Water parks, Portugal: Slide & Splash, Aquashow and Aqualand.
Slide and Splash, Aquashow and Aqualand were not the authors of the song “Barbie Girl”. They’re some of the largest waterparks in Europe, and all found in the sunny Algarve, Portugal. With over 300 days of sunshine a year in the Algarve, you might find that Slide and Splash, Aquashow and Aqualand provide a (literally) refreshing change from another day at the beach. In this comparison, we give the lowdown on the Algarve water parks.
Best all rounder – Slide and Splash
Considered one of the biggest and best water parks in Europe, Slide and Splash has plenty of slides for younger kids, a parrot show, a decent-sized “tornado” water coaster and plenty of leisure areas and a Jacuzzi for Mums and Dads in need of a break.Where: Lagoa – 25 minutes from Lagos and other destinations. When: 2nd April to 31st October, from 10am. Closing times vary. How much: adults € 24.50, children (5 to 10 years) € 18, children under 5 go free.
Biggest water coaster – Aquashow
Containing the biggest roller coaster water in Europe, Aquashow is the perfect place for (although not limited to) older kids. More of a theme park style, attractions take you up to 70km/h and in and out of the water. There’s also more traditional-style water coasters, as well as the Aqualand space for kids.Where: Quarteira, a 25 minute drive from Faro. When: 1st May to 30th September. How much: adults € 27, children (5 to 10 years) € 18, children under 5 go free.
Best for little ones – Aqualand
Aqualand contains hours of fun for even the very smallest, and playing with relaxed attractions such as Surf Beach and Rainbow Park is sure to be one of the nicest possible ways you can think of to spend a day en famille. Older kids might find that there’s not as much for them here as in other water parks in the Algarve, although there are some larger attractions as well. Where: Alcantarilha, 30 minutes from Lagos. Buses available. When: 7th June to 7th September. June/September – 10am to 5pm, July/August – 10am to 6pm. How much: adults € 22, children (3 to 10 years) € 16.
