The Costa Dorada ( Duarada in Catalan ) means the Gold Coast and is around 135 Kms long stretching from Mataro in the north to Pensicola in the southern part of this beautiful coastline.

The Costa Dorada has many spacious sandy beaches with clean clear and shallow waters. The fertile lands around the coast produce some of the best wine in Spain along with olive groves, almonds hazel nuts, carobs and and ample selection of vegetables.

There are some areas of pure natural including two nature reserves,: the Deltra del Ebro National Park and the National Reserve of Tortoda-Besserit Passes. Another picturesque area of note and well worth a visit are the extremely beautiful Prados Mountain range.

The Coast is made up of 10 counties and 183 municipalities , the capital of which is the city of Tarragona. The 12 areas of the coast ise composed of Altafulla, Calafell, Cambrils, Coma-Ruga, El Vendrell, Hospitalet Infant, L Ametlla de Mar, La Pineda, Miami Platja, Montbrio del Camp, Salou, and Tarragona.

Some of the most famous beach resorts can be found along the Costa Dorada including Salou and Cambrills, not to mention the picturesque towns of Cunit and Mont-Roig in the northern area, the Ebro delta, with long wide beaches and very fine sand . The delta to Les Cases d'Alcanar offers long beaches of clean heavy sand. Steeper and norrower eaches influenced by the nearby mountains around can be found at Vandellos, L'Ampolla and L'Ametlla de Mar btu are well worth a visit.

If you are a Spanish fiesta lover a good time to visit is between then February and March during the Carnival days. The Diada de Sant Jordi -also known as the Book Day is celebrated on April 23rd . The Revetlla de Sant Joan ( Nit del Foc or Fire Night ) is celebrated on June 23rd, and is the prelude to a series of summer events which include parties, firework displays and authentic dancing.

For food lovers the Catalan cuisine is second to none with a wide wide variety of international dishes and all the Mediterranean cuisine can be found in the restaurants all along the Costa Dorada. And as you can imagine the sea influences mush of the Tarragona cooking with grills, fish in salt and fresh caught baby octopus. Other favorites include baby squid sautéed with broad beans, sea cucumbers, all of course washed down with some of the finest Tarragona wine.


The Costa Dorada has more then its fair share of superb accommodation of all types and sutijng all pockets and tastes. Our pick of some of the most highly rated hotels along the golden coast include:

The Hotel Dorada Palace This fine hotel has a central setting in the resort of Salou with PortAventura within a short drive. Green Fees are also available on site for nearby golf courses. The Dorada Palace is surrounded by gardens and has several terraces where guests can relax. There is a games room and a play area for children. It also has a rooftop terrace offers views over Salou and PortAventura.

Another popular and great hotel located in Salou is the Santa Monica Playa located just 250 metres from the beach it has 2 outdoor swimming pools, a sun terrace and a garden. The hotel is in the centre of Salou, only 2 km from Port Aventura Theme Park. The historic Roman city of Tarragona is about 10 km away. Each room at the Santa Monica has a private balcony and satellite TV. A safe is available on request, and rooms are air-conditioned during the summer. The hotel has a buffet restaurant, including a children’s buffet. In summer there are regular theme dinners. The hotel also offers live entertainment, music and discos.

Other hotels of note located along the Costa Dorada include the Villagarcia de Arosa Situated along the waterfront promenade, this modern, 4-star hotel offers a range of facilities, each with enchanting views of Ria de Arousa estuary. The hotel is located 1 km from Vallagarcía de Arosay, approximately a 15 minute walk to the centre. During your stay you can relax and soak up the sun out on the terrace, cooling off in the pool. There is also a sitting room where you can unwind in peace and quiet.

A favourite in located in Salou is the Augustus This hotel is located along Salou’s seafront promenade, just 30 metres from the beach. It has 2 swimming pools by the sea, 1 for adults and 1 for children. Rooms at Hotel Augustus have a private balcony with views over the sea and the city of Salou. There is air conditioning and heating and a work desk in every room. Hotel Augustus offers wired internet in public areas and private parking, both at an additional cost. There is also a games room, a children’s playground and a large sun terrace.