Salou
Salou on the Costa Dorada combines Blue Flag beaches, PortAventura World, Ferrari Land, and genuine Catalan culture into one of Spain's best family holiday destinations.
0 guides · Costa Dorada & TarragonaExplore →
🇪🇸Port Aventura World
PortAventura World in Salou combines a world-class theme park, Ferrari Land, and a tropical water park into one comprehensive family resort on Spain's Costa Daurada.
Your family guide
PortAventura World with kids: theme park & Ferrari Land
“Theme park thrills, Ferrari speed and water slides on the Costa Daurada. PortAventura World packs three parks into one stay.”
— San & Jo
PortAventura World sits right on the Costa Daurada in Catalonia, Spain, and it covers a lot of ground in one resort. Younger children head straight for the Sesame Street rides, older kids line up for Europe's fastest roller coasters, and the water park changes the pace when you need a break from the queues. It is Spain's most visited theme park for a very good reason.
The resort is made up of three separate parks: PortAventura Park with its six richly themed worlds, the adrenaline-fuelled Ferrari Land, and the tropical Caribe Aquatic Park. Each one has its own distinct personality, and together they give you enough to fill three full days without ever feeling rushed. You can stay on-site at one of four hotel complexes, which makes the whole experience surprisingly relaxed for a theme park holiday.
What sets PortAventura World apart from a typical day-trip park is the atmosphere. The themed areas are genuinely immersive, from the dusty streets of the Far West to the ornate grandeur of ancient China and the laid-back tropical vibes of Polynesia. It feels like a destination in itself, not just a collection of rides.
Salou, TarragonaCosta Daurada, Catalonia
3 parksPortAventura, Ferrari Land, Caribe
5.3 million visitors/yearMost visited park in Spain
Best things to do
Best things to do in Port Aventura World
SésamoAventura for little ones
The dedicated Sesame Street-themed area is a genuine highlight for younger kids. Gentler rides, character meet-and-greets, and colourful surroundings make it a stress-free zone where small children can feel right at home.
Head here first thing before the crowds build up
2-3 hours
Shambhala and Dragon Khan for thrill-seekers
The China themed area is home to two of Europe's most iconic coasters. Shambhala drops 256 feet at 134 km/h, while Dragon Khan puts you through eight inversions. Teens and coaster-loving parents will be talking about these for years.
Use the single rider queue on Dragon Khan to save serious time
1-2 hours (with queues)
Ferrari Land and Red Force
Opened in 2017, Ferrari Land is Europe's only Ferrari-branded theme park. Red Force is the star attraction, standing 112 metres tall and launching from 0 to 180 km/h in under 5 seconds. Even if your kids are not into cars, the scale of it is jaw-dropping.
Check height restrictions before you go so there are no surprises at the gate
Half day
Caribe Aquatic Park on a hot day
Covering 50,000 square metres with a tropical setting, Caribe Aquatic Park is the perfect escape on a warm Costa Daurada afternoon. King Khajuna is the tallest water slide in the resort, and the park also features Europe's highest freefall water slide.
Pack a dry bag for your valuables and arrive early for the best sunbeds
Full day
Uncharted: The Enigma of Penitence
This indoor coaster features five launches, unexpected twists, and Europe's first lateral drop, plus an optional virtual reality experience. It is one of the most technically impressive rides in the park and works brilliantly for families who want something beyond a standard coaster.
The VR adds a fun layer but the ride is great without it too
45-90 minutes (with queue)
Hurakan Condor for the brave
At 285 feet, this is the park's tallest drop tower and the views before the drop are genuinely spectacular. It is one of those rides where the anticipation is half the experience, and the panoramic views of the Costa Daurada make it worth it.
Go at dusk for the best view before the drop
30-60 minutes (with queue)
Themed live shows and entertainment
PortAventura World weaves live performances throughout the park, including shows in themed dining areas like La Cantina and The Old Steak House. Seasonal events add a whole extra layer, so check what is on during your visit.
Pick up a show schedule at the entrance to plan your day around the performances
30-60 minutes per show
Our verdict
How PortAventura World scores for families
Kids
From Sesame Street characters for toddlers to record-breaking coasters for teens, the range of experiences here is hard to beat. Very few theme parks in Europe cater this well across all age groups.
Culture
The themed worlds are immersive and genuinely well-crafted, but this is a theme park first and foremost. You will not leave with a deep understanding of Catalonian history, and that is absolutely fine.
Food
On-site dining covers Mexican, Mediterranean, Italian, American, and Asian cuisines with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options throughout. Quality is solid for a theme park, though prices reflect the captive audience.
Nature
The Costa Daurada setting adds a lovely backdrop and the Caribe Aquatic Park brings a tropical feel, but nature is not the main draw here. The beach at Salou is close by if you want to balance your trip.
Budget
Each of the three parks requires a separate ticket, though multi-day passes covering all three are available. On-site hotels, food, and extras add up quickly. Budget carefully and look for package deals to get the best value.
Planning your visit
How long should you stay at PortAventura World?
1
1 day
Quick visit
Stick to PortAventura Park's highlights and one or two themed areas. You will have to be selective, but it is doable.
sweet spot
3
3 days
Sweet spot
One day per park lets you explore everything at a relaxed pace without rushing. This is the honest answer for most families who want to see it all.
5
5 days
Deep dive
Stay longer and you can re-ride favourites, catch every show, and mix in a beach day at Salou. Ideal if you are staying on-site and want a proper resort holiday.
Fun facts
Things to know about Port Aventura World
0 to 180 in under 5 seconds
Red Force in Ferrari Land accelerates faster than a Formula 1 car off the starting grid. At 112 metres tall, it is the highest and fastest roller coaster in Europe, and the launch is something you genuinely cannot prepare yourself for.
Spain's very first theme park
PortAventura Park holds the title of Spain's first ever theme park. Since opening it has grown into a full resort with three parks and four hotels, welcoming over 5.3 million visitors every single year.
Europe's highest freefall water slide
Caribe Aquatic Park is home to Europe's highest freefall water slide. The park covers 50,000 square metres of tropical-themed water attractions, making it one of the largest water parks connected to a theme park resort in Europe.
Taste PortAventura World
Where to eat with kids at PortAventura World
Valencian paella
Local favouriteRaco de Mar
Raco de Mar in the Mediterrània area serves proper Valencian paella and hake dishes that reflect the coastal cuisine of the region. It is one of the more authentic dining experiences inside the park.
Italian table-service lunch
Safe choiceRistorante Cavallino
Ristorante Cavallino inside Ferrari Land offers a sit-down Italian menu in a stylish setting. A good option when you need a proper break from the rides and want something a little more relaxed.
Tex-Mex with a show
Kids love itLa Cantina
La Cantina in the Far West area serves Mexican-inspired food alongside live entertainment. The combination of food and performance makes it a fun stop, especially for kids who need a sit-down moment mid-afternoon.
Steak and BBQ classics
Must tryThe Old Steak House
The Old Steak House brings American BBQ flavours to the Far West themed area, with live shows running during meal times. It is hearty, reliable, and a solid choice for hungry families after a long morning of rides.
More places across Spain
6 places
Tarragona
Explore Tarragona with your family: a UNESCO Roman city with a seaside amphitheatre, stunning beaches, and authentic Catalan food, all without the Barcelona crowds.
0 guides · Costa Dorada & TarragonaExplore →
Alicante
Alicante combines golden beaches, a hilltop castle, a walkable old town, and a brilliant food scene. Here is everything your family needs to know.
0 guides · Valencia & Costa BlancaExplore →
Ávila
Ávila is a compact, walkable UNESCO World Heritage city in central Spain, famous for its extraordinary medieval walls, Gothic cathedral, and rich religious heritage.
0 guides · Madrid & Central SpainExplore →
Barcelona
Barcelona blends Gaudí's wild architecture, Gothic medieval lanes, Mediterranean beaches, and brilliant food into one of Europe's most exciting family destinations.
0 guides · Barcelona & SurroundingsExplore →
Benidorm
Benidorm on the Costa Blanca offers families Blue Flag beaches, Aqualandia, Terra Mítica, and a charming Old Town. Sun, fun, and great seafood await.
0 guides · Valencia & Costa BlancaExplore →
Planning a trip to Port Aventura World?
Get the latest family travel tips for Port Aventura World in your inbox.