Theme parks

PARQUE DE LAS CIENCIAS
Granada

Granada's excellent new science museum is located just 2 kilometres south of the centre of the city at Avenida del Mediterráneo. The emphasis here is on hands-on exhibits and there is a designated room for children to explore basic scientific principles.

Open from Tues to Sat from 10am to 7pm (to 3 pm on Sundays). Entry is 3 euros and the planetarium has sessions hourly for an additional 1,50 euros.

Tel: 958 13 1900


ISLA MAGICA
Sevilla
Isla Magica, Sevilla
Isla Magica, Sevilla

The Isla Mágica amusement park is located on the original Expo site in Seville and opened in 1997 at a cost of some 15 billion pesetas. The overall theme is the 16th century Spanish colonial adventure and highlight rides include the Anaconda and El Jaguar roller coasters, the latter with high speed 360 degree turns. Another popular ride is the Iguazú set in an Amazon jungle waterfall. There are also various show staged throughout the day, and a cinema with tilting seats and a giant screen where you can re-live an explorer's adventures.

Open from March to October from 11am to midnight.
Entry is 19 euros for adults and 13 euros for children up to 12 years old.

Tel: 902 161 716


MINI HOLLYWOOD
Almeria
Tabernas Film Studio
Tabernas Film Studio

Located approximately 24 kilometres from Almeria on the N-340 to Tabernas.

In its heyday, more than 100 films were partially shot here, including A Fistful of Dollars, The Magnificent Seven and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. These days visitors can enjoy a daily mock bank hold-up and shootout staged at noon and 5pm daily. There is also a small zoo here with lions, elephants, brown bears and giraffes. Just three kilometres away is Texas Hollywood, also used as a set and boasting a Western town, stockaded fort, Mexican pueblo and Indian tepees. If nothing else, stop off for a cold beer at the Western-style saloon, which is decorated with photos of some of above-mentioned film classics starring Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson and Raquel Welch.

Entry: 17 euros for adults and 9 euros for children for both attractions.

Tel: 950 36 52 36 (Mini Hollywood) or 950 16 54 56 (Texas Hollywood).


TIVOLI WORLD
Malaga

The Costa del Sol's biggest amusement park, located in Arroyo de la Miel, just 2 km's from the Benalmádena Costa. There are over two dozen thrilling rides to choose from as well as a tiny tots section, restaurants, bars and a professional caliber program of concerts mainly by Spanish performers, as well as some 'look alike' stars. For more info about Tivoli World click here.

Tel: 952 57 70 16


PARKILANDIA
Malaga

You can't miss this colourful amusement park for youngsters. It is located right in the port at Fuengirola and comprises a maze, trampolines and mini race track, as well as slides, swings, an electric train, bouncy castle and lots more.

Entry is 3 euros for children, adults free.

Tel: 952 58 12 86