5 of Europe’s best waterparks

If, like me, you have young boys, you’ll know that a family day out at a top waterpark is hard to beat.  Whilst many of the world’s best waterparks are in the United States, there are still a number of gems to be found on the other side of the Atlantic.  Here we share with you five of the best waterparks to be found in Europe.

Siam Park, Tenerife, Spain

This Thai-themed waterpark is in the Adeje region of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Siam Park lays claim to the world’s longest lazy river in Mai Thai, but it’s landmark attraction is the Tower of Power, a slide with an 85-foot drop that concludes with a tunnel that passes through a tank full of sharks (don’t worry, they can’t get you!).  Other rides include a vertical-drop water slide called the Dragon, as well as the Volcano vortex-style slide. A large wave pool complete with sandy beach and nine-foot high waves offer great fun for surfers or anyone looking to have some fun.

Caribe Aquatic Park, Port Aventura, Costa Dorada, Spain

If the azure blue coastline of Spain’s north east Costa Dorada isn’t already enough for you, then head along to Caribe Aquatic Park for a taste of the Caribbean. This waterpark has a distinct Caribbean theme (whether it be the rides on some of the food on offer). If you’re feeling brave, take on the typhoon ride El Tifon or the corkscrew down The Mambo Limbo. The neighbouring Port Aventura theme park comes with four hotels on site, so it would be easy to make a weekend of it.

Tropical Islands, Brandenburg, Germany

This huge (and we mean huge, it’s the third largest building in the world!) indoor waterpark can house up to 8,000 people and can be found in a disused airplane hangar. In the heart of Bavaria, yet just 60km from Berlin, the unusual Tropical Islands has not only slides (look out for the Turbo Slide which will have you shifting along at speeds close to 70 kilometres per house!), but also tropical pools, beaches and a rain forest.

Alpamare, near Zurich, Switzerland

Despite Tropical Islands’ size, Alpamare is actually the largest covered waterpark in Europe (but it’s not housed in a building as such). Close to the shores of Lake Zurich, it offers both indoor and outdoor swimming, as well as the usual selection of slides, including one 295-foot lazy river ride. And if all that’s not enough, there’s even an outdoor pool with underwater music.

Aquariaz, French Alps, France

Not only is Aquariaz one of Europe’s newest waterparks, it’s also its highest. It is by no means the biggest, but did come with a whopping €200m price tag, and for that you get all manner of rides. Owned by Pierre & Vacances and part of the Avoriaz Resort, there’s accommodation on site. It’s open year round so can offer you the ultimate in apres ski during the winter or works equally as a summer destination for families looking for something different to the usual beach holiday.