Summer: 17 water parks in Portugal

Algarve in the summer means beaches, but there are several challenges to a different day throughout the region. One of them is Aqualand, in Alcantarilha, in the Faro district. This water park has attractions for all tastes, one of the main attractions being "Adrenaline Fun", which includes many extreme slides. There is also a spot for families, "Family Fun", and for children, "Kidzworld". If you buy your ticket online, you will have special conditions.

It is located a few kilometers from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, in Madeira Island, and has the capacity to receive more than a thousand people. The “Parque de Diversões Aquáticas de Santa Cruz” has perfect attractions for a well spent day with the family, as well as options for the fearless ones, with long and very fast slides. For the little ones, there is a huge swimming pool and a slow river. For the grown-ups there are "Water Slides", the "Black Hole" and a fast river.

It will soon be part of history. It will have the first indoor water park in the Iberian Peninsula, the Aquashow Indoor Park, which will be open all year round. Furthermore, it has spots for children, it has fun suitable for different heights and the main highlights are the "Watercoaster", the "Twin Space Shuttle" and the "River Slide". For the bravest, there is a "Top Swing" and the "Free Fall", the largest of its kind in Europe, with two slides with 129 meters length. Aquashow also has a hotel nearby.

It is a versatile theme park, with leisure attractions combined with aquatic amusements. In addition to the  "Refúgio dos Piratas" (Pirates' Refuge) and "África", calmer aquatic spots, there is the "Far-West", with the Rio Bravo and the Montanha Mágica. It also has the adrenaline of the "Mundo da Confusão" (World of Confusion) and the "Aldeia Medieval" (Medieval Village), which includes a Ghost Castle and the Princess Tower. Magikland delights kids and adults alike, and also includes a candy corner and a picnic area.

Close to “Praia da Vieira”, Mariparque has a large swimming pool, where you can simply relax, and also other attractions for more acrobatic dives into the water. It has slides, slopes and "water slides", perfect for cooling off on a very hot day. Part of the Hotéis Cristal, it also has extreme activities, such as aquaball and kayaking, but if you are looking for something out of the water, there are traditional games, climbing and archery, among many others.

A Campsite, a Water Park, a Playground and an Adventure Park: at Naturwaterpark there are attractions for all tastes and ages. With incredible scenarios and adrenaline-filled challenges, the aquapark also has several slides and attractions made for the youngest. As such, it's perfect for a family day out or to unwind after a week at work. The project stands out for having a strong environmental concern, supported by more ecological measures, namely photovoltaic energy.

Close to the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, Norpark has a privileged view of the beach. Perfect for a different and adrenaline-filled day, it has slides, different attractions for the little ones and a pool to swim freely. Group activities are often organized for an improvised "gym" and it has a wide variety of services, such as a restaurant. It has its own vehicles with countless stops in the surroundings, included in the ticket price.

Set in the natural landscape of Pombal, in central Portugal, the Panorâmico Aquaparque includes water slides, soft slides and a fast river, suitable for speed lovers. It has a capacity for up to seven thousand people and includes a semi-Olympic swimming pool, as well as food and beverage spots. In addition, it has a strong event component and organizes pool parties, student parties and private parties for individuals and companies.

For those looking for a bit of "Turbolance", the Parque Aquático de Amarante is a tempting option. In addition to this original name attraction, it also has a snail-shaped slide, multiple tracks and a "Fast Mountain". If, however, you prefer something calmer, you can choose the pools, among which an indoor wave pool stands out. There are also accommodation options in Aldeia do Tâmega, with rooms and apartments for all tastes and budgets.

Let yourself be impressed by the breathtaking views from the highest points, and speed down the nine lanes of slides. In addition to refreshing dips in the aquapark attractions, you can decide to swim freely in one of its pools, for children and adults. In addition to activities, Parque Aquático de Fafe also includes three bars and frequent themed entertainment.

The Parque Aquático de Santarém has established itself as a reference on the Lisbon surroundings, with swimming pools – indoors are open all year round – and water attractions. It includes a waterfall, "Pistas Fofas" (Soft Slides) and spiral slides, as well as a wave pool. With activities for all ages, it also has a soccer field and a beach volleyball court, as well as a jacuzzi and water games. The interior area has a 25-meter swimming pool and two learning tanks.

Opened in 1986, Slide & Splash is one of the main references at a national level when it comes to theme parks. With multiple attractions, for all tastes, ages and adrenaline, the highlights are the "Disco River", the extreme slides "Corckscrew" and "The Big Wave" and the "Tropical Paradise", perfect for the youngest and which includes interactive games. To recharge your batteries, be sure to go to the jacuzzi, or go to Aquafeeling - Massages and Fish Spa.

Very close to Lisbon, about 35 minutes by car and 20 by boat, Splash Seixal is a perfect place for the whole family. The kids can have a great time in a ball pit and on the softer slides, while adults – and age-appropriate children – can test gravity on the "Kamikaze" and, once out of the water, on the "Bungee". Near Baía do Seixal, there is also a vast rest area, with "street food" and good music.

Since 1989, Sportágua lives up the Peniche summers, about 90 kilometers from Lisbon. There are several slopes, "Tobogans" and a "Kamikaze" drop, ready to get your adrenaline pumping. For the little ones, there are softer slides and a pool, where they can play safely. Its privileged location allows you to visit incredible places in the surroundings, namely Óbidos, Lourinhã – where you will find Dino Parque – and Peniche, perfect for surf lovers.

In Gafanha da Boa Hora, on the Aveiro surroundings, you will find the Vaga Splash Tourist Complex, which includes spiral slides and swimming pools for kids and adults. It has bungalows, a service area for motorhomes and other attractions, such as a soccer field, mini-golf, a beach volleyball court and a children's playground. There are also massages and a wide lawn where you can enjoy sunbathing.

This location is a dream: it is on Praia do Alqueirão, at Rio Caldo, in Albufeira da Caniçada, in the heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. It has several inflatable play equipment, which provides spectacular dives into the water, which is usually between 22 and 25° C. There are demanding challenges: climbing a 4.2 meter iceberg, walking on a roller without falling, or swinging on water with friends to see who falls first. There you can also paddle and explore the breathtaking landscape.

A must in the Algarve, Zoomarine is a theme park that has multiple attractions for all ages, the most popular being Baía dos Golfinhos. It has multiple areas with animals, rest spots and extreme activities, as well as many water attractions, ideal for cooling off on hot days. There are slides for all tastes and age groups, as well as a wave beach. You can also combine a visit to the park with a stay at a hotel.