Magic Island Park (Parque Isla Magica)

Set on the site of the 1992 Expo in Seville, Magic Island Park (Parque Isla Magica) brings 16th-century colonial Spain to life—complete with pirates, galleons, jungles, and swashbuckling adventure. Seven themed areas center on a lake, with highlights that include white-knuckle roller coasters like Anaconda and El Jaguar, the 223-foot (68-meter) El Desafio drop tower, and Iguazu, a high-speed flume ride through the Brazilian jungle.

Magic Island Park is one of Andalucia’s most popular family attractions, and park goers have several options for visiting. Besides a basic entrance ticket, you can choose from combined tickets to both Magic Island and its new sister water park. Or opt for an afternoon-only ticket—an especially good value on summer Saturdays when the park remains open to midnight. Magic Island is one of the stops on the Seville hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.

The theme park is situated about two miles (three kilometers) northwest of El Centro. It’s walkable from the La Macarena district by passing over the Barqueta Bridge. Buses C1 and C2 take passengers from El Centro to the park’s front entrance.

Due to the park’s popularity, it’s a good idea to arrive early and head straight for the star attractions before lines get too long. Plan to stay (or return) after dark for the worthwhile fountain shows.

In 2014 the Magic Island amusement park debuted Agua Magica, a water park expansion that includes a small wave pool, an artificial beach, a variety of swimming pools, several slides, a lazy river, and a water feature–packed play area. Agua Magica is open from March or April to October, and hosts special events around Halloween and Christmas.