PortAventura Holidays

Costa Dorada’s top dog

PortAventura started out as a theme park back in 1995. These days, that word doesn’t do it justice. PortAventura World’s like a one-stop-shop for all things entertainment, with two theme parks, a waterpark, five hotels and a stack of food joints. This place is so big, it’s even got its own train station, which’ll zip you to Barcelona and nearby Salou.

Theme park double act

Spain’s biggest theme park wasn’t enough for PortAventura Park. So they added more fuel to the fire. At 76 metres, Shambhala’s got one of the longest drops of all European rollercoasters, while Hurakan Condor’s 330-foot drop is one of the world’s biggest. Ferrari Land joined the party in 2017, bringing a bevy of Italian-inspired rides and restaurants. And it adds another trophy to the cabinet with Red Force – Europe’s fastest and highest coaster.

Swap rides for slides

The next door waterpark, PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park, doesn’t slack in the medal department, either. It packs Europe’s tallest freefall slide into its watery grounds. And the beach, palms and laidback music make it feel less Costa Dorada and more Caribbean. If you like your sands a little more au naturel, nearby Salou’s got a dapper duo. You can walk there in around half an hour, or hop on the train.

Show-stopping entertainment

PortAventura takes theme parks literally. The main park’s split into five areas, themed around the Med, Wild West, Mexico, China and Polynesia. The restaurants and hotels jump on the bandwagon. And you can expect different shows at the lot of them – from Mayan dances to cancan performances and a Sesame Street show for kids. Evenings go out with a bang, as well, thanks to a top-notch fireworks display.