Shambhala (Europe's Highest Roller Coaster) - PortAventura!

Say "hola" to the hottest roller coaster on the continent. Shambhala, Europe's highest and fastest ride, has just been unveiled at PortAventura theme park on Spain's Costa Dorada. Dubbed a hypercoaster due to its sheer size and height, Shambhala's track is more than a mile long with a first drop of 250ft and a top speed of 84mph. The ride cost £21million and has five camelbacks (track elevations) with the lowest dip being equivalent to a seven-storey building.
It's styled as a journey through the Himalayas -- mostly due to its mountain range appearance, which is visible for miles. PortAventura bosses hope riding it will replicate the ecstasy mountaineers experience when they conquer a summit. But does it live up to the hype? The answer is a resounding yes. Shambhala might be tall and quick but it is also one of the smoothest roller coasters I've encountered. Climbing the first drop is quite ­nerve-racking as the train clanks its way to the summit. A brief halt at the top lets you gasp at the views of the resort and then... you're flying. Shambhala has been a big investment for PortAventura and joins a range of top-class rides that rival any of the major theme parks across Europe. Perhaps the most iconic ride is the Dragon Kahn, which opened at the same time as the park in 1995. With eight inversions, it's still one of the most thrilling rides in the park, made even more exhilarating as it now weaves in and out of its big brother Shambhala.