Quarteira holidays

When you’re not topping up your tan, explore the extensive selection of restaurants. Once a thriving fishing village, Quarteira is no stranger to seafood with fresh catches caught every day from the surrounding Atlantic. Menus are brimming with clam dishes marinated in garlic, cataplana de marisco, a mixture of lobster, prawns and squid gently fried in white wine and classic codfish. There’s no shortage of fine dining establishments, beachfront cocktail spots and cheap eats. For a hearty mix of steaks, pastas and grilled chicken – the Moon Restaurant has you covered. There’s also a terrace ideal for sunset-watching and sipping the island’s famous Ginjinha, a cherry flavoured brandy. Chico’s is famed for its local specialities, while Rei do Churrasco offers barbecue, European and Mediterranean fare.

Luckily, a lengthy stretch of golden grains and sapphire waters are on your doorstep. The resort’s main beach was one of the earliest to be developed on the Algarve coast and is admired for its soft sands and shallow depths which are favoured by families. Keep walking and you’ll stumble across a delicious fruit market, and then eventually Vale do Lobo. Once you reach Praia de Vale do Lobo, you’ve entered what is known as the ‘Golden Triangle’ for its upmarket hotels, flawless coastline and high-end golf courses. Within walking distance there’s also Praia do Almargem, an unspoilt stretch surrounded by colossal sand dunes. It’s an intimate 15 kilometres in length and boasts a fancy Blue Flag award for its pristine conditions.

Situated close to the marina, boat trips are popular excursions among holidaymakers due to the surrounding coves, snorkelling points and opportunities to spot dolphins. There’s also a helping of golf courses for sport fanatics and mini versions for those travelling with little ones in tow. And you can’t miss the go-karting track and zoo nearby!

Aqualand: Awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Tripadvisor, this exhilarating splash park is nothing short of impressive. Take on the 92-metre-long Kamikaze before floating down rapid descents on Fast and surfing the Crazy Race slide. More than just thrills and spills, relax by Surf Beach and conquer the wave pool, or glide along the 270-metre lazy river. There are two children’s pools accessorised with castles, fountains, shoots and small slopes in the Kidzworld. This waterpark has something for all generations.

Zoomarine: Another huge hit with families, Zoomarine is famous for its animal shows, rides and waterslides. It’s also highly recommended for swimming with dolphins in the Algarve. When it comes to amusements there’s mini rollercoasters, a big wheel providing panoramas of the park and a flying pirate ship. Expert zoologists put on show-stopping performances with tropical birds and other unique species. Over at Zoomarine Beach find a wealth of slides, swimming pools and sunbathing spots. And when all that fun works up an appetite, there’s a selection of restaurants and snack bars.