The Algarve’s Zoomarine voted one of the best theme parks in Europe

With its sandy beaches stretching on for miles on end, year-round sunshine, some of the most enviable golf courses in the world and picturesque towns and villages radiating history and culture, it is safe to say that there are plenty of reasons to visit the Algarve.

If however you are taking the kids abroad and know that you’ll give it to the incessant pleas to visit a water park, then you might just have another reason why to hop on a plane to the sunny Algarve.

Zoomarine, situated in Guia in the Albufeira region of the Algarve, has been voted one of the best theme parks in Europe. Zoomarine was ranked seventh on the list, which was compiled by the popular travel review site, Tripadvisor.

For the third year on the bounce, Zoomarine was given a prestigious ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by Tripadvisor, an achievement that certainly helps bolster the Algarve’s justifiable image as being a family-friendly destination.

From watching presentations with dolphins, seals, sea lions and tropical birds to visiting the aquarium where sharks may swim overhead, from going to the 4D cinema to whizzing down slides and other white-knuckle, water-based delights, Zoomarine provides a unique journey through the mysteries and adventures of marine life.

As well as having endless hours of fun at this award-winning aqua theme park, Zoomarine offers an educational day out. Unlike many theme parks that operate solely on providing entertainment, Zoomarine works of four basic principles – Education, Science, Conservation and Entertainment.

The park’s educational department offers various programmes designed to promote environmental awareness and strong educational conservation messages to all its visitors, regardless of their age. Guided tours, educational sessions and didactic presentations are all as much at the core of Zoomarine as the swimming pools, amusements and cinemas.

Opened in 1991, Zoomarine in Guia has been one of the leading cogs keeping the tourism industry in the area buoyant and thriving. In achieving a fun balance between entertainment and education it is hardly surprising that Tripadvisor placed Zoomarine as one of Europe’s leading marine parks.

For more information, directions and prices visit the Zoomarine website at zoomarine.pt.