Costa Dorada Holidays

from £108 per person

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Costa Dorada holidays 2021

Tucked into the northeast corner of Spain, the Costa Dorada is a 216km run of beaches, pretty ports and tantalising towns backed by mountains. Expect fascinating historic sites and ample places to try delicious Catalan cuisine.

Costa Dorada translates as ‘Golden Coast’, and it's no misnomer. The sweeping line of the coast boasts many Blue Flag-winning beaches of all shapes and sizes that ensure it is one of the most popular regions of Spain. Meanwhile cities, towns and resorts such as Tarragona, Salou and Cambrils collectively tick every box when it comes to history, culture, cuisine and memorable experiences.

Natural attractions of Costa Dorada

There’s far more natural beauty than the pristine shoreline. Look inwards to discover trails through pine forests and ascending mountains, routes to old monasteries and through medieval villages. Meanwhile, coastal routes linking the major towns and a trip birdwatching in the region’s largest wetland, Sèquia Major Natural Area, offer further glimpses of the scenic landscape.

Overview
Resorts
Things to do
Places to stay

Why book Costa Dorada holidays

Discover the best beaches

Calm and shallow waters make beaches popular here

The best theme parks

Don't miss Salou's PortAvenura, the biggest theme park in Europe!

Fun water parks

PortAventura also has an aquatic park, great for all ages

Romantic spots

Balcon del Mediterraneo in Tarragona has stunning views

Must-visit historical sites

Visit Roman ruins like the Vila Romana dels Munts

World-class museums

Art? History? Costa Dorada has it all

Top resorts in Costa Dorada

Salou

Sunny Salou on the Costa Dorada is spectacular for summer holidays, packed with adventurous activities, brilliant beaches and plenty of …

From £108 per person

Sitges

Sizzling Sitges, sitting just 35km from Barcelona on the coast, is a truly enthralling destination with history, art and gorgeous …

From £189 per person

La Pineda

A seaside resort famed for its sun-drenched Mediterranean climate, La Pineda offers powdery golden sands and a bevvy of family-friendly …

From £174 per person

Cambrils

Situated at the very heart of the Costa Dorada, Cambrils is acknowledged as the second largest town in this region …

From £128 per person

L'Ampolla

L'Ampolla in Costa Dorada, Spain

From £208 per person

Miami Playa

If you’re looking for a place in the sun, you’ll find what you’re seeking with holidays to Miami Playa. Nestled in …

From £115 per person

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Your guide to Costa Dorada holidays

Time to explore

Top 5 things to do in Costa Dorada

The Costa Dorada is a region bursting with activities, attractions and things to do for all. Explore old towns, visit amusement parks, discover the wilds of the interior and try watersports, all within this one delicious stretch of Catalunya.

Lose yourself in enchanting coastal centres. From the historic hub of Tarragona, many beaches of Salou and fishing port of Cambrils to Sitges, the Costa Dorada’s seaside towns are bursting with activities for all.
Delight old and young at exciting theme parks. From renowned PortAventura World and Ferrari Land to the Calafell Slide, Calafell Aventura and Xtreme Park, there’s an amusement park for all ages.
Uncover rural Costa Dorada. The region is well placed for hiking in the Serra de Montsant and Prades Mountains Natural Park.
Make a splash in the region’s famous waterparks. Swoosh down the slides at the likes of PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park, Aqualeon Park, Secalu Park and Aquopolis Costa Dorada among many others.
The Golden Coast is heaven for watersports. Let the wind whip up a windsurfing frenzy, take a coastal boat trip or find a sheltered spot for some kayaking and stand-up-paddleboarding.

Historic highlights of Costa Dorada

The Costa Dorada is a treasure trove of historic ruins and remains. You’ll gain great insight into the region by getting to know its past through Roman artefacts, religious relics and the many exceptional museums.

Explore the whopping UNESCO sites of the Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco, Tarragona. This collection of Roman ruins includes the Wall of Tarragona, Ferreres Aqueduct, Tarragona Amphitheatre, Villa of Centcelles and much more.
Head to the foothills of the Prades Mountains to visit the UNESCO Poblet Monastery complex. Dating from the 12th century, it’s the oldest Cistercian monastery in Catalonia.
Tour the museums of Sitges. Catalan art and history intertwine on a journey through the ages via paintings, ceramics and sculptures at the likes of Maricel Museum and Cau Ferrat Museum.
Meander around medieval Montblanc. Enveloped in fortified walls, this fascinating old town has a Jewish quarter, Royal Palace, two notable gothic churches and a 13th-century convent.
Explore the life of Gaudi at the Gaudi Centre. Delve into the interactive and illuminating exhibition, which showcases the story of the famous Reus-born artist.

Beaches

Beaches in Costa Dorada

Take your pick from countless Blue Flag beaches dotted along the Costa Dorada. Expect every amenity, facility and many watersports options at these popular beaches.

Relax on the shores of Playa de la Pineda. This gently sloping sandy beach is an easy-going oasis with plenty of amenities such as sunbeds and watersports nearby.
Watch the world go by on Llevant Beach. This sweeping sandy bay is the biggest of Salou’s beaches, not to mention liveliest, with sunbeds, watersports and lots of opportunities for people-watching.
Unfurl your towel on Tarragona’s award-winning urban beach. The golden stretch of Arrabassada Beach makes a great base from which you can swim out to the floating platform and ride the slide into the sea.
Spend a day on the long swathe of sand with the locals at Vilafortuny Beach near Cambrils. Another well-stocked, Blue Flag beach, it gives way to beautifully calm water.
Make for a shore-side sunbed on pretty Playa de Coma Ruga. Backed by a promenade and lined with numerous small streams, the shallow waters here ensure it’s great for families.

Quiet beaches in Costa Dorada

Find a peaceful slice of sand along the Costa Dorada. Away from the many popular beaches there are quiet bays and coves waiting to be enjoyed.

Enjoy a quieter day by the sea at La Llosa. This soft sandy beach gently lapped by warm Mediterranean waters is within easy reach of Cambrils but is a touch quieter with fewer facilities.
Take what you need for a day at Cala Fonda. Wind your way to this sandy wonder via a wooded path that opens out onto the beach, complete with invitingly clear waters and fewer crowds.
Settle on Barra Beach (Sausalito Beach) around a 20-minute walk from Sitges. It’s a protected, shallow bay with a beach bar and a small isle just offshore, ideal for snorkelling, and much loved by local families.
Escape busy Salou for the peaceful shore of nearby Llenguadets Beach. This small cove with its soft white sand, warm waters and basic facilities, is great for young children.
A walk through the fragrant pines of Marquesa Forest will take you to secluded Cala de la Roca Plana. This rocky cove has no facilities but beautifully clear water and few crowds.

Food & Drink

Food and drink in Costa Dorada

With fertile soil, lashings of sun and a strong connection to both fishing and agriculture, the Costa Dorada is a natural larder full of treats. Delicacies from the land and sea await.

Make for the waterfront area of El Serrallo in Tarragona. This lively neighbourhood with its pretty coloured houses is crammed with tapas bars, seafood restaurants and cafes.
Try fine dining in Cambrils. As well as top seafood eateries, this port town is home to three Michelin star restaurants showcasing creative local cuisine.
Sip vermouth in Reus. Visit the Museum of Vermouth to learn about the history of local production and enjoy a vermouth tasting and/or pairing session in its stylish restaurant.
Discover the region’s protected and designated olive species. Take a tour of one or more olive oil factories to discover the different flavours between the olives, see how it’s made and pick up some tasty souvenirs.
Taste test full-bodied Catalonian wines. Visit the likes of Cellers Avgvstvs Forvm near El Vendrell to sample local grape varieties, wine and vinegar, too.

Traditional dishes to try in Costa Dorada

Get ready to try fine Catalan, Spanish and international cuisine on a Costa Dorada holiday. From traditional dishes to locally produced goodies, there’s something for every taste bud.

Try succulent romesco sauce. Traditionally eaten with fish, it’s usually made from a combination of roasted tomatoes, peppers, garlic, nuts – such as hazelnut or almonds – and olive oil.
Fill up on rich wild boar civet. This tender casserole sees wild boar meat slow cooked with vegetables, herbs, stock and red wine.
Look out for Catalan favourite olla barrejada. This savoury soup-like stew is a mix of vegetables, sausage, shredded chicken and pasta, rice or noodles.
Seafood features heavily along the Costa Dorada. Expect to find freshly steamed catch of the day and grilled shellfish served with rice or noodles.
Be sure to sample locally grown produce. As well as hazelnuts, green calçot onions and floury Prades potatoes, the region is known for its Siurana extra-virgin olive oil.

We love

Nightlife in Costa Dorada

However you like your nightlife, you’ll find it on holiday in Costa Dorada. From wild and raucous to more relaxed and family-friendly, there’s a venue for everyone.

Salou is the place to be for a night out on holiday in Costa Dorada. Head for the busy bars on the main strip of Carlos Buigas or seek out well-known clubs such as Pacha.
Try outrageous cocktails in Sitges. Drink creative concoctions while hopping from one stylish, fun-filled, late-night bar to another, including El Gin Tub, a tucked-away speakeasy.
Drink vermouth like a local. Settle in for a serving of the region’s fortified wine served neat in a small glass with a big chunk of ice, Catalan style.
Take on a Tarragona bar crawl. Wind through the narrow streets of the old town stopping in bijou cafe-bars for cervezas (beers) and cava along the way.
Take your seat at a beach bar, or chiringuitos, in Cambrils. These informal seaside joints offer a more chilled option for those seeking a laidback late night out on holiday.

Costa Dorada family holidays

You know a family holiday in Costa Dorada is going to be well-equipped. From attractions and theme parks to beaches and shows, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained.

Fly along the ziplines at Jumpland Aventura Ecológica, Cambrils. Spend a day trying different difficulty levels of ziplines, bridges and jumps before scaling the climbing wall at this family adventure park.
Immerse yourselves in majestic Parc Samà. This late 19th-century landscaped marvel of streams, caves, bridges, walkways, wildlife and even a palace-like building is a magical place for all ages.
Go for dinner and a show at the award-winning House of Illusion, Salou. From comedy and magic to music, the child-friendly performance that accompanies your feast is a multi-generational pleaser.
Discover the coast on two wheels. Book a family-friendly excursion including adult and kids’ bike hire with Downhill Bikes Salou to truly get to know the Costa Dorada.
Ooh-and-ahh at the dancing Illuminated Fountain. Watch as a hundred jets spurt water in time with choreographed lights and music to the delight of the audience.

Costa Dorada weather

Jan

12°C

Avg. Dry Days 22

Feb

12°C

Avg. Dry Days 19

Mar

15°C

Avg. Dry Days 18

Apr

17°C

Avg. Dry Days 14

Nov

16°C

Avg. Dry Days 20

Dec

13°C

Avg. Dry Days 23

Your Costa Dorada questions answered

What’s the best time to visit Costa Dorada?

The best time to visit Costa Dorada is between May and early October. Both July and August are the hottest months while July is the sunniest month and the sea is at its warmest in August.

When is the cheapest time to visit Costa Dorada?

How can I get to and from the airport?

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Is Costa Dorada family friendly?

Top Costa Dorada Destinations

Check out some of our most popular resorts on the Costa Dorada:

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Prices last checked at 13:12 27 January 2021