If water parks are your top vacation destination, come discover some of the best water parks in Portugal, water parks are a great alternative to beaches, especially for children, offering even more fun and perhaps greater safety.
What to bring to the water parks
For a fun day at the water parks, there are some essential items you should consider bringing. Keep in mind the rules of the water parks, as they may have restrictions on what you can bring
- Light snacks and water to stay hydrated throughout the day, as some water parks may have limited food and drink options;
- Water shoes for added comfort when walking on wet surfaces and to prevent slipping accidents;
- Quick-drying towels for use between rides, ensuring you stay dry and warm during breaks;
- A change of clothes for those who want to enjoy the water park to the fullest until closing time;
- High-protection sunscreento protect the skin from the strong sun and quick to apply, especially for children who need to apply it several times a day;
- Sunglasses and a hat are essential for protecting your eyes and head from the sun, especially if you plan to spend the entire day at the water park.
The 5 biggest water parks in Portugal
1. SLIDE AND SPLASH WATER PARK
Slide and Splash, located in Lagoa, Algarve, is one of the oldest and most popular water parks in Portugal.
Some of the most well-known attractions are the Kamikaze, the Black Hole, the Soft Slides, the Blue Hole, the Tornado, and the Big Wave. It also has a jacuzzi, children’s pool and swimming pool.
The park is open from March until October, tickets can be purchased online with a 10 % discount or at the park’s ticket office and vary in price depending on age, from €20 to €30.
Slide and Splash – image taken from: jet2holidays
How to get there
Located in Lagoa, on E.N. 125 Vale de Deus 8401-901 Estombar, Lagoa (see map), access is easy and there are several options available.
- By plane – The park is 45 minutes away from Faro Airport;
- Personal Transport – For those opting for their own vehicle, the park is located near N125 and has free public parking.
The park is equipped with a dining area and tables, changing rooms, lockers, cabanas, sun umbrellas, and loungers, as well as a shop offering convenience items and photography services.
2. ZOOMARINE
Zoomarine stands out as a water park that not only features traditional water attractions like rides and slides but also includes a lazy river, a wave pool, and a fast river. Additionally, it offers dolphin, sea lion, seal, and bird shows.
The park is open from March to November, tickets can be purchased online or at the park ticket office, with prices varying depending on age. During the high season from June to August, ticket prices range from €24.50 to €37, while in other months, prices range from €18 to €30.
Zoomarine – image taken from:myguidealgarve
How to get there
Located in Guia, just a few kilometers from Albufeira, specifically at N125 KM 65, 8201-864 Guia (see map), there are several easy access routes available.
- The Zoomarine offers a shuttle service that covers most of the Algarve, with prices ranging from €9 to €11 depending on the departure zone.
- By plane – The park is 35 minutes away from Faro Airport.
- Personal Transport – For those opting for their own vehicle, the park is located near N125 and has free public parking.
The park is equipped with a dining area and tables, lockers, a convenience store, and photography services.
3. AQUASHOW PARK
It is a four-star hotel water park ideal for spending a holiday without having to leave the premises.
It features outdoor attractions, with the main one being the largest water roller coaster in Europe, the Mammothblast, and Aquakids with a maximum speed of 70 km/h, as well as indoor attractions that offer multiple experiences such as a spa, tornado, adventure island, and children’s pool.
The park is open from May to September, tickets can be purchased online with a 10% discount or at the park ticket office, with prices varying depending on age, ranging from €24 to €34.
Aquashow – image taken from: traventia
How to get there
Located in Quarteira on Estrada Nacional 396, Seminó, 8125-303 Quarteira-Algarve, Portugal (see map), there are several easy access routes available:
- By plane – The park is 20 minutes away from Faro Airport;
- Bus – The Rede Expresso as well as Flixbus, reach Quarteira-Algarve from various regions of the country, such as Lisbon or Porto;
- Private Transport – Taxis, Ubers and Bolts frequent the neighbourhood;
- Personal Transport – For those opting for their own vehicle, the park is located near A22 and has private parking for customers.
The park is equipped with a dining area and tables, changing rooms, lockers, and photography services.
4. WATERPARK AMARANTE
The Amarante water park, located in the north of the country, has several fast lanes and tunnels with 3 new slides: the Aqua Tube, Space Hole & Compact Slide, foam parties and a waterfall pool.
The water park also has a children’s area, wave pools, and a jacuzzi, and is open from May to September.
Tickets can be purchased online, and the park recommends always buying online, prices range from €9 to €13.80 online, while at the park ticket office, prices range from €14.90 to €23, with variations based on age.
Water park Amarante – image taken from: tripadvisor
How to get there
Located at Rua do Tâmega, No. 2245, 4600-909 Fregim – Amarante, (see map), access to the Amarante Water Park is convenient and straightforward:
- Personal Transport – If coming from the A4 or IP4 towards Amarante, take the exit marked AMARANTE OESTE. Then, at the roundabout, continue straight ahead. Afterward, follow the sign to the right for FREGIM/LIVRAÇÃO. Follow the signs for PARQUE AQUÁTICO.
- By Bus – There are direct buses to the center of Amarante. Then, simply take the Rodoamarante bus connection heading to the Park!
The park is equipped with a dining area and tables, loungers, lockers, and accommodation in the village of Tâmega.
5. MARIPARQUE LEIRIA
Mariparque, located near Vieira Beach in Leiria, offers new attractions and fun for children. The new equipment includes 2 closed spiral slides, 2 open slides, and various suspended buckets.
It also offers a diverse range of daily activities, with entertainment provided by the “Hello Mariparque” team, featuring dances and aquagym.
The park is open from June to September, tickets can be purchased online or at the park ticket office, with prices varying depending on age.
Mariparque – image taken from: tripadvisor
How to get there
Located at Rua de Leiria, No. 112-114 Marinha Grande, 2430-091 Portugal, (see map), access to Mariparque, Leiria, is varied and easily accessible:
- By Bus – Take lines 14 or 15 to Mariparque – Parque Aquático in Vieira De Leiria.
- Personal Transport – For those who choose to drive themselves, the park is close to the A8 motorway and the A17, is easily accessible from various locations, and has a visitor car park available along the seafront strip next to the park.
Other water parks and summer activities in Portugal
If you prefer smaller water parks, you can always explore the Natur water park in Vila Real, with pools and slides for children and adults.
Natur water park – image taken from: topvendas
The panorâmico water park in Pombal is a great option for those who enjoy pool parties. You can organize your private party there, and for students, it’s ideal for end-of-year celebrations, birthdays, and student association gatherings.
Panorâmico -image taken from: allaboutportugal
Between visits to water parks, you can always make the most of the summer by exploring the Rio Douro with a boat tour, diving into the praias da Arrábida, or embarking on a road trip along the costa vicentina, exploring the best that the Sudoeste do Alentejo has to offer.
READ ALSO:
Aquashow Park: All the attractions;
5 must-see places in the Algarve;
- Get to know the Aquashow Park Hotel.
