If you’re looking for a family-friendly summer holiday destination and Praia da Rocha is not on your shortlist, you need to add it pronto! This buzzing little resort town in Portugal‘s beautiful Algarve region might just be the best place you haven’t yet heard of.
Non-Stop Family Fun
When it comes to entertaining the kids, Praia de Rocha is pretty much purpose-made for fun in the sun, with safe beaches, non-stop sunshine and a host of family-focused attractions and activities that will keep youngsters happy and entertained. If it sounds pretty perfect, who are we to argue? Here’s a taster of what you can look forward to.
Top Tip: If you plan on getting out and about to explore the rest of the region, this blog post offers some other family-friendly tips.
Big Beach Fun
The wide sandy beaches of the Algarve are the most spectacular in Portugal. Backed by the dramatic sandstone cliffs that define the region, there are three main ones within easy reach of Praia da Rocha – each seemingly more beautiful than the last.
Praia da Rocha: This is the resort’s main beach, stretching out for a kilometre. Its wide sandy shores and extensive shallows make it an ideal safe place for families, but there’s still enough swell to provide some fun for the junior body boarders. Along with lifeguard supervision, there are water sports and a giant inflatable.
Praia dos Tres Castelos: This lovely beach is a lot quieter than its neighbour and is an excellent place to escape if you’re looking for some downtime. While it doesn’t have the facilities of Praia da Rocha, it’s easy to access and you can hire deckchairs.
Praia do Vau: Around 20 minutes’ walk from the main resort (2km along the promenade and cliff walk), Praia do Vau is a sheltered beach with a very different feel from the main one. Getting there is half the fun, as you can take in spectacular views over the region.
Slide & Splash Water Park
Not surprisingly, Slide & Splash Water Park gives you exactly what’s on the tin! This fun-filled water park has something for every age and even the parents can’t help but get into the thrill of it all. Set over seven hectares, the park is home to a host of water slides of every shape, size and speed (including the fabulous foam slides), so even the littlest members of the family won’t be left out.
As one of the largest water parks in the country, it’s not just wet and wild fun on the menu, either. There are daily animal shows for the youngsters, which feature birds of prey, parrots and reptiles, as well as plenty of sun loungers set in relaxing areas of the park and a spa for the parents. It’s the perfect day out, and there’s even a bus pickup from Praia da Rocha.
Zoo Lagos
Nothing entertains the kids more than a trip to the zoo, and Zoo Lagos is an absolute treat for young visitors. Founded on the principles of conservation, education and protection, the inclusive environment is far more relaxed and inviting than some larger zoos – and there’s great consideration given to even the smallest children.
Home to some 120 species of animals, children can get up close to their favourites in the petting farm, and there are regular public feeding times of the meerkats, primates and pelicans. The zoo is well-facilitated with a restaurant, snack bar, playground and souvenir shop, and visitors are even encouraged to bring their own picnic. A truly enjoyable family day in the great outdoors awaits!
Santa Bernada
If you’ve ever wanted to make your kids walk the plank, now’s your chance! Well, not quite, but everything else about a day out on this gorgeous two-masted sailing vessel will make the children feel like pirates for a day as you cruise around the stunning cliffs of the Algarve.
You can choose from several different cruises to explore the magnificent coastline, stopping off at sea caves and beaches, and children will love the theatrics of the captain and crew as they share their tales of pirates, treasure and adventure on the high sea. It’s ship ahoy for the most memorable day of your holiday!
How to Get to Praia da Rocha
This fabulous family destination is easy to get to, with a flight time of around three hours from the UK to Faro Airport (FAO). With numerous budget airlines offering direct flights to Faro, including Ryanair and easyJet, there’s barely enough time for the kids to get bored.
Once you land at the airport, the best way of ensuring that you arrive at your accommodation in the fastest, most comfortable way is to prebook a transfer with Shuttle Direct. We’ll get you and your family from door to door in under an hour.
Where to Stay
Beach Lounge Apartment: In a perfect location just two minutes from the beautiful beach, Beach Lounge Apartment offers a spacious family home away from home with everything on the doorstep. With a fantastic sun terrace, well-equipped kitchen and even a hot tub, the children will also be delighted with the pool and garden surrounds.
Apartamento Rocha Praia Mar: Overlooking the ocean and facilitated with everything you’d want for a family holiday, Apartamento Rocha Praia Mar provides cool, cheerful and homely accommodation. With air-conditioning, a full kitchen and a terrace, the apartments also feature an outdoor pool with sun loungers.
About Shuttle Direct
If you need to get the family from the airport to your accommodation at Praia da Rocha in the fastest and most convenient way, Shuttle Direct has the answer for you. We’re the most trusted provider of airport transport throughout Europe and North Africa, with an easy online booking system and a range of shared and private transport. Forget the hassle of public transport because, no matter what your budget or how many in your family, we’ll take care of all of your arrangements while you get on with having fun.
