The Mediterranean that bathes the Costa Dorada (Costa Daurada in Catalan) in the south of Catalonia, offers 81 kilometres of coastline for all tastes.
Enjoy its golden sandy beaches and peaceful waters that earn quality certifications year after year, towns with a lively nightlife, fishing villages that go on for miles, a good dose of cycle tourism, golf, activities and water sports for the whole family, not to mention pleasant temperatures all year round.The Costa Daurada is a pioneer in Catalonia in making itself into a perfect destination for travelling with children. It has hotels adapted to accommodate the entire family in absolute comfort. In fact, there are several municipalities that are Family Tourism certified, including Salou, Cambrils, Vila-seca, La Pineda Platja, Calafell, El Vendrell and the Prades Mountains.
A complete paradise by the sea
The sea sets the pace of life on the Costa Daurada. Here you will find fishing villages like Altafulla or Torredembarra, which are perfect for resting and relaxing. More active options can be found alongside them, in the tourist resorts where leisure revolves around the beach. You’ll have to stop off in Salou, Cambrils or El Vendrell along your route if you're interested in experiencing the nightlife on the coast of Tarragona.One thing’s for sure, the Mediterranean Sea is the star of the show, allowing you to enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities. Windsurfing, paddleboarding and boat trips along the Costa Daurada are just some of the attractions you will find here. A trip to the PortAventura Worldtheme park is perfect if you’re looking for something for the whole family.If you are seeking a more cultural experience, be sure to stop off in Tarragona. Here rest the remains of the Roman city of Tarraco, including the Roman amphitheatre and circus, which coexist with the Gothic-style cathedral in this city whose archaeological ensemble has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. For a contrast, stop by Reus, the other large city in the province and the birthplace of the architect Antoni Gaudí. Here you can learn first-hand what the life of this genius was like and learn more about modernism at the Gaudí Centre.
History, tradition and good food
The Costa Daurada has more attractions apart from its beaches. Cultural getaways to the inland areas, such as the village of Montblanc, await you. This charming medieval village is home to another World Heritage site: the Poblet monastery, an architectural jewel that was also the pantheon of several kings of Aragon, and which will fascinate anyone interested in history.Not far from there, another of the best-known traditions of Catalonia awaits you: the castells ('castles' in Catalan). These are impressive towers several metres tall which are formed by people. It is an exercise of coordination and concentration, and you can see them throughout the region, especially in the village of Valls. If you come for the festival of Sant Joan (23 June), don't forget to take a snapshot of this unique moment, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Any trip to the Costa Daurada would be incomplete without a trip to the kitchen. The typical dishes include rossejat (a recipe that can be made with rice or noodles), many types of fish and local seafood (whether in stews or grilled), and the popular calçotadas. All this paired with the wines that the Costa Daurada offers, with up to six different denominations of origin, leaving you with an unforgettable taste in your mouth.
