Palma de Mallorca, 15th Jun 07

TOP FAMILY ATTRACTIONS ON MALLORCA

As a favourite holiday destination for family holidays, Mallorca continues to lead with a good variety of attractions. Over 41 million pounds has been invested in two brand new family attractions which have opened this month; The Palma Aquarium and the House of Katmandu.

THE PALMA AQUARIUM is brand new for this summer located in front of Playa de Palma close to Palma Airport (exit 10 on the Palma-Llucmajor motorway). It claims to be one of the largest aquarium’s of its kind in Europe. The main building covers an area of 7,500 square metres with a central pathway of 800 metres in length and will feature 8,000 examples of 900 different species from all over the world in over 55 marine life tank exhibits and aquariums.

The concept of this attraction is to offer visitors a variety of experiences based on biological, cultural and historical themes all related to the sea and man’s connection with marine life. It will cover a journey of discovery paralleling the development of man from the Old World of the Mediterranean Sea through to the New World’s oceans via the routes of three of the world’s greatest explorers; Magellan, Cook and Columbus..

In part of the aquarium an impressive glass tunnel will allow visitors to pass under sharks to study them safely at close quarters. However, for the more adventurous, diving excursions with the sharks will be available to visitors. As well as close contact with other marinelife including turtles.

Outside the attraction continues with some exciting marine species exhibits including stingrays, turtles, and through to a representation of the Central American jungle where visitors follow a pathway past trees, plants and waterfalls and a hanging wooden bridge.

Palma Aquarium has been developed over the past three years by Coral World International, world leaders in the creation of marine parks, at a cost of €42 million euros (approximately ₤28.3 million). The attraction will also feature a full educational and conservation programme of indigenous Mediterranean marinelife.

Other facilities will include two cafes overlooking the sea, a shop, childrens play area and rest and relaxation areas and spacious parking areas. The Palma Aquarium is open all year round from 10.00 – 18.00 daily and costs €18.50 per adult and €14 per child aged between 4 – 12.
For more information: www.palmaaquarium.com

THE HOUSE OF KATMANDU also opens this month as Magaluf’s latest family attraction. Located in the heart of the resort, The House of Katmandu is a mysterious Tibetan upside-down mansion, which looks as if it has just come out of the sky and where the story of Kilgore Goode, a fictional explorer is told. This explorer has dedicated his life to find the legendary jewel of the Himalayas and his home becomes a museum filled with weird and wonderful artefacts, rare animal species and torture instruments.

As the visitor passes through eight different rooms which tell his story, not everything is as it seems and the visitor travels on an interactive expedition and encounters optical illusions, fibre optics and a spectacular indoor lightening display. The whole experience is heightened by the use of state of the art audio visual effects which can sometimes be frightening and surprising.

A local Mallorcan leisure company, which owns Golf Fantasia (minigolf) in Palmanova, has invested over 20 million euros (approximately 13.5 million pounds) in the project, which covers an area of 1,600 square metres and has taken three years to complete. The attraction also features its own themed restaurant and bar and gift shop.

The House of Katmandu is open from 10 am – 01.00 am daily. The intention is to open year round. However, opening hours may well change in winter. Entrance price per adult is €16.90 and per child, from 4-12 years, is € 10.90. Tel: +34 971 134 660 go to www.houseofkatmandu.com

Pirates Adventure

This is one of Magaluf’s best loved dinner shows, which is now in its 21st year. Where visitors can join Sir Henry Morgan and his band of brave buccaneers as they do battle with their evil French foes to save the treasure. The Pirates Adventure is ideal for all the family. In addition, an adult version of the show, called “Pirates Uncut” is now featured for over 18’s only.

All prices include a meal and beverage and start from €45 per adult and €27 per child (ages 2-12).There are a range of shows to choose from in season (Easter – end October) from Monday – Saturday (closed Sundays). Bookings can be made online: www.piratesadventure.com or call the box office on Tel: + 34 971 130 411.

Theme Parks

Marineland, Costa den Blanes, has been established for 36 years as the island’s marine zoo and features its highly acclaimed Dolphin Shows, which remain the park’s top attraction together with the Sea Lion and Parrot Shows. Prices start at €19, 90 per adult and €13.90 per child. For more information:www.aspro-ocio.es/marineland/mallorca

Aqualand Water Park, Magaluf, attractions include The Boomerang and The Tornado. The park also features a mini park for small children with an Enchanted Castle and a huge killer whale. Prices start from €18.50 per adult and €12.30 per child. Information www.aqualand.es/magaluf/mallorca

Aqualand-Aquacity, Arenal, claims to be the largest water park in Europe and features new attractions such as the Tsunami, The Grand Canyon and the Devil’s Tail. Prices start from €21 per adult and €15 per child. www.aqualand.es/elarenal/mallorca.

Western Water Park, Magaluf. Themed water-park with entertainment. Shows feature high diving, Mexican dance and Family Cowboy show. Tickets cost €19.00 per adult and €13 per child. For information: (+ 34) 971 131 203.

Hidro Park & Super Golf, Puerto Alcudia. Water park with three 18-hole mini golf courses. Entrance costs per adult: €16 and €8 per child. Further information, Tel: (+ 34) 971 891672.

La Reserva, Puigpunyent. A nature reserve on 2.5 million sq metres of land around the Puig de Galatzo. Featuring a great variety of vegetation, animals and 30 waterfalls. Various “adventure” activities are available from rock climbing, abseiling to the “flying fox”. Adults €10.90, children €5.45. More information: Tel + 34 971 61 66 22 or www.lareservaaventur.com

La Granja, Esporles. Go back in time and visit this large historical mansion (dating back to the 10th century) surrounded by 20,000 m2 of beautiful Mediterranean gardens. Features include free tasting of local produce, demonstrations of traditional handicrafts and a special horse dressage, which is featured twice weekly (Wednesdays & Fridays) with folk dancing and music. Entrance price per adult is €9.50 and €5 for children. Further information: www.lagranja.net.

For further information, please contact:
Mallorca Tourist Board, Dominique Carroll / Anna Skidmore,
Tel:(+34) 971 725 396 Fax: (+34) 971 713 540
E-Mail: info@fomentmallorca.org

Further Press Releases:

FIVE NEW HOTEL OPENINGS IN MALLORCA SPRING – SUMMER 2013 (31st May 13)

GOOD NEWS FOR MALLORCA IN 2012 (09th Feb 12)

THREE KINGS - THE FESTIVITIES CONTINUE! (05th Jan 12)