Vilamoura is justly famous as a holiday destination for the whole family. Take the fabulous beaches, wonderful climate and excellent restaurants out of the equation and you still have plenty for the family to do. Most families book a package deal to Vilamoura, which is a wise choice as there are so many on offer and they leave you with extra cash to spend on other activities during your stay.
Although my daughter is only tiny, I travel with friends who have older children and from experience I know that these attractions in Vilamoura have been a hit with the bigger kids.
Zoomarine
For only £24.99 per adult you can enjoy a whole day at this animal and marine park. The dolphin show is a real highlight and kids will be fascinated watching these incredible mammals perform their tricks. You can also see the sea lions and the birds of prey who are the stars of the show in an exhibition all of their own. There are water birds, alligators and plenty of other fish in the giant aquarium to marvel at too.
With several restaurants on the complex and plenty of green space to kick back, mums and dad can have a well earned break while the kids amuse themselves on the big wheel, log flume and pirate ship: the ideal way to spend a day out.
For more information and discounted tickets, click here.
Slide and Splash
When the beach and the hotel pool just don’t cut it anymore for your kids, take them to this place, full of spiralling water chutes and slides. Kids can entertain themselves on the Black Hole or the Kamikaze rides while the adults relax in the sun. There are river rapids to ride and lots of other slides and attractions too. For kids who prefer a little less adrenaline-fuelled action, there is a large swimming pool and a giant Jacuzzi.
Snacks and ice creams can be purchased all day but bring a picnic if you prefer to save your cash. Entrance is only £21.50, and for the whole day, this is a bargain!
AquaShowPark
Another water park full of action – there is everything here from giant water pools to more relaxed children’s play areas. This place isn’t all about water either, as you can also enjoy the bird of prey and parrot shows, mini golf and wax museum. This is another bargain at £23.50 per person.
4X4 Day Trip
Kids are going to love this one, and the adults too, if you are anything like me. Get off the beaten track and see another side to the Algarve all off-road in a 4×4. The trip takes you though some stunning scenery and charming villages and offers a real insight into rural life in the area. When the kids hear about the age-old crafts and traditional methods used to farm the land, their interest is bound to be sparked and you can guarantee that there will be lots of questions!
The trip is followed by a cruise that includes lunch and drinks and the opportunity for a swim. This a fun-filled day out that everyone is sure to enjoy! It costs £59.50 per person.
Recommended read: Culture and History of the Algarve
Krazy World
For only €12.95 each, you can spend the whole day at this zoo. There are not only animals to look at but lots of activities tot get involved in too. Feeding times are always popular, as are the reptile shows. Kids can have a go at pony riding, play mini golf, take a dip in the tropical pools or enjoy some time at the little funfair. It is easy to spend a whole day at this popular attraction.
How To Get to Vilamoura
Faro Airport, the most convenient arrival port for travellers from the UK, is well served by many budget airlines. EasyJet and Monarch fly from London Gatwick and Jet2 offers some great deals from Manchester. With a flight time of under three hours, you don’t’ have to worry too much about keeping the kids occupied.
Another bonus is that the trip from Faro airport to Vilamoura is only 30 minutes and, if you book with us here at Shuttle Direct, you can rely on a comfortable and professional, as well as competitively priced transfer. Book in advance and you can look forward to a fixed price service that includes a private vehicle, a personal meeting on arrival and a door-to-door service, all from £19.13 per person. With older kids you might be willing to forgo the need for a private transfer and instead opt for the cheaper shared shuttle service that costs just over £7 per person. Whichever option you choose, your Faro Airport to Vilamoura transfer will be hassle free, leaving you refreshed and ready to start your holiday.
Where to Stay
Prado Villas – I love the way Prado Villas are laid out and think it is perfect for families with older kids who need space, but should still be under supervision. The gardens are beautiful here, as are the pool and terrace. Wi-Fi is an added benefit of these villas, as we all know that children of a certain age like to keep in touch and stay connected to friends back home. The individual villas are spacious and each comes with a private patio, from where you can keep an eye on the kids. Best of all though is that the villas all have two bathrooms, which is ideal when you have pre-teens on holiday with you!
Hotel Apartamento de Golf – This property boasts oodles of space with stunning lush landscaped gardens surrounding it. Air-conditioning comes as standard and the satellite TV is a nice distraction for the youngsters. Despite being a hotel, the rooms at Hotel Apartamento de Golf have microwaves and refrigerators, perfect for storing all the extra snacks and drinks that growing kids seem to constantly need. While the children are off enjoying the pool or tennis court, mums can sneak an hour or two in the Wellness Centre, before everyone gets together again to enjoy a Portuguese meal in the hotel’s restaurant.
Verde Pino – Beautiful rooms in typical Portuguese style buildings are set among higgledy-piggledy gardens at Verde Pino. Some of the more spacious rooms have seating areas, which are ideal for spreading out in and all have a coffee machine, perfect for those early risers. Outdoor pool and sun loungers are par for the course and being only a couple of mile from Falesia Beach, this is another favourite for families.
About Shuttle Direct:
Get your family holiday off to a great start with a hassle free transfer to the resort of your choice. Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of airport transfers in Europe and North Africa offer a professional and reliable fixed price service to your final destination. Why not have someone meet you on arrival, give you a hand with your cases and drive you door to door? Prices are competitive, so even for family groups, we are very affordable.
