Spain’s best water parks: the top 4

With its super-sunny climate and lively tourist towns, Spain is the perfect place for water parks. You’ll discover death-defying slides, giant wave pools, and pirate-themed zones where tots can have a blast in the water. Then there are the kamikaze slides, black hole rides, and wild rivers to tackle…

Don’t worry if you’re not an out-and-out adrenaline junky – you’ll find plenty of places to chill out by the pool with a colourful cocktail. What’s more, getting to and from the water parks is a breeze – we’ve chosen our favourite family-friendly hotels, right in the heart of the action.

Read on for the 4 best water parks in Spain. It’s time to make a splash!

1. Siam Park, Tenerife

Why not start with the best? Siam Park on Tenerife’s popular Costa Adeje has been voted the best water park in the world by TripAdvisor guests. It’s easy to see why – this sprawling water world boasts over 15 world-class slides, a 1000m² beach, and the largest man-made wave on the planet.

There are 7 adrenaline-inducing rides to tackle, including the mighty Tower of Power, a 30m-high behemoth, where speeds reach a hair-raising 80km/ph. Then there’s Vulcano, a thrilling ride in the dark with lights and lasers, and Singha, a watery rollercoaster full of twists and turns. Just don’t forget to tame The Dragon before you leave – this zero-gravity ride for 4 will take your breath away!

For mini-swimmers, there’s tons of splash-about fun to be had. Little ones will love Naga Racer, a fun mat-racer ride, and Jungle Snake, a slithering slide through the jungle. Tots aren’t’ left out either – they’ll have a blast at The Lost City, an exciting land of towers, bucket splashers and mini slides.

When it comes to taking a break from the action, the beach is the perfect place to unwind. You’ll find a huge sandy area complete with sun beds and parasols, along with a giant lagoon-style pool. There are plenty of cafes and kiosks for treats and refreshments, but if you fancy taking things up a notch, then head to Champagne Club for Balinese beds and chilled fizz.

Top tip:

Upgrade to Siam Park’s FastPass, and skip the queues – this popular park gets busy in the summer months.

Handy hotel:

A 2 minute free bus ride to Siam Park, Iberostar Las Dalias boasts kids’ clubs, giant pools and excellent buffet-style food.

2. Illa Fantasia, Barcelona

With over 20 slides, 3 giant pools, and a large shaded picnic area, Illa Fantasia offers a top family day out in Barcelona.  Older kids and adults will love taking on Kamikaze, a 20m-high monster with a frightening free-fall drop. Jump on a floaty and speed down the 200-m long Rio Salvaje, and take a leap into the unknown at Trap Door.

Tiny tots will have a whale of a time at Pirate Labyrinth, a themed pool with water jets, bucket splashers and mazy walkways. Preteens can grab a slice of the action too, with Zig-Zag, Supertobogan, and Spinner all part of the fun.

For a change of pace, take a stroll over to the Garden of Earthly Delights, a sculpture park featuring fountains and 2 giant pools. Or grab yourself a bit of much-needed shade at the park’s picnic area, complete with tables, benches, and barbeques.

There’s a host of kid-friendly dining options at Illa Fantasia, including ice cream, waffles, and pancakes. For a quick bite, you’ll find burgers and pizzas, while mums and dads can relax with a latte at the coffee shop. The park also serves up a mouth-watering roast chicken with mayo – perfect with a cold beer.

Top tip:

The park’s picnic area comes with barbeque grills – you’re free to bring your own food to cook, and there’s a large supermarket for supplies at the park entrance.

Handy hotel:

The welcoming H10 Cataluya Plaza puts you a short walk from Plaza Catalunya train station; from here it’s a 25 minute ride to Premier de Mar station, where a free Illa Fantasia shuttle will whizz you  to the park entrance.

3.  PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park, Salou

This impressive 50,000m² park in the vibrant resort town of Salou features 16 exciting rides and slides, water falls, and giant lagoon pools. Dare devils will make a beeline for King Khajuna, a death-defying freefall slide, taking riders 30m in just 2 seconds. Hold on to your hat!

For a slightly gentler ride, step up to the Barracudas – these pair of twisters are sure to put you in a spin! Other not-too-scary attractions include Mambo Limbo, a bendy speedster full of tropical vibes, and The Cyclon – 100m of pure fun.

For your pint-sizes splashers, El Galeon Pirate awaits, a majestic pirate ship packed to the rafters with exciting mini slides. They’ll also love the indoor Junior Body Slides, and El Rio Loco, a fun white water river circling the park.

When it’s time to refuel, hang ten at The Surfer, where you’ll find the juiciest hotdogs and hamburgers. For a bit of Mexican flair, take a seat at Cabana, home to tacos and toasted sandwiches, and don’t forget to keep cool at The Happiness Station with slushies, fizzy drinks, and ice cream.

Top tip:

Hotels in the park’s PortAventura World Hotels family (such as the one below) offer free admission to PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park for the duration of your stay.

Handy hotel:

Stay at the fantastic PortAventura El Paso for an easy 500m walk to the park entrance.

4. Aqualandia, Benidorm

Designed for water lovers of all ages, a day out at Aqualandia is a top holiday experience in Benidorm on the Costa Blanca. Tots will have a splashing good time at Laguna, an exciting mini-park with water jets and trampolines. They’re sure to have a blast at Adventureland, too – a watery world of mini slides and mazes.

There are lots of rides the whole family can enjoy together – don’t miss The Amazon, a chilled-out lazy river, where all you need to do is hop on an inflatable, and let the river carry you downstream.  Families will love jumping over the swell of the giant wave pool, and splashing out in Niagra, with its tropical waterfalls and palm trees.

Some of Aqualandia’s more hair-raising rides include Vertigo – the tallest and most terrifying slide in Europe, and Big Bang, a set of heart-pumping chutes that fire you back down to earth at breakneck speeds. For a gentler experience, climb the steps to Zig Zag, a thrilling criss-cross adventure with a ton of twists and turns.

The park is well set up for pit stops, with burger stands, hot dog stalls, and ice cream parlours dotted throughout the grounds. There’s a picnic area too, with bbq’s – choose to grill out, or bring your own packed lunch. You can also unwind at the park’s very own amphitheater, with amazing views of the Benidorm hills.

Top tip:

Be sure to wear your flip flops in between rides – the floor gets toasty in the sizzling Spanish sun!

Handy hotel:

Just 800m from Aqualandia, Hotel Mediterraneo comes with a large main pool, evening entrainment, and breathtaking views of the Sierra Helada Mountain Range,