Slide & Splash Water Park

Slide & Splash is one of the best-known water parks in the Algarve, and for many families it is the thing to do on a very hot day. It lies just inland from Lagoa, on the main road between Lagoa and Silves, a short drive from Albufeira and the resorts of the central coast, and opened in the 1980s, which makes it one of the older parks in the region. Over the years, it has grown into a large complex of pools, slides and lawns set among palm trees and gardens.

The rides cater to different tastes and ages. For thrill-seekers, there are fast, steep slides, among them the Banzai, in which riders go head-first on a mat down a steep chute, and the Tornado, a slide that spins you through a darkened tunnel with light effects before dropping you into a pool. Others take groups in rubber rings, such as the Big Wave, a wide, curving tube in which up to four people slide together, a good choice for families. Gentler options include a lazy river that carries floating tubes around a circuit, wave pools, children's areas with shallow slides, fountains and play structures, and quieter pools for those who want to rest. Height and age restrictions apply on some rides, and lifeguards are on duty throughout the park.

Besides the rides, the park offers a few extras. Shows with birds and reptiles are held at set times and give a break from the water, a fish spa lets you dip your feet into a pool where small fish nibble dead skin, and massage and relaxation areas offer quieter moments. There are food outlets, snack bars, lockers, shaded cabanas and sunbeds for rent, and a shop for swimwear and sun protection. The park can hold several thousand people, and the layout, with lawns and shade trees, helps to keep it from feeling cramped.

Practical points: the park is seasonal, opening in spring and closing in the autumn, with the longest hours in July and August, and opening times change from month to month, so check the official website for the current schedule and ticket prices. Young children below a certain height enter free, and discounts are offered for families and online bookings. Bring swimsuits, towels, sun cream, hats and flip-flops, and a change of clothes, as it gets hot, and shade is limited on the lawns. The park's best time is on weekdays outside the peak school holidays, when queues for the slides are shorter. Arrive at opening time to claim sunbeds and enjoy the quietest hours.

Remember that food and drink prices inside are higher than outside, and many families bring snacks, where permitted. Nearby, the zoo-marine park of Zoomarine and the beaches of Albufeira offer other options. The park suits families with children and teenagers.