If you’re looking for a theme park near Barcelona then don’t miss PortAventura World in Salou! PortAventura currently has more than 5km of rollercoasters to choose from so there are plenty of things to do in PortAventura theme park to keep everyone entertained, from hair-raising rides to kids’ shows and entertainment. It makes a fantastic day trip from Barcelona, or you could spend a night or two in one of the hotels here like I did to really make the most of the attractions. In this post, I’ve brought together all my top PortAventura tips to help you save money, skip lines and have the best time in PortAventura World!
I was invited to PortAventura World for a gifted stay at PortAventura Hotel Gold River including entry passes to the park and a PortAventura Express 10 Pass for 1 day of my visit
Before travelling to PortAventura, book your tickets and accommodation in advance to get the best deals and beat the queues at the ticket office. You can choose between tickets only or tickets with transport from Barcelona, or spend a night or more at a hotel in PortAventura which includes entry tickets to PortAventura Park and Ferrari Land, and discounts to Caribe Park.
⭐ TOP 5 PORTAVENTURA TICKET & TRANSFER OPTIONS:
1: PortAventura Theme Park Entry Ticket – Just entry to PortAventura Park
2: PortAventura and Ferrari Land 1, 2, or 3-Day Ticket – Combined ticket for 2 parks
3: PortAventura, Caribe Park, and Ferrari Land Passes – 3 day combined ticket for 3 parks
4. From Barcelona: PortAventura Theme Park Ticket & Transfer – 1 day trip to PortAventura Park including bus transfer to/from Barcelona
5. PortAventura and Ferrari Land: Full-Day Trip from Barcelona – 1-day trip to PortAventura Park and Ferrari Land including bus transfer to/from Barcelona
🛌 BEST HOTELS AT PORTAVENTURA WORLD
$$$: PortAventura Hotel Lucy’s Mansion – This 5* hotel includes Unlimited Express queue jump wristbands for both PortAventura and Ferrari Land parks throughout the entire stay
$$: PortAventura Hotel Gold River – Wild-West Theme Hotel next to Far West Zone (I stayed here)
$: PortAventura Resort Hotel Roulette – Get the best rates but only find out the day before arrival which resort hotel you will be staying at
PortAventura Tips for Planning Your Stay
Plan Your Visit in Advance
Before you book tickets for PortAventura theme park, check the park’s opening hours and crowd calendar to choose the best day to visit. Weekdays typically have fewer crowds than weekends and holidays – arrive early to beat the crowds and maximize your time in the park.
Summer holidays are the busiest time to visit PortAventura, but that is also when you can see the evening shows like the fireworks. I visited in May which was quieter, but I missed out on the shows, which was disappointing as I’d heard they’re worth watching! Other special events like Easter will be busy too.
Spend a Night (or Two) at one of the PortAventura World Hotels
Staying in a hotel at PortAventura can be a great way to save money as all overnight accommodation at any of the PortAventura World hotels includes entry tickets to the park for the duration of your stay, including on the day of arrival, and day of departure – so a 1 night stay will give you 2 days in the park included in the price. You also have 1 ticket to Ferrari Land per person included.
While you can’t check into your room until 3pm, you can arrive at any time on the day of your booking to get your entry tickets to PortAventura World and go into the park.
All overnight guests will have special discounts on PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park tickets and express products, and guests at PortAventura Hotel Lucy’s Mansion also get Express Unlimited queue jump wristbands for PortAventura, Ferrari Land and Street Mission which are valid throughout the entire stay, including day of arrival and departure.
Choose a Specific Hotel or Play Hotel Roulette
Not many visitors realise that you can save a ton of money on your PortAventura hotel if you’re willing to gamble a little bit! If you don’t mind which resort hotel you stay at you can get the best rates by booking Hotel Roulette, which will guarantee you a room but you only find out the day before arrival which PortAventura resort hotel you will be staying at.
On the other hand, a stay at Hotel Lucy’s Mansion is more expensive but the Express Passes you get included for your stay are a very nice addition (normally priced from €75 per person per day)!
Rates at the PortAventura Resort Hotel Roulette are definitely cheaper, but you can’t choose which hotel you stay at.
PortAventura Hotels
Here’s a quick summary of the Hotels at PortAventura World so you can decide which option to go for:
$$$: PortAventura Hotel Lucy’s Mansion – This 5* property is the best hotel at PortAventura and you can have a luxury stay here, enjoying the onsite spa and excellent dining.
The room rates also include one Express Unlimited queue jump wristband per person for both PortAventura and Ferrari Land parks which is valid throughout the entire stay, including day of arrival and departure – so if you stay 1 night you get 2 days of access to the parks with the Unlimited Express passes.
While the accommodation prices are more expensive than other hotels in the park, the express passes make this actually really good value – a single Express Unlimited Pass costs from €75 per person for 1 day, which is usually around €100 per person day (the most expensive day I found was €147 per day) so if you’re thinking of getting the PortAventura Express Passes anyway then this could be a really good option for you. ➡️CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE
$$: PortAventura Hotel Gold River – a 4* Wild-West theme hotel next to Far West Zone, which is where I stayed. It’s one of the closest hotels to the entrance to the park, where you enter next to Uncharted. I like the hotel and theme, the buffet-style dinner and breakfast were decent and there are 3 outdoor river-style swimming pools.
If you visit in the shoulder or off seasons not all facilities are open, but in peak season there is an a la carte restaurant as well as a buffet restaurant and a snack bar in the hotel complex too. Read my full review of the hotel here. ➡️CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE
$$: PortAventura Hotel Colorado Creek – Another 4* Wild-West Theme Hotel with great reviews and buffet-style breakfast and dinner options. Hotel Colorado Creek has different types of rooms, and if you book a Deluxe room you will also get 1 PortAventura Express10 queue jump ticket per person as well as VIP amenities in the dispenser and welcome water. ➡️CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE
$$: PortAventura Hotel PortAventura – This 4* Mediterranean village-style hotel has gardens, a lake and a swimming pool, with direct access to the Mediterranean area of PortAventura Park. There is a choice of restaurants serving buffet or a la carte options for breakfast and dinner.➡️CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE
$$: PortAventura Hotel El Paso – Stay in a Mexican-style Hacienda at this 4* option, which has a large pool with a sunken pirate ship and two kids’ pools. Popular with families, there is also a limited number of Deluxe Superior Woody & Friends Rooms with a Woody the Woodpecker theme. All-inclusive packages are available. ➡️CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE
$$: PortAventura Hotel Caribe – Another popular option for families, this Caribbean-inspired hotel is a little further away from the park entrance but still very close. The hotel has the world’s largest white-sand swimming pool, as well as another adult pool and kids pool, and has two restaurants serving a range of Mediterranean and international dishes. There is also a café, two bars, and a spa which is included in some rooms or available for a supplement. ➡️CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE
$: PortAventura Resort Hotel Roulette – Get the best rates for one of the hotels above, but you only find out the day before arrival which resort hotel you will be staying at – great value if you don’t mind which hotel you get! ➡️CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE
There are also plenty of other hotels and accommodation options in nearby Salou, although if you stayed outside the resort you would need to buy your PortAventura tickets separately. Browse all nearby hotels on Booking.com here.
Decide If you Want to Visit Caribe Aquatic Park and/or Ferrari Land
There are also two adjacent theme parks at PortAventura World that you can add to your visit, with combined tickets available for two or all three parks.
Caribe Aquatic Park is a Caribbean-themed water park with 16 attractions and pools, including slides, kid’s areas and a lazy river. This water park is only open from the end of May to the beginning of September during the warmest weather at PortAventura, so isn’t available all year round.
Ferrari Land is, as the name suggests, themed around Ferrari and Italy, and is home to Red Force, the highest, fastest roller coaster in Europe. This theme park opens in the afternoon from 4.30pm to 10pm, which is plenty of time to enjoy the best rides – Red Force, and Thrill Towers which are two drop towers.
There are other attractions here too, like Pole Position Challenge F1 simulator and photo opportunities in a replica pit stop although Red Force is the main draw here.
Check the Weather Forecast
It’s less of a risk in the summer, but check the forecast to see if you should expect any rain on the day(s) of your visit. Light rain could mean fewer queues as people with flexible schedules are likely to choose a dry day. However, it is miserable walking round in heavy rain, and having water in your face during every ride isn’t ideal.
Some rides are likely to be impacted by extreme weather like heavy rain and high winds and may be closed for safety reasons, so try to avoid any days when this could happen!
Buy Your Tickets in Advance
If you decide not to stay at a hotel in PortAventura and just come for the day, I definitely recommend buying your entry tickets in advance. While you can buy your tickets at the park, buying your tickets online before you arrive means you get to skip the ticket queues at the entrance and can scan your ticket to go straight in.
Tickets are available on the official PortAventura website, or on GetYourGuide here. If you’re staying in Barcelona, you can arrange day tours which include transport, making PortAventura a great day trip from Barcelona.
Consider Fast Passes
Consider purchasing a PortAventura Express pass which is a fast-track ticket to skip the long lines for popular attractions, which is especially useful during peak seasons. Fast-track tickets are available online in advance, usually for a cheaper rate, or you can buy them on the day at machines around the park (next to the busiest rides).
Prices vary with ticket booth sales ranging from €50 to €75 per person for the 1 day Express 10 Pass – in general, the further in advance you buy them online, the cheaper they are, and if the park is likely to be busy the price will increase – although perhaps you visit on a quiet day or are staying overnight and have 2 days to explore the park you may not need a pass at all.
TOP PORTAVENTURA TIP: If you get a Fast Pass paper ticket, take a photo of it so you can still use it if it gets wet or lost during the day
There are three different kinds of passes available:
PortAventura Express 10 Pass
PortAventura Express 10 Pass allows you 1 fast pass access to 10 of the best rides at PortAventura, without front row access:
- Shambala
- Furius Baco
- Dragon Kahn
- Templo del Fuego
- Tutuki Splash
- Stampida
- Angkor
- Silver River Flume
- El Diablo – Tren de la Mina
- Grand Canyon Rapids
If any attractions are unavailable then they will choose another attraction to be included instead – when I visited Templo del Fuego was closed so I had access to two Grand Cayon Rapids fast track passes.
PortAventura Express 5 Fun Pass
PortAventura Express 5 Fun Pass gives you 1 express access to 5 of the most family-friendly attractions in the park without any front-row access. Choose 5 of the following attractions for your pass:
- Street Mission
- Stampida
- El Diablo – Tren de la Mina
- Grand Canyon Rapids
- Tutuki Splash
- Silver River Flume
- Angkor
- Templo del Fuego
- Tomawahk
Although this pass isn’t often available in advance on the website, so it may not be available on the day of your visit from ticket machines either.
PortAventura Express Unlimited Pass
PortAventura Express Unlimited gives you unlimited Express access for these 10 attractions, without front row access:
- Shambhala
- Furius Baco
- Dragon Khan
- Templo del Fuego
- Tutuki Splash
- Stampida
- Angkor*
- Silver River Flume*
- El Diablo – Tren de la Mina
- Grand Canyon Rapids
Price at the ticket booths for the Express Unlimited Pass varies depending on how busy the park is, so you if you are thinking about getting this pass, then buying it online in advance should save you some money (or book a stay in the PortAventura Hotel Lucy’s Mansion which includes Express Unlimited Passes for guests throughout the duration of their stay, for both PortAventura World and Ferrari Land).
PortAventura Tips for Before You Arrive
Download the Mobile App
Download the official PortAventura World app to access interactive maps, ride wait times, show schedules, and other helpful information. The app is really useful to help you plan your day and cut down on wait times although some of the functionality is a bit clunky.
There is free WiFi all around the park so you can stay connected and check the waiting times for rides throughout the day. You can download it on Google Play here or on the Apple Store here.
TOP PORTAVENTURA TIP: Bring a portable charger – it’s easy to burn through your phone battery when you’re looking at the app or browsing online while you wait in the long lines.
Use Google Maps as the Best PortAventura Map
I found the PortAventura map very confusing, and I couldn’t tell how to get from one place to another or find the rides that I needed to quickly.
I tried the map on the app, a paper copy I picked up in the park and checked the maps displayed on the noticeboards like the one below, but the easiest way I found of navigating inside the park is with Google Maps.
Using Google Maps was much easier for me, and I could star the attractions I wanted to visit, as well as food outlets and footpaths to navigate through the park.
Plan What to Do & When
One of my most important PortAventura tips is to have a plan before you arrive at the park so you don’t waste any time deciding what to do. Do some research and make a note of the rides you want to visit and any shows you want to see.
Head to the park’s most popular rides and attractions early in the day when lines are shorter, or during lunch time when most people are eating. Check the app for wait times and ride opening times – the app also shows when rides are closed or out of service.
If you’re staying at a PortAventura Hotel close to the Far West zone, Uncharted is a good idea to visit first as it is right by the entrance (coming from the hotel complex) and it’s the newest ride at PortAventura so one of the most popular. It’s also not included in the fast pass PortAventura Express tickets.
Furius Baco is close to the main entrance so if you arrive when the park opens you can go there first and hopefully beat the queues – or if you’re staying at PortAventura Hotel PortAventura that is the closest major ride so head there first.
Shambhala and Dragon Khan are both in the Asia zone which is further away from the main entrance so you could decide to go there first as most people go straight to Furius Baco, or plan to go around lunchtime when it is likely to be quieter.
Plan Your Meal Times
Avoid peak dining times by eating early or late to minimize wait times at restaurants and snack bars. Queues for food outlets can get long, so take advantage of shorter wait times at the rides when everyone else is eating, and come to eat with the lines at food places are shorter.
If you’re staying at a PortAventura hotel and having meals in the hotel restaurant you’ll need to book a time slot for breakfast and dinner, which you can do on the app once you’ve checked in (you can check in on-line from 5 days before your arrival) – slots do fill up so book as soon as you can.
If you plan to eat dinner at one of the restaurants inside the park consider making dining reservations in advance to guarantee a table, especially during the summer when they can fill up too.
Unfortunately you’re not allowed to bring food into the park, and if you come for the day there are bag searches at the entrance to confiscate any contraband (although no-one searched my bag at the hotel entrance). Water bottles are fine to bring in, and you can fill them up at the drinking fountains dotted around the park.
There are food outlets all over the park of varying quality – they’re mostly themed to match their location in the park, like tacos in Mexico or noodles in China but you can find basics like hotdogs and ice cream shops everywhere. There are also sit-down restaurants in each area of the park too, although lines can be long and prices high.
Tips for Enjoying PortAventura While You’re in the Park
Take Advantage of Single Rider Lines
If you are visiting PortAventura alone or don’t mind riding separately from your group, single rider lines can reduce your wait time for certain attractions. Usually these mean lining up with everyone else to start with, then the line splits into two and any spare single seats in a row are filled with solo riders.
This can be a great way to experience popular rides more quickly – especially with rides like Uncharted that isn’t included in the Fast Pass but has a single rider line. I visited PortAventura solo which was fun, but I must admit it is more fun when you’ve got someone else to share the excitement with, so that is a downside of the Single Rider Lines!
Catch the Shows and Parades
Don’t miss the live shows, musicals, and parades offered throughout the day at PortAventura. The shows may change from year to year but they always match the theme of their zone. Consult the park map or app for showtimes and locations, and plan your schedule. In the shoulder season, the shows don’t all run every day but timetables are more frequent during the summer holidays.
The West Gold Frenzy show in Far West World was my favourite and I highly recommend that!
West Gold Frenzy Show
The West Gold Frenzy is a Wild West stunt show which was great fun and my favourite PortAventura show – if you only have time to see one show make it this one!
The doors opened around 30 minutes before the show so I’d recommend getting there early to get a good seat near the front (avoiding the pillars). It’s a large stage area with seating for over 1000 people, with seats in the shade.
Before the start time, one of the actors warmed up the crowd with some interactive jokes and mimes – if you’re on the front row or aisles don’t be surprised if you’re roped into the performance! The stunts were fantastic and I really enjoyed the show.
The only downside was the Chinese and Native American stereotypes that were totally unnecessary (and I fed that back to my contact at PortAventura World, so I don’t know if anything has changed since my visit).
Aloha Tahiti
This dance show takes place in Polynesia World most days at 11:00h, 12:15h and 15:45h, but check the app or screens around the park for up-to-date timings on the day of your visit. All the seats get a decent view but the front rows are right in the action and get up close to the dancers.
The show is a series of traditional dances from Tahiti, and there was a section with audience participation where you could take part and learn some of the steps.
Stay for the Evening Shows
If you visit PortAventura in the summer don’t miss the nighttime entertainment, including spectacular fireworks displays and light shows once the park has closed Unfortunately the fireworks show only takes place during the summer holidays in July and August, so I was sad to miss that.
When I visited PortAventura in May, the evening PortAventura Parade was at 6pm and it wasn’t particularly special from my point of view but kids will enjoy waving to their favourite characters – check the parade times on the day of your visit as they do vary.
I gather it is more impressive in the summer or for special occasions when there is a bigger parade and then the fireworks show afterwards, which I’ve heard are definitely worth staying for.
Explore the Whole Park
PortAventura is divided into different themed areas, including Mediterrània, Polynesia, China, México, and Far West. Take the time to explore each area and enjoy the unique attractions, entertainment, and different food options. There are themed restaurants and fast food outlets that match the theme of each region – think noodles in China, tacos in Mexico etc.
Far West has some fun fairground stalls where you can try out a shooting gallery or throwing hoops to win cuddly toys for example, and there are photo opportunities everywhere with models or with live characters dressed up in costumes.
Stay Hydrated and Use Sun Protection
It can get hot at PortAventura, especially during the summer when temperatures soar. Most of the queuing areas have some kind of shade, but be prepared to be outside and in the sun so bring suitable clothes to protect your skin and apply sunscreen regularly.
Stay hydrated by bringing a refillable water bottle. There are a few water fountains dotted around the park where you can fill up your bottle, they are usually located near the toilets although they’re easy to miss. Or buy drinks at the food outlets in the park.
What to Wear for PortAventura
These are a few of my clothing tips for PortAventura – think light layers and comfort!
Comfortable Shoes – this is the most important thing as you’ll be on your feet for most of the day. You might also want to bring blister plasters if you’re concerned about your shoes rubbing.
Light, Quick-Dry Clothing – choose lightweight clothes that will dry quickly if there is a rain shower or you get soaked on a water ride. There are body dryers outside the water rides, but I don’t know how good they are if you’re wearing heavy, wet jeans!
Contact Lenses – If you usually wear glasses or prescription sunglasses, consider wearing contact lenses to avoid the risk of your glasses flying off during the rides. I was told to remove my prescription sunglasses on Red Force, so it’s best not to take the risk!
Sun Protection – Keep yourself protected and slather on the sunscreen, even on cloudy days as the sun can still burn when you’re outdoors all day. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and bring a light scarf or shirt to cover your shoulders which you can also get damp to keep you cooler on hot days.
What to Bring to PortAventura
Less is more, as you’ll be carrying this around with you all day. Try to avoid bringing valuables and documents like passports unless they are tucked away in a secure money belt under your clothes.
At each ride, there are storage spaces where you can leave bags and anything you don’t want to have with you on the ride. The faster rides and rollercoasters won’t allow any loose items on the ride so you’ll have to leave it in the storage spaces.
The security is reasonable, but if you’re concerned about leaving your phone in the storage, bring a small cross-body bag you can fit under your clothes to keep your phone safe so it won’t fall out. However, bear in mind that some of the rides can bang you about a bit against the safety harness so try to have it somewhere where it won’t get smacked around either!
There are also small storage lockers next to the biggest rides where you could lock away your belongings – there is a £2 charge for these and they’re single use so as soon as you open them you’ll need to pay again to store something else.
Bear in mind that PortAventura will not accept any responsibility for items left in any of their storage areas, even the lockers, so leave your valuables at home.
Here is what you should take to PortAventura:
Small Backpack or comfortable crossbody bag to fit a water bottle and other essentials.
Waterproof or Poncho for water rides if you choose
Waterproof phone pouch – definitely recommended for water rides! Try this one from Amazon.
Water bottle to stay hydrated – I bring my Water-to-Go bottle everywhere and it has a built-in filter so no worries about whether tap water is safe to drink.
Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen – the basics
Portable phone charger & cable – batteries run down fast, Anker are a good brand to try.
Credit cards & small change (1 and 2 euro coins for lockers)
PortAventura FAQs
Have more questions about Portaventura?
Is PortAventura Suitable If You Don’t Like Rollercoasters?
Yes, there’s plenty to do beyond thrill rides. There are family-friendly attractions, boat rides, shows, themed areas to explore, and live entertainment throughout the day. It’s still worth visiting even if you prefer a slower pace.
Are There Quiet Areas To Take A Break?
Yes, but they’re not always obvious. Polynesia tends to be one of the calmest zones with more shade and seating, and some of the theatre areas are great for a rest between shows.
What Is The Best Order To Visit The Rides?
There’s no single “perfect” route, but a smart strategy is to start with either the most popular rides (like Shambhala or Furius Baco) right at opening, or head to the furthest areas of the park first while crowds gather near the entrance. Then work your way back.
Can You Leave The Park And Come Back In The Same Day?
Yes, re-entry is allowed. You’ll need to keep your ticket and get your hand stamped when leaving, so you can return later the same day.
Are There Height Restrictions On Rides?
Yes, many rides have strict height limits for safety. These are clearly displayed at each attraction, so it’s worth checking in advance if you’re travelling with children to avoid disappointment.
Is PortAventura Accessible For People With Reduced Mobility?
The park is generally accessible, with adapted entrances for many rides and facilities. There are also accessibility passes available which can help reduce waiting times depending on eligibility. Motorised scooters are available to hire to help you get around the park.
Do Rides Ever Close During The Day?
Yes, rides can temporarily close due to technical issues or weather conditions. It’s quite normal, so it’s a good idea to stay flexible and check the app for updates or look out for the announcements on screens around the park.
Can You Bring A Refillable Water Bottle?
Yes, and it’s highly recommended. There are drinking fountains around the park where you can refill, which helps save money and stay hydrated.
Are Photos On Rides Worth It?
They can be fun souvenirs, but they’re quite expensive. If you’re travelling with friends, it might be worth buying one or two and sharing the cost rather than purchasing every ride photo.
What Happens If It Rains?
Light rain usually won’t stop most rides, and queues can actually be shorter. However, in heavy rain or strong winds, some attractions may close temporarily for safety reasons.
Is It Worth Visiting Ferrari Land If You’re Not A Car Fan?
If you enjoy thrill rides, then yes, even if you’re not into cars. Red Force alone makes it worthwhile for adrenaline lovers, but if you’re not interested in big rides, you might prefer to spend more time in the main park instead.
How Much Walking Is Involved At PortAventura?
A lot! The park is large, and you can easily walk 15,000-20,000 steps in a day. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Are There Ways To Avoid Getting Soaked On Water Rides?
You can’t completely avoid it, but sitting in the middle seats (rather than the edges) can help slightly. Otherwise, a poncho or quick-dry clothes are your best bet!
Is One Day Enough For PortAventura?
You can see the highlights in one day with good planning, but it will feel rushed, especially in peak season. If there are technical problems on a ride you might miss out so two days (with one night in a hotel) gives you a much more relaxed experience and to help make sure you see everything you want.
Phew, I hope that has helped! If you’ve been to PortAventura and have any other tips and tricks for making the most out of the park please do let me know. I didn’t go to PortAventura with kids so especially if there are any families with more recommendations then please drop a comment below or head over to our Facebook Group and share your PortAventura tips there!