Empty stage illuminated by lights inside a circus big top tent

Breathtaking Entertainment for all the Family at Circo Quiros

Fancy a trip to the circus this summer? We headed to Circo Quiros, currently touring Costa Blanca, hoping to be entertained…

**We were lucky to be gifted free entry for our family to visit Circo Quiros in July 2024 in exchange for promotion through this website and our social media channels. All opinions expressed below remain our own.

Introduction

Who doesn’t love a circus? With their ability to both thrill and entertain, there is nothing quite like a circus for evoking child-like wonder in visitors of all ages. It was therefore with great excitement this week that we made our way to the entrance of the big top marquee tent at Circo Quiros.

While most of our family are no strangers to circus shows, for our youngest this would be his first ever circus experience. Would he get hooked like the rest of us?

Man holding a one arm handstand pose in a circus
Incredible strength on display

Looking for other fun family things to do in Costa Blanca this summer? Be sure to also take a look at our activities for kids in Costa Blanca or our summer bucket list of activities for kids in Costa Blanca.

Here though, we are reviewing our visit to Circo Quiros.

Where is Circo Quiros located?

Circo Quiros is a touring circus. Having previously visited Benidorm earlier this summer, the circus is currently located in the car park next to the popular Zenia Boulevard shopping centre, in La Zenia in the south of Costa Blanca.

Circo Quiros will only be in its current location at Zenia Boulevard until July 22nd 2024, so don’t delay if you’re wanting to visit.

What time is the show at Circo Quiros?

The show at Circo Quiros takes place every day. It starts at 20:30pm.

The performance lasts for approximately 2 hours, including an interval break in the middle.

Man riding a bike as a stunt along a high wire in a circus
High wire trickery

What is the cost of entry to Circo Quiros?

The cost of admission varies depending on the location of the seats purchased within the big top tent. As is to be expected, seats with a better view come with a higher price tag.

Tickets can be purchased from the ticket office at the circus entrance either in advance or at the time of the show, or alternatively online. Discounted same day tickets are available online, starting at only €9.

There is no discounted rate for children or seniors. However, children under the age of 2 are admitted for free.

What acts does Circo Quiros have?

Circo Quiros has a good blend of different acts, both modern and traditional. There are no acts involving animals (which personally I see as a good thing, others may disagree).

When we visited we were treated to a juggler, various acrobats, clowns, a high wire artist and a crazy motorbike stunt. I don’t want to give too much away to spoil the surprise but, it is safe to say there is a good mix of different acts that will happily keep everyone entertained throughout.

Aerial circus acrobat suspended from a rope
Amazing acrobatics

Is the show suitable for kids?

Absolutely, yes. All of the acts at Circo Quiros are completely suitable for visitors of all ages and all the family. My youngest (who is 4) got a little nervous at one point watching an acrobat swinging through the air in case he might fall. This was not a problem though – I see this unique mix of nervousness and excitement as the very essence of watching a circus.

One thing I will say is that the circus show doesn’t finish until around 23:00pm. This was fine for my kids who are used to staying up late. I guess it could be a problem for kids who regularly go to bed earlier though.

Is it hot for spectators inside the big top tent?

Fortunately, the temperature for spectators at Circo Quiros is perfect. The big top tent is air conditioned, ensuring a comfortable viewing environment for all, even while the usual high evening summer temperatures of Costa Blanca are still raging outside.

Is it possible to purchase food and drinks at Circo Quiros?

Before entering the main big top tent where the show takes place, you pass through another large, open-sided tent that acts as an entrance foyer. Within this area there is the chance to purchase drinks and snacks if required, including from popcorn and candy floss sellers.

It is also possible to buy flashing sword toys inside. Be warned – if coming with kids, you are unlikely to avoid an additional purchase or 2!

Small boy holding a giant blue candyfloss
Ready for some serious sugar!

Review of our experiences at Circo Quiros

It is safe to say that we all had a really enjoyable evening of family entertainment at Circo Quiros in La Zenia. The staff were all friendly and professional and, once my kids had finished smothering candy floss all over themselves, showed us to our seats.

Although the start time is advertised at 20:30pm, in true Spanish style the show didn’t actually start until closer to 21:00pm.

Viewing experience

We were very lucky to have been gifted ringside seats right at the front, meaning we had an excellent view. That said, the view is honestly fine from anywhere within the tent. The seats at the very edges give a bit of a side-on view, but your view is never obscured. The seats are comfortable to sit on and the air conditioning is also great. There is ramped access for people of reduced mobility.

3 children stood at the entrance to a circus tent
Entering Circo Quiros

Quality of the acts

From the moment the show started, all four of my kids were open mouthed and fixated on the acts. For the whole time they never looked away (to be honest, the grown-ups were the same!). It is not often that we find an activity that keeps their attention so well, especially late in the evening.

There was a nice mix of different acts. The cast is only small, so the same people each perform or contribute to multiple acts. There were definitely a few of the ‘heart-in-mouth’ moments met with gasps from the audience that you want from a circus. Personally, I really liked the so called ‘wheel of death’ act – 2 rotating cages that each house a performer. I had never seen this stunt anywhere else before.

It was a bit of a shame that when we visited, other than one of the clowns, there were no other female performers in the cast. I think the acts rotate and change over time though, so I don’t believe this is always the case.

The one thing I will say is that being (shamefully) only an English speaker, the clown acts were a bit lost on me, as they were performed in Spanish. I had to get my Spanish speaking children to try and translate for me but the jokes were a bit lost in translation (they were finding them funny). That shouldn’t detract though from what was otherwise a highly entertaining and, at times, truly breathtaking evening of entertainment for all the family.

Circus performer in a metal cage illuminated by yellow stage lights
The ‘Wheel of Death’ act

Value for money

Although it could be argued that entrance to the best seats in the arena are a little expensive, especially if, like us, you are visiting with a large family, That said, I’m a big fan of the circus so I think it still presents value for money. The bravery and skill of the performers and hours of practice that they must have to put into perfecting their craft is very impressive.

Buying tickets online for the show happening that same evening is the best way to get discounted tickets. These represent great value.

In Summary

I’ve always loved the magic and wonder of a circus. I still remember visiting myself as a child. The sights and smells of entering the big top for the first time is something that stays with you for life. I am pleased that this tradition continues to this day, so that years later I can still take my own children to enjoy the same experience.

If you too would like to experience the thrill of a circus, with breathtaking acts that showcase the pinnacle of artistic human creativity, you should definitely take a visit to Circo Quiros. It is classic circus at its best. All of my family, from age 4 to 80, left with smiles on our faces.

Remember don’t delay – Circo Quiros is only in its current location at Zenia Boulevard, Orihuela Costa until 22nd July 2024.

Poster advertising Circo Quiros in Spain

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