5 Reasons We Love PortAventura

1. YOU CAN EAT YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD

The park is split into 6 zones – Mexico, China, Far West, Polynesia, Mediterrània and SésamoAventura. Each one has a really authentic feel – think mariachi music in Mexico and Tibetan wind chimes in China. The food’s themed, too, so you can tuck in to ribs in the Far West or sip tropical fruit juices in Polynesia.

2. THERE'S THE FULL A-Z OF RIDES

PortAventura has some seriously impressive rides to its name. Take Furius Baco – it goes from 0 to 135kph in 3.5 seconds. Then there’s Tutuki Splash log flume, Shambhala – the highest and fastest rollercoaster in Europe – and Dragon Khan, which lines up 8 loop-the-loops. It’s not all about white-knucklers, though. Little ones have got things like spinning teacups and flying swings.

3. YOU'RE NEVER FAR FROM A SHOW

There are 15-odd shows taking place each day, from Polynesia’s Aloha Tahiti to El Saloon de Roxy in the Far West. They’re not just daytime performances, either – some run late into the evening. The hottest event in the summer is FiestAventura, a spectacular show featuring fire stunts and fireworks, which runs from June to September.

4. YOU CAN STAY RIGHT ON THE DOORSTEP

When it comes to finding a place to rest your head, TUI offers 2 options just minutes from all the action. Hotel PortAventura is decked out like a traditional Mediterranean village and lines up 2 lake-like pools and a trio of restaurants. Hotel Caribe, meanwhile, offers a little taste of the tropics, with a sandy beach and a pirate ship bar. And the best part? They both come with unlimited entry to PortAventura Park included in the holiday price.

5. THERE'S LOADS TO DO NEARBY

If you fancy a breather from the rides, you’re only a short train ride from Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona. Wander down the Ramblas, snack on seafood tapas and fresh fruit smoothies in La Boqueria market, and snap photos in front of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. Footie fans can tour the iconic Nou Camp stadium, too.

If it’s sands you’re after, a 20-minute drive will land you in Cambrils. Its 9-kilometre stretch of sand is split into 9 separate Blue Flag beaches, complete with watersports, loungers and beach bars.