Latest news with #PortAventuraWorld
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I went to one of Europe's biggest theme parks with more than 40 attractions and record-breaking rollercoasters
WITH my eyes screwed tightly shut, I brace myself for the plummet. Suddenly, I'm being hurled an agonising 76 metres down a sheer drop, approaching terrifying speeds of 83mph before being thrown through a helix loop. 4 4 When it's all over, I can barely recall what had just happened. This is Shambhala, one of Europe's best hypercoasters, found at PortAventura World on Spain's sizzling Costa Dorada. The theme park is celebrating its 30th birthday this year but, judging from the spine-tingling ride I'd just been on, the park is far from slowing down. In fact, it is positively thirty and thriving. Boasting some of Europe's fastest and most exciting thrill rides, top-class waterpark Caribe Aquatic, Ferrari Land, and five on-site 4H and 5H hotels, this was a birthday party invite I couldn't turn down. With GCSEs done and dusted and school out for summer, teens Poppy and Charlie were raring to let their hair down. Armed with our Unlimited Express Passes (an essential extra if you want to hit every one of the park's biggest rides, among more than 40 attractions), we literally hit the ground running. And it was the best £54(ish) we could have spent. In under an hour we had been left rattled racing each other on wooden coaster Stampida, cooled off in the Grand Canyon Rapids and been blown away by multi-dimensional dark ride Uncharted and eight-loop coaster Dragon Khan. Luckily the park is not just bold, it's also beautiful, with lush landscaping across the six themed lands of Mexico, Polynesia, China, Far West, Mediterranea and SesamoAventura, where we could recover from the adrenaline rush and soaring temperatures. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival My favourite was the Far West, where I could live out some of the Westerns I spent my childhood watching with my dad, moseying like outlaws through town and shooting targets, before picking out costumes in the Saloon Bar for a hilarious photo memento. Even the teens threw themselves into the dressing-up box, donning petticoats as saloon girls. Their adrenaline highlights were Shambhala and Red Force. After happily watching them ride the former three times in succession, they finally persuaded me to strap my creaky, menopausal bones in. I think I was actually transported out of my body and into the mythical kingdom of Shambhala for the duration of the ride. So when it came to visiting Ferrari Land, a must-see for petrolheads and F1 fans, I decided to get my kicks on terra firma by speeding round the Maranello Grand Race track in a mini toy race car, while the girls tackled the legendary Red Force alone. 4 As the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in Europe, it did not disappoint. Carts climb 112 metres before plummeting at a 90- degree angle, with an incredible launch system that reaches 111mph. For the first time in two days, my hyper-excited giggling girls were left absolutely speechless. All this adrenaline-fuelled fun can build up quite the appetite, and thankfully — unlike many UK theme parks — the dining options are varied and excellent. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch overlooking the Mediterranean harbour at Raco de Mar — feasting on melon and parma ham, burrata, truffle cannelloni, crispy calamari and mussels served in a delicious sauce. Electrifying twist The park has plenty of quality fast food, too, if you're keen to maximise ride time, but we were more than happy to have a break from the heat and adrenaline. Another great lunch and dinner spot can be found in the Far West, at The Iron Horse restaurant. There's a special 30th Anniversary burger on the menu that completely steals the show. The excellent grub wasn't limited to the theme park either. We'd opted for half-board at the 4H Wild West-themed Gold River Hotel and took full advantage of the vast buffet breakfast each morning. Dinner was also excellent, with fresh seafood and grill options. The dining hall can get quite busy, but we managed to find a lovely, quiet spot to eat outside each night. Aside from the food, the hotel itself is a non-stop Wild West adventure from the breathtaking atrium to the surrounding cabin accommodation brilliantly disguised as a frontier town. Anyone staying at one of the theme park hotels also gets private early access to the park and tickets to the main park and Ferrari Land are included in the price of your stay. You may not need early access, though, thanks to PortAventura's extended opening hours for the anniversary, which means the park remains accessible until 11.30pm. I'd barely finished my dinner before the girls were dragging me back to hit the rides again. The park is totally transformed after dark, with each world glowing against the night sky. Hurtling through darkness on rollercoasters adds an electrifying twist. Of course, it wouldn't be a 30th birthday bash without fireworks, either. And the nightly spectacular Fiesta Aventura is guaranteed to wow, featuring a fabulous illuminated parade, a spectacular drone display and fireworks extravaganza. It was the perfect end to one hell of a wild ride.
Belfast Telegraph
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.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Former Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Reddy gets court relief in convoy death case
VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh high court on Friday granted interim protection to former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and others, directing the police not to take coercive steps, including arrest, in relation to the case registered over the death of one Ch Singaiah. The high court asked the Advocate General to explain how the passengers in the vehicle are responsible for an untoward incident that resulted in the death of a person. Guntur police registered a case against Jagan Mohan Reddy, his PA K Naheswara Reddy, former ministers Vidadala Rajini and Perni Venkatramaiah, and former TTD Chairman Y V Subba Reddy, charging them with culpable homicide not amounting to murder under section 105 of BNS, after videos surfaced suggesting Singaiah was mowed down by the vehicle in which they were travelling. Jagan Mohan Reddy and others moved the high court seeking to quash the case registered against them. Arguing on behalf of the petitioners, senior counsels Ponnavolu Sudhakar Reddy and S Sriram submitted that the police initially declared that another vehicle was responsible for the incident in question and registered a case under section 106 of BNS for rash and negligent driving. However, the case was later altered to section 105, and the former CM and others, who were passengers in the vehicle, were included as accused. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Hotel con entradas incluidas PortAventura World Compra ahora Undo They submitted that the case is politically motivated, and the sections included in the FIR against the petitioners do not stand for judicial scrutiny. Considering the submissions of the petitioners, Justice K Srinivas Reddy asked Advocate General Dammalapati Srinivas to explain how the passengers in the vehicle involved in an accident could be made accused. Responding to the query from the bench, Srinivas said that the incident in question cannot be seen as any other incident of rash and negligent driving. The Advocate General said that there was sufficient material to suggest that the petitioners, despite having knowledge of the incident, did not inform the police or take remedial measures to rescue the victim. Instead, they tried to cover up by giving the impression that some other vehicle was involved in the incident. Srinivas further said that the authorities had given limited permission for three vehicles and 100 persons to visit Rentapalla, but hundreds of vehicles and thousands of people gathered and conducted a rally in utter disregard of the law enforcement agencies. Even after the incident took place, the petitioners did not bother to call for an ambulance or inform the police but continued with the rally, he said. Srinivas said that all these things are to be seen together, not in isolation. If it had been a politically motivated case, as alleged by the petitioners, the police would have registered cases into three other deaths that occurred on that day due to the rally. The reason for the registration of the case in question was based on available material, he said, adding that the investigation is still at a nascent stage and sought time till Tuesday so that he can submit all details pertaining to the case. Considering the submissions on both sides, Justice Srinivas Reddy posted the matter for further hearing on July 1 and directed the police not to take coercive steps till then.
The Irish Sun
16-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
European sunshine spot with less crowds, golden beaches, boat excursions, snorkeling and 28C temps
WITH over 9km of golden beaches, fun water activities and 28°C heat - this Spanish getaway will be one to remember. Just a 20 minute drive from Reus Airport is the beautiful seaside town of Cambrils. Advertisement 7 Cambrils is just a 20 minute drive from Reus Credit: Getty 7 There are a number of beautiful beaches in Cambrils Credit: Alamy 7 PortAventura World is a 15 minute drive from Cambrils Credit: Getty It makes the perfect getaway for those who want a blend of relaxation and exploring. Sun lovers can soak up the sun on one of Cambrils many Blue Flag The calm and shallow waters are ideal for little ones. For those who like to keep busy, must-do activities include yoga paddle boarding, kayaking, basketball by the sea, snorkelling or hire a bike. Advertisement Top beaches include The Cap de Sant Pere Beach, The Esquirol Beach, The Vilafortuny Beach and The Regueral – Prat d'en Forés Beach. Explore the town of Cambrils, both city and coast, with a ride on the tourist train. Take a stroll around the inviting squares and quaint A great way to see the beauty of Cambrils is hopping aboard a catamaran cruise. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Embarking from Cambrils Port, discover the coast of Tarragona and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Spend an afternoon at the historic, botanical and zoological Parc Samà. History buffs must pay a visit to the Roman village of La Llosa and the ancient ruins of Torre de la Ermita de la Virgen del Camino. The port of Cambrils is one of the most bustling areas, with shops, cafes, restaurants and an observation point to spot the arrival of the fishermen. Advertisement DELICIOUS FOOD Known as the culinary capital of the Costa Dorada, foodies will be spoiled for choice. With a mix of traditional cuisine and new trends, the land and sea has always provided Cambrils with top quality products. Cool down in the evenings with a local beer from €2.50 or wine from €3.50. For those who want to mix up their holiday with a thrilling adventure, PortAventua World is just a 15 minute drive away. Advertisement Celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, the sprawling theme park has welcomed over 100 million visitors. PortAventura World is the home to over 53 rides and attractions, set within six different worlds. President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, said: 'I would like to congratulate the entire Read more on the Irish Sun Ferrari Land, Europe's only dedicated theme park to the Italian motor racing team, has 16 gripping rides and games. Advertisement Or cool down in PortAventura's Caribe Aquatic Park with 16 pools and attractions. 7 PortAventura has something for all the family Credit: 7 Cambrils has it's own tourist train Credit: Getty 7 Cambrils has over 9km of golden beaches Credit: Instagram @cambrilsturisme Advertisement 7 Food lovers will have lots to indulge in Credit: Getty
The Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
WIN! A luxury beach holiday for the family to the Costa Dorada
Get ready for the perfect mix of beachfront bliss and family fun at the four-star Estival El Dorado Resort on the sun-kissed Costa Dorada (known locally as Costa Daurada) coast. We've teamed up with Jet2holidays to offer you a chance to win a seven-night, all-inclusive-plus stay for two adults and two children at this Luxe Collection property. The hotel has everything you need for the perfect family holiday. You can have fun with the kids at the on-site splash park. Or hire sports equipment to go kayaking and windsurfing. Or enjoy more laidback days lounging around one of the three outdoor pools or relaxing in the spa while your little ones enjoy activities at the children's club. Estival El Dorado Resort truly ticks all the boxes. Tuck into delicious buffet breakfasts and lunch and dinner dishes that showcase global flavours to suit every palate, while enjoying entertainment to excite every age. If you do decide to venture away from the comfortable, modern rooms and stunning surroundings of Estival El Dorado Resort, get even more thrills at nearby PortAventura World theme park or explore the history and pretty cobbled streets of Cambrils, a culinary hotspot packed with family-friendly eateries. Costa Dorada has 50 miles of long, sandy beaches (including 26 Blue Flag beaches), with shallow waters, perfect for families, as well as great watersports from kayaking and paddleboarding to snorkelling and scuba diving on offer. Nearby La Llosa Beach and L'Ardiaca are highlights. For your chance to win this fantastic seven-night stay at Estival El Dorado Resort, for a family of four (that's two adults, two children), fill in the form below. Terms and conditions*: Competition closes 23.59pm BST 24 June. A seven-night holiday for up to two adults, two children (up to the age of 12 on the date of return) (can also be claimed by solely 2 adults) in a Junior Suite on an all-inclusive plus basis at the 4* Estival El Dorado Resort in Cambrils, Costa Dorada. This prize includes return flights for up to four people (two adults, two children – up to the age of 12 on the date of return) from any UK Airport from which flies to Reus (Barcelona South) Airport (REU) and allows for the duration of the holiday advertised, transfers to and from the overseas airport and the hotel and one free item of checked baggage of up to 22kg per person. This prize must be booked by 6 July 2025 and must be completed between one of the following bands subject to availability (including all return travel): 06/07/2025 - 17/07/2025 28/07/2025 - 11/08/2025 03/09/2025 - 16/10/2025 20/04/2026 - 21/05/2026 01/06/2026 - 17/07/2026 27/07/2026 - 10/08/2026 01/09/2026 - 22/10/2026 Find out more about Jet2holidays packages – including 22kg baggage per person and return transfers** and your choice of two to five-star hotels – online at Jet2holidays. Right now, myJet2 members can also save £400 per family of four† in The Big Jet2 Price Drop too (correct at original publish date). *T&Cs apply, see for more details **Unless otherwise stated †£100 per person off holidays for myJet2 members departing until 15 November 2026. myJet2 members will need to be logged into their account at the time of booking for the discount to automatically apply. Book online, via our app, through our call centre or with your travel agent. Please note the discount is not applied to children travelling on a free child place. Terms and conditions apply, please see for details.
