Spain has some of the most remarkable aquariums in Europe — from the largest on the continent in Valencia to the one holding the world record for curved window in Las Palmas. This comparison analyses the six most important to help you decide which to visit.
Spain is home to several of the ten best aquariums in Europe. This comparison focuses not just on size, but on the quality of experience, uniqueness and value for money.
The six best aquariums in Spain
Oceanogràfic Valencia
📍 Valencia · City of Arts and SciencesThe largest aquarium in Europe by surface area and water volume. Over 110,000 square metres across different marine ecosystems, from the Arctic to tropical reefs. Calatrava's architecture is already a spectacle before you enter.
What makes it unique in Europe: the only beluga whale family on the continent, the longest underwater tunnel in Europe, and a submarine restaurant where you can dine surrounded by sharks.
Poema del Mar Aquarium — Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
📍 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · Muelle SanapúThe most spectacular aquarium in the European Atlantic and the holder of the world record for the largest curved perspex window ever built: 140 tonnes, 36 metres long and 7 metres high. A single curved piece of glass that completely transforms the deep ocean experience.
Three distinct zones — The Jungle, the Reef and the Deep Ocean — plus the Veril, dedicated to authentic Canarian marine fauna. The hospital for sea turtles rescues and rehabilitates injured turtles found on Canarian shores before releasing them back to sea.
L'Aquàrium de Barcelona
📍 Barcelona · Port VellThe largest Mediterranean aquarium in the world, with 14 themed spaces dedicated to Mediterranean ecosystems. Over 11,000 animals from 450 species. The interactive zone for children with more than 50 activities makes it one of the most suitable for families.
Palma Aquarium
📍 Palma de MallorcaEurope's largest collection of living corals and the deepest shark tank on the continent. Seven different spaces and a unique 4D 360° immersive experience about humpback whales — found nowhere else in Spain.
Acuario de Sevilla
📍 Seville · Muelle de las DeliciasBuilt around Magellan's 1519 voyage, five themed zones recreate the oceans of the first circumnavigation. The deepest tank on the Iberian Peninsula at nine metres, plus a submarine dining experience.
Aquarium Donostia — San Sebastián
📍 San Sebastián · La Concha BayThe most authentic aquarium for the Cantabrian Sea and North Atlantic. Smaller than the giants, but unbeatable in scientific rigour and location. Highly rated by visitors who have already seen the big aquariums and want something more genuine.
Quick comparison
| Aquarium | Species | Adult price | Most unique feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oceanogràfic Valencia | 650+ | ~€32 | Belugas + largest in Europe |
| Poema del Mar (Las Palmas) | 350+ | €27 | World record curved window |
| L'Aquàrium Barcelona | 450+ | ~€25 | Largest Mediterranean aquarium |
| Palma Aquarium | 700+ | ~€28 | Living corals + 4D 360° |
| Acuario Sevilla | 400 | ~€22 | Deepest tank in Iberian Peninsula |
| Aquarium Donostia | 200+ | ~€17 | Cantabrian authenticity |
Which one to choose?
With young children: L'Aquàrium Barcelona for its interactive zone, or Poema del Mar if you're already in the Canaries — recommended from age 4.
For the most spectacular experience: Oceanogràfic Valencia — scale, architecture and the only belugas in Europe.
For something truly unique in the world: Poema del Mar in Las Palmas, for the world record curved window and Canarian Atlantic fauna found nowhere else.
If you've seen the big ones and want something different: Aquarium Donostia, for its authenticity and its setting on La Concha Bay.