The
Costa Dorada stretches over 90 km of coastline and is known as ‘the golden coast’ due to its gorgeous sandy beaches. From Cunit to Delta del Ebro this coast offers secluded coves, charming seaside towns, cosmopolitan cities, lively resorts and infinite entertainment.
The Costa Dorada is a destination that offers holidays suitable for all tastes. Whether its a
city break to Tarragona - combining unique historical heritage alongside stunning beaches, or a fun-filled family holiday in
Cambrils or Calafell.
The Costa Dorada is also a perfect holiday option for sun-seekers looking for a relaxing beach break in destinations such as L’Ametlla de Mar, Altafulla and Miami Playa.
Away from the more lively areas on the Costa Dorada, smaller remote places such as Montroig de Camp are perfect for rural getaways.
Salou attracts thousands of visitors each year searching for a luxury holiday experience or a destination with a vibrant nightlife.
A City Break On The Costa Dorada
Some of the best city rentals on the Costa Dorada can be found in Tarragona and Reus. Tarragona city is the capital of the region and was famously an integral part of the Roman Empire. Nowadays, Tarragona is a vibrant and prosperous city and has been declared a place of World Heritage by UNESCO, due to the importance and beauty of the archaeological remains.
The iconic image of Tarragona is the impressive Roman amphitheater - a large open theatre built in the 2nd century boasting unbeatable views of the sea and surrounding golden beaches. The center of Tarragona presents the story of its medieval past, with many squares or 'Plazas' where you can sit and enjoy some local Vermouth and olives. Lose yourself in the narrow streets, gothic arcades, galleries, explore the various craft shops and taste the local gastronomy.
Holiday homes in Tarragona city can be found just steps away from the beach. Combine a day at the beach with visiting the newer part of the city and the Rambla Nova - a popular shopping area but also famous for the ‘Balcony of the Mediterranean.’ It is believed that whoever touches the balcony will experience good luck. Whilst there, admire the unparalleled views of the Costa Dorada and the surrounding landscape. Take a walk around the stately homes such as Casa Ripoll, Casa Salas and the Metropol Theatre with spectacular gardens and grand architecture.
From the capital of the Costa Dorada to Reus - the birthplace of Gaudí. Not far from Tarragona, Reus is one of Catalonia's most culturally active towns, known for its architecture and museums. Pay a visit to Plaza Mercadal and the Gaudí center where you can admire some of his drawings and sculptures. Whilst standing in Plaza del Mercadal your attention will be drawn to the elegant detailing and irregular shapes of the Casa Navàs façade. With stain glass windows, corridors and engraved columns it displays a multitude of impressive textures.
Take a walking route through the city and admire some houses built at the beginning of the 20th century such as Casa Pinyol, Casa Anguera and the colourful Institut Pere Mata - an architectural gem of the city.
At the center of Reus is Calle Monteroy, popular for its boutiques and jewellers it is a great location to spend an afternoon browsing the shops. Many of the shops in Reus have stood the test of time and are located in beautiful buildings with the original decoration conserved.
The Best Places To Stay For A Beach Holiday On The Costa Dorada
The Costa Dorada coastline is characterised by little coves and bays with some of the best paradisiacal beaches in Spain. Tarragona is known for having the ‘golden coast’ due to its golden sandy beaches. Feel the warmth of the Mediterranean climate and spend a day on one of the remote coves or on one of the more lively beaches near Tarragona city
If you are looking for
beach rentals on the Costa Dorada, away from the more built-up areas, there are many small fishing villages dotted along the coast. With
holiday homes in L’Ametlla del Mar, you can enjoy a holiday surrounded by nature. L’Ametlla is located n
ear to Delta del Ebro Natural Park, with unspoiled, stunning beaches and intimate coves. Pixa-Vaques and de L’Alguer are just two of the beaches that are easily accessible and have all the beach facilities. Others such as Cala Llenya and Punta de Áliga are more sheltered and protected by cliffs. Punta de Áliga has been certified by Sports Tourism Catalonia as being a great place to practice sailing and scuba diving.
Another place to soak up the sun and experience the beauty of the Costa Dorada is Miami Playa. Stretching over 12 km and with beaches such as Riviera, Estany and Vienesos,
staying in a holiday home in Miami Playa you
can experience kayaking, diving and snorkeling in the Mediterranean. By night get involved in the lively nightlife of the town.
For a beach break with all the amenities, a
holiday rental in Altafulla is recommended. This small town has 1100 meters of coastline and a promenade lined with bars, entertainment and facilities. The soft sand and shallow waters have been deemed safe for swimming and practicing water sports. Rent a boat from the local yacht club and spend a day sailing on the Mediterranean.
You don't have to venture too far from Altafulla to find another sunny beach destination on the Costa Dorada. Torredembarra is a small town with a beautifully maintained beach. More than 7 km long and positioned next to the Els Muntanyans, it is protected by an area of marshes which you can walk through on wooden footbridges. To enjoy bathing in the tranquil, crystal blue water
rental apartments in Torredembarra are just a stone's throw from the beach.
A Luxury Holiday On The Costa Dorada
To taste some of the best seafood in Spain,
stay in a luxury villa in Salou. A must try local dish is ‘Suquet de Peix’- a stew with monkfish, prawns and vegetables in a hearty tomato sauce. Any good restaurant will be serving flavours from the Mediterranean from dishes with rice and seafood to freshly grilled seafood.
With 300 days of sun on the Costa Dorada, at the Lumine Beach Club in Salou, spend a day on a sun lounger, feel the breeze from the sea and the sun tingling on your skin and take a dip in the infinity pool that seems to merge with the sea. This luxury beach club combines golfing, a golden beach, poolside relaxation with some of the best local cuisine.
Where To Stay On A Budget On The Costa Dorada
It's not hard to find cheaper holiday homes on the Costa Dorada and it is recommended to book in advance. L’Ampolla is a small, charming town, historically famous for its fishing and sea trade. Located away from busier tourists towns on the Costa Dorada, L'Ampolla is near the Delta del Ebro Natural Park. Disconnect from life back home and take hiking trails through salt lands, lagoons, rivers and marshes. Pay a visit to the mussel nurseries and savour the taste oysters fresh from the water. Don't hesitate to book a holiday rental in L’Ampolla from just € 54 per night.
Cambrils and Salou are well-established towns and are known for their markets where you can pick up some bargains as well as local fish and vegetables at a great price. Wander through the lanes in the old quarter of Cambrils lined with shops and pick up some simple souvenirs to take home.
Consider Cunit for a holiday on a budget on the Costa Dorada, the most northern town on this coastline. With fine sand and calm waters, Cunit stretches along 2 km of coastline. Aside from enjoying the beach, venture onto the Puig de Tiula mountain trails. An excellently preserved forest where you can enjoy a ramble just meters from the beach. Furthermore, just one hour from Barcelona, combine a relaxing beach break in Cunit with a day trip to Barcelona.
A Family Holiday On The Costa Dorada
When travelling to Catalonia with children, look for the Certificate of Family Tourism through the Generalitat that accredits locations specialising in family tourism. This certificate serves a guide for knowing where to stay on the Costa Dorada for a family
Destinations on the Costa Dorada popular for family holidays are Salou and Cambrils, with 26% of tourists holidaying in Salou being families. The beaches in Salou and Cambrils have soft sand and shallow waters offering safe conditions for children to play and swim.
Port Aventura in Salou, continues to be one of the main family attractions on the Costa Dorada and is the most visited theme park in Spain. Find further
entertainment for children in Salou such as
Ferrari Land, the Aquopolis water park and Parc Aventura.
Cambrils is a beautiful town that offers similar attractions to those of Salou but in a quieter setting.
Cambrils promises days of family fun in the Ecological Adventure Jumpland and the adventure park with zip lines, suspension bridges and climbing walls. Travel to Colonial Cuba or Samá Park and explore amongst the exotic trees, streams, caves and ponds. Find your
holiday home in Cambrils and have a fun-filled, memorable holiday with your family.
Calafell is another great family destination on the Costa Dorada. Visit the archaeological site of Ciutadella Ibérica, rebuilt on the original remains from the Iron Age and the Castle of Santa Cruz which is more than a thousand years old. Enjoy panoramic views of the area and capture your perfect family photo.
For more family excitement take a trip to the Diver Lúdic adventure park, with special circuits catering for children of different ages and heights, take trails suspended in the trees. If your children are adrenaline seekers take them Karting at El Vendrell where you can experience speed first hand. Calafell offers the tranquility of a small fishing village alongside endless entertainment, find your
holiday home in Calafell and make some special family memories.
A Rural Escape On The Costa Dorada
The Delta del Ebro Natural Park is ideal for a rural escape on the Costa Dorada, at the mouth of the Ebro discover the lagoons inhabited by flamingos as well as rice fields and marshes. Connect with nature by taking one of the trekking or cycling routes.
Another destination for a rural holiday on the Costa Dorada is Mont Roig del Camp. The soft shapes of this small town inspired the work of Miró - the Spanish painter and sculpturist. Visit the Miró center located in the old church of Montroig and admire some of his work. Set near the Natural Park Serra de Montsant, the Sierra de Llaberia and the Costa Dorada mountains, walk the trails, enjoy the rural landscape and spectacular views where the mountains meet the coastline.
Places To Stay For Nightlife On The Costa Dorada
For a holiday on the Costa Dorada with endless entertainment, Salou hosts many holiday activities and events. Salou has also been recognised as a great destination for a party on the Costa Dorada, with a variety of bustling bars, clubs and pubs. Pacha La Pineda, La Cage, Tropical Salou and Flash Back Salou - with a ‘chill-out’ garden area are just a few, you will not be short of places to enjoy the nightlife that the Costa Dorada has to offer.
Not far from the Costa Dorada with and famous for nightlife is Sitges. Located in the southern region of Barcelona, Sitges has a multitude of events throughout the year from carnival to a cinema festival. With great entertainment, as well as miles of sandy beaches Sitges is the 'go to' place for Barcelonians.
From the famous stretches of golden beaches to the charming seaside towns, discover your perfect holiday on the Costa Dorada. Whether you seek a city break or a relaxing beach getaway, you will not be disappointed with your holiday on the Costa Dorada.
