day at one of Algarve’s Karting tracks!

The Algarve has various race tracks, two of which are very family-friendly.

Hot Wheels Karting: This 400-meter karting track is one of the fastest in the Algarve. With its indoor track, Hot Wheels Karting is ideal for entertaining the kids on a rainy (or very hot!) day. Racers will delight in zipping along the tack’s corners and stretches. Located in the Albufeira Marina, you can combine a trip to the track with one of the many fun activities available in Albufeira. Drivers need to have a minimum height of 1.5 meters.

Karting Almancil: With multiple tracks, Karting Almancil has races for children from the age of 3 and up. The main track is suitable for children 12+, the Junior Circuit will delight children 7-12 years and the Baby Circuit will let little racers (3-6 years) in on the action. In addition to the tracks, you will also find other child-friendly activities. These include mini boats, trampolines, and a snack bar. Karting Almancil is close to Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo beaches. You can combine a trip to the races with a day at the beach.

10) See Flamingos

Did you know that you can see wild Flamingos in Europe?! Although normally associated with the Caribbean or Africa, these beautiful pink birds can be found all year round foraging in large groups across the Algarve’s wetlands.

Greater Flamingos stop for a few days in the Algarve for food and a little rest before travelling on to their nest sites across Spain, Italy, France, and Turkey. 

Where to see them:

Ria Formosa: Several tour operators based in the towns of Faro and Olhão will help you access wetlands and bring you up close to the flamingos. Alternatively, walk (or cycle!) along the Ludo Trail which cuts across Ria Formosa.

Tavira: Flamingos can be seen on the banks of the Gilão River, near the Forte de Santo Antonio de Tavira (a fort in ruins also known as Forte do Rato), and in the village of Cabanas

Castro Marim: This historical town on the border with Spain is minutes away from a nature reserve that hosts a wide variety of bird species including the Great Flamingo. Start your visit at the Interpretation Centre. There, you will be able to pick up information about the best trails for your visit. After you’ve visited the nature reserve, pop into town and visit Castro Marim castle.

Good to know:

• Although flamingos can be seen all year round, the best time of year to see them is November to March.

• If you are determined to see the flamingos or are travelling with children who would struggle to walk the trails to find them, it might be worth considering booking a birdwatching tour.

• Flamingos sound like geese. If you hear something that sounds like a flock of geese, look up. You don’t miss a chance to see flamingos flying overhead. Maybe the flamingos will come to you!

• These large birds are easy to spot even from a distance. Younger birds have dark legs and grey plumage. Over time (as a result of the carotenoid pigments in their diet), the flamingo’s legs, feathers and beak turn pink.

Your holiday to the Algarve is a great opportunity to give the kids memorable experiences and plenty of opportunities for adventure. Whether they learn a new skill such as surfing or sailing, have unique wildlife encounters such as seeing dolphins or flamingos, or have adrenaline-filled experiences such as horseback riding or zipping down slides at a water park, the children are sure to make memories they will never forget!