The Algarve is one of Europe’s most family-friendly holiday destinations, and Central and Eastern Algarve have plenty to offer beyond the beach. Mix in a bit of adventure, some local history and a few new experiences, and you’ve got the makings of a holiday the whole family will remember.
Here are our favourite 10 fun things to do in Central and Eastern Algarve with kids — something for every age and every kind of family.
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Things to Do in Central and Eastern Algarve With Kids
From boat tours to marine parks and water sports, there’s plenty for families to enjoy in Central and Eastern Algarve.
#1. Visit Zoomarine Theme Park
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Zoomarine, not far from Albufeira, is one of the best theme park days out in the Algarve with kids. It combines a water park with a marine life park, and the daily shows featuring dolphins are always a highlight — alongside seals, sea lions and birds of prey.
There’s also an amusement park to suit all tastes, plus a large water area with slides, a wave pool, rapids and sun loungers. You’ll find cafés and restaurants on site, or you can bring your own picnic.
Kids of all ages will love a day here — it’s usually cheaper to book tickets online in advance rather than pay on the door.
#2. Explore the Ancient Town of Silves
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Silves was once the ancient Moorish capital of the Algarve, making it a great trip for families keen to explore a bit of history and culture. The town’s biggest draw is its mighty castle, and there’s a reasonably priced café inside.
During the town’s medieval festival, usually held each August, the streets fill with food stalls, market stalls and locals dressed in medieval costume — it’s worth checking the current dates before you travel, as they can shift year to year.
If you’re visiting outside festival time, get the kids involved in planning the trip. Ask them to research interesting facts about the castle and let them lead the tour. If they have a camera or phone, put them in charge of taking photos and putting together a holiday album.
#3. Go on a Buggy Safari
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Adventurous families will love this one — driving a buggy while exploring the Algarve’s inland countryside is an unforgettable experience. It’s suitable for children from around seven years up, though whoever is driving will need a valid driving licence (it’s worth checking current age and licence requirements when booking).
Buggy safaris typically run from near the inland town of Loulé, with pick-up from your accommodation included. Wear old clothes — you’ll come home covered in dust!
#4. Take a Boat Tour
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Most children love the adventure of a boat trip, while parents get to sit back and admire the coastline. In the Algarve there’s a boat trip for every kind of family — dolphin-watching tours, pirate ship adventures, and faster jet boat rides for thrill-seekers.
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#5. Do a Bit of Shopping
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Algarve Shopping Centre is an open-air shopping centre not far from Albufeira. It’s a handy option for a change of pace — browse the shops, grab a bite to eat with the kids, or catch a film at the cinema. Most films are shown in English with Portuguese subtitles.
#6. Visit an Interactive Science Museum
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Centro de Ciência Viva in Faro is a brilliant interactive science museum and a great way to spend a few hours with the kids. They’ll love getting hands-on with exhibits covering everything from aquariums and touch pools to earthquakes, gravity and volcanoes.
It’s good value for the amount of fun packed into a visit, and the staff are knowledgeable and happy to help.
#7. Take a Trip to a Desert Island
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There’s no better way to spend a summer holiday with kids than a day at the beach — and with so many to choose from, the hardest part is picking one. Pack a picnic and don’t forget the sunscreen.
For a beach day away from the crowds, head to Ilha Deserta. It feels like a private paradise beach, reachable only by boat. On the way, keep an eye out with the kids for the many bird species — including flamingos — in the Ria Formosa natural park. Boats depart from near the old town sea gate in Faro, and the crossing takes around 30 minutes each way. Facilities on the island are simple, but there’s a restaurant, sun loungers and lifeguards.
#8. Try Parasailing
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Older kids will love this one — seeing the coastline from above while flying like a bird. You can go solo or share the ride with two or three others. It’s generally not suitable for younger children under a certain minimum weight, so check the current requirements when booking.
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#9. Visit a Water Park
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Most kids love a day sliding and splashing around a water park, and the Algarve has several great options for families:
- Slide and Splash
- Aqualand
- Aquashow Park, which also has a Jacuzzi for parents who fancy a break!
#10. Discover the Algarve by Bike
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Tavira in the Eastern Algarve has a strong cycling tradition, but you’ll find bike rental available all over the region — it’s a great way to get active and see more of the country. Take extra care if you’re cycling on any roads.
Four cycle route networks connect the coast:
- Route 1: Vila Real de Santo António to Quinta do Lago
- Route 2: Quinta do Lago to Portimão
- Route 3: Portimão to Sagres
- Route 4: Sagres to Aljezur
For more inspiration and insider tips for your Portugal holiday, visit Portugal Exposure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best age range for these Central and Eastern Algarve activities?
There’s something here for almost every age, from toddlers on Ilha Deserta’s calm beach to teens trying parasailing or a buggy safari. A few activities, like parasailing and the buggy safari, have minimum age or size requirements, so it’s worth checking these directly with the operator before you book.
Do I need a car to get around Central and Eastern Algarve with kids?
Having a car makes it much easier to combine several of these activities, especially Silves, the science museum in Faro and the inland buggy safari. If you’re staying centrally, some attractions like Zoomarine and the shopping centre are well served by local transport too.
Is Ilha Deserta suitable for young children?
Yes — it’s a lovely, relatively quiet beach option, though remember it’s only reachable by boat and facilities are limited to one restaurant, sun loungers and lifeguards. Bring everything you need for the day, including sun protection.
Are these activities suitable for a full family holiday itinerary?
Definitely. Central and Eastern Algarve offers a good mix of beach days, theme park fun, culture and outdoor adventure, so you can easily spread these across a one- or two-week family holiday without repeating yourself.
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Save This for Your Trip
Planning a family holiday takes a bit of juggling — why not bookmark this page or save it to your holiday planning folder so you have all ten ideas handy when you’re mapping out your Algarve itinerary?
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