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Complete PortAventura guide: areas, rides and tips
PortAventura is one of the great parks of Europe, and planning the visit well makes the difference between a perfect day and a day spent queueing. This guide covers what not to miss and how to organise yourself.
Where it is and what you will find
PortAventura is in Salou, on the Costa Daurada (Tarragona), a little over an hour from Barcelona. It is really a resort with three sites: PortAventura Park (the main theme park), Ferrari Land and the Caribe Aquatic Park water park, each with its own entrance.
The six themed areas
PortAventura Park is arranged in six worlds, each with its own theming, food and rides: Mediterrània (the entrance), Far West, México, China, Polynesia and SésamoAventura, the area designed for younger children. Working through them in order helps you miss nothing and spread the queues across the day.
The must-ride coasters
- Shambhala: a hypercoaster over 75 metres tall in the China area, one of the tallest in Europe.
- Dragon Khan: a classic with eight inversions that remains one of the most popular rides in the park.
- Furius Baco: in Mediterrània, it launches from 0 to 135 km/h in a few seconds.
- Uncharted: the newest indoor coaster, with beautifully detailed theming.
- Stampida and Tomahawk: the wooden coasters of the Far West, great for the whole family.
Ferrari Land and Red Force
Right next to PortAventura Park is Ferrari Land, a smaller park themed around the brand. Its headline attraction is Red Force, the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Europe, with a launch from 0 to 180 km/h. It has a separate entrance, although many combined tickets include both parks.
When to go and how to dodge the queues
The quietest days are weekdays in spring (May and June) and in September; July and August are the busiest and hottest. Arrive before opening, save the headline coasters for first or last thing, and check live wait times to reorder your route as you go. There are more tricks in our guide on how to avoid queues at theme parks.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for PortAventura?
One full day is enough to enjoy the main rides at PortAventura Park. If you want to add Ferrari Land and the water park without rushing, two days are more comfortable.
Does the PortAventura ticket include Ferrari Land?
Not always: they are parks with separate tickets, although combined tickets covering both do exist. It is worth checking when buying, depending on what you want to visit.
Put these tips into practice
Check the live wait times and the crowd forecast for your next park, free.
🎢 Open WaitDropKeep reading
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