Mirabilandia Ravenna: 850,000 m² of Fun with Katun and iSpeed

As soon as you pass through the entrance of Mirabilandia, you immediately understand why it’s Italy’s largest amusement park. It’s not just about size – 850,000 square meters is a lot, but it’s the energy that strikes you. The laughter of children on the rides, the joyful screams on the roller coasters, that scent of cotton candy mixing with the smell of freshly cut grass. I love how the park is divided into distinct themed areas: there’s the Far West zone with its saloons, Pirate’s Bay with sailing ships, and then the future of Dinoland. Katun, Europe’s tallest inverted roller coaster, dominates the landscape with its 55-meter height – you see it from afar as you walk toward the entrance, and your mouth already starts watering. What perhaps not everyone knows is that between a ride on the adrenaline-pumping attractions and a relaxing break, there are beautiful green corners, like the central lake where they host water shows in summer. It’s not your typical amusement park: it’s a complete experience that engages all the senses.

The story of Mirabilandia began in 1992, when it opened its gates with a simple yet revolutionary idea for Italy: to create an American-style amusement park with an Italian soul. Few remember that the early years were challenging, with massive investments and the task of convincing Italians that a theme park could be a standalone tourist destination. The turning point came with the entry of new partners and the introduction of iconic attractions like iSpeed and Katun, which transformed Mirabilandia into an adrenaline-pumping destination recognized across Europe. In 2011, the park was acquired by the French group Parques Reunidos, bringing new capital and a constant renewal of attractions. Today, after over thirty years, it continues to evolve—the latest addition is the Peanuts-themed area, where Snoopy and Charlie Brown keep the youngest visitors company.

• 1992: Park opening with the first attractions
• 2000: Arrival of Katun, the inverted roller coaster
• 2009: Inauguration of iSpeed, the launch roller coaster
• 2011: Acquisition by Parques Reunidos
• 2023: New Peanuts area dedicated to children

To be honest, the first few times I visited Mirabilandia, I felt anxious to try everything. Then I realized that it’s better to focus on a few things but do them well. For adrenaline lovers, Katun remains essential – 1,200 meters of track, 4.8 G of force, and that feeling of flying when you’re upside down. But my absolute favorite is Divertical, the tallest drop tower in Europe: a slow 60-meter ascent that lets you admire the entire park from above, followed by a breathtaking plunge downward. For families with children, I always recommend the Wild West train and the Pirate Bay rides – they’re less extreme but equally fun. A secret? The line for Katun is shorter during the evening lake show, when everyone is distracted by the water and light displays. And don’t underestimate water attractions like Rapids Race: in summer, they’re a lifesaver, but be prepared to get completely soaked (bring a change of clothes!).

At Mirabilandia, eating is like taking a real journey through Italy. I’m not just talking about the classic stands with fries and hot dogs (which are there, and they’re good), but about places where you can taste Emilia-Romagna specialties without leaving the park. In the Far West area, there’s a restaurant serving proper stuffed piadine – Parma ham, squacquerone cheese, arugula. Then there are the pizza slices in Dinoland, made fresh with local flours. My weakness? The artisanal gelato you find at various points in the park, with flavors that change seasonally. For those who want to save money, the trick is to book the package that includes lunch online – it often costs less than paying for everything separately. And if you’re traveling with children, the kids’ menus are generous and always include fresh fruit, not just fries. A personal tip: avoid eating right before getting on Katun or Divertical, trust me.

Three concrete reasons why Mirabilandia deserves a day of your vacation in Romagna. First: it’s truly for everyone. It’s not just for families with children – extreme attractions like Katun and Divertical attract young adults and adults seeking adrenaline, while the well-maintained themed areas appeal to those who enjoy the park atmosphere. Second: the location is strategic. If you’re vacationing on the Romagna Riviera, from Riccione to Cervia, you can get there in half an hour at most. Third: the offerings are always renewed. Every year they add something new, whether it’s an attraction, a show, or a themed area – you won’t risk finding the same park from ten years ago. And there’s a fourth reason, more personal: after a day of screams and laughter, you return to your hotel with the feeling of having truly lived, not just visited a place.

The ideal season? Late spring or early autumn. In May and September, temperatures are mild, queues are shorter (especially on weekdays), and you can enjoy the attractions without the summer heat that can sometimes be challenging. In summer, the park is full of life, with evening lake shows that are worth the ticket price alone—but be prepared for longer lines and seeking shade between rides. As for the time of day, I prefer to arrive at opening: the first two hours have the fewest crowds, and you can experience the most popular attractions with almost no wait. A little-known tip: on summer weekends, around 6-7 PM, many families with young children start to leave, and queues shorten again. The only time I’d advise against? Days of heavy rain: some attractions close, and the atmosphere loses a bit of its magic.

After leaving Mirabilandia, Romagna awaits with more surprises. Less than twenty minutes by car away is Ravenna, with its Byzantine mosaics that are UNESCO World Heritage sites – after a day of adrenaline, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the Basilica of San Vitale is a beautiful contrast. If you want to continue with the entertainment theme, heading south you’ll find Italy in Miniature in Viserba, perfect if you’re traveling with young children or want a more cultural but still playful attraction. A completely different alternative? The salt pans of Cervia, east of Ravenna: here the pace is slow, you can observe pink flamingos at sunset, and buy artisanal salt as an authentic souvenir. All these places have one thing in common: they tell different stories of the same land, showing that the province of Ravenna isn’t just sea and entertainment, but a mosaic of experiences.