Sagrada Família
Barcelona, Spain
PortAventura Park, Barcelona
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Photo: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga), CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia CommonsThe essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- Paid, cheaper online
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From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Hours
- Seasonal calendar; daily in summer
- Time on site
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A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes. - 8 h
- With kids
- Fine with kids
- Season
- Spring to early January
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From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Getting there
- Train from Barcelona ≈ 1–1.5 h
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From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Highlights
- Shambhala and Dragon Khan coasters, shows, lands
- Time needed
- A full day
- Location
- Salou, Costa Daurada, ≈ 100 km from Barcelona
Key facts
1995the park opened
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English Wikipedia6 landsthemed areas in the park
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English Wikipedia≈ 76 mheight of the Shambhala coaster
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English Wikipedia≈ 100 kmfrom Barcelona
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English WikipediaAbout PortAventura
PortAventura opened in 1995 by the resort town of Salou on the Costa Daurada and has since become Spain's most visited theme park. Today it's a whole resort: the park itself, the neighbouring Ferrari Land with a record-height coaster, a water park and themed hotels.
The park is split into six lands, each with its own architecture, food and shows: the Mediterranean, a fishing village by the lagoon; the Far West, with saloons; Mexico, with a Maya pyramid; China, with imperial gates; Polynesia, with tropical jungle; and Sesame Street for children. Boats cross the lagoon between them.
The top rides
The park's pride is its rollercoasters. Shambhala, in the China land, stands about 76 metres tall and is one of Europe's highest and fastest coasters, with a huge drop and sea views. Dragon Khan is famous for its eight inversions, and Furius Baco launches almost instantly.
For a gentler time there are water rides, log flumes in the Far West, rafting and the Tutuki Splash boat in Polynesia, plus shows with acrobats and dancers and an evening parade. Sesame Street has small coasters, carousels and meet-and-greets with the characters.
What to see at PortAventura
- Shambhala — a coaster about 76 metres tall.
- Dragon Khan — eight inversions in a row.
- Furius Baco — an instant launch.
- Water rides — flumes and boats, great on hot days.
- Sesame Street — the area for little ones.
- Shows and parade — acrobats, dance and holiday fireworks.
Ferrari Land and the water park
Next to the park is Ferrari Land, a separate theme park about racing cars. Its headline ride, the vertical coaster Red Force, is one of the tallest in Europe, and there are racing simulators and a car exhibition too. Entry needs a separate or combined ticket.
The resort's water park opens only in summer, with wave pools, slides and a tropical lagoon. Many people come for two days: one for the park and Ferrari Land, the other for the water park and Salou's beach. The resort's themed hotels or Salou itself make a good base.
How to get there from Barcelona
Step-by-step directions are below; the map shows where you arrive.
Where are you starting from?
We’ll draw it on the map on foot and by taxi; metro and buses open in your maps app. Your location isn’t stored.
More tips
- Renfe train from Sants or Passeig de Gràcia to PortAventura station, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- From the station to the park entrance, 10 to 15 minutes on foot.
- Direct buses from central Barcelona in season, about 1.5 hours.
- By car, about 1 h 15 min on the AP-7, with paid parking at the park.
Tips for your trip
Arrive at opening time and head straight for the big coasters, Shambhala and Red Force, as queues grow to an hour or more by lunchtime. Weekdays outside the summer holidays are quietest. Check height limits if you're with children, as the big rides have minimums.
It's hot in summer, so bring a hat, sunscreen and a change of clothes for the water rides. Food and drink in the park are expensive, but you can bring a bottle of water. Stay for the evening shows and, if it's on, the parade, and check your train back in advance.
Before you go
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Places in Barcelona: compare and choose
Places in Barcelona rated by YesGo. Click a column header to sort.
| Camp Nou | 63 | 1 h 45 min | Paid | 87.0 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tibidabo | 37 | 3 h | Free | 88.5 km |
| Montserrat | 33 | 5 h | Free | 79.3 km |
| PortAventura Parkyou are here | 15 | 8 h | Paid | — |
How to do it right
- Cheaper tickets online.
- Ride Shambhala at opening.
- Check the opening calendar.
- Summer: sunscreen and spare clothes.
Questions
How do I get to PortAventura from Barcelona?
By Renfe train to PortAventura station, about 1 to 1.5 hours, or by bus in season.
How long do you need at PortAventura?
A full day; two days with Ferrari Land and the water park.
When is PortAventura open?
From spring to early January on a seasonal calendar; daily in summer.
What is the tallest coaster at PortAventura?
Shambhala, about 76 metres; Red Force in neighbouring Ferrari Land is taller still.
Is the park good for young children?
Yes, the Sesame Street area has rides for little ones.
Have you been? Was it worth your time?
1 — no, 5 — absolutely
Your vote counts towards the YesGo score.
Sources and fact-check
- English Wikipedia: PortAventura Park
- Official site, portaventuraworld.com
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