From its fantastic coastline to its spectacular, fertile land, visit the Costa Dorada!
The Costa Dorada alternates between superb coastal strips, Roman and Gothic remains, and town centers steeped in art and history. So leave your fears of concrete landscapes behind and visit the Costa Dorada to live out your dreams of a paradise splashed with turquoise water.
Then, to save your sun capital, count on the more mountainous corners, dotted with vineyards, olive groves and almond trees. Here are the 9 must-do things to do on the Costa Dorada, the essentials for a complete change of scenery.
1. Heritage towns and villages
Calafell Castle – Photo credit: Shutterstock – KarSol
Visiting the Costa Dorada through its quaint, picturesque villages will live up to all its promises. Folkloric vacations, between relaxation and culture, guaranteed.
- Calafell: Renowned as one of the most beautiful spots on the Costa Dorada, this authentic village lies halfway between Barcelona and Tarragona. Its streets invite you to step back in time through its medieval castle and Roman ruins. The « Cofradía de los Pescadores » museum recounts the town’s maritime history;
- Roc de San Gaietà: A small town built for fishermen, with multiple architectural influences. Its Moorish, Gothic and Romanesque remains are testimony to this. You’ll see houses that are part Andalusian, part Galician and part Sardinian. It’s an originality you won’t find anywhere else;
- Torredembarra: A city marked by its beautiful sandy expanse drenched in an ultra-modern port. On the other hand, its historic central part offers medieval influences visible in its architecture and living spaces;
- Tamarit: A magnificent village overlooking the sea, unique for its church and Romanesque castle dating back to the 12th century. This impressive edifice even invites you to take a dip in the sea;
- Amettla de Mar: This authentic fishing village, sometimes nicknamed « La Cala » because of its coves, is bathed in calm, fabulous waters;
- Ampolla: This small town is a skilful blend of Mediterranean essences. Its landscapes alternate between flat fields and steep hills. Wet soils meet stony areas, olive groves rub shoulders with rice paddies, all in incredible harmony;
- Cambrils: A fishing village where life revolves around a dynamic port and a city center detailed with narrow, picturesque streets;
- El Perello: A charming village renowned for its honey and caves decorated with prehistoric cave paintings;
- Altafulla: This town of character is centered around its characteristic castle and church. Its heart is made up of enticing streets, crowded with grand old houses and medieval decor, leading to a seafront promenade;
- Sant Carlos de la Ràpita: Fishing port and gastronomic paradise, this town is a landmark for bon vivants. It has introduced langoustine into the conception of many tapas. It also showcases the region’s great marine diversity through its museum;
- Reus: This former medieval village, birthplace of Gaudí, is now famous for its groups of Modernist monuments. Don’t miss the Plaza del Mercadal and the Casa Navas: a jewel of Catalan modernism with intact period furniture;
- Mont Roig del Camp: A small village of great authenticity. Flanked by the Colldejou and Llaberia mountains, it was home to the painter Miró;
- Mont-Blanc: A fortified medieval village, set on fertile land strewn with vineyards and almond trees. Here, pine-covered mountains hug the village’s winding streets;
- Valls: An attractive village thanks to its rugged terrain, with its abundance of mountain ranges and valleys. Its folklore and culinary specialties, such as calçots, set it apart. A type of onion that is even celebrated at a drunken party.
2. Regional nature parks
Prades Nature Park – Photo credit: Facebook – Costa Daurada
Want to visit the Costa Dorada in style? Head for the Parc Naturel des montagnes de Prades: a fabulous playground for lovers of outdoor activities and greenery. It’s made up of wooded areas that have been criss-crossed by hikers countless times.
In the hollows of the valleys, you’ll also find small villages that seem to have been forgotten by the world. In total harmony with local nature, the inhabitants will be delighted to invite you to share their traditions. Last but not least, you’ll discover the Poblet Forest and all its endemic flora and fauna. As well as hiking, the Prades mountains are ideal for climbing, caving and mountain biking.
Then it’s off to Parc Naturel de Montsant: a natural icon on the Costa Dorada. This park boasts a number of breathtaking gorges and gorges. Its magnificent relief and spectacular windows onto the region are astonishing. Outdoor enthusiasts flock here to challenge the large blocks of limestone conglomerate and the chasms formed by erosion.
3. The beaches
Platja Cap de San Pere beach – Photo credit: Shutterstock – lunamarina
One of the must-do things to do on the Costa Dorada? Sunbathing and swimming, of course! While all the beaches have their share of fabulous scenery, we’ve put together a small selection of our favorite spots.
- Platja de Riumar: For its unspoilt natural setting, the purity of its waters and its proximity to the mouth of the Ebro;
- Cala Llenya and Punta de Áliga in Ametlla del Mar: For the spectacular views from their high cliffs;
- Platja El Miracle: For its proximity to downtown Tarragona, its entertainment and its waves, perfect for water sports;
- Platja de Callafell: For miles of comfortable, clean sand, equipped to fill your days;
- Crique Cala de la Roca Plana: For its wild paradise of golden sand, trees and rocks set in turquoise water. Beware, this is also a nudist beach;
- Platja del Torn: For its small pebbles and crown of pine trees. On the other hand, it’s a nudist beach;
- Llarga Beach in Salou: For its fragrant pine trees, the wonderful incursion of the Cami de Ronda and the balanced setting between town and nature;
- Cala Fonda near Tarragona: For its secluded, paradise-like atmosphere, its cliff-surrounded nooks and crannies, its sandy stretches illuminated in a postcard setting. Once again, a nudist beach;
- Tamarit Beach: For its high pine fences, rest areas and calm waters, with Tamarit castle in the line of sight.
4. A boat trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – lunamarina
You’ve been to all the beaches mentioned above and you’re tired of the sand? Don’t worry, there’s another Costa Dorada must-do: a boat trip! With a boat rental on the Costa Dorada, you can enjoy a sublime view of the coast, surrounded by the lapping of the water.
So, with or without a licence, with the help of a skipper or not, you’re sure to have one of the most relaxing afternoons of your holiday!
Find a boat to rent on the Costa Dorada
5. Local gastronomy
L’Escudella I Carn D’olla – Photo credit: Facebook – Costa Daurada
Visiting the Costa Dorada means immersing yourself in its rich and varied cuisine. Its food is typically Mediterranean, as evidenced by the many specialties based on fish and seafood accompanied by fresh vegetables, rice and olive oil.
First of all, we recommend you try the » Rossejat de Fideos« , the typical fish dish of this region. Created by Catalan fishermen, it’s a dish of golden vermicelli fried in olive oil and served with fish.
Nevertheless, the gastronomy of the Côte Dorée is also rich in local produce and unique traditional dishes. For example, try Escudella I Carn D’olla, a vegetable broth with pork, veal and chicken.
Also try » Pa Amb Tomàquet« , a rustic, toasted tomato bread served with ham, sausages or tortilla… for breakfast.
Surprisingly, did you know that La Coca is one of the Catalan specialties? But it’s actually a thin pastry filled with onions and vegetables from the sun, served with sardines most of the time. Also dip your bread (yes, you’re French, aren’t you?) in the romesco sauce made from walnuts, chillies, peppers, onions and aromatic plants from the south.
Lighter – though – is the xató or salad, usually accompanied by omelette, peas and blood sausage. And what’s for dessert? Menjar-blanc, a mythical cream with many variations. Or » Pastis Sets« , a sort of sweet, honeyed, aniseed-flavored turnovers. Or dry cookies such as » Carquinyolis de la comarque d’Urgell« .
6. The treasures of Tarragona
Photo credit: Shutterstock – funkyfrogstock
If you’re dreaming of an authentic, versatile citybreak, what’s the best place to stay on the Costa Dorada? Tarragona, without hesitation. It’s one of the liveliest, richest and most attractive towns in the area, offering a host of activities between land and sea, and is friendly both day and night.
First of all, stroll through its old town. Known as Part Alta, it seduces visitors with its charming alleyways, Gothic arcades, Spanish architecture, romantic facades, colorful balconies and street art.
It’s also built around its Cathedral, its ramparts and its Roman amphitheatre: the city’s picture postcard. Then, experience Tarragona’s harbour traditions, its craft stores and museums, and finally, your discovery would be nothing without a break on its pretty beaches.
7. The Ebre Delta
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Iakov Filimonov
Apart from its coastal and mountainous areas, the Costa Dorada also offers a peninsula dotted with lakes, lagoons and small ports. One of the best things to do on the Costa Dorada is to discover its special features.
Here, soothing silence reigns. Known as the Ebro Delta, this unspoilt area dazzles with the grandiose diversity of its flora and fauna. In fact, it’s a refreshing area that can be visited by hiking between marshes and rice paddies. Stroll under the watchful eye of migratory birds, fish and bulls in the tall grass.
8. Local festivals and traditions
Sant Jordi festivities – Photo credit: Facebook – Costa Daurada
Visiting the Costa Dorada brings you face to face with festive traditions that are as wild, dazzling as they are exciting. Throughout the year, towns and villages are invaded by religious and cultural gatherings.
First, celebrate Candlemas in Calafell. Then follow it up with Carnival in Reus. Then discover the legend of Sant Jordi during medieval week in Montblanc. And don’t miss the Aplec de Sant Jeroni in Móra d’Ebre or Corpus Christi in Torredembarra.
And if you had to pick a party capital on the Costa Dorada, the big winner would be Salou. This bustling tourist resort has a wealth of bars and discos with their feet in the sand.
9. Port Aventura
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Evgeny Kuzhilev
This is one of the must-see attractions on the Costa Dorada. This thrill park plunges you into six different worlds: Mediterrània, Polynesia, China, México, Far West and Sésamo Aventura.
Fans of thrills and fantasy are bound to be familiar with its time- and gravity-defying attractions. Indeed, Port Aventura boasts some of the fastest and highest rides in Europe. Extreme fun and excitement, with family and friends, guaranteed. Spend two or three days here during your stay.
How to get to the Costa Dorada
By plane
First of all, to visit the Costa Dorada, flying is the quickest and most convenient way. Its main airports are Reus and Barcelona El Prat. Between them, they offer numerous connections to and from all over France. To make the best choice, take a look at the Skyscanner flight comparator.
You can also rent a car to get to your destination.
By train
On the other hand, for those who prefer to go green, there are trains that run between Paris and Barcelona. You’ll need to leave from Paris-Gare de Lyon. Your journey time will be 6h50. As with air travel, you’ll need a rental car if you want to discover the Costa Dorada.
Where to sleep on the Costa Dorada?
From coastal tourist destinations to small, secluded spots, there are plenty of places to stay on the Costa Dorada. Hotels, campsites, self-catering cottages, Airbnb, youth hostels: they’re all brimming with diverse accommodation offers. Use a hotel comparator to find the offer that suits you best.
With a plethora of options to choose from, there’s something for everyone. A large number of rentals are centralized in Tarragona and Reus, renowned for their versatility. For a 100% beach holiday on the Costa Dorada, take a look at our recommended accommodations in the towns where our beaches are located.
For those who want to go green, Ametlla del Mar offers an ideal compromise between fishing village, pristine coves and the Ebre Delta. Alternatively, Mont Roig del Camp will delight you with its proximity to the Serra de Montsant Natural Park. Finally, for those with a party spirit, head for Salou!
Thanks to Generation Voyage, you know what to visit on the Costa Dorada. What are you waiting for, then, to set off on your adventure?
Map of hotels and accommodation – Costa Dorada