If there is a great plan that never fails, that is to go to an amusement park. Whether with friends or family, spending a day in Tierra Mítica, Parque Warner in Madrid or Port Aventura is synonymous with maximum funwhether you are into strong emotions or if you go with kids and you have to slow down a bit.
On the coast of Tarragona we find Port Aventura (which also has Ferrari Land and Caribe Acuatiq Park), an infallible option that offers us the possibility of travel through Mexico, China or the Old West without leaving our borders. Its themed hotels are very cool and the offer for the little ones is very interesting.
Also, the shows are (very) worth it, I personally love the ones that take place around Halloween and Christmas. Living in Barcelona, I have been to Port Aventura almost every year for as long as I have childhood memories. Also, I’ve been as a child as a teenager and as an adult (with a nephew who is now 8 years old included), so my experience has been varied and can fit into different scenarios.
Next, I propose the attractions I always go to when I visit this amusement park and explain why they are my favs depending on whether you go with friends and are looking for extreme emotions, as if your plan is family and you want to enjoy with the children.
The attractions of Port Aventura for lovers of risk
Shambalha: the best if you are into speed and extreme heights
The tallest roller coaster in Port Aventura is not suitable for everyone, we admit it, but if you are one of those who you are not afraid of speed and infarct descents, this may be your best option. Without a doubt, it seems to me the most powerful attraction in the entire park and you have to be sure before going up.
The first time you do it, it generates an incomparable impression (especially the first descent that is practically vertical) and all my friends comment that it is the best attraction in the park if the emotion goes to you.
Furius Baco: the second best if you are one of those who love speed and pass the descents
Short but very intense, this is how this ride accelerates from 0 to 135 km/h in just 3 seconds. Without even realizing it, it slides almost at ground level, through ditches and tunnels. It’s pure adrenaline, truth be told, and You should be careful if you suffer from the cervical, since the first acceleration is not wasted.
Also be careful if you use contact lenses to see, one of the times I went up I ended up without one of them (imagine the extreme speed it reaches). Despite all this, the experience is a ten out of ten.
Train Madrid Atocha – Camp de Tarragona
Dragon Khan: Third best if you’re into the thrills (but want to avoid the endless queues)
StAlthough the novelties have been coming to Port Aventura over the years, Dragon Khan is still the classic of the classics and I never miss a round. With other tough competition, there are now fewer queues at this attraction (years ago in summer we could wait more than two hours to go up).
The great descent of the beginning and the eight loops that travels in 69 seconds at a speed of up to 110 km/h They promise that we will go down with hardly any air. It’s great to see if you’re up for the intensity of Shambalha, as it’s quite a bit ‘softer’. Among the most powerful attractions, this is the one that generates the least impression in my opinion (although the first descent always makes me nervous).
Tutuki Splash: fourth best if you’re looking to cool off
If powerful descents are your thing and you’re not afraid of the water, Tutuki Splash could be your summer favourite. Being a great boat, we can climb with all our team to make it clear that we are the ones who shout the loudest.
Yes indeed: you will come out soaked from top to bottom (so if you want to avoid it, better opt for a thin plastic raincoat). The minimum height with a companion is 1.20 m.
Hurakan Condor: the worst if you have vertigo
I do not hide: free falls are not to my taste. I’ve only been on this attraction once and I’ll never do it again. I personally believe that It is not worth spending more than an hour in line to enjoy about 5 seconds of adrenaline (and the desire to vomit too). You can save it unless you’re one of those who go expressly to plummet at breakneck speed.
Stampida: the worst if your cervicals are not at their best
The Stampida is a wooden roller coaster that isn’t particularly strong or fun. Besides, generates a too sudden movement that can damage the cervical and back, since you don’t carry your body attached to the seat, there is simply a bar that is placed in the hip area. Is it worth the risk? In my opinion, no.
The attractions of Port Aventura to enjoy with the family
Kontiki: the best for children, adults and grandparents
The pirate ship of all life is called Kontiki in Port Aventura. I have climbed both with children and adults and the feeling is the same: light butterflies in the stomach when it reaches the maximum height. Also, there are usually no queues, a point in its favor.
It is a great attraction for children between 6 and 10 years old, since they are not young enough for the extremely childish attractions nor can they access the intense alternatives. My 8-year-old nephew loves it, for example. The minimum height to access is 1.30 m and a companion is required for the little ones.
Hotel El Paso – Port Aventura – 1 night
Tami Tami: the best to start in the world of roller coasters
If your child wants to try the world of roller coasters, Tami Tami is a great option. It is the only children’s roller coaster in the park and It has ups and downs that will also excite usso we can all upload without problems.
Like Kontiki, this attraction is ideal for kids who seek thrills without being able to access intense alternatives. The minimum height to climb alone is 1.30 m, 1.00 m to climb with an adult.
Kiddie Dragons: the best for the very young
Finally in this category, some oriental dragons that spin at a speed suitable for the little ones in the house. I remember that when my nephew was about 3 years old, he was very excited to spin around on this attraction.. There is no minimum height required, so they will be able to climb on their own without any problem.
Hotel Caribe – Port Aventura – 1 night
Silver River Flume: Best for a Family Dip
The “trunks” of always also have their space in Port Aventura. It’s smoother than Tutuki Splash, so it’s a great water ride for the whole family to enjoy safely. The last descent can be something “strong” for the little ones, but my nephew accepts it without problems since he was 6 years old and he is not a big fan of intense emotions either. You will also end up very wet. The minimum height with a companion is 1.00 m.
Los Potrillos: the worst children’s attraction because it offers nothing special
Yes friend, The Foals of Port Aventura they are similar to those of any big fair or other amusement parksso they do not deserve a stop on your tour.
Waikiki: The worst “flying” chairs for children I have ever seen
Waikiki is the name given to the “flying” chairs in this park. Personally, I find them very Light (unless we are talking about very young children, and not even that). They are wedged into a corner and do not offer remarkable views of Port Aventura. Tip: if you are in Barcelona and you want some dynamic chairs that are worth it, go to the Tibidabo ones.
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Photos | PortAventura