29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Popular sun resort celebrates its 30th birthday with new experiences
When it comes to making holiday memories that will last a lifetime, PortAventura World is at the top of many families' lists. The resort opened on May 1, 1995, as Spain's first theme park, and began setting records from day one – their Dragon Khan attraction immediately held the world record for the most inversions on a roller coaster.
Located on Costa Daurada in Catalonia, PortAventura World stands out because of its unique attractions and impressive attention to detail. The resort has received over 100 million visits since its opening – and as it celebrates its 30th birthday, it remains committed to its goal of providing guests with a world-class experience that also benefits the local area and the environment.
Themed worlds – often named after a particular country or area of the planet, and designed with an aesthetic that reflects that area's heritage – are a mainstay of PortAventura's appeal. Each world has been designed to ensure maximum enjoyment.
A perfect experience for every visitor
Thrill seekers are well catered for: the resort's Furius Baco ride accelerates from 0 to 135 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. The Red Force attraction in Ferrari Land reaches 180 km/h and stands 112 metres tall – it is also the fastest and tallest rollercoaster in Europe. Ferrari Land is the only Ferrari theme park in Europe, certain to appeal to motoring aficionados. King Khajuna, in the resort's Caribe Aquatic Park, is the second tallest free-fall slide in Europe. It stands 31 metres high with a jaw-dropping 55° incline.
Culture vultures are also in for a treat: the resort's Mediterrània world plays host to Plaça Major, a replica of Prades square in Tarragona. The boats in Mediterrània are real and come from the Spanish towns of Cambrils, Tarragona, and Vilanova.
The resort's Polynesia world is another must-see. It boasts over 600 palm trees and faithfully recreates 11 Pacific islands. The Polynesian huts, sculptures and totems were designed by South Pacific artisans, using traditional methods, while the Polynesian shows are also led by native Pacific artists. The China world includes imported roof tiles and authentic Chinese calligraphy.
Even the park's scent design is carefully planned, with aromas specially tailored to each area (incense in China, wood in the Far West). The Far West is another highly recommended area to visit: it recreates the environment of July 4, 1876, in Penitence, Texas. The México area, meanwhile, features an exact replica of a Mayan pyramid.
Little ones are sure to find a world that delights them: one of the most popular attractions is SésamoAventura, established in 2011, which recreates the much-loved Sesame Street. Woody Woodpecker® arrived in 1999 along with FiestAventura, a globally awarded children's show.
30th anniversary events
This year, the Gran Teatre Imperial is holding special shows to celebrate the 30th anniversary of PortAventura World. Singers, acrobats, and dancers will take visitors on a fascinating journey through China, Polynesia, Far West, México y Mediterrània, in a performance filled with music and acrobatics.
One very special highlight is the Birthday Parade, a new show designed to celebrate the essence of each different area of the PortAventura park. Music, dance, and history come together in this parade, led by the park's most iconic characters. Ideal for children and grown-ups alike, it promises to carry visitors to new heights and finish their day on a high note.
Positive impact
PortAventura World represents 0.5pc of Catalonia's GDP and generates 24,000 jobs. The resort is also a certified B Corp company, meaning that its positive social and environmental impacts have been independently verified. PortAventura World donates nearly 1pc of its revenue to the PortAventura Foundation and collaborates with various non-profit organisations to create positive change within Costa Daurada communities.
Since 2020, 100pc of the resort's energy has been generated by renewable sources, and it features one of the largest photovoltaic solar plants of any holiday resort in Europe — PortAventura Solar. The park plays host to over 300,000 plants and 270 species, with greenhouses for the most delicate ones. The resort also repurposes over 90pc of its waste and promotes environmental education programmes for younger guests. All of the water featured in its attractions is filtered and reused.
Over the past three decades, PortAventura World has dedicated itself to creating one-of-a-kind experiences that also have a positive impact on the planet. As it celebrates its 30th anniversary, the resort continues to shine as one of Europe's top holiday destinations – where excitement, innovation and unforgettable memories come together.
