Port Aventura
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Port Aventura is a theme park located in the holiday resort of Salou in the Costa Daurada and is approximately only 1 hour from Barcelona.
The park was built as a joint effort by the Tussauds group (Alton Towers, Busch Gardens and Universal Studios) in 1997. In 2000 Universal Studios bought up most of the shares in the park and so it was renamed 'Universals Port Aventura'. Since then 2 hotels and a water park have been built there and the park has changed ownership once again and is now simply named "PortAventura".PortAventura is currently the largest resort in South Eurpoe.
The park its self is divided into 5 different areas; Mediterrania, Far West, Mexico, China and Polynesia. Each area is different in their own ways with completely different appearences and theme music being played. Some areas offer some spectacular views and chances for fantastic photos.
The park has a variety of rides ranging from simulators and wild rapids to run-away trains and racing roller coasters. Some rides will get you wet but due to the hot weather all year around it won't be long until you are dry once again. The park's main attraction - the dragon khan is formely Europes biggest rollercoaster. As I have said the rides in the park will accomodate for all sorts of people ranging from the relaxed tea-cups rider to the thrill seeking roller-coaster fanatic.
The Dragon Khan
Wild West Show
FiestaVentura
As well as a fantastic assortment of rides, PortAventura offers an array of fantastic shows for entertainment throughout the day. Most of the shows are theme related such as the hula-dancers in Mediterrania or the wild west shows on the outskirts of the Far West area.
The most spectacular show has to be the lights and fireworks display 'FiestaVentura'. This show takes place every night around 11pm on the park's very own lake and consists of large figures from each area of the park being beautifully co-ordinated to music and fireworks in the background. The FiestaVentura has been described as 'the best live theme show in the world'.
PortAventura is open all year around and prices vary on what time of the year you go there. Special events do take place throughout the year and it's definately not soemthing you want to miss.
Check out my other travels on Dan in Australia: Australia Travel Blog
