Alfagar Alto da Colina sits on higher ground between Balaia and Santa Eulália, and it’s the water-park member of the Alfagar Aparthotels & Resorts family.(shared across the Alfagar group). It’s a 4-star, five-storey apartment hotel split across two buildings, with 174 apartments and striking sea views from the upper floors.
The name gives it away: this is the Alfagar resort built around children’s water slides, rather than the calmer garden setting at Alfagar Village. Check-in is from 16:00, check-out by 11:00. It’s within walking distance of Santa Eulália beach and Balaia Golf Course, which makes it a reasonable base whether your week is beach-first or golf-first.
Who fits
Families with kids who want a genuine water park on site, not a day trip to one. Couples and families who like the idea of higher ground and sea glimpses over a flat, beach-level position. Groups who want a full sports list – football, tennis, basketball, gym – without leaving the resort.
Look elsewhere if you want a calmer, non-water-park resort – Alfagar Village or Alfagar Prestige fit that better – or if you want direct, flat beach access rather than a walk from higher ground.
Water slides, pools, and the daily rhythm
The kids’ water slides are why most families book here, backed up by four swimming pools and a separate indoor pool for cooler days. Add football, a tennis court, basketball, a gym, a playground, and a run of bars and restaurants, and you can fill a full day without leaving the grounds. You can often use the wider Alfagar facilities nearby as well – confirm at check-in.
Location and getting around
You’re 1.5 km from the Areias de São João shopping street and about 5 km from Albufeira’s Old Town, so evenings mean a short drive or taxi rather than a stroll. Santa Eulália beach and Balaia Golf Course are both within walking distance. Faro Airport is roughly 33 km out – see transfers or car hire for the journey in.
Compared with the other Alfagar resorts
Alfagar Village for the original, larger clifftop-garden resort without the water park. Alfagar Prestige for the newest, most refined build in the group. Aparthotel Alfagar for a smaller waterpark resort further along toward Olhos de Água. Read all four before booking – the names overlap and the phone line is shared.
Worth it?
Book it for a family week where water slides and a full sports list matter more than flat beach access. Confirm which building and floor you’re assigned, since higher floors get the better sea views but mean more lift or stair use with young kids in tow.
Quick FAQ
Does it really have water slides?
Yes – children’s water slides are one of the property’s main selling points, alongside four pools.
Walk to Santa Eulália beach?
Yes, it’s listed as within walking distance, though the higher-ground position means more of a walk than beachfront hotels.
Different from Alfagar Village?
Yes – Alto da Colina is the water-park resort on higher ground; Village is the original, garden-set clifftop resort closer to the beach.