If you’re looking to up the ante on your next holiday, why not pay a visit to one of Europe’s best theme parks? Ride hair-raising rollercoasters, get soaked on river rapids or take fun to new heights on free-fall towers. If coasters aren’t your thing, there’s still plenty of fun to be had here – we're talking show-stopping parades, fab firework shows and live music. From big names on the theme park scene to underrated gems, here’s your guide to Europe’s best theme parks.

Disneyland® Paris, Paris

Experience the magic on a visit to Disneyland® Paris! For grown-up guests, there’s plenty of fun to be had on the likes of Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, a high-speed rollercoaster with plenty of twists and turns. But the magic isn’t missing for little ones either – they'll have their pick from all sorts of rides, like twirling teacups and flying carpets. Whether you want to meet your favourite characters, tuck into Disney-themed snacks or catch a parade, it’s the destination of dreams, no matter what age you are!

Gardaland, Lake Garda

With its rip-roaring rollercoasters and kid-friendly rides, it’s no wonder Gardaland has been a family favourite since the 70s. If you’re all about thrills, make your way to the adrenaline-fuelled area of the park and you’ll be greeted with high-speed coasters and rushing rapids. Fancy a change of pace? You’ll find magic shows and live music performances, along with themed restaurants and bars. Just make sure you leave the burgers until after those hair-raising drops!

PortAventura World, Costa Dorada

If you’re a theme park fan, PortAventura World is not to be missed. Rides are spread out across six fun-filled worlds, from the saloon-style streets of the Far West to palm-studded Polynesia. Little ones will love SésamoAventura, which is all geared up for younger thrill-seekers. But the park’s real showstopper, Shambhala, is located in the China area – it's PortAventura Park’s highest roller coaster, reaching a whopping 76 metres.

Prater, Vienna

Located within easy reach of the city centre, Prater is fun for all ages. It’s chock-full of nostalgic attractions like the ghost train, bumper cars and the ferris wheel. And unlike many of its more modern alternatives, Prater marches to the beat of its own drum! Entry to the park itself is free of charge, meaning you’ll only pay for the rides you want to go on. There’s always something going on here, so whether you want to soak up the atmosphere, catch a show or just enjoy dinner with friends, Prater’s much more than just its rollercoasters!

Katmandu Park, Majorca

Keep boredom at bay with a visit to Majorca’s Katmandu Park. It’s larger than life, with an enchanted forest, ice cave, mini-golf course and even an aquarium! The XD Dark Rides and Carnival XD laser-shooting video games are best for the big kids, while little kids will love the topsy turvy fun house which is filled with life-sized games and interactive experiences.

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

Small in size but big on fun, Tivoli Gardens has everything from rollercoasters and carousels to pergola gardens and food halls. There are 257 fun-filled annual opening days with 30 rides, festivals, fabulous fare, performances, fireworks and so much more. If you dare to ride The Demon, you’ll experience three loops reaching up to 28 metres high. If that didn’t make you scream, get ready for fun and fear in equal measure over at Villa Vendetta, Denmark's largest permanent haunted house.

Ferrari Land, Costa Dorada

Want to feel the need for speed? You’ve come to the right place. If the name didn’t give it away, the park’s racing-red branding will. From Ferrari-focused rides to interactive experiences and souvenir-stocked shops, fans of the brand will be able to live their passion and discover all the secrets behind the legendary Italian brand and its creator, Enzo Ferrari. Plus, it’s part of PortAventura World, so you can bag a ticket that gets you into both!