When it comes to European theme parks, PortAventura World stands among the very best. Located just outside Barcelona, this massive resort combines adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, immersive themed lands, water adventures, and even a Ferrari-branded park. With over 5 million annual visitors, it’s the most visited theme park resort in Spain and one of the largest in Europe.
But PortAventura is more than just thrill rides. It’s a world-class destination that blends family fun, themed hotels, spectacular shows, and Mediterranean sunshine. Whether you’re chasing record-breaking roller coasters like Shambhala and Red Force, or planning a relaxing getaway with the kids, this resort offers something for everyone.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore:
- The history and concept of PortAventura World
- A complete list of attractions across all three parks
- Themed areas and must-see rides
- Hotels and accommodation options
- Dining, shopping, and shows
- Practical tips for planning your visit
- Insider hacks to skip queues and save money
So buckle up – here’s everything you need to know before visiting PortAventura World.
A Brief History of PortAventura
PortAventura first opened its gates in 1995 as a collaboration between Anheuser-Busch and Tussauds Group. Since then, it has grown into a multi-park resort with:
- PortAventura Park (1995) – the main theme park with six themed lands
- Caribe Aquatic Park (2002) – Caribbean-themed water park
- Ferrari Land (2017) – unique motorsport and Ferrari-branded theme park
Its location is prime: just 1 hour south of Barcelona, on Spain’s Costa Daurada near Salou and Tarragona. With nearby beaches, Mediterranean weather, and great transport connections, PortAventura World has become a true holiday destination.
PortAventura Park – Main Theme Park
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The heart of the resort is PortAventura Park, spanning 52 hectares with six beautifully themed areas: Mediterrània, Polynesia, China, Mexico, Far West, and SésamoAventura. The park is home to over 38 attractions, ranging from record-breaking roller coasters to gentle rides for children.
Mediterrània
This is the entry area, themed like a traditional Catalan fishing village. It sets the tone with beautiful scenery, a large lake, and the park’s fastest coaster.
- Furius Baco – Europe’s fastest accelerator coaster at opening (135 km/h in 3.5 sec). A short but incredibly intense launch coaster.
- Port de la Drassana – boat ride that connects Mediterrània to China.
- Estació del Nord – main train station for the park’s scenic railway.
Insider tip: Ride Furius Baco early in the day, as lines get long and reliability can vary.
Polynesia
A lush tropical zone with jungle vibes, waterfalls, and exotic theming.
- Tutuki Splash – a thrilling water drop ride through a volcanic setting. Great to cool off in summer.
- Kon-Tiki Wave – rocking ship ride that swings back and forth.
- Sea Odyssey 4D – motion simulator with underwater theming (seasonal).
- Canoes – children’s paddle boat ride.
China
The largest and most adrenaline-filled land in PortAventura. Decorated with temples, dragons, and traditional Chinese architecture.
- Shambhala – Europe’s tallest hypercoaster (76m) and one of its best. Reaches 134 km/h with airtime hills and breathtaking views.
- Dragon Khan – iconic looping coaster with 8 inversions. A classic must-ride.
- Angkor – interactive boat ride where riders shoot water cannons in a lost temple.
- Tea Cups – spinning family ride.
- Cobra Imperial – kiddie coaster.
- Waitan Port – train station stop for the park railway.
México
Transport yourself to ancient Aztec temples and colorful plazas.
- Hurakan Condor – free-fall tower, 100m tall, with multiple ride positions (sit, stand, tilt).
- El Diablo – Tren de la Mina – mine train coaster with multiple lift hills, great for families.
- Yucatán – spinning top ride.
- Los Potrillos – kids’ horse ride.
- Armadillos – mini carousel.
- Serpiente Emplumada – spinning gondola ride.
- Templo del Fuego – walk-through fire and effects show (seasonal).
- Estació del Nord (Mexico stop) – railway stop.
Far West
Step into a classic Wild West town with saloons, cowboys, and dueling coasters.
- Stampida – massive wooden racing coaster with two tracks.
- Tomahawk – smaller wooden coaster for kids.
- Silver River Flume – log flume ride with big splashes.
- Grand Canyon Rapids – circular raft river ride.
- Crazy Barrels – spinning barrels ride.
- Volpaiute – spinning ride with gondolas.
- Wild Buffalos – bumper cars.
- Carousel – traditional merry-go-round.
- Penitence Station – train stop.
SésamoAventura
A colorful Sesame Street-themed area, perfect for families with young children.
- Street Mission – interactive dark ride with Elmo and friends.
- Magic Fish – spinning kiddie ride.
- CocoPiloto – monorail circling the land.
- El Salto de Blas – mini drop tower.
- La Granja de Elmo – interactive farm ride.
- Mariposas Saltarinas – spinning butterfly ride.
- Tami Tami – junior roller coaster.
- Waikiki – mini wave swinger.
Ferrari Land
Opened in 2017, Ferrari Land is a must for thrill seekers and racing fans. With Italian theming, red Ferrari branding, and adrenaline rides, it’s unlike any other park in Europe.
- Red Force – Europe’s tallest and fastest coaster (112 m, 180 km/h in 5 sec).
- Thrill Towers – two drop/bounce towers.
- Racing Legends – 4D simulator taking you into Ferrari racing history.
- Flying Dreams – flying theatre ride around the world.
- Maranello Grand Race – family go-kart style circuit.
- Junior Red Force – smaller coaster for kids.
- Flying Race – children’s plane ride.
- Crazy Pistons – spinning arm ride.
- Champions Race – spinning wheels ride.
- Kids Podium – soft play area.
- Pit Stop Record – interactive pit stop challenge.
Caribe Aquatic Park
When the Spanish sun gets hot, head to the water park! With 17 water attractions and Caribbean theming, it’s a great complement to the theme parks.
- King Khajuna – Europe’s tallest free-fall slide (31 m).
- Rapid Race – multi-lane racing slides.
- Ciclón Tropical – 6-lane slide tower.
- Mambo Limbo – twisting body slides.
- Barracudas – enclosed high-speed slides.
- El Torrente – rafting attraction.
- El Tifón – dual slides with big drops.
- Bahama Beach – relaxation area.
- Playa Paraiso – Caribbean wave pool.
- El Río Loco – lazy river with rapids.
- Sésamo Beach – children’s water playground.
- La Laguna de Woody – kids’ pool area.
- Zona Indoor (El Gran Caribe) – indoor water zone.
Hotels & Accommodation
Staying inside the resort brings many perks: early park access, free park tickets, and immersive theming. Options include:
- Hotel PortAventura – Mediterranean village style
- Hotel Gold River – Wild West town
- Hotel Mansión de Lucy – luxury Victorian mansion
- Hotel Colorado Creek – Wild West luxury lodge
- Hotel Caribe – Caribbean resort with sandy pool beach
- Hotel El Paso – Mexican hacienda
Book Here a Hotel:
When you stay at Hotel PortAventura – Includes unlimited access to PortAventura Park & 1 access to Ferrari Land in Salou, you’ll be connected to the convention center, a 5-minute drive from Ferrari Land and 9 minutes from PortAventura World. This family-friendly hotel is 6.1 mi (9.8 km) from Cambrils Beach and 6.5 mi (10.5 km) from Cala Font Beach.
Dining & Shopping
Each themed land offers restaurants that match the setting: tapas in Mediterrània, Asian dishes in China, Mexican tacos in México, BBQ ribs in Far West, and fun family meals in SésamoAventura.
Shops sell everything from ride merchandise to Ferrari gear and Sesame Street toys.
Shows & Seasonal Events
PortAventura is not just about rides. Expect:
- Parades with Sesame Street characters
- Templo del Fuego fire effects show
- Stunt shows in the Far West
- Halloween specials (haunted mazes, scare zones)
- Christmas shows (lights, Santa parades, winter theming)
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Best time to visit: May–June or September for pleasant weather and shorter queues.
- How many days: Minimum 3 days (1 for PortAventura, 1 for Ferrari Land + water park, 1 extra for rerides).
- Express Pass: Worth it on busy days. Skip lines for Shambhala, Dragon Khan, Furius Baco, Red Force.
- Getting there: 1h from Barcelona by car or train. Closest airport is Reus (15 min).
- Bring: Sunscreen, water bottles, swimwear, and good walking shoes.
Insider Hacks
- Start your day in China – Shambhala & Dragon Khan get busy later.
- Book a PortAventura Hotel for free park tickets + early entry.
- Visit Ferrari Land in the morning – Red Force has limited capacity.
- For families: spend mornings in thrill rides, afternoons in SésamoAventura and shows.
- In summer: alternate theme park days with water park days.
Conclusion
PortAventura World is a true bucket list destination for theme park lovers. With three parks, record-breaking coasters, immersive theming, and Mediterranean sunshine, it offers an unforgettable holiday for both thrill seekers and families.
Whether you’re screaming down Red Force, soaking on Tutuki Splash, or watching Sesame Street characters parade through SésamoAventura, PortAventura World guarantees memories to last a lifetime.
