Top 5 Amusement Parks in Spain
Spain has a lot to offer in terms of culture, food, and beaches, but if you’re looking for some excitement and fun, its amusement parks should be on your radar. Whether you’re visiting with family or you’re a thrill-seeker looking for the next adrenaline rush, Spain’s amusement parks have something for everyone. Here’s a look at the top five amusement parks in Spain, with useful information to help you plan your trip.
1. PortAventura World Resort
- Location: Salou, Tarragona (About 1 hour from Barcelona)
- Best For: Families and thrill-seekers
- How to Get There: The easiest way to get to PortAventura is by train from Barcelona. There are regular trains that stop directly at the resort. If you’re driving, it’s a straight shot down the AP-7 motorway.
What You’ll Find:
PortAventura World is the largest amusement park in Spain, offering something for everyone. Thrill-seekers can’t miss Shambhala, one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in Europe, while Dragon Khan offers dizzying loops and high speeds. For families, there’s plenty of tamer rides in areas like SésamoAventura, which is perfect for younger children.
The park also has a great selection of live shows, including traditional dances, magic shows, and performances themed around the park’s international areas.
Where to Stay:
If you’re staying overnight, there are several hotels within the resort itself, such as Hotel PortAventura and Gold River Hotel, which allow you to stay immersed in the experience. Alternatively, nearby Salou offers a range of family-friendly accommodations with easy access to the park.
2. Parque Warner Madrid
- Location: San Martín de la Vega, Madrid (30 minutes from central Madrid)
- Best For: Families with older kids, movie lovers, and roller coaster fans
- How to Get There: Take the train from Madrid’s Atocha station to Pinto, and from there, a special shuttle bus runs directly to the park. Driving is also straightforward via the A-4 motorway.
What You’ll Find:
Parque Warner Madrid is packed with rides and attractions inspired by Hollywood movies and Warner Bros. characters. The DC Super Heroes World is a big hit with older kids and thrill-seekers, featuring rides like Superman: La Atracción de Acero and Batman: Arkham Asylum. For younger kids, there’s the more relaxed Cartoon Village, where they can meet characters like Bugs Bunny and Scooby-Doo.
Shows are a major highlight here too, including the Looney Tunes Show and a Hollywood Stunt Show, which brings a bit of movie magic to life.
Where to Stay:
You can stay in central Madrid for a cultural mix of museums, restaurants, and nightlife. If you prefer something closer, there are budget-friendly hotels near the park, but most people prefer to stay in the heart of Madrid.
3. Terra Mítica, Benidorm
- Location: Benidorm, Costa Blanca
- Best For: History buffs, families, and adrenaline junkies
- How to Get There: Terra Mítica is easily accessible from Alicante by car (45-minute drive via the AP-7). There are also buses running from Benidorm center to the park.
What You’ll Find:
Terra Mítica is a unique amusement park based on ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The park is divided into themed zones, with rides and shows that immerse you in history. Thrill-seekers will enjoy rides like The Magnus Colossus, a large wooden roller coaster, and Titánide, which flips you upside down and all around.
Families will love the live shows that often have a historical twist, while younger kids can enjoy gentler rides like Akuatiti, a water attraction, and explore ancient worlds in a more family-friendly way.
Where to Stay:
Benidorm is a popular tourist spot, so you’ll find a wide range of accommodations, from beachfront resorts to family-friendly hotels. Staying near Levante Beach or Poniente Beach keeps you close to both Terra Mítica and Benidorm’s vibrant nightlife and restaurants.
4. Isla Mágica
- Location: Sevilla, Andalucía
- Best For: Families and cultural enthusiasts
- How to Get There: Isla Mágica is just a short drive or bus ride from the center of Sevilla. You can also take a taxi for convenience.
What You’ll Find:
Isla Mágica is more than just an amusement park; it’s an adventure through history and exploration, with a focus on the 16th-century era of discovery. It’s perfect for families, offering a mix of thrilling rides like the Jaguar roller coaster and gentler rides for younger kids in the Fuente de la Juventud area.
In addition to rides, Isla Mágica is known for its themed shows and interactive experiences, which dive into Spain’s historical voyages. There’s also a water park, Agua Mágica, within the main park, so don’t forget your swimsuit if you’re visiting in summer.
Where to Stay:
The best place to stay is in Sevilla’s city center, where you can enjoy the city’s rich history, tapas bars, and flamenco shows. Hotels near the Alameda de Hércules or Triana neighborhoods will put you close to Isla Mágica.
5. Tibidabo Amusement Park
- Location: Barcelona
- Best For: Families, sightseers, and nostalgic ride lovers
- How to Get There: Tibidabo can be reached by taking the Blue Tram from Avinguda Tibidabo in Barcelona, followed by the Tibidabo Funicular railway to the top. You can also drive up to the park.
What You’ll Find:
Tibidabo is a charming, vintage amusement park that has been entertaining visitors for over 100 years. Located on a mountain overlooking Barcelona, it offers stunning views of the city as a backdrop to its attractions. While the rides here are more suited for families and children, such as the Ferris wheel and vintage roller coasters, it’s the atmosphere that really makes Tibidabo stand out.
For thrill-seekers, there are a few more intense rides like Muntanya Russa, but the park’s appeal lies more in its nostalgic charm and the incredible views.
Where to Stay:
Staying in Barcelona is your best bet. The neighborhoods of Gràcia or Sarrià-Sant Gervasi are good choices, as they’re both close to Tibidabo and have a laid-back vibe, but anywhere in central Barcelona will work fine.
Lesser-Known Amusement Parks to Consider
If you’re looking to explore beyond the major parks, Spain has several lesser-known options worth considering:
- Sendaviva (Navarra): A combination amusement and nature park with attractions for both kids and adults.
- Oasys MiniHollywood (Almería): A Wild West-themed park with live cowboy shows and even a zoo.
- Dinópolis (Teruel): A dinosaur-themed park that’s both educational and fun for families with younger kids.
These parks may not be as famous, but they provide unique experiences that are worth checking out if you’re in the area.
Spain’s amusement parks offer a great way to mix fun and excitement with cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking for thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, or something in between, Spain has a park that fits your needs.
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