The barely known waterpark just named the best in Europe with huge lazy rivers, indoor playgrounds and rollercoasters
THERE are waterparks all over the world, but this one has just been crowned one of the best – and it’s just hours from the UK.
Aquashow Water Park in Portugal has been crowned Europe’s Leading Water Park 2026 at the World Travel Awards.
The waterpark has a huge seasonal outdoor pool complex which will reopen in May 2027.
It has a splash park called Aqualandia with slides and tipping buckets for little ones – but there’s plenty of high thrills rides too.
The Flash Coaster is one of the biggest rides in the park and it’s quick too at 62mph.
There are also racing slides, flumes, a wave pool and for those brave enough, try out Free Fall.
It’s the biggest free fall jump in Europe and the only one in the Algarve; there are two slides, each 32 metres high and 129 metres long.
Outside are food stalls serving up burgers, hot dogs, salads, sandwiches, ice cream, pastries and drinks.
Outdoor waterpark tickets for those between 11-64 range from €34 – €38 (£29-£32), junior and senior tickets start from €25 (£21).
When it’s the off-season and it’s a little cooler in the Algarve, make the most of the indoor pools.
There are different kinds to choose from including its wave pool, children’s pool, relax pool and spa.
Then there’s the adventure pool with a climbing wall and a circuit of suspended rings over the water.
Adventure Island is where kids can splash about with smaller slides, and water features.
There are also larger and faster flumes and racing slides too.
It’s not all water activities, the Sky Challenge is a high-ropes course, and there’s an indoor playground with soft play, trampolines and climbing walls.
Tickets for a three- hour sessions at the indoor waterpark start from €25 (£21) for children between 6-12. For adults aged 13-64 tickets are €35 (£29).
For anyone wanting to visit, the waterpark has its own on-site hotel – all its rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
You’ll also find a restaurant, bar and outdoor terrace.
A family of up to six can stay for two nights at the hotel from €884.75 (£740) including breakfast.
The hotel is 2.5 miles from the Quarteira resort centre, where you’ll find shops and restaurants – the nearest beach is about 2.7 miles away.
For more on the World Travel Awards, this theme park with no rides or rollercoasters was named the best in Europe.
And these are the world’s best hotels from beachfront island resorts to mega theme park stays, and there are two in the UK.