Family Adventure in Tarragona: History and Culture Unveiled

A Day of High-Speed Adventures!

Today marked the fifth day of our Tarragona adventure, and what a day it was! We dove headfirst into the exhilarating world of PortAventura and Ferrari Land. I knew the kids would be excited, but I don't think any of us were prepared for the sheer scale and excitement that awaited us. It was a day packed with laughter, screams, and memories that we'll cherish for years to come.

Our day began, as most do on vacation, with a hearty breakfast at Restaurant Palau del Baró. Fuelled up, we were ready to tackle the parks. The anticipation was palpable as we made our way to PortAventura World. Even James, who usually prefers historical sites, was eager to experience the thrills. Eglė, of course, was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement.

First up was PortAventura. The park is divided into themed lands, each offering a unique experience. We started in Mediterrània, which instantly transported us to a charming Catalan fishing village. The detailed architecture and lively atmosphere were captivating. Of course, we couldn't resist the Furius Baco, a ride that launches you from 0 to 135 km/h in just 3 seconds! The initial launch took my breath away, and I could hear Eglė's delighted screams as we hurtled along the track.

Next, we ventured into Polynesia, where we were greeted by lush vegetation and exotic music. The Tutuki Splash was a welcome respite from the adrenaline-pumping rides. We braced ourselves for the plunge, and the ensuing splash left us soaked but laughing. It was a perfect family moment, and even James couldn't help but crack a smile.

From Polynesia, we journeyed to China, where we marveled at the towering Dragon Khan rollercoaster. The sheer size of the ride was intimidating, but we couldn't resist the challenge. As we climbed the first hill, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. The subsequent drops and inversions were a blur of adrenaline and excitement. Eglė declared it her favorite ride of the day, a sentiment I wholeheartedly shared.

After conquering Dragon Khan, we explored the Far West, where we rode the Stampida, a wooden rollercoaster that rattled and shook us through a wild west landscape. It was a fun, albeit slightly bumpy, ride that left us with a newfound appreciation for modern engineering. We also took a leisurely stroll through SésamoAventura, a whimsical land dedicated to Sesame Street. It was a delightful change of pace, and Eglė enjoyed taking photos with the characters.

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

Lunchtime found us at Restaurant Taranta, where we enjoyed a delicious meal of Mediterranean cuisine. The food was excellent, and the service was impeccable. It was a welcome break from the park's hustle and bustle, and we savored the opportunity to relax and recharge.

With renewed energy, we headed to Ferrari Land, a park dedicated to the iconic Italian brand. The park is a celebration of speed, innovation, and Italian culture. The centerpiece of Ferrari Land is Red Force, the tallest and fastest vertical accelerator in Europe. As we approached the ride, I could feel my palms sweating. The anticipation was almost unbearable.

As we strapped ourselves into the seats, I took a deep breath and prepared for the launch. The countdown began, and then, with a sudden burst of power, we were propelled forward at an incredible speed. In a matter of seconds, we reached a height of 112 meters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The subsequent drop was nothing short of exhilarating. It was an experience that I will never forget.

After recovering from Red Force, we explored the rest of Ferrari Land, which included simulators where we experienced the thrill of driving a Formula One car. James, a self-confessed car enthusiast, was in his element, and Eglė enjoyed the interactive exhibits that showcased the history and technology of Ferrari.

Before leaving PortAventura World, we decided to indulge in a bit of shopping at Centre Comercial Parc Central. Eglė was particularly excited about the prospect of picking up some souvenirs. The shopping center had a wide variety of stores, from fashion boutiques to electronics retailers. Eglė found a cute t-shirt with a Ferrari logo, while James picked up a new travel gadget. I managed to resist the temptation to buy anything, although I was sorely tempted by a beautiful scarf I saw in one of the shops.

For dinner, we treated ourselves to a meal at El5 Sentits. The restaurant offered a refined dining experience, and we savored every bite of our meal. The ambiance was elegant, and the service was attentive. It was the perfect way to end our day of adventure.

Reflecting on the day, I'm struck by how much we managed to pack into a single day. From the thrilling rides of PortAventura to the high-speed excitement of Ferrari Land, it was a day of non-stop fun and adventure. More importantly, it was a day that brought us closer together as a family. As we walked back to the hotel, I couldn't help but smile. These are the moments that make travel so rewarding.

Tonight, I'm especially grateful for the comfortable walking shoes I packed; my feet are definitely feeling the effects of all that exploring! I do wish I hadn't forgotten the raincoat, as we got caught in a brief shower while waiting in line for Red Force. And a portable phone charger would have been handy, as my phone battery was running low by the end of the day from all the photos and videos I took.

Tomorrow, we're planning a more relaxed day, exploring Parc de la Ciutat, visiting the Monument to the Castellers, and wandering through Plaça de les Cols. I'm looking forward to discovering more of Tarragona's cultural gems and enjoying a slower pace. I'm also looking forward to trying EL VERGEL VEGGIE RESTAURANT for breakfast, Restaurant Casa Balcells for lunch and Barhaus for dinner. It sounds like a lovely day of exploring the city’s heart and soul.

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” I feel so incredibly lucky to be able to share these experiences with my family. It is times like this where I realize how much travel enriches our lives. Good night from Tarragona!