Costa Dorada Spain Tourism Information Guide

The Costa Dorada Spain, or "Golden Coast," is a beautiful stretch of coastline in Catalonia, located south of Barcelona. There are many of exciting attractions to explore here including beautiful beaches, important historic sites, and numerous cultural landmarks.

One of the most popular resorts in Salou, which has plenty of activities for families, including the PortAventura World theme park. Nearby, the town of Cambrils is known for its beautiful beaches and delicious seafood restaurants.

The town of Sitges is a top destination and is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks, including the 17th-century church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla.

Costa Dorada Spain
The Costa Dorada

If you are looking for a quieter getaway on the Costa Dorada head to the small town of L'Ametlla de Mar, a hidden gem well worth visiting. It has several beautiful beaches, including the stunning Cala Bon Capo, and is known for its peaceful atmosphere, and delicious seafood.

Located to the far north of the Costa Dorada is the historic city of Tarragona, which was once an important Roman city and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts a 2nd-century stunning amphitheatre, a 12th-century cathedral, a fascinating culinary scene, and a beautiful coastline.

Best Things To Do In Costa Dorada

Cala Crancs Costa Dorada Spain
Cala Crancs Costa Dorada

Visit PortAventura World:

Experience thrilling rides and entertainment at one of Europe's most popular theme parks, featuring PortAventura Park, Ferrari Land, and Caribe Aquatic Park.

Explore Tarragona's Roman Ruins:

Discover the ancient Roman heritage in Tarragona, including the impressive Roman amphitheatre and the UNESCO-listed archaeological ensemble.

Relax on Playa Llevant:

Enjoy the golden sands and clear waters of this beautiful beach in Salou, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Discover the Magic Fountain of Montjuic:

Witness the captivating light and music show at the Magic Fountain in Barcelona, where water jets dance in sync with music and colourful lights.

Visit the Cistercian Monastery of Poblet:

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site of Poblet, a majestic monastery with a rich history located near Vimbodí.

Take a Wine Tour in Priorat:

Discover the renowned Priorat wine region, known for its exceptional red wines. Visit vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and learn about the winemaking process.

Explore the Delta del Ebro Natural Park:

Discover the stunning landscapes and rich wildlife of this expansive natural park, with its rice fields, wetlands, and birdwatching opportunities the Delta de Ebro Nature Park is well worth visiting.

Enjoy Water Sports in Cambrils:

Try your hand at various water sports activities, such as kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing, in the coastal town of Cambrils.

Visit the Roman Aqueduct in Tarragona:

Admire the impressive Aqueduct of Les Ferreres, also known as the Pont del Diable, a well-preserved Roman structure.

Explore the Historic Center of Reus:

Wander through the charming streets of Reus, known for its modernist architecture and as the birthplace of renowned architect Antoni Gaudi.

Relax at Cala Crancs:

Discover the beauty of this picturesque cove in Salou, offering calm turquoise waters and a tranquil atmosphere.

Explore the Port of Cambrils:

Wander around the bustling fishing port of Cambrils and savour fresh seafood in one of the waterfront restaurants.

Visit the Roman Villa of Centcelles:

Marvel at the well-preserved mosaics and architectural ruins of this ancient Roman villa near Constanti.

Experience Aquopolis Costa Dorada:

Enjoy a fun-filled day at this water park in La Pineda, featuring thrilling slides, wave pools, and family-friendly attractions.

Take a Stroll Along Passeig Jaume I:

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beautiful promenade in Salou, lined with palm trees, shops, and restaurants.

Tarragona

Amphitheater Tarragona
Amphitheater Tarragona

At the heart of Tarragona's upper town is the sweeping Rambla Nova Boulevard, a sturdy provincial rival to Barcelona’s own Las Ramblas district, lined with fashionable cafés and restaurants.

Parallel, and to the east, lies the Rambla Vella, marking – as its name suggests – the start of the old town.  On either side of the Ramblas you will find scattered a profusion of relics from Tarragona’s Roman past, including various temples and the impressive Roman Amphitheater.

Salou

Platja Llarga Salou
Platja Llarga Salou

Salou is best known for its energetic nightlife and beautiful beaches. Playa Llevant and Playa Ponent. Each one offers swaying palms, fine sand, action-packed water adventure and long hours of sunny relaxation.

Avenida Jaume runs parallel to Llevant beach and is filled with souvenir shops, clothing boutiques, and craft shops.

The promenade has plenty of cafes and restaurants and Salou is packed with vibrant bars and trendy nightclubs around Avinguda de Carles Buigas. Here, expect a mix of local and karaoke bars, live entertainment, theme pubs, and clubs spinning a mix of R’n’B, house, pop, and dance.

La Pineda

La Pineda Tarragona
La Pineda Tarragona

La Pineda is a more tranquil resort than Salou, the Spanish flock to La Pineda lured by its blue flag beaches and family-friendly atmosphere.

Tranquil waters and gently sloping sands make La Pineda a mecca for beach enthusiasts with pedalos, jet-skis, and windsurfing equipment rentals for the adventurous.

For even more adventure, visit the fun Aquapolis seafront water park featuring slides, rides, pools, and dolphin and sea lion shows.

Cambrills

Cambrils - Costa Dorada Travel
Cambrils - Costa Dorada

The picturesque fishing village of Cambrils offers old-town charm filled with markets, nightlife, and traditional Mediterranean restaurants.

Cambril's 7 km coastline possesses nine Blue Flag beaches filled with umbrellas, sun loungers, and beach bars.

La Pineda Beach is the longest and liveliest beach in Cambrils although much less crowded than other beaches along the Costa Dorada.

El Raco Beach is another beautiful beach lined with pines providing shade while Els Prats Beach is the best beach for sunbathers.

Visitors can learn to kitesurf, windsurf and sail in Cambrils’ tropical breezes. A day trip to Barcelona is only an 80-minute drive.

Port Aventura

Portventura Theme Park
Portventura Theme Park

PortAventura is a popular theme park and one of the largest in Europe, it offers a wide variety of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.

Some of the best rides include Shambhala, a roller coaster that is the highest and fastest in Europe, and Dragon Khan, another popular roller coaster with several inversions. Other popular rides include Furius Baco, a high-speed launch coaster, and Stampida, a wooden coaster with two tracks.

Other than the exciting rides at PortAventura there are a variety of other attractions and services worth visiting,  including several live shows and performances throughout the park.

There are a number of nice restaurants and bars serving a variety of food, as well as shops selling souvenirs and merchandise.

If you are looking to stay on-site, PortAventura has several hotels and resorts, including the PortAventura Hotel, the Caribe Resort, and the Gold River Hotel.

Costa Dorada Festivals

Costa Dorada Festivals

If you love Spanish festivals a good time to visit is February and March during the Carnival days.

The Dia de Sant Jordi – also known as 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 that include parties, firework displays and authentic dancing.

The gastronomy of the Costa Dorada

Calcots
Calcots

The gastronomy of the Costa Dorada is a perfect reflection of the region's rich cultural past, with a wide variety of delicious dishes that are both traditional and modern.

Some of the most well-known dishes you will find here include "suquet de peix," a fish stew made with a variety of fresh seafood, potatoes, and tomatoes,  "arrossejat," a rice dish similar to paella, and "fideuà," a noodle-based dish with seafood.

Another dish you must try is "calçots," a type of large spring onion that is cooked over an open fire until blackened on either side, you then peel off the outer skin and dip them into a spice romesco sauce, absolutely delicious!

Meat lovers will not be disappointed as there are plenty of options such as  "cargols a la llauna" (grilled snails) a local delicacy. The region is also known for its cured meats, including the famous "fuet" and "sobrassada".

There are many dining options available on the Costa Dorada, from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual beachside cafes. For a taste of traditional cuisine, visitors can try the "tavernas" or "bodegas," which serve authentic food and delightful local wines.

Getting around the Costa Dorada

Barcelona Airport

The Costa Dorada has a well-developed transport system that makes it easy to explore the region by car or public transport.

One of the main roads on the Costa Dorada is the AP-7 motorway, which runs parallel to the coast and connects the larger towns and cities. This motorway also connects the region with the cities of Barcelona and Valencia. Another major road in the region is the C-32, which connects Barcelona with Tarragona.

In addition to the motorways, there are several regional roads that provide easy access to the smaller towns and villages along the coast. The N-340 road, for example, runs from Barcelona to Valencia and passes through several coastal towns on the Costa Dorada.

For those traveling by air, the largest international airport is Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which is located approximately 100 kilometers north of the Costa Dorada. The airport offers flights to destinations around the world and is well-connected to the region by road and rail.

There are also several smaller airports in the region, including Reus, which is located just outside the city of Tarragona and offers flights to several European destinations.

Public transport is also available on the Costa Dorada, with several bus and train routes connecting the larger towns and cities. There is a modern rail system that covers most of the regions and is a comfortable and affordable way to get around, check out the main Renfe website for the timetables and train tickets.

Recommended Places To Stay in Costa Dorada

Hotel PortAventura - PortAventura World: For an unforgettable stay near Salou's iconic theme park, Hotel PortAventura is the perfect choice. With a tropical-themed pool, spacious rooms, and direct access to PortAventura Park, this hotel offers a magical experience for families and theme park enthusiasts.

H10 Cambrils Playa: Situated in Cambrils, H10 Cambrils Playa provides a serene beachside escape. The hotel features modern rooms, a garden area, and a pool. Guests can explore Cambrils' historic sites, such as the fishing port, or simply unwind on the nearby sandy beaches.

Golden Port Salou & Spa: Located in the heart of Salou, Golden Port Salou & Spa offers a blend of comfort and entertainment. The hotel features a spa, multiple pools, and spacious rooms with balconies. Its central location allows guests easy access to Salou's vibrant nightlife, beaches, and shopping districts.

 

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