Portugal’s Zoomarine Algarve has been named the world’s best theme park at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, securing the title for the third consecutive year. Located near Albufeira, the park combines rollercoasters, water attractions and marine wildlife experiences, making it one of the Algarve’s most distinctive family destinations.
The award marks another international recognition for Zoomarine, which previously won the same global Theme Park category in 2024 and 2025.
Situated in Guia, just outside Albufeira, the attraction has been welcoming visitors since 1991. What began as a marine-themed leisure park has gradually developed into a destination combining amusement rides, aquatic attractions, zoological exhibits and environmental education.
The latest award was announced on 20 October 2026, during a year in which Zoomarine is also celebrating its 35th anniversary.
What Makes Zoomarine Algarve Different?
Unlike conventional amusement parks built mainly around rides and rollercoasters, Zoomarine brings together several experiences within a single site.
For thrill-seekers, attractions include Jurassic River, a rafting-style adventure through a prehistoric setting, and the Harakiri water ride. The park also introduced Nautilus, a new family rollercoaster, for its 2026 season.
Water activities are another major feature. Zoomarine Beach offers a large artificial beach and wave pool, while other swimming pools and slides provide opportunities to cool off during the Algarve’s warmer months.
But the park’s identity is also closely connected to marine life.
At the Oceanus Aquarium, visitors can explore aquatic habitats representing different ecosystems, from Portugal’s coastal environments to tropical waters. The aquarium houses sharks, rays and a variety of fish species.
Elsewhere, the Butterfly Garden introduces visitors to tropical butterflies, while zoological presentations feature birds, dolphins and sea lions.
The combination of attractions means a visit can alternate between rollercoasters, water activities and encounters with the natural world.
Marine Conservation Beyond the Attractions
Conservation is another important part of Zoomarine’s activities. In 2002, the park established Porto d’Abrigo, Portugal’s first dedicated marine species rehabilitation centre.
Working in cooperation with conservation authorities, the centre receives injured or distressed marine animals and provides veterinary care and rehabilitation. Whenever possible, recovered animals are returned to their natural habitats.
Zoomarine has also developed environmental education programmes and conservation initiatives, including work connected to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
These activities sit alongside the park’s commercial attractions. They do not remove the wider debate surrounding the keeping and presentation of marine mammals in zoological facilities, but they form part of the conservation work highlighted by Zoomarine in connection with its latest award.
A Third Global Award in Three Years
Zoomarine’s latest distinction comes from the World Luxury Travel Awards, an international tourism awards programme established in 2020.
The competition recognises tourism businesses and experiences across several categories, with winners selected through votes involving industry professionals and consumers.
According to the organisers, the awards programme receives more than 100,000 votes annually across its various categories.
Zoomarine won the global Theme Park category in 2024, 2025 and 2026, as confirmed by the official awards website.
The distinction should not be confused with the separate World Travel Awards competition, which operates its own categories and voting process.
For Zoomarine’s executive director, Tiago Pierotti, the third consecutive win recognises the work of the park’s team and its efforts to maintain a consistent visitor experience.
Visiting Zoomarine in the Algarve
Zoomarine is located in Guia, in the municipality of Albufeira, within easy reach of many of the Algarve’s main holiday destinations. The park offers a mixture of indoor and outdoor attractions, although some water activities operate only during particular months or seasons.
Visitors should check the programme before travelling, as opening dates, show schedules and access to individual attractions can vary throughout the year. Further information, including tickets, opening times and attraction details, is available on the official Zoomarine Algarve website.
The latest international award adds another milestone to the park’s 35-year history, while giving first-time visitors a reason to look beyond the Algarve’s beaches and explore one of the region’s best-known family attractions.
