Amusement and Theme parks

Vanguardia is a truly fun place, judging by the number of amusement and theme parks . The offerings range from petting zoos and miniature swing parks for toddlers to whale and bear enclosures where daredevils can strap themselves onto the backs of these magnificent creatures. A Western rodeo, by comparison, is child's play. Of course, the beach parks located directly on the sea are especially popular, offering numerous attractions often connected to the water. For example, at " Waterworld Park " near Caherdaniel, everyone can, just like Kevin Costner, battle pirates, defending their own floating castle for 10 minutes against invaders armed with water pistols and mud slingshots. " Mermaid Fantasy Island " caters more to young women, who, wearing oversized fins strapped to their legs, dive into the aquarium and enchant the young men behind the glass, collecting their points for the evening's "Mermaid Coronation."

Among the leisure activities offered in the parks are the often-mocked, but widespread along the entire European Atlantic coast, " Parcques Bouboules " (boules parks) for the Celtic ball sports of pelota, boules, and "ball chess." In the latter, the meter-high chess pieces familiar from parks are used and are moved into position or off the board with a heavy, striped leather ball called "L'Obelix." Skilled players in this sport, thanks to their acquired dexterity, can often switch to bowling or billiards if they wish to adapt from foot to arm.

A particularly avant-garde pastime can be admired in the " Parcq Stoicoaux " along the secluded, shallow coast of Merania, stretching towards the Florensee. The "pole sitters" are often taciturn, stoic men who, perched two meters high, hope to attract the attention of their fellow citizens, tourists, and eventually, lifeguards, through their sheer persistence. They don't always succeed in time, and many a "pole sitter" has been found twisted and sun-baked in the mudflats. Since a summer season in the late 1990s, this dubious pastime has been made more difficult, as only couples are now permitted per pole.

Learn more about the top 10 sights and the exceptional sports venues in the Grand Mastership of Vanguardia in our forum.