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The Costa Dorada, Cataluña, Mainland Spain

Introduction

The Costa Dorada takes its name from its golden beaches, stretching down a seacoast of 216 kilometres along the calm shores of Cataluña from Sitges in the north to Hospilet D'Enfant in the south. Twenty municipalities combine to make up the Costa Dorada which, with 786 hectares of extensive, clean, sandy beaches washed by crystal clear shallow waters makes the area the most popular family holiday destination.

Nestling between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountain range large open areas are home to tranquil villages and fields with crops ranging from vineyards and olive groves to carob, hazelnut, almond trees and vegetable-garden crops. .

For anyone wishing to enjoy a beach holiday the Costa Dorada offers an all year round warm climate with safe swimming even for small children and plenty of water sports. The resorts of the Costa Dorada make a perfect base to discover Barcelona, the historical town of Tarragona and Montserrat - said to be the most impressive landmark in Spain. Nearby attractions such as the Universal Studios theme park complex at Port Aventura bring an average of 3,500,000 visitors per year. In total the area has over 500,000 hotel beds, many campsites and apartments.

Every resort on the Costa Dorada has its fair share of cafés and restaurants, and the seafronts provide many choices for al fresco dining.

Sitges

Sitges encapsulates the warmth of lively Latin spirit in an uninhibited way. It is one of the most cosmopolitan of mainland Spain's coastal resorts, lying just south of Barcelona.

In the 1890s Sitges became a popular haunt with bohemian artists and writers, headed at one time by the one and only Salvador Dali, who were attracted and inspired by the unassuming beauty of this picturesque little fishing village. For many years it was a centre of avant-garde Catalan art. Today it is a chic, open-minded resort which has retained its traditional Spanish feel. A wonderful palm-fringed promenade lined with pleasant tapas bars and restaurants sweeps past the long, sandy beach to the quaint old town - a medieval treasure complete with terracotta-tiled roofs, cobbled streets and snaking whitewashed alleyways.

Gently sloping streets take you down to Sitges' promenade renowned for its profusion of attractive glass-fronted fish restaurants which look out over the glittering waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy the many kinds of tapas dishes at the beachfront chiringuitos, beach-hut bars, try albondigas, tasty meatballs drizzled in a fresh tomato sauce, tortilla espanola, a Spanish-style omelette made with onions and potatoes bound with egg, or sepia, fresh cuttlefish drizzled with lemon. The grapes in the Catalonian vineyards produce popular local wines such as penedes and priorat as well as the sparkling Spanish version of champagne, cava

As well as museums, galleries and stunning architecture, you'll also find a glorious serious of golden sandy beaches that are well-equipped to cater for all the beach worshippers and culture vultures that come to this super resort.

Salou

Salou is the main holiday resort on the Costa Dorada and is situated 11km south of the elegant city of Tarragona between the quaint, fishing harbour of Cambrils and the peaceful resort of La Pineda. This beautiful town first became a place to see and be seen early in the 20th century, when rich visitors came from Barcelona to build their stunning Modernist (Art Nouveau) villas on the pretty palm-fringed promenade. Salou's gently shelving beaches like those of Llevant or Playa Llarga are great for children and are regularly awarded the Blue Flag for quality, cleanliness and good facilities. Water-sports are also available in high summer.

This well-established resort is compact and easy to get around and during the local fiestas in August fireworks light up the sky. Another big draw is the town's main street, the long Paseo de Les Palmeres where leisure and fun are guaranteed. It is a beautiful palm-lined promenade that leads to the bustling harbour.

So if you prefer a holiday with a relaxed feel during the day and action night amongst British neighbours then you are likely to enjoy Salou. It offers a large range of British eateries, pizzerias and burger bars as well as a few classy restaurants serving traditional Catalan fare

Cap Salou

Cap Salou occupies an enviable location on the Costa Dorada set in a region with fragrant pines and studded with almond groves and olive trees it is blessed with a captivating coastline dotted with quiet coves and pretty bays and a network of flower-filled streets.

If you have satisfied your appetite for fun and adventure then retreat to the sleepy oasis of Cap Salou to relax, rejuvenate and replenish in uninterrupted bliss. Relax on the shimmering white sands of this quiet coastal retreat or wander through sun-dappled woodland, swim in the azure waters and when you want a little more action then head for the bright lights of the family friendly resort of Salou, which just a 10 minute drive away.

Cambrils

25km south of Tarragona and tucked in the far western corner of the Costa Dorada, Cambrils is a pretty Catalan fishing town with a fabulous sandy beach. It is renowned as the place to sample fresh fish and each evening small, brightly coloured fishing boats tie up in the little working harbour and the fishermen bring ashore their day’s catch. Much of this makes its way to the local restaurants and is baked, grilled or turned into sumptuous dishes such as suquet, a Catalan fish stew, or paella, Spain’s famous seafood dish. Away from the beach, the lanes are lined with tempting shops. In early September you can experience the loud and colourful local fiestas.

Tarragona

Tarragona is an attractive and compact city that overlooks the sea. Dating back to Roman times its many ancient monuments are a delight to discover. Explore the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre, once the site of gladiatorial fights, or look at the remains of the Roman Circus, where chariot races were once held. Tarragona has a magnificent Gothic cathedral which dominates the skyline of the historic quarter. You may prefer to wander through the intricate maze of narrow streets, stop and enjoy a glass of sangria in one of the many fashionable bars or cafes that surround the main square.

La Pineda

La Pineda is a relaxed, modern resort nestled between the pretty city of Tarragona to the north and Salou to the south. It has a waterfront promenade which stretches the length of the beach, a strip of bars and pubs and has its own fun-filled waterpark - Aquopolis. However, La Pineda's main attraction is its large, sandy beach which makes it particularly popular with families.

Torredembarra

The town of Torredembarra lies south west of Tarragona and is privileged to possess one of the few natural beaches left in Cataluña, Els Muntanyans, which has semi-shifting dunes and salt-water lagoons. Located in a natural, open space outside the town where it remains in an unspoiled setting with lush vegetation and small dunes that run right up to the beach.

The town's Tower is probably the oldest building in Torredembarra, from the 12th or 13th century it is in the Mudejar style. Remaining from the wall which surrounded the city in the 17th century are two entrance gates - Padrines and La Bassa. Other outstanding buildings are the church of Sant Pere, which houses a baroque organ from 1705 and the lighthouse, which was the last to be built in Spain during the 20th century.

Universal's Port Ventura & Costa Caribe theme parks

A world full of thrills and spills awaits you at Spain’s largest theme park. Universal's Port Ventura resort is just 9km south of Tarragona, with a theme park, three on-site themed hotels and the 'Caribe Aquatic Park,' the Caribbean-style waterpark. The resort is made up of five different lands, each with its own rides, bars, restaurants and shows - all designed to recreate exotic destinations such as China, Mexico, Polynesia the Mediterranean and the Far West. Race through the Gran Canyon Rapids, journey through the clouds on an oriental carousel or test your nerves on Dragon Khan, the 8-loop roller coaster.

In addition to the rides there are up to 100 lively cabaret shows a day from the Wild West Can-Can to Chinese acrobats, Polynesian Tribal Dances to Gun-toting Stunt Shows as well as spectacular firework displays - there is something for all tastes.

The restaurants offer good family value many adding entertainment over lunch. Both parks make for great days out during your holiday