ADVERTISEMENT
Sand in the car, crowded beaches, hot afternoons: families on the Costa Blanca sometimes need an alternative in the summer. There are several water parks between Benidorm and Torrevieja – ranging from huge water slide complexes to smaller, more manageable water parks for younger children.
A day at the seaside sounds simple in theory. In practice, it often starts with hunting for a parking space, the logistics of setting up a parasol, sticky fingers, wet seats and the question of why, of all times, no one can find the sun cream. For families with children, the beach on the Costa Blanca is naturally a firm favourite – but not every summer’s day has to end amidst towels, cool boxes and sandcastles.
Water parks are the organised version of cooling off: fixed opening hours, slides instead of waves, pools instead of the surf, chips instead of debates about what to pack for a picnic. Between Benidorm and Torrevieja, there are several parks, which differ significantly depending on the children’s ages, where you live and the parents’ patience.
Aqualandia in Benidorm is the leading water park on the Costa Blanca. The park is sprawling, noisy, crowded and buzzing with energy – and that is precisely why it’s a must-visit summer destination for many families. It’s not just about a quick dip to cool off, but a full day’s programme.
The park features large slides, pools, relaxation areas and attractions for different age groups. For families with older children and teenagers, Aqualandia is usually the obvious choice, as it offers more excitement and a wider range of attractions than smaller parks.
On the plus side, if you’re coming from the north or the centre of the Costa Blanca, Benidorm is usually easy to reach. On the downside, during the high season, you should set off early, check your tickets in advance and be prepared for the fact that this isn’t a trip you can just „squeeze in“ for a quick visit.
Aqua Natura is situated right next to Terra Natura, making it particularly appealing to families who want to combine a water park with a zoo. The park is less intense than Aqualandia and is geared more towards family-friendly activities.
Aqua Natura has announced a new water attraction for summer 2026 called „Jungle Race“: a multi-lane slide complex featuring twists and turns, speed and a group experience. This is ideal for families where the children are past the stage of just splashing about, but don’t yet want to spend the whole day on extreme slides.
The advantage of Aqua Natura is the combination: if you’re planning a full day out, you can combine water activities, animals, shows and breaks. The downside is the same: it quickly turns into a long, packed day out. For younger children, you shouldn’t try to cram too much into a single day.
For families in the southern part of the Costa Blanca, Aquopolis Torrevieja is the place to go. The park is centrally located in Torrevieja and offers slides, pools, children’s areas and the classic summer park experience: pack your swimwear, sort out the tickets, grab a towel, and let the children run about – as long as their age allows.
Aquopolis is particularly appealing to families from Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar, Rojales, Ciudad Quesada and the surrounding area. For those who don’t want to travel all the way to Benidorm, this is the largest water park in the south.
The same applies here: during peak season, it’s best not to turn up on the spur of the moment at the worst possible time. You should check online for tickets, opening times, size restrictions and additional services beforehand. Especially when travelling with younger children, good planning often determines whether the day will be relaxing or just an expensive one.
The water park in Rojales, near Ciudad Quesada, is considerably smaller than the large parks in Benidorm or Torrevieja. That, in fact, can be an advantage. For families with younger children, grandparents or visitors who don’t need a high-octane day out, a smaller, more manageable park is often more enjoyable.
The park features slides, pools, a restaurant, lockers and free parking. Glass is prohibited for safety reasons, and pets are not allowed inside. According to the park’s own information, in the summer of 2026 it will be open from 11 am to 6 pm in June, and from 11 am to 7 pm in July and for much of August.
Rojales is particularly popular with families from Vega Baja, Ciudad Quesada, Guardamar, Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa. It’s not the sort of park for high-adrenaline thrills, but rather for a well-planned, not-quite-so-over-the-top day out at the water park.
Flamingo Aquapark, in the La Siesta residential estate near Torrevieja, is the smaller, quieter option. The park is aimed primarily at families with younger children and anyone who doesn’t need a full day out at a large theme park.
This is less about spectacular attractions and more about a simple way to cool off. For parents, this could be just the ticket: short distances, a compact site, and less of a hassle. For teenagers looking for big slides, however, Flamingo is likely to seem a bit too small very quickly.
The park is therefore particularly worth a visit if you live in the Torrevieja area or are hosting guests with young children. Before visiting, you should check the opening hours and seasonal operating times directly with the operator, as smaller attractions often have shorter or varying opening hours.
For older children and teenagers, Aqualandia in Benidorm is usually the best option. If you’re looking for a more family-friendly day out that can be combined with other activities, check out Aqua Natura. For the southern Costa Blanca, Aquopolis Torrevieja is the ideal choice. Rojales is suitable for families who prefer a more intimate setting. Flamingo is particularly appealing for younger children and those looking for short journeys.
The most important rule is simple: not every water park is suitable for every family day out. The children’s ages, the journey, the heat, your budget, shaded areas, queuing times and food options should all be sorted out in advance. Especially in July and August, preparation is key to ensuring everyone has a good time.
Water parks are no substitute for the beaches of the Costa Blanca. They’re the alternative for days when you want to take a break from the sand, the waves and the hassle of finding a parking space. If you plan well, check tickets and opening times in advance, and choose a park suitable for your children’s ages, you’ll enjoy a summer’s day that doesn’t end in the evening with the question of why everyone is completely knackered.
Between Benidorm and Torrevieja, there’s plenty of choice for families: big, noisy and packed with slides in Benidorm; further south and more practical in Torrevieja; smaller and more intimate in Rojales or La Siesta. The sea is still there, though – just not until tomorrow.
ADVERTISEMENT
