Etnaland

There aren't many theme parks that can claim to sit on the slopes of an active volcano, but Etnaland, on the lower flanks of Mount Etna on Sicily, is an exception.

In the daytime, Etnaland opens its gates as an extensive waterpark, complete with slides and lagoons alongside a giant splash and river rapids ride. In the evening, the park opens its theme park section.

One of Etnaland's main draws is The Storm, its Mack Mega Coaster. This is a custom layout, which I didn't find to provide as good a ride as some of the other installations of Maga coasters such as Blue Fire at Europa Park. The park's other large rollercoaster is Eldorado, a mine train style coaster from S&S Worldwide. It's a shame that S&S didn't build more of these, as it is a superb ride.

Etnaland is very proud of its Parco della Preistoria, a huge area devoted to dinosaurs and other prehistoric exhibits. Guests are taken on an extensive tour, which can last an hour and a half. The best part is the train ride at the beginning and end of the tour (probably the end as it signals the endurance marathon is finally over!). The guides are enthusiastic, but it does seem that such a lengthy tour is not really necessary.

Attractions