PortAventura World

PortAventura opened in 1995 outside Salou and has grown into the largest resort of its kind in Spain, with a main park split into themed areas standing in for the Mediterranean, the American west, China, Mexico and Polynesia. Dragon Khan, from the opening year, was for a long time the coaster people came for; Shambhala and later Red Force in the adjoining Ferrari Land raised the numbers again. A water park runs separately in summer. On-site hotels sell early entry, which is the practical way to get on the headline rides before the queues build. The resort has its own station on the coastal railway.

What you actually see

• Dragon Khan - the 1995 looping coaster that made the park's name.
• Shambhala - the tall hypercoaster in the China area.
• Ferrari Land - the separate park next door, with its accelerator coaster.
• The themed areas - five zones with their own architecture and shows.

When to go

May, June and September give the full ride line-up without August queues or peak heat. The parks run reduced days in winter and close for parts of it, so check the calendar before booking anything. Early entry from an on-site hotel is worth more than any queue-jump pass. Arrive at opening on any day in season.

Honest expectations

Peak summer queues run past an hour on the headline coasters and the site is short of shade. Ferrari Land needs its own ticket and is small for the price. Food inside is expensive and mediocre. Height limits rule younger children off most of the big rides, and rain closes the coasters without warning.

Nearby

Salou and Cambrils beaches; Tarragona's Roman remains are twenty minutes north.