Are you planning a stay on the Barcelona side? What if you spend a day in PortAventura? Attractions, schedules, rates... Discover our guide to the most famous theme park in Europe.
It is one of the symbols of his environment. Since 1995, PortAventura has been hosting small and large in its theme park, whose attractions echo throughout Europe. The time of a day or a few hours, PortAventura is a destination taken by Costa Dorada travellers to enjoy a moment with family or friends. With every year new attractions and the recent inauguration of a new theme park “ Ferrari Land”, PortAventura turned into a real complex not to say... in the universe. Its hotels, beaches, surrounding landscapes and its proximity to Barcelona , Tarragona and Salou make it an ideal base for a stay in Spain.
So what to see and what to do in PortAventura? From attractions to different worlds to which they belong, to shows and practical information, discover everything you need to know about the theme park to more than 3 million annual visitors.
History of PortAventura
Photo credit: Instagram – portaventuraoficial
If the history of PortAventura begins in 1995, its birth dates back to a few years. In the 1980s, the race to the next Disney World Europe was launched: confident, the Spanish saw this project as a major tourist opportunity to transform the country’s economy. To win the title and become a homeland of the famous amusement park, large groups unite, invest and begin the work of the predestine Eurodisney In vain... It is finally the city of Paris which wins the project, leaving on the side of the Catalans, a rather bitter taste.
However, the board of directors and shareholders then reflect on a new fate for the site, especially around the thematization. The new project? A theme park with different universes. His name? PortAventura. Convinced of being able to compete with Disney, Anheuser-Busch, Tussauds Group and Universal Studios join, among other things, shareholders, as a capital to give life to this new ambition. In 1995 was thus inaugurated the first theme park in Spain PortAventura. When it opens its doors, PortAventura then hosts several attractions that will make the first fruits of its reputation as the iconic Dragon Khan. Over time, the simple theme park is transformed into a real leisure complex. The 2000s host new attractions, the Costa Caribe Aquatic Park, but also and especially the first hotels in the complex, a Beach Club and golf courses of over 66 hectares: PortAventura then becomes the largest amusement park in Spain and South Europe.
In a few years, the owners changed, the investors also. Many attractions have emerged, shows have been inaugurated, created universes and new theme parks have integrated the complex. In 2016, PortAventura changed its name to become PortAventura World Parks and Resort and host a year later its third theme park, Ferrari Land.
Today, PortAventura is 24 years of history, 71 attractions , 3 theme parks, hundreds of millions of euros invested and more 80 million visitors identified until 2018. In short, a major tourist print with a successful bet.
What to see and do in PortAventura?
PortAventura Park
The first theme park in the complex, Por Aventura Park is first and foremost the oldest of the project. Today spread over 105 hectares, it houses six universes to 41 attractions and 40 shows daily (and special events types Halloween or Christmas) to delight young and old, lovers of strong sensations or not.
- Mediterrània
?Attractions : Furious Baco, Port of Drassana, Estació del Nord
?Shows : PortAventura Parade, FiestAventura
?Restaurants : Racó de Mar, El Pòsit, Vinosfera Tapes i Vins, Café Saula
The Mediterrània universe is often the starting point of the park’s visitors, and is also known for its name. In the middle of a setting inspired by the Mediterranean villages, it invites you to the boat ride, to the discovery but also and above all... to the strong sensations! Indeed, Mediterrània hosts the famous " Furious Baco ", the Russian mountain that passes from 0 to 135km/h in only 3 seconds. In addition to the adrenaline that gives the tone to its universe, Mediterrània offers you a more relaxed entry with the " Port of Drassana » , a boat ride that offers you a trip to China Antique. Finally, head to the Far West with " Estació del Nord ", the third attraction of the park that offers you a gentle and relaxing ride aboard a locomotive that runs the complex to the world of the Great West.
Animations, Mediterrània welcomes two shows only one programmed in high season. In this universe, you will also have the opportunity to restore yourself to one of the 4 coffee/restaurants specialized among others in tapas and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Polynesia
?Attractions : Tutuki Splash, Canoes, Kontiki
?Shows : Aloha Tahití, Aves del Paraíso, Pareos en Bora Bora, Dino Escape 4D, Fuego Noches in Tahití
?Restaurants Bora Bora
In Polynesia, immerse yourself in the traditions of Oceania! On the programme: volcanic attractions, hostile jungle, immersion in the Polynesian islands and guaranteed displacement. Polynesia is the universe that will delight all adventurers in the soul. The bravest will try to “ Tutuki Splash - a dizzying descent (and refreshing according to the said) from an erupted volcano- while the little ones will also be able to experience the jungle in the attraction “ Canoes » . “ Kontiki On his side, you are invited to board a boat that is sailing in the middle of a storm.
In terms of shows, Polynesia welcomes 5 shows where deities, costumes and traditional dances have the beautiful part! Among them, a 4D show and a unique high-season performance (Fuego News in Tahití)
- China
?Attractions : Dragon Khan, Shambhala, Angkor:Adventure to the Lost Kingdom, Waitan Port, Imperial Cobra, Tea Cups, Driving School, Children's Area
?Shows : Dance Revolution 2, Bubblebou
?Restaurants : Sichuan, Dagana, Canton, Marco Polo
From the forbidden city of Beijing to the Great Wall, China takes you straight to the Middle Empire. A journey in time with attractions and shows that invite the whole family to discover a unique culture. It is also in this universe that elected the most famous home of the park’s attractions, the “ Shambhala » . Russian mountain with a triple world record (height, fall and speed), it offers a vertiginous ascent in the Middle Empire, as well as the not less famous “ Dragon Khan 8 loops and 45 meters high. At their side, " Angkor ", the superb reconstruction of the temple in which you are invited to cross the jungle on a boat and armed with a water pistol: a boatride on the longest circuit in Europe! In this universe at many attractions, you can also waltz in the middle of cups of tea , riding him Cobra Imperial , walk in a boat Waitan Port and bring the smallest into an area specially designed for them or to attend one of the two shows of the universe.
To restore or simply refresh yourself around a glass, direction one of the 4 restaurants of China, which by their evocative names, will each have a rather authentic menu.
Photo credit: Facebook – PortAventura
- México
?Attractions : Hurakan Condor, El Diablo – Tren de la Mina, Yucatán, Los Potrillos, Armadillos, Serpiente Emplumada, El Secreto de los Mayas Port
?Shows : Rituales Mexicanos, Templo del Fuego
?Restaurants : Hacienda El Charro, La Cantina
The advantage of visiting PortAventura is to have the opportunity to pass from one country to another. In México, go to the discovery of Maya culture as if you were there. A reproduction of the Chichén Itzá pyramid and the tomb of the "Gran Pacal" invites you to go back time and, among other things, go for a new adventure with treasure hunts and fire shows.
The most afflicted will have the privilege of discovering this new world starting with " Hurakan Condor ", a section of a tree that promises to those who venture there a free fall of 100 meters high, thrown by the wrath of the god Hurakan. For its part, the totem “Spiente Emplumada” promises sensations in all directions while the train of the mine will power you at all speed in the old silver mine. Finally, the Mayan gods will lose you in the labyrinth " El Secreto de los Mayas » , a virtual attraction of 175 m2 !
To finish in beauty, enjoy two shows of México that will eventually put you in full sight.
- Far West
?Attractions : Buffalo Rodeo, Silver River Flume, Stampida, Penitence Station, Tomahawk, Grand Canyon Rapids, Carousel, Wild Buffalos, VolPaiute, Crazy Barrels
?Shows : Can Can Show, Bang Bang West, Country Line Dance
?Restaurants : The Iron Horse, The Old Steak House, Jeremias’ Food, Chickens’ Stampida, Long Brunch Saloon
It’s gone for the conquest of the West! The Far West universe welcomes you in its world where the Colorado River is close to the Penance train and the gold of the American Grand West. Adjust your hat, put your boots on and prepare for the authentic experience. In Far West, among the 10 attractions that counts, start with " Silver River Flume The descent of the river aboard a tree trunk that refreshes ideas! Then go to the train " Penitence Station » for a quieter ride through PortAventura before you venture for the Russian mountains « Stampida and “ Tomahawk » . Carrousels, wooden boats and other playful games await the youngest cowboys·girls on their side!
- SésamoAventura
?Attractions : Tami Tami, La Granja de Elmo, El Salto de Blas, Coco Piloto, Mariposas Saltarinas, Magic Fish, El Árbol Mágico, SésamoAventura Station, El Huerto Encantado, Waikiki, LocoLoco Tiki, new attraction dark ride
?Shows : SésamoAventura’s Time Machine
?Restaurants : La Cocina de Epi
SésamoAventura invites you to visit PortAventura in an even more magical day. Hosting all the characters on Rue Sésame, this last universe puts the little ones in the spotlight! Playful Paradise, the area offers 11 attractions thoughts for children including “ Tami Tami » and its fun Russian mountains, “ La Granja de Elmo and his animals, Waikiki » and its spicy seats or « El Salto de Blas and its controlled fall.
Ferrari Land
Photo credit: Facebook – PortAventura
?Attractions : Red Force, Thrill Towers, Maranello Grand Race, Ferrari Land Gallery, Racing Legends, Flying Dreams, Junior Championship, Kids’ Podium, Pit Stop Record, Pole Position Challenge, Kid’s Area
?Shows : Acrobatic Show, Rondo Veneziano, Folklore Italiano, Ancient Rome
?Restaurants : Cavallino Ristorante, Pit Lane, Stop facingGo, Ice Cream Box, Finish Line, Paddock, Fast Lap
He's the new PortAventura record. From the top of its 70,000 sqm, Ferrariland was recently inaugurated as the third theme park of the complex. With technology and adrenaline, it hosts 16 attractions (including adults and children) including:
- Ferrari Experience : immersion in the Ferrari GT and F1, innovative attractions
- Red Force Vertical accelerator that reaches 180 km/hour in 5 seconds
- Junior Red Force : Russian mountains for children
- Champion Race : driving experience for the whole family
- Pole Position Challenge : 8 semi-professional simulators for piloting
Ferrariland puts a point of honour to pay tribute to Enzo Ferrari and the Italian heritage through a children’s area, a space dedicated to the history of iconic stables, a race circuit, bounce tours and freefall, five typical restaurants and an official Ferrari store.
PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park
Photo credit: PortAventuraWorld
?Attractions : El Gran Caribe, El Triángulo de las Bermudas, Mambo Limbo, El Tifón, King Khajuna, El Torrente, Laguna de Woody, El Río Loco, Barracudas, Ciclón Tropical, Rapid Race, Sésamo Beach, Playa Paraíso, Cayo Cookie
?Restaurants : The Surfer, Reggae Café, La Cabaña, la Focacceria
PortAventura Water Park, PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park is a 50,000 sqm complex where swimming pools, slides and other aquatic activities await the whole family. In total, the water park hosts 14 refreshing attractions ranging from the greenest to the most relaxing. Among them, " King Khajuna ", the toboggan at the freefall of 31 meters high and at the slope of 55 degrees! Alongside him, other varieties of toboggans like the “ El Torrente “ Barracudas “ Ciclón Tropical or “ Rapid Race » that mix speed, windy turns and other sliding experiences for a fun experience. If some of these attractions are reserved for adults, there are other children who are better, including “ El Río Loco and its buoyed walk or " Laguna de Woody ", a perfect aquatic game area for the smaller ones. The park includes " Triangulo de las Bermudas ", a unique wave pool in Europe that is conducive to tumults that still there, promises a good time.
PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park is also the beautiful part of rest and relaxation. A bracket between two sensations in which you can bubble at the edge of the " Bahamas Beach or to the " Playa Paraíso These areas of relaxation at the Caribbean setting.
Finally, for small hollows or great thirsts, go to one of the 4 restaurants The water park counts!
How to get to PortAventura?
To visit PortAventura and access the complex, the possibilities are numerous and depend on your starting point. Here are the main ways to access the amusement park.
- By plane
If you choose the plane for a stay in Spain including a stopover in PortAventura, it is advisable to land in Barcelona the airport del Prat de Llobregat located less than an hour from the park. If, on the other hand, you want to stay close to PortAventura, you can always choose to land at Reus Airport, which is only 15 minutes away from the park. Regardless of your choice, regular flights are provided from France to Spain, so you will have no difficulty finding a plane ticket.
Once on site, the possibilities are numerous and there again, depend on which place you want to go to visit PortAventura. From airports, there are buses (compagnies Plana ), shuttles or taxis that serve the park. Otherwise, you can always opt for it car rental when you arrive at the airport (or Barcelona itself): a way to optimise your journeys during your stay and enjoy it with greater freedom of movement.
Good to know. : if you stay in Barcelona, know that there are tickets to PortAventura including transport from Barcelona.
- By train
Line R-16 Rodalies de Catalunya integrates a stop in PortAventura World. If you choose this option, know that the park offers entry tickets including an return by train free and this line.
- By car
Going to PortAventura by car implies going through the A-7. Here are some examples of travel time (for another starting point, see your route online ) :
- From Barcelona: about 1h20 - From Salou : 12 minutes - From Tarragona: 14 minutes
Prices and times of PortAventura
HORARI
Port AventuraWorld is open every day. The PortAventura World schedules can vary throughout the year, especially depending on the theme park and the selected period.
In general, the schedules are as follows: - De 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekly - De 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekend - From July to September: 10h-20h
To know all the schedules according to the period/parc in question, consult the official calendar PortAventura World.
RATES
Entries to PortAventura World are all combined and include passes from 1 to 7 days . A total of 9 ticket combinations are available, divided between the three parks. As far as prices are concerned, we have selected the most popular combinations.
- 1 DAY 2 PARCS
– Valid for PortAventura Park and Ferrari Land – Adult: 55€ (via Internet) – 57€ (guichete) – Junior/Senior : 48€ (via Internet) – 50€ (guichete)
- 2 DAYS 2 PARCS
– Valid for PortAventura Park and Ferrari Land – Adult: 61€ (via Internet) – 70€ (guichete) – Junior/Senior : 53€ (via Internet) – 61€ (guichete)
- 3 DAYS 3 PARCS
– Valid for PortAventura Park, Caribe Aquatic Park and Ferrari Land – Adult: 85€ (via Internet) – 95€ (guichete) – Junior/Senior : 74€ (via Internet) – 83€ (guichet)
Good to know. : - Special rates are applied for people with reduced mobility, large families and groups. - For people with reduced mobility, tickets are available for sale only at the park window.
MATTERS
- How long does it take to visit PortAventura World?
It all depends on the number of people you visit the park, the number of days that includes your ticket and the tour season for which you choose. To fully enjoy, a whole day is necessary to visit a park: it will allow you to enjoy the attractions without having to run after the time.
- What size for what attractions?
Several park attractions are subject to a minimum size. To know which and what are the attractions you can do according to your size, check out map of attractions which lists a size required for each of them.
- Is it possible to get out of the park and go home again?
You can enter and exit provided you keep your entry. Think about getting you stamped out for proof when you want to enter again.
- Can we take our own picnic inside the park?
As in many amusement parks, food from outside is prohibited. To restore you, you can eat in one of the many restaurants that the park has.
- Are the shows included in the entrance ticket?
Yes, you can enjoy the shows as well as the attractions.
- Is the park accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Persons with reduced mobility are accepted as long as they meet the following conditions: legally recognized disability rates of at least 33% and proven reduced mobility.
- Are pets allowed?
Animals are not accepted in the park or in hotels (excluding guide dogs). To keep your companions, PortAventura has its own kennel where it is possible to leave them.
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