We’ve spent two family holidays in the Western Algarve, one based near Praia da Luz, the other near Sagres. Here’s our pick of fun things to do with kids around Praia da Luz and the Western Algarve, from beach days to castles, water parks and dolphin watching.
#1. The Beach at Praia Da Luz
We loved the promenade and beach at Praia da Luz. There are plenty of cafes, ice cream shops and stalls along the front, so it’s easy to spend a full day here without going far.
The beach itself is long and sandy, and if you have older kids or more adventurous adults in the group, there are water sports options available too.
#2. Salema
We spent a pleasant afternoon at Salema, a small fishing village. After parking up, we found a lovely fish restaurant and had lunch before meandering down to the beach.
It was windy the day we visited, so the waves were huge and the kids had a ball jumping in and out of the shallows. The village isn’t large, but it’s cute, and there are a few shops worth browsing too.
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#3. Silves
The hillside town of Silves is worth a visit, with a castle at the top of the hill and a small archaeological museum housing Roman and other artefacts. As it’s inland, Silves tends to be hotter than the coast, with no sea breeze to cool things down, so it’s worth going early or later in the day to avoid the worst of the heat.
Silves also hosts a medieval fair, usually held annually in August, which is great for a wander and to soak up the atmosphere. As well as a jousting tournament, you can hire a medieval costume and pretend you’re a knight or a lady, browse the fair stalls, and if you stay for dinner (forget about bedtime, the kids are on holiday!) you’ll enjoy the after-dark entertainment even more.
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#4. Sagres
Sagres, at the very end of the Western Algarve, is well worth the trip. This is mainland Europe’s most south-westerly point, and with its endless Atlantic views, it still has a special pull today. Prince Henry the Navigator set up his school of navigation here in the 1450s, gathering some of the world’s finest astronomers, geographers and cartographers to study the seas and stars. Explorers Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan are believed to have studied here before setting off on their own voyages.
We enjoyed visiting the fortress on the headland, which includes a huge circular pebble compass and an atmospheric 15th-century chapel.
Sagres is also a big surfing town, with a handful of cafes and restaurants dotted around the small town centre where you can grab a snack or lunch.
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#5. Lagos Town & Beach
We visited Lagos several times during our stay because we liked it so much. There are cobbled streets, and lots of shops, restaurants and cafés to enjoy. We even found a second-hand English bookshop to top up our holiday reading.
The beaches in Lagos are some of the best in the Algarve, including a four-kilometre stretch of golden sand along Meia Praia. There are car parks along its length, with ramps and wooden walkways giving easy access to the beach.
There’s also a zoo in Lagos, Parque Zoológico de Lagos, which we didn’t manage to visit ourselves but which seems well thought of from reviews online.
#6. Slide & Splash Water Park
If you fancy a day out for some water fun, the Slide and Splash water park near Lagoa typically opens for the season from spring through to autumn. It’s worth checking current opening dates and times before you go, as these can change year to year.
There are two further water parks a bit further along the coast from the Luz end of the Algarve:
- Aqualand Water Park near Alcantarilha, one of Portugal’s biggest water parks.
- Aqua Show near Albufeira, home to one of Europe’s biggest water coasters.
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#7. Dolphin Watching Tours
Something we didn’t manage ourselves but have on the list for next time is a dolphin watching tour. Several operators run trips from Lagos marina and from Albufeira. As with any wildlife tour, there are no guarantees of seeing dolphins, but it’s magical when you do.
FAQs
What is there to do with kids in Praia da Luz?
Praia da Luz has a long sandy beach with a lively promenade of cafes and shops, plus easy access to nearby towns like Lagos, Sagres and Silves for day trips.
Is Sagres worth visiting with children?
Yes. Kids tend to enjoy the fortress on the headland, the big pebble compass, and the dramatic clifftop views, and there are cafes in the town for a snack or lunch break.
Are there water parks near Praia da Luz?
Yes, Slide and Splash near Lagoa is the closest, with Aqualand and Aqua Show a bit further along the coast. Check opening dates and times before travelling, as these vary by season.
Can you go dolphin watching from Praia da Luz?
Dolphin watching tours run from nearby Lagos marina and from Albufeira. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but many families enjoy the boat trip either way.
Related Articles
- 10 Fun Things to Do in Central and Eastern Algarve With Kids
- What Jill Thought of Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel
- Self Catering Villa Family Holiday in Portugal
- Top 40 Family Friendly Theme Parks in USA, UK & Europe
Over to you now: what places have you enjoyed visiting with kids in or around Praia da Luz? Tell us in the comments below.
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