Terra Mitica

Terra Mitica opened in 2000 on a hillside above Benidorm, organised into zones representing Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and the Islands, with architecture and shows following the theme. Its rides carry the park: Magnus Colossus is a large wooden coaster, Inferno a spinning coaster, and Titanide and Synkope provide the thrill end, with a rapids ride and a log flume for the heat. Shows include falconry and staged combat. The park struggled financially after opening, changed hands and reduced its footprint, and it now runs a seasonal calendar rather than year-round. Its hillside position gives views down over Benidorm's skyline and the sea, and shade is limited, which matters given the Alicante summer.

What you actually see

• Magnus Colossus - a large wooden roller coaster in the Rome zone.
• The themed areas - Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and the Islands.
• The water rides - rapids and a log flume for the summer heat.
• The hillside views - Benidorm and the coast below the park.

When to go

May, June and September for the full programme without extreme heat; July and August are very hot with long queues in sun. The park closes for much of the winter and opening days vary by month.

Honest expectations

Opening is seasonal and limited on many days, catching out visitors who arrive unannounced. Shade is scarce and the Alicante summer is punishing. The park is smaller than major European equivalents and has fewer rides than its marketing suggests.

Nearby

Benidorm and its beaches are below; Guadalest and the Algar falls lie inland.