Italy is not home to historic monuments, delicious food and picturesque landscapes. It is also home to some of Europe’s best water parks! Giant slides, raging rivers, wave pools… the possibilities are enough to make your head spin! Get ready for a thrilling round-up of the most exciting places to visit on your Italian holiday. Ready to take the plunge? Here we go!
Etnaland – An aqua park beneath a volcano
Imagine you’re getting ready to whizz down a super-fast water slide, with the majesty of Mount Etna and the unique landscapes of Sicily in the background. Imagine no more, as these are the attractions at the largest water park in southern Italy! More than 25 different water rides await you at Etnaland. The Black Hole will plunge you into a dark tunnel full of surprises, while the Kamikaze slides are sure to give you an adrenaline rush.
Sun loungers and parasols are available on site and a variety of food outlets serve snacks and main meals throughout the day. The park is also well equipped to welcome families with children, with a number of attractions especially tailored to little ones.
Etnaland is also home to a Theme Park, which offers plenty of fun – from rollercoasters and carousels, to thrilling rides and interactive shows. There’s something for everyone here, from the youngest children who can have fun in the themed areas, to adults who can get their thrills on the high-speed rollercoasters.
The Etnaland Prehistoric Park is a fascinating journey back in time, where you can view realistic models of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. This place attracts both children and adults and there are interactive exhibitions and nature trails that tell the story of the Earth’s history and its ancient inhabitants.The park is open from April to September and is very popular, so book your tickets in advance, preferably online to avoid long queues and to take advantage of any discounts. Although the park is a little far from the centre of Sicily, it is easily accessible by car or by regular public transport from nearby towns.
Beyond the park
After your visit to Etnaland, be sure to plan a trip to Mount Etna, one of Europe’s few active volcanoes. The volcano’s trails offer unforgettable views across other-worldly landscapes. You can start your trip to Mount Etna fromRifugio Sapienza, where you can take a cable car up to about 2,500 metres. From there, special 4x4s can take you up to the volcanic zone at around 2,900 metres. For the more experienced, there are guided hikes that will take you to the top of the crater. During the tour you can admire the solidified lava fields, side craters and active fumaroles, which emit hot gases.
Catania, close to Etnaland, is a city full of baroque architecture and a lively atmosphere. Visit impressive monuments such as the Cathedral of St Agatha, Piazza del Duomo with itsElephant Fountain and the ancient Roman Theatre. Lively markets, such as La Pescheria, offer fresh produce and local delicacies galore. Restaurants here serve traditional dishes such as pasta alla norma, arancini and cannoli.
Catania is also famous for its nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs and cafes – especially around Piazza Bellini – attracting locals and tourists alike. The city is full of energy and a variety of cultural events, concerts and festivals provide entertainment throughout the year.
Acqua Verde – a world of aquatic adventure
Acqua Verde in Cefalù was created on the site of a former olive pit. This remarkable park offers a wealth of water attractions to satisfy water adventure lovers both young and old. You’ll find everything from high-speed slides like the Kamikaze, to more family-friendly attractions like the lazy river.
The large wave pool is the perfect place to relax, while younger visitors will love the children’s area, with smaller slides and shallow pools.
Acqua Verde also has special slides designed to let you race with friends. It’s a great way to get your adrenaline pumping and see who’s the fastest!
For those who just want to take it easy , there are relaxing pools and hot tubs where you can lounge and enjoy the day. Acqua Verde regularly organises various events, such as acrobatic and dance shows.
Beyond the park
Cefalù is famous for its impressive cathedral, one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Sicily. Built in the 12th century, it has a majestic façade with two towers and an interior decorated with mosaics, which are considered to be among the most beautiful in the world. The chapel of the Holy Trinity and the cloister, which offers a moment of peace in the shadow of the historic walls, are also a must.
After your visit to the cathedral, take a stroll through the old town of Cefalù. The narrow cobbled streets are full of charming houses, shops selling local handicrafts and restaurants serving Sicilian specialities. You can also admire the many monuments, such as the mediaeval Lavatoio Medievale laundries, which are an interesting place to visit and learn about the daily life of the local inhabitants many centuries ago.
Cefalù also has beautiful beaches, the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing. The main beach, Lungomare di Cefalù, is a sandy oasis where you can relax in the sun, swim in the crystal clear waters and enjoy views of the Old Town and cathedral.
Not far from Cefalù is the Madonie Natural Park, ideal for hiking. You can also visit the surrounding vineyards and taste the local wines, which are a perfect accompaniment to Sicilian cuisine.
Aquafan – an aquatic oasis near Rimini
Did you know that Aquafan in Riccione is one of the oldest and most famous water parks in Europe? It opened in 1987 and its popularity continues to grow every year. It offers not only amazing slides and pools, but also fun events and concerts.
Aquafan is a true paradise for water lovers. Here you will find slides such as the Kamikaze, which offers extreme acceleration and the Twist, where you can race with friends. For those looking to relax, there are lazy rivers and large wave pools. The littlest ones will also have a great time in the specially designed children’s areas.
But Aquafan is more than its water attractions. The park regularly hosts a variety of events including concerts, acrobatic shows and themed events that attract visitors from all over Europe.
The best days to visit are weekdays when it’s quieter and you can avoid the crowds. Remember to bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and comfortable shoes for walking around the park. It is also a good idea to prepare for long hours of fun by bringing snacks and water.
Beyond the park
The town is also home to the Oltremare Dolphinarium, where you can enjoy dolphin shows and interactive marine exhibitions.
Riccione is one of Italy’s most elegant and popular seaside resorts. Your first stop should be Viale Ceccarini, a famous shopping street where you will find exclusive boutiques, stylish cafes and restaurants serving local specialities. A stroll along this street offers the perfect opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the city and relax with a cup of Italian coffee.
The nearby city of Rimini is also worth a visit. The Arch of Augustus is the oldest surviving triumphal arch in Italy, while the Tiberius Bridge, built by the Romans, is testament to the city’s many centuries of history. Piazza Cavour is the city’s central square, surrounded by beautiful buildings, cafes and shops.
The wide sandy beaches here are ideal for relaxation and water sports. Feeling hungry after your swim? Rimini has many restaurants serving traditional dishes such as piadina, a local speciality similar to flat bread, served with a variety of fillings.
Aqualandia – offering travellers more than just water
Did you know that Aqualandia in Lido di Jesolo is often described as the best water park in Italy? Founded in 1989, this extraordinary park offers not only water attractions, but also a wide range of entertainment to ensure that there is something for everyone.
Aqualandia is full of excitement and fun, with slides that will get your adrenaline pumping. One of the most famous is the Captain Spacemaker, the highest water slide in Europe, which offers an unforgettable experience as you plunge at dizzying speeds. The park also features Crazy River – where you can ride a pontoon boat through winding canals – and Shark Bay, the only pool in the world with a real sand bottom and waves that feel like you’re on a real beach.
The park offers a wide range of facilities such as sun loungers and parasols, as well as restaurants and bars serving a variety of food and drinks. Aqualandia is perfectly equipped to welcome visitors for a full day of fun, offering everything they need for a comfortable stay.
Beyond the water fun, there are other attractions here such as Adventure Golf – mini golf in a tropical setting – and Jungle Jump, a giant pillow where you can jump from different heights. For those in need of an even bigger adrenaline rush, there is bungee jumping and free climbing.
The best days to visit are weekdays when the park is less crowded and you can enjoy the attractions with ease. Remember to bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat and water.
Beyond the park
After an exciting day at Aqualandia, head into beautiful Venice to discover its incredible history and culture. A walk through the historic city centre is like stepping back in time. You can visit St Mark’s Square with its impressive Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Every corner of this iconic city is full of fascinating monuments and beautiful architecture.
There is nothing more romantic than a gondola ride along the canals of Venice. This unique experience allows you to admire the city from a completely different perspective. As you glide quietly through the narrow canals, you can take in the famous Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs and many charming buildings along the way. The gondoliers will often tell you interesting stories and legends about the city, adding to this unforgettable experience.
Other attractions:
- Galleria dell’Accademia – an art museum with works by Renaissance masters.
- Rialto Market – a local market full of fresh produce.
- Murano and Burano Islands – famous for their glass production and colourful houses, these are ideal day trips.
Caneva Aquapark – water fun on the Garda river
Caneva Aquapark, located on the picturesque shores of Lake Garda, is part of an entertainment complex that also includes a theme park. It is the ideal place for a family holiday full of water adventures and unforgettable attractions.
Caneva Aquapark has a wide range of slides and pools to satisfy both adrenaline junkies and those seeking relaxation. Stukas Boom is one of the most thrilling slides – those brave enough will slide down almost vertically at an incredible speed. For those who prefer quieter attractions, there are wave pools, a lazy river and relaxation areas.
The park has everything you need to spend a day in a water paradise. Sun loungers and parasols can be hired for the day and there are plenty of restaurants and bars. For the little ones, there are special play areas that guarantee safe entertainment.
The best days to visit are weekdays when the park is less crowded. Remember to bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and comfortable shoes for walking around the park. It’s also a good idea to book your tickets online in advance to avoid queues and take advantage of any promotions.
Close to Caneva Aquapark is Movieland, a theme park inspired by the world of cinema. With interactive attractions, stunt shows and movie-inspired rides, Movieland is the perfect complement to your aquatic adventures.
Beyond the park
After a day of aquatic fun at Caneva Aquapark, relax with a cruise on picturesque Lake Garda. You can take one of the many cruises on offer that will take you along the lake’s shores, taking in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and charming towns.
Popular itineraries include stops in Sirmione, famous for its thermal springs and castle, and Limone sul Garda, where you can admire the beautiful lemon groves. There are many charming towns to visit around Lake Garda, including:
- Sirmione – famous for Scaligera Castle and the Grotte di Catullo, the ruins of a Roman villa.
- Malcesine – a charming town with a hilltop castle and a cable car to Monte Baldo.
- Riva del Garda – ideal for water sports enthusiasts, with a beautiful beach and picturesque harbour.
- Bardolino – famous for its vineyards and the production of Bardolino wine, this is an ideal place for wine tasting.
Immerse yourself in Italy — literally and figuratively
After the thrills and spills of the water parks, immerse yourself in the local culture, explore picturesque towns and enjoy the beauty of Italy’s nature. With a variety of attractions and a wealth of tourist facilities, Italy is the ideal destination for an unforgettable holiday, full of excitement and discovery.
