With incredible sunshine and an beautiful coastline, you are sure to be in the mood for a splash around in the water during your stay in the Algarve. If you fancy something a little different from the Atlantic, why not try out one of the local water parks? They're fun for all ages and provide a great way to spend the day.
There are all sorts of attractions at Aqualand. This is a great one for the whole family with a good range of slides and activities ranging from the heart-racing 'Kamikaze' to the relaxing 'Congo River'. There is good amount for the younger guests too, with a great children's pool that has all kinds of slides and climbing features. Aqualand has an onsite shop, snack bars and a restaurant, so you can make a day of it.
Address: Estrada Nacional 125 - Sítio das Areias, 8365-908 Alcantarilha, Portugal
Opening Times: 10:00 - 17:00 (extended opening hours in the summer)
Distance from Quinta do Rosal: 9.5 km
This is the largest of the Algarve water parks and is jam packed with all you could want during a day out. Slide and Splash is often thought of as one of the best water parks in Europe and has a brilliant range of water slides, pools, attractions and even animal shows! The park attractions range from real adrenaline boosters to the more laid-back, and the large children's area has been well designed with a safe pool and interesting slides and games. Get up close and personal to the reptiles or watch falconry displays during one of the animal shows, or spend a relaxing afternoon sunning yourself on one of the sun loungers on the large grassy area. There are good facilities on site with two restaurants to choose from along with several food and drinks kiosks, an ice cream parlour and a gift shop
Address: Slide & Splash, Estrada Nacional 125 Vale de Deus - Estombar, 8401-901 Lagoa, Portugal
Opening Times: 10:00 – 17:00 (extended opening hours in the summer, and they vary depending on the season, so do check with reception before leaving.)
Distance from Quinta do Rosal: 6.8 km
The AquaShow water park is part of a larger leisure complex and is only open during the summer. The park boasts several unique attractions that certainly aren't for the faint-hearted. The White Fall is the only one of its kind in the world – a steep, high water slide used with rubber rings. The Free Fall was new for 2015 and is the highest free falling water slide in Europe! Also on site is the 16m tall Wild Snake and the biggest wave pool in Portugal! That being said, there is lots here for children too, and calmer rides for those who are after a more relaxing day. There are several places to eat and drink but you are also welcome to bring in your own picnic.
Address: AQUASHOW Park Hotel, Semino, Estrada Nacional 396, Quarteira, Portugal
Opening Times: Between May and September from 10:00 and 17:00 (extended opening hours in the summer)
Distance from Quinta do Rosal: 46 km
This park is a water park with a bit of a difference. As well as the usual swimming pools and water-themed funfair attractions Zoomarine is most loved for its fantastic collection of marine animals. The animals range from dolphins to sea lions and the park runs a rehabilitation centre that focusses on reintroducing a number of different species back to their own habitats. There are birds of prey at Zoomarine, so you can enjoy watching them display their speed and agility, or get more hands-on: one very popular attraction is the dolphin experience where you can actually swim with these incredible creatures. Zoomarine is spacious and easy to navigate, it provides a very memorable day out.
Address: Estrada Nacional 125, Km 65, 8201-864 Guia, Portugal
Opening Times: 10:00 - 17:00 (extended opening hours in the summer)
Distance from Quinta do Rosal: 20 km