Lagoa de Albufeira

A wading pool with plenty of sand at a brackish lagoon.

You’ll need to google it: a few small rivers meet an opening to the sea, creating water with very low salinity. Scientists say it’s the last remnant of a landscape from theJurassic period. The estuary area offers shallow water with pleasant temperatures, ideal for small children. During the summer season, there’s more space than in Sesimbra.

There is no natural shade, so bring supplies to avoid constant trips to the bar. On windy days, you’ll find many kite surfers — if you want to learn, there are schools along the road to the lagoon. In the fall, our kids fly kites on extremely stable strings. There is also direct access to the sea; just wade over the dunes. Further inland, you can birdwatch.