A water park on the Algarve in Portugal has been crowned the best in Europe thanks to its huge selection of rides that include a thrilling aqua coaster.

Aquashow Water Park in Quarteira, just a few minutes’ drive inland from the coast, recently took home the title of Europe’s Leading Water Park 2025 at the World Travel Awards. The complex is made up of a vast outdoor water park with rides, an indoor section with waterslides and lazy river, and a four-star hotel. Guests who stay in one of the hotel’s 148 rooms get free access to the water park so they can splash around to their heart’s content.

The award-winning outdoor water park generally opens from late May until the end of September, making the most of the Algarve’s sunny weather. There’s a huge number of slides to choose from, including thrill rides for braver guests and smaller slides for younger family members. 

Visitors can also splash around in multiple pools, ride on a 250m long lazy river, or relax in a jacuzzi. The park is home to  Europe’s biggest free-fall watercoaster, which includes two slides both 32 metres high, and the Flash Coaster which travels up to 60 miles per hour.

The Aquakids section is also popular for young kids, featuring a splash park and rides, and there are also some smaller rides such as the mini train.

During the cooler months, there’s also the year-round indoor water park which also has a number of colourful slides to zip through. Swimmers can enjoy the wave pool, or challenge themselves at the adventure pool which has a climbing wall and suspended rings to climb across. 

There’s also the peaceful Relax Pool, an artificial grotto that has waterfalls, bubbly jets, and a counter-current swimming pool for gentle exercise. 

If you can pull yourself away from the water park, there’s plenty to do not far from the hotel. For a day at the beach, visit the Blue Flag awarded Praia de Quarteira, which has just over a mile of golden sand. There are breakwaters that create calm spots for swimming, so it’s a popular beach for families and those looking to enjoy the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic.

Visit the Cerro da Vila, a 5,000 archeological site where a Roman villa once stood. You can see the ruins of this once grand settlement including the baths, mosaics, and fountains. There’s also an archaeological museum full of treasures that have been uncovered over the years.

In the evenings, head to nearby Vilamoura Marina, a stylish area surrounded by bars and restaurants. Along the palm tree-lined streets you’ll find a wide selection of shops, many of which open late, alongside plenty of spots serving Portuguese and international cuisine. Finish your day with a cocktail on the outdoor terraces as you watch the yachts coming into the marina.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com