There's a destination, among the hills of the Marche, where summer rhymes with freshness, freedom, laughter and memorable days. A place where the green blends with the blue of the swimming pools and the sea — yes, because the view really does offer a unique sight — and where fun becomes an experience capable of bringing everyone together. Welcome to Apiro, a little gem of the Macerata hinterland, and to its symbol of summer: the Parco Acquatico Eldorado (Eldorado Water Park).
Just a few kilometres from Cingoli, already known as the Borgo dei Borghi 2026 (Italy's Village of Villages 2026), at 750 metres above sea level and set within a natural landscape that offers "cool" charm even on the hottest days, Parco Eldorado is getting ready to welcome the 2026 season, with its official opening set for 13 June. And for anyone looking for a family-friendly destination in the Marche, Eldorado proves to be much more than just a simple water park: it's a genuine experience to share with the whole family.
Arriving in Apiro means slowing down the pace and letting yourself be surprised by the authentic beauty of inland Marche. Here the landscape takes on a different character: woods, hills and silence frame this corner of the province of Macerata, on the border with that of Ancona.
Parco Acquatico Eldorado was born precisely in this setting, far from the bustle of the coast yet perfectly able to offer a full day of relaxation, sport, water games and entertainment.
The feeling, once inside, is that of finding yourself in a small village devoted to fun, where every detail has been designed with people's wellbeing in mind. Families with children, groups of friends, youngsters chasing adrenaline or parents keen to relax in the shade: here, everyone finds their own space.
Big Twins: pure adrenaline on some of the longest slides in Europe
Among the park's signature attractions are the legendary Big Twins. Two giant kamikaze slides, a full 115 metres long, that distil the thrill of every descent into a concentrated burst of emotion and speed.
An experience made even more unique by the motorised lift system, a rare feature in Europe and particularly appreciated by those who want to enjoy the fun without long queues or effort. For youngsters, they're a challenge to take on again and again. For adults, meanwhile, it's a return to that carefree spirit typical of the best summers.
While the slides win over speed lovers, it's the family-friendly atmosphere that makes Eldorado truly special.
The park, born from the vision of entrepreneur Rudy Panatta in 1985, was designed to offer safe and engaging fun even for the youngest visitors, thanks to accessible pools, water play areas, entertainment staff, a mini club and spaces dedicated to mums and dads.
Throughout the day, there's no shortage of music, games, mascots and entertainment activities, turning a day trip into a little summer holiday to remember.
And this is indeed one of the aspects most appreciated by those who choose Eldorado: the chance to spend quality time together, away from the daily rush, in an environment surrounded on all sides by nature.
For the new season, visitors will be able to choose not only the classic daily ticket, but also a season pass option. A solution increasingly loved by both tourists and locals alike.
Apiro, the surprise you don't expect
Visiting Parco Acquatico Eldorado inevitably becomes the perfect opportunity to discover Apiro and its surrounding area: from the famous Frasassi Caves to art cities such as Jesi and Fabriano, not forgetting that the park is just 35 minutes from Raffaello Sanzio Airport in Falconara and from the Port of Ancona.
Rounding off the itinerary even further is an option designed for anyone wanting to be won over by Marche hospitality: just 2 km from Parco Acquatico Eldorado stands the Hotel Eldorado, a property that perfectly combines warm welcome and comfort, making it the ideal base for exploring the whole area.
With its opening scheduled for 13 June 2026, Parco Acquatico Eldorado in Apiro is gearing up, in its forty-first year, to once again become one of the leading destinations of summer in the Marche and Central Italy.
