If summer had a symbol, it probably wouldn’t be a date on the calendar. It would be a feeling.
The feeling of leaving the car behind, surrounded by greenery, and hearing, even before you see the pools, the sound of water and the laughter of joy. For us, that happened the moment we stepped through the entrance of the Eldorado Water Park in Apiro.
We arrived with the idea of telling the story of a day at one of Central Italy’s best-known water parks. We left with something different: the memory of an experience that goes beyond slides and swimming pools. A destination where fun also means scenery, good food and that sense of lightness which, deep down, is the true essence of summer.
This is Eldorado Water Park in Apiro, a place that, year after year, continues to win over families, children, young people and groups of friends from all over Italy.
If anyone asks where to spend a day or more in the Marche during summer, the answer is becoming simpler and simpler: Eldorado.
Nestled among the hills of the Macerata hinterland, just a few minutes from Cingoli – Italy's Village of the Year 2026 – and surrounded by an incredible natural landscape, Eldorado Water Park is the ideal choice for those who want to alternate relaxation, water games and plenty of fun.
Here, no two days are ever the same: every visit is a mix of adrenaline, smiles and moments to share. And that is precisely its greatest strength: the ability to please absolutely everyone.
The little ones can have fun in complete safety in the dedicated pools, with water games, daily entertainment, baby dance, workshops, a mini club and the delightful mascots Eldo and the newly arrived Kiki, while parents can enjoy moments of relaxation with hydromassage, green areas, sun loungers and cool shaded zones.
It is precisely this ability to offer different experiences in the same place that has made it one of Italy’s most beloved water parks since 1985.
Looking for a thrill? The Big Twins have you covered
For adrenaline lovers, the park’s emblem is without doubt the Big Twins: the spectacular Kamikaze slides, 115 metres long, the longest in Europe, reached via an exclusive motorised lift system that lets you repeat the experience as many times as you like. Just think: here speeds can reach 70-80 km/h – you have to try it to believe it.
Alongside them you’ll find the Anaconda Slide, the traditional Kamikaze slides, the Foam ring slide, the pool with diving board and the large Laguna pool, perfect for families with children too.
Every week the calendar comes alive with shows, musicals, themed parties, sporting events, DJ sets and fitness activities both in and out of the water. A programme designed to turn every day into a true holiday experience, even if enjoyed for just a few hours.
A story born from a great idea
Behind the fun and carefree atmosphere lies a story made of vision, passion and entrepreneurship.
The park was born from an idea by Prof. Rudi Panatta, founder of Panatta, a Marche-based company now recognised as one of the world’s leading names in fitness and wellness equipment. A vision that, over the years, has transformed this hilly area into a space where sport, fun and quality of life come together.
During our day at Eldorado we had the pleasure of meeting Tecla Panatta, who guided us around the park, sharing with us the philosophy that still drives this place today.
A thoroughly Marche story, born from an idea and grown with the same passion that has always set the Panatta family apart.
A flavourful break with a view over the Marche
A day here isn’t just about dives, slides and water-based thrills. After all the park’s activities, there comes a moment to stop, relax and enjoy the pleasures of the table.
Right above the pools is the Eldorado Restaurant, a privileged panoramic spot where you can sit down at a table with a view opening onto the hills of the Marche. Here we discovered another side of the experience: one linked to flavours and good food.
We tasted meat dishes and seafood specialities, in a distinctive encounter between the Marche hinterland and the lure of the sea which, from this privileged position, seems almost to lie right before your eyes. Because in the Marche, the sea isn’t only experienced along the coast: from the hills you can admire it, breathe it in and, in this case, even taste it.
And for those who want to turn a simple day out into a true holiday in the Marche, there’s also the option of staying at the Hotel Eldorado, just a short walk from the park: an ideal solution for days devoted to fun, nature and discovering the area, with the Hotel + Water Park entry package.
Whether you’re a family with children, a couple, a group of friends, or simply looking for a day out of the ordinary, Eldorado Water Park in Apiro remains one of the most complete, fun and engaging experiences to be had in the Marche region.
