How to spend a summer family holiday in Spain? Swimming and sunbathing as much as possible. And to ensure you don't get bored, we recommend adding a bit of adventure to the activities. So, the programme includes a rafting trip down a violent river, a pirate treasure hunt, and a battle with the Kraken... all within the Aquarama water park in Benicàssim, between Valencia and Tarragona.
No, you don't have to face any dangers at the water park. You can swim peacefully among picturesque islands in the Lakeshore area and not have to worry about the crocodile on the shore (it's just a statue, although it's very realistic). The wave pool is also a relaxing place to unwind.
But you can't afford to be lazy once you're in the Pirate's Cave. Adults will want to come and visit this playground — it's so spectacularly decorated. A ship stuck in the rocks has been transformed into a children's attraction with water slides and waterfalls. There's also a secret grotto, which children are sure to spot. Beware, there's a Kraken nearby, and you'll have to escape it. The surest way to do this is by bungee jumping. Children taller than 110 cm can play in the playground with the Kraken.
A much less extreme children's ride is the Mini Dunes. These are slides for downhill competitions. There is also an adult version of these slides called Surf Dunes.
All other slides at Aquarama Waterpark are a steep ride. Still, some of them are suitable for family rides. The River Adventure is a two-seater toboggan run along the meandering course. Ground Slides is a gentle slope, even winding, so kids won't be afraid. Daredevils can dive into one of the Twin Twister chutes.
Like to get your blood pumping? The water park has six steep slides for you. The Devil's Drop is a freefall from the 10th floor with a happy ending. The Whirlpool is a giant funnel that will spin you up and down into a tube. The Kamikaze is two different slides that send you tumbling down at breakneck speed. Wrapped Up, a spiralling chute that looks like it's about to take you around the bend. Black Hole — flying in total darkness. Finally, Boa, a journey through the belly of a giant boa constrictor to make it spit you out.
The seventh extreme attraction, although on land, will have you soaking wet with excitement. The Spaceshot tower takes you up to 60 metres in 2 seconds and then plummets to the bottom at freefall speed.
It would be surprising if all the family members didn't work up a voracious appetite after such adventures. There are cafés and sweet stands in the water park. You can also bring your food and have picnics in a designated area.
