Roller coasters, rides, shows and a water park make PortAventura World theme park one of Europe’s most exciting vacation destinations. It’s just outside Salou in the hills of Catalonia. Get your heart pumping on thrill rides or enjoy a relaxing day amid the attractions, which are designed for visitors of all ages. Spend time on Sesame Street or go on the global tour through Mexico, the Wild West, China, Polynesia and the Mediterranean.
Explore the different worlds that make up the park, allowing you to go around the globe without ever leaving PortAventura. Shoot up into the air in the Mediterranean’s Furius Baco, a horizontal catapult. Get your heart rate back to normal on the Port de la Drassana, a gentle water ride that leads from the Mediterranean to the ports of China. Travel to Polynesia and ride an erupting volcano or hop on a steam train through the Wild West. Climb to the top of the Himalayas on the Shambhala roller coaster then come very quickly down over its five camel humps.
Head into nearby Ferrari Land, which has one of Europe’s tallest roller coasters. Accelerate to 110 miles per hour (180 kilometers per hour) in 5 seconds on its steep decline, which will make your heart race in your chest. Bring your bathing suit and cool off in the water rides of Caribe, full of water slides. End your day in the sun at Dance Revolution 2, an action-packed song-and-dance show that prompts all audience members to dance in their seats.
Drive to PortAventura World theme park in 10 minutes from the resort town of Salou or 90 minutes from Barcelona. Arrive by train in Salou, where numerous shuttle buses are available with connections to the park. Drive from nearby Reus airport in 10 minutes, which offers connections throughout Europe. Parking is available on site. The park is open year round during normal business hours. Skip the entry lines by buying your tickets online in advance. Pay extra for front-row seats or an express pass for shorter lines at rides.