Perfect for families and couples who love nothing more than having a good time will enjoy holidays to PortAventura. Built in 1997, PortAventura is less a resort and more a series of gigantic theme parks, giving you all the family entertainment you could ever need, right on your doorstep. It’s a mere 10-minute drive from the sun-bleached beaches of pretty Salou, allowing you to enjoy the best of a traditional beach break combined with the thrills and spills on offer at the theme parks.
However, if you want it all on a plate, there are some superb onsite hotels, giving you direct access to the rides, slides, flumes, shows and shops, as often as you like. There are even pools and sunloungers available, so worn-out parents can catch some rays, while older children can make the most of everything this outstanding resort has to offer.
Things to do
Thrill-seekers can get their hearts pumping on a selection of rollercoasters, in themed areas such as Far West, Mexico and China. Though many of the popular activities in the park have height requirements, younger children can still be part of the fun on the park’s junior rides. Between attractions, stop for a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or snack bars. The huge variety here means you can pick a different cuisine for every meal!
Sandy beaches
Spend a day away from the rides and relax along the shores of Bahamas Beach. Visitors will be able to enjoy the cool waters of the glistening lagoon and soft, golden sand on PortAventura’s very own manmade beach. Recline on sun loungers under parasols and sip on a cocktail from the beach bar. If you want a more upbeat beach experience, drive five minutes to central Salou for a vast array of water sports like banana boating and paragliding.
Food
There are plenty of delicious dining options to enjoy in PortAventura, from feasting on themed buffets like Chinese, to nibbling on exotic salads in the rainforest themed Polynesia Zone. Sample authentic Mexican cuisine whilst watching folk dancing or treat yourself to a meaty meal in the Far West’s old fashioned steakhouse. With a wide variety of cafés and snack bars, you’re spoilt for choice; there are even romantic dining spots for the couples. Have an al fresco dinner whilst watching the sun set across the lake in the Mediterrània.
History of the resort
PortAventura can be found in Salou, along the golden coast of Costa Dorada in Spain and is just a short drive from bustling Barcelona. The popular destination, with its adventurous theme parks, is one of the biggest resorts in Europe and attracts around 3.8 million holidaymakers each year. It has expanded since opening in 1995 and now can be divided into six themed worlds; Mediterrània, The Far West, Mexico, China, Polynesia and SesamoAventura. The fun loving resort is ideal for families who want to experience adventure in the warm Spanish sun.
Evening entertainment
The majority of the fantastic nightlife can be found in the All Inclusive hotels around PortAventura, but the park itself does provide nightly entertainment too. The whole family can enjoy the vibrant FiestAventura, where a grand parade makes its way through the park and to the lake. The night is full of dance performances, live music and spectacular fireworks. Alternatively, you can spend your evenings at one of the restaurants or at a show where you can see mesmerising performances from theatre, dance and acrobatics like the iconic Cirque du Soleil.
More travel guides
We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Andalusia | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Canary Islands | Cap Salou | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Menorca | Salou