A complete guide to Port Aventura, Spain’s most visited theme park

Home to Spain’s most visited theme park and Europe’s fastest and tallest rollercoaster, there’s no shortage of things to do in Port Aventura, an entertainment resort just one hour from Barcelona.

It’s an excellent day trip from the Catalan capital (and one that will leave you buzzing with adrenaline for the hours to come!).

We’ve been there many times and put together a guide with the best times to go, the most exciting rides, the park’s schedules, and some tips and tricks to make your visit even better.

What is Port Aventura

Port Aventura is an incredible entertainment resort with two theme parks, one water park, several hotels and restaurants and an RV park.

The parks are Port Aventura Park (the main and most famous one), Ferrari Land (the newest theme park in the complex), and Caribe Aquatic Park (the aquatic park).

We’ve been to Port Aventura Park a dozen times and once to Ferrari Land. We still have to explore Caribe Aquatic Park, and we’ll let you know as soon as we do! So, for now, this post will focus on the parks we’ve explored: Port Aventura Park and Ferrariland.

Port Aventura Park

This is the original park, which opened in 1995. Since then, it has been Spain’s most visited theme park (and Europe’s fifth!).

The park is designed to be a walk around the world, and it’s divided into five areas based on civilisations: Mediterrània, the Far West, Mexico, China, and Polynesia. Each area has a very different vibe, and the decor is mind-blowing. If you pay attention, you’ll notice all the incredible details: horse footprints on the ground in the Far West, Chinese lanterns at the shops in China, etc.

In 2011, they also opened a new area based on Sesame Street. Although this area is especially for kids, it’s worth checking out! The decorations are amazing, and one ride, Street Mission, won a Thea award (something like an Oscar but for the theme park industry).

Ferrari Land

This theme park is the newest in the complex, it opened in 2017. It’s based on the famous car brand Ferrari, so if you’re a fan, you’ll probably love it!

To be honest, the park isn’t anything spectacular. It’s much smaller and has fewer rides than Port Aventura Park, but it does have one of the best: Red Force. This crazy rollercoaster is the fastest and tallest in Europe, so we think it’s worth paying for the ticket only to go on this ride once!

Caribe Aquatic Park

Caribe Aquatic Park is Port Aventura’s aquatic park, specially designed for families and kids. There, you’ll find waterfalls, a wave pool, big slides (the park has a total of 2k km of slides!) and sunbeds to chill.

Take into account that sunglasses, jewellery (necklaces, bracelets, dangly earrings, etc.) and those round-the-neck waterproof phone cases aren’t allowed on the rides. You can leave them in a bag in your sunbed or hire a locker for 8€ a day.

Where is Port Aventura and how to get there

Port Aventura is located 85 km southwest of Barcelona in an area known as Costa Daurada. Most precisely, it’s on the outskirts of the well-known town of Salou.

There are several ways to get there:

By car

This is the fastest way. Port Aventura is 1h 30 min drive from Barcelona, 15 min from Tarragona and 2h from Girona.

The resort has a big parking lot, which costs 15€ a day for cars, trucks and campervans and 4€ a day for motorcycles. Make sure you keep your parking ticket safe with you until you exit the park!

If you have an electric car, you’ll find charging stations in the parking lot.

By public transport

🚂 By train

This is the most convenient and cheapest way to reach Port Aventura because the round-trip train ticket is free with the entrance to the park!

To get to Port Aventura by train, you have to take the R16, R17 or RT2 lines of Rodalies de Catalunya and get out of the train at Salou – Port Aventura stop. The journey takes about 1h 30 min.

The trains depart more or less every 2 hours. The first one from Barcelona is around 6 am, and the latest to get back to Barcelona is around 8:30 pm.

From the train station, it’s a 14-min walk to the park’s entrance.

🚌 By bus

There is also the option to reach Port Aventura by bus.

This is ideal if you want to make a day trip from:

• Costa Brava (buses depart from Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, Blanes, Malgrat de Mar, Santa Susanna, Pineda de Mar or Calella). Check the price and schedule.
• Barcelona (Estació del Nord). Check the price and schedule for Port Aventura Park, Caribe Aquatic Park, or Port Aventura Park + Ferrari Land.
• Barcelona and Reus airport. Check the price and schedule here.
• Any of the nearby cities in Costa Daurada (Cambrils or Salou). Check the price and schedule (select the line Cambrils-Salou-La Pineda-PortAventura-Estació del Camp).

Port Aventura’s best rides

There are more than 50 rides in Port Aventura, so we definitely recommend checking the park’s map in advance and deciding which ones you want to go to. Here’s a list of the most famous (and our favourite!) ones:

Furius Baco

You’ll love this ride if you’re a fan of high speeds. Furius Baco is an incredible rollercoaster that goes from 0 to 135 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. I remember one of my earrings just fell off the first time I rode it!

The best thing is that they make you watch a video before the ride begins (once you’ve already sat). You don’t know when the ride will start, and the nerves build up every second that passes until the ride launches without warning and the brutal speed pushes you against the seat!

It’s a pity that the ride is so short (it lasts only 55 seconds), but still, it’s really cool, especially at the start and when it skims over the lake.

This is the first ride you’ll find when you enter the park, so it’s usually pretty busy in the mornings. If there’s a long queue, skip it and come back at midday.

Dragon Khan

This rollercoaster is an icon of the park. It was built when the park opened in 1995, and, at the time, it was the rollercoaster with the most inversions in the world!

Nowadays, it’s still considered one of the best coasters in the world, and it’s one of the most exciting rides in the park.

The ride crosses Shambala several times and reaches a top speed of 104 km/h.

Shambala

Shambala is Marc’ favourite ride, and no wonder why. It’s smooth, fast, and scary!

This incredible hypercoaster beat three European records at the time it was inaugurated. It was the fastest (134 km/h) and tallest (76 m) coaster in Europe, and it also had the longest drop (78 m), with 2 meters even being underground!

It doesn’t hold those records anymore, but still, it’s impressive. Get ready to feel your heart racing, especially on the first drop!

One of the scariest things about this ride is that the restraints go over your legs, so your arms are free, which gives you the sensation that you’re flying!

Hurakan Condor

Marina’s favourite attraction. Hurakan Condor is a crazy free fall of 87 m (one of the tallest in the world), which falls at a speed of 115 km/h.

But what makes this ride even more great is that some of the seats tilt! Yes, you heard that right. Depending on where you sit, you’ll get to the top and be pushed forward, facing the floor before the free fall. The best part? You don’t know if your seat is going to tilt or not until you’re about to fall!

Don’t forget to soak up the views from the top; they’re very nice!

Uncharted

The newest ride in the park is based on the adventure film of the same name.

It’s a dark ride rollercoaster with 5 launches, and we found it pretty crazy. So many unexpected movements, sudden drops and surprising turns!

We loved it, but it’s true that it was the ride with the longest queue. And although the place to queue was well-decorated, it felt super crowded, narrow and boring.

Tutuki Splash

Tutuki Splash is the most iconic water ride in Port Aventura Park. It has been around since the park opened in 1995.

It’s set in a fake volcano, and it starts really relaxed, more like a boat ride. However, the last drop is pretty intense (and really fun!).

Stampida

Get ready because things get bumpy at Stampida. The special thing about this ride is that the whole structure is made of wood, which makes it very rickety.

The ride is designed to be a race between a red team and a blue one. So, if you’re coming with friends, you can split into different teams and see which wins!

Red Force

We’ll finish the list with what’s, in our opinion, the best ride of all!

Located in Ferrari Land, Red Force is the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in Europe. We must say that it looks pretty imposing from the land!

The sound it makes (which you hear while queuing) is also crazy. The coaster goes from 0 to 180km/h in 5 seconds, allowing you to experience speeds and forces similar to that an F1 driver would experience. The trains are also designed to look like a Formula 1 car.

Like Shambala, the restraints go over your legs so your arms are free, making it even more exciting! And once the coaster starts moving, it shoots riders up to 112m, allowing you to enjoy insane views.

The truth is that everything happens really fast, and you can only assimilate what you’ve experienced once the ride stops. It’s crazy.

Port Aventura opening hours

Port Aventura Park and Ferrari Land are open most days of the year, although the schedule changes depending on the month. Make sure to check the schedule before going; we don’t want you to travel there and find it close!

Port Aventura Park usually opens around 10 or 10:30 am. Closing times vary depending on the season, from 7 to 10:30 pm.

Ferrariland is only open in the afternoons, usually from 1 to 7 pm, or 4 pm to 10 pm (check the schedule).

Caribe Aquatic Park is only open during the summer, from the end of May to mid-September. It usually opens at 11 am (check the schedule).

How much does Port Aventura cost?

The entrance price to Port Aventura varies depending on how many parks you want to visit, how many days you want to stay, and when you go.

Here are the rates for one day:

• Port Aventura Park: from 40€ (between 11 and 59 y.o.) and 35€ (between 4 and 10 y.o. and more than 60 y.o.)
• Ferrari Land: from 19€ (between 11 and 59 y.o.) and 17€ (between 4 and 10 y.o. and more than 60 y.o.)
• Caribe Aquatic Park: from 33€ (between 11 and 59 y.o.) and 29€ (between 4 and 10 y.o. and more than 60 y.o.)

With these tickets, you can enjoy all the attractions of the park you selected during the day of your visit.

If you’re planning on visiting Port Aventura Park and Ferrari Land (on the same day or in more than one day), opt for a combined ticket, which will help you save some money.

Express Pass: A ticket to skip the queues

If you want to skip the queues, you can get an Express Pass. This allows you preferential access to the main attractions.

There are 3 types of passes:

• Express 5: Express access to 5 rides (only once per ride)
• Express 10: Express access to 10 rides (only once per ride)
• Unlimited Express: Express access to 10 rides (unlimited times per ride)

With these passes, you can bypass the main queues and head straight to the Express Pass queue. While you might still need to queue, the waiting times are much shorter.

So, is it worth it?

It depends. If you go at weekends, during the high season (July and August), or during a special occasion (Halloween or Christmas weekends), we would get it. For example, we went once during Halloween and purchased it, but we came back in May 2024, on a Tuesday, and we didn’t because there weren’t many people, and the maximum we queued was 30 minutes.

We know the Express Pass is expensive, but sometimes, queues can take up to 2 hours, so in the end, you spend more time queuing than enjoying the rides.

What to pack to spend a day in Port Aventura

🧥 Poncho / Raincoat

If you plan on going on water rides, you’ll get wet!

So, it’s a good idea to pack a poncho or a raincoat. You can also buy ponchos at the park. Outside the water rides, there are also body dryers you can pay to use.

The last time we were there, we saw people covering their backpacks with plastic bags so they wouldn’t get wet (clever!). In some rides, you can’t leave the backpack in a locker and have to take it with you, so it gets wet. Covering it in a plastic bag is an easy way to protect your valuables.

🧴 Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat

The sun hits pretty hard in this area of Catalonia, especially at midday. In summer, temperatures can rise to 30-35 ºC, so sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat will save you from getting burned.

That said, Port Aventura Park has many shaded spots, especially in the Polynesia area. If you need a break from the sun, head to one of those areas or go on a water ride!

🚰 Reusable water bottle

We highly recommend packing a reusable water bottle so you don’t have to buy plastic ones inside the parks. Good for the environment and good for your pocket 🙂

There are many water refill stations inside the park.

Things to know before you go

🗓 Plan your visit

We recommend planning the rides you want to try and the itinerary you’ll follow in advance. You can do that by downloading Port Aventura’s app or by checking the map on the park’s website.

Save the main attractions for later in the day. Most people flock to the popular rides right away, especially Furious Baco, since it’s at the park entrance. Because everyone has the same idea, the best time to hit the top rides is around lunchtime. You’ll find the lines much shorter then.

🌯 Food

You aren’t allowed to bring food into Port Aventura, and staff usually check it at the entrance.

There are plenty of restaurants and shops inside the parks, with plenty of kid-friendly and gluten-free options. 

Just a heads up: like most theme parks, food at Port Aventura can be pretty pricey, so it’s a good idea to plan your budget accordingly.

🕓 Schedule

Keep in mind to check the time and be mindful of the park’s closing time as queues grow large for the return ride on the train.

👕 Clothes and shoes

Anything comfy. Summer is really hot, so think about shorts and T-shirts. It can get windy and chilly in winter, so it’s a good idea to bring a jacket.

The most important thing is to wear comfy shoes, because believe us, you’ll walk a lot! Sandals are okay as long as you can walk in them the whole day without getting any blisters!

🧘 Patience

Some rides in the parks experience technical problems occasionally, and as a result, they have to shut down for varying periods of time during opening hours. Keep in mind that this could happen when you are there, and don’t get frustrated (although we know it sucks!).

When to visit Port Aventura

When we say that Port Aventura gets busy, we mean it! The park received more than 5 million visitors in 2023, so get ready for long queues and waiting times.

There are, however, several tricks to avoid the crowds. The best one is to visit the park during the low season (January to May) and during the week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the best days).

Before visiting, make sure that the day you’re going doesn’t coincide with a public holiday. It’s also a good idea to check the school calendars in Spain and France to avoid finding hundreds of kids when you are there.

Visiting Port Aventura Park is amazing all year round, but there are two occasions when it’s even more special:

🎃 Halloween

From the 21st of September to the 10th of November, the park dresses up with Halloween decorations, shows and attractions. We’ve been there several times during Halloween, and it’s our favourite season!

There are several Halloween-themed passages of terror based on famous movies like REC or the park’s civilisations: La Isla Maldita (The Cursed Island), Horrock in Texas or La Muerte Viva (The Living Death).

Some years ago, the Halloween-themed attractions, like the passages of terror, were free of charge. However, you now have to purchase individual tickets for each one or get a Halloween Passport, which gives you access to all Halloween-themed attractions for a better price.

☃️ Christmas

If you’re up for a unique, adrenaline-packed Christmas, visit Port Aventura between the 23rd of November 2024 and the 6th of January 2025.

Restaurants serve Christmassy cuisine, and there are Christmas-themed shows and Christmas decorations everywhere. It’s truly magical!

Sleeping in Port Aventura

Finally, we wanted to give you one last recommendation: stay in a Port Aventura hotel if possible!

We did so in May 2024 for the first time, and it was an incredible experience! The hotels are insanely well-decorated, so it feels like you’re sleeping in a movie. You can have dinner at a cowboy saloon or sleep in a cabin in the middle of the forest. Sleeping there just means that your theme park adventure will last a little longer!

All the hotels have big pools and the price also includes one ticket to Ferrari Land and two to Port Aventura Park (the day you check in and the day you check out), and free parking.

If you want to spend a night in the resort, we would do so in one of the hotels inside Port Aventura Park:

• Gold River: This hotel is inspired by the Far West. It’s a series of buildings that span across two streets, so you might be sleeping in the Detective house, the drug store or the train station.
• Colorado Creek: An incredible hotel inspired by the mountain resorts of the American state of Colorado. It has several rooms in the main lodge building but also has 48 mountain cabins scattered in the forest.
• Mansion de Lucy: A beautiful 5-star hotel decorated as a 19th-century Victorian mansion.

We stayed at Hotel Gold River, and we really liked it. But as all the others we mentioned are in the same area, we also visited the others and can’t wait to spend a night there!

And that’s a wrap! We hope this guide has encouraged you to visit Port Aventura and helped you solve all your doubts about the amusement park resort. If you go, tell us about your experience once you’re back!