Costa Dorada
Costa Dorada holidays
A truly awesome theme park awaits you at PortAventura, and there’s 50 miles of golden beaches on this stretch of coast too. Lively Salou is the most popular place to hang your hat, but you’ll be spoilt for scenery no matter where you stay in this history-drenched, traditional seaside retreat.
Language
Catalan & Spanish
Currency
Euro
Time difference
+1hr
Cost of a beer
€3
3 course meal
around €20
Flight times
2.5hrs
Golden stretches
It’s not surprising Costa Dorada means ‘golden coast’. The brilliant beaches here are to die for, and more than 80 of them have a Blue Flag planted in the grains for cleanliness. You’ve got rocky coves and verdant headlands to explore by these staggering bronzed sands, too.
Go your own way
If you’re looking for a laid-back vibe, Cambrils is ideal, with scenic walks and soft, sandy beaches on offer. La Pineda has the PortAventura adventure park on the doorstep, packed with legendary rollercoasters and six worlds to discover. What’s more, Salou’s a vibrant mix of family fun and lively nightlife.
L'Ametlla de Mar
If you’re up for lazing on white-sand and pebble beaches and strolling down pretty promenades, then this dreamy town could be just the ticket.
Capellades
Capellades holidays are ideal for those seeking a relaxing retreat.
Cunit
Discover a peaceful slice of the Costa Dorada in the quiet resort of Cunit
Beaches
For family fun, water sports in Salou and Cap Salou are excellent – especially if you’re a thrill seeker! Out of the way, you’ll even stumble across unblemished beaches which are surrounded by woodlands just a few kilometres from Tarragona. If it’s golden coast you’re after, this is the place.
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Brilliant beaches
Costa Dorada
De l'Esquirol
Cambrils, Costa Dorada
Sights
Tarragona, a port city and the province’s capital, has epic Roman remains to get to know. Sophisticated, stylish Barcelona is in easy reach of the Costa Dorada, too. Take a stroll down La Rambla, admire La Sagrada Família cathedral and look at Gaudí’s creations in Park Güell.
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Punta del Cavall
Cap Salou, Costa Dorada
Casa Bacardi
Costa Dorada
Activities
The Costa Dorada is activity central. Not only have you got PortAventura right on your doorstep, there’s the Aquópolis waterpark, Aqualeon Park with its animal safari, and paintballing at Bosc Aventura. Add seven beautiful golf courses, downhill biking and 4x4 safaris, and you’ll always find something to keep you busy.
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Boat trips
Cambrils, Costa Dorada
PortAventura World
PortAventura Salou, Costa Dorada
Eating and drinking
Freshly caught baby squid and octopus are some of the specialities here. Look out for suquet – tasty fish stew – and romesco sauce made with red peppers. Some of Spain’s best vineyards are on the Costa Dorada, so make sure you try some of the local wines as well as sparkling Cava.
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Beach Clubs
Costa Dorada
Dining by the beach
La Pineda, Costa Dorada
Shopping
Reus is the commercial city of the Costa Dorada, where you can find an exciting array of styles and the most prestigious brands. There’s lots of souvenir shopping in the resorts too. What’s more, markets are held all over – the biggest on Sunday mornings. Haggle over lace, ceramics, shoes and more.
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Bonnavista Market
Cambrils, Costa Dorada
Avenida Jaume I
Salou, Costa Dorada
Nightlife
The ‘Slammers’ area of Salou, with its bars and clubs, has the liveliest nightlife in the region. But for something a little quieter, the chiringuitos – bars that line the long beach in Cambrils – make ideal venues for cocktail-sipping after hours. Whatever your tipple, there’s a place perfect for you.
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Dos de Mayo Street
Costa Dorada
Family-friendly nights out
Cap Salou, Costa Dorada
