Ancient Algarve waterpark set for transition

Ancient Algarve waterpark set for transition

Abandoned Aqualine Water Park in Altura Set for Transformation as Three Rural Tourism Units

In a move aimed at preserving the natural environment and aligning with sustainable development strategies, the old Aqualine water park in Altura, closed several decades ago, is set for transformation into three small rural tourism units. This decision by the municipality in the district of Faro comes after the Castro Marim Municipal Council scrutinized a proposed plan to convert the 18-hectare site into a tourism area.

The Castro Marim Council, in considering the promoter's proposal, concluded that a less intrusive and denser construction project would not be conducive. Instead, they opted for a dispersed, low-density tourism project that would maintain the existing land use and preserve the trees on the site.

In deciding on this innovative approach, the council avoided increasing construction density in the area, thus preventing an additional urban burden on its coastal territorial region. The rural tourism units will be dispersed, each one based on the facilities and pre-existing features in the surrounding area, providing a differentiated tourist offering in line with the low density of the territory.

Originally opening its doors in July 1988, the Aqualine water park operated through the 1993 bathing season. However, two tragic incidents involving children at Aquaparque in Lisbon that year led to changes in the industry's regulations, necessitating modifications that eventually led to the closure of several parks.

While these details have informed the current plan's development, they are not directly linked to the project's goals, and will not be a significant focus of the rural tourism units in Altura.

The transformation of the old Aqualine water park in Altura will offer a unique blend of tourism, lifestyle, and home-and-garden experiences by incorporating the surrounding area's facilities and features. The dispersed, low-density tourism project will also focus on travel accommodations that prioritize sustainable development strategies, preserving the natural environment and maintaining the existing land use.

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