Sand City

Every child who has built a sandcastle knows how quickly it falls down. Sand City, just outside Lagoa in the Algarve, shows them what happens when professionals do it. More than 60 sculptors from Portugal and other countries have carved over 120 works from packed sand, spread across more than 50,000 square metres (about five hectares) of open-air grounds beside the EN125. Sand City calls itself the biggest sand sculpture park in the world.

The sculptures show famous scenes, well-known people and odd curiosities. It is a strange, slightly dreamlike place. There are no rides; the fun is in spotting things and working out how something made of sand and water can stand that tall. Then children get their own turn in the sand dome.

Sand City grew out of FIESA, an international sand sculpture festival that started in 2003 near Pêra, also in the Algarve. After more than 20 years and many themed shows, the exhibition moved to its current site in Lagoa and became Sand City. The current show is called A world made of sand.

Children often ask why these sculptures don’t collapse. The answer is water and packing. Dry sand pours like liquid, because the grains slide past each other. Add a little water and a thin film forms between the grains that pulls them together, which is why damp sand makes the best sandcastles. Sand sculptors pack damp sand tightly into big blocks, then carve from the top down, so the loose sand they cut away falls clear of the finished work below. Ask children to look for the thinnest bits and the overhangs, and guess how the artist got them to hold.

Under a dome inside the park is an area set aside for sand sculpting, where children and adults can try making their own. It is free with your ticket and open during all opening hours. Nobody supervises it, so you stay with your children. It’s where most young children want to spend their time after walking round. Expect sandy knees and pockets.

• Toddlers go free and enjoy the big shapes and the sand dome, though the paths are hard going for a buggy.
• Ages 4 to 7 like hunting for animals and characters and having a go in the dome.
• Ages 8 to 12 can study the techniques and try carving from the top down.
• Teenagers interested in art or photography get the most from the detail, especially in the evening light.

Sand City is seasonal. In 2026 it opens from 25 March to 15 November. From 29 June to 13 September it stays open until 23:00, and the rest of the season it closes at 19:00. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. The summer evenings are the best time to go with children, when the Algarve sun is gentler.

When checked in September 2026, tickets were €11.90 for adults (13 to 64), €5.90 for children aged 6 to 12 and €9.50 for over-65s. Under-6s go free. You need to show a child’s ID for the child price. The family pack for two adults and two children (€29.90) is sold only at the ticket office. Buying online through the official ticket site saves 10%, and groups of more than ten get 10% off.

The paths are sand and gravel. The park recommends comfortable shoes and warns that pushing a buggy is hard work, so bring a sling or carrier for a baby if you can. For anyone who finds walking difficult, you can hire a small electric buggy (a cart) at the shop to tour the grounds.

The park is outdoors, and on a hot afternoon the paths between sculptures can be very sunny. There are shaded rest areas with tables and benches, but bring hats and water. Opening hours may change in bad weather, since rain and wind affect the sculptures.

You can’t bring your own food or drink inside. There is a small snack bar with light meals, cold drinks and coffee, which the website says opens from July to November, so outside those months eat before you go. There’s a car park with more than 300 spaces.

Dogs are welcome on a lead (with a muzzle if needed), which is unusual for an Algarve attraction; bring poo bags. There’s also a fish spa where small fish nibble your feet, which some children find hilarious and others refuse to try.

The sculptures are fragile, so explain to younger children before you go in that this is look but don’t touch, and save the touching for the dome.

Sand City is on the EN125 between Lagoa and Porches. The Castelo de Silves is a short drive inland, and Zoomarine is further east near Guia. For the sea caves at Benagil, see 5emotions dolphin and cave trips from Portimão. For a meal nearby, see our page on Boneca Bar in Carvoeiro.

How much is Sand City for children?

Under-6s go free and children aged 6 to 12 paid €5.90 when checked in September 2026. Adults paid €11.90, and a family pack for two adults and two children was €29.90 at the ticket office.

Can children make their own sand sculptures at Sand City?

Yes. A free, unsupervised sand-sculpting area under a dome is open all day for children and adults to try.

Can you take a buggy?

You can, but the sand and gravel paths make it hard work. A sling or carrier is easier for babies.

When is Sand City open?

In 2026, from 25 March to 15 November, 10:00 to 19:00, and until 23:00 from 29 June to 13 September.

Can you bring a dog?

Yes, on a lead, with a muzzle if needed. Bring bags to clear up.

How long does a visit take?

About one to two hours, plus time in the sand dome.