Aquaparks in Calabria not to be missed

Crystal-clear waters and golden sand? Trekking in the mountains or discovering ancient villages? In Calabria you are spoilt for choice.

But if the holidays are far away or you need a break for adrenalin, fun or simply relaxation, the key word is: aquapark. Pack your swimsuit and sun cream, and off you go.

It takes little to feel on holiday: sun, friends, music and - of course - slides and pools. The Laguna Blu aquapark is located on the Tyrrhenian coast of Cosenza, in Fuscaldo. 

The park is close to the main road and therefore easily accessible. It is an area dedicated to wellness and fun, particularly suitable for families because it is "child-friendly". There is no shortage of attractions for fans of water games, who can put themselves to the test with vertiginous slides of varying degrees of slope: the ones suitable for children are less challenging, while the steep and adrenaline-filled ones are for adults.

The entertainment with activities and dances is of the kind that can involve even the less inclined, but for the laziest there are swimming pools, waterfalls and of course music, relaxation and catering. 

Who said that in summer one should only dive into the sea? In Crotone, there is a chance to double that. Because the Atlantis Aquapark is part of a tourist complex that overlooks a beautiful beach of fine sand, along the road that leads to the Archaeological Park of Capo Colonna and from where there is a wonderful panoramic view.

Colourful slides and a setting designed for children with Disney characters. The water park offers the possibility of moving easily from the pool to the beach, to alternate moments of fun with relaxing on a sunbed under a beach umbrella.

On the Ionian coast, the oasis for those who want to enjoy a day of pure fun is called Odissea 2000. Eight thousand square metres on which no less than 4,000 square metres of slides hover in Rossano.

There are pools and water attractions for all tastes and ages: breathtaking descents for the fearless. Upside down, like on the Chimera multi-paddle. Only strong stomachs will challenge themselves diving into the void in free fall on Skyron Rocket or launching themselves at high speed on Big Olympus, the water rollercoaster, or 163 metres of pure adrenaline. Almost twice as long is Titano Roller, "the longest slide in Italy," reads the park's website, at 318 metres.

There are no less than 27 attractions, families and children will find comfortable spaces, safe games and pools, and a varied offer for lunch or a snack: bar, fruit stand, ice cream parlour, restaurant, picnic area.

With its eleven consecutive Blue Flags, Cirò Marina rightfully ranks among the most coveted places on the Calabrian coast. Nature, history, culture, entertainment. 

If you are lucky enough to spend your holiday here, you cannot miss a stop at the Senza limiti water park: an inflatable park in the sea, a paradise for the little ones and an opportunity for adults to have fun being children again. Moving and jumping between the inflatables is fun, but it is also a challenge that helps you stay in shape, without limits.

The inflatable water park is located in the Cervara area and is equipped with areas for refreshments and for the hire of parasols and deckchairs.

The convenience of having the city at your fingertips, combined with the possibility of feeling as if you were by the sea. Just cross the threshold of the Santa Chiara Aquatic Park in Rende, to forget the noise and hustle and bustle of urban life.

Green areas, deckchairs and umbrellas, a swimming pool in which to swim, and even the possibility of taking a relaxing ride in the artificial lake in the rowing boats available to visitors. From June to September, the park is open to families, groups or individuals looking for a relaxing spot.