Costa Dorada

The Costa Dorada (‘Golden Coast’) lies beneath Barcelona, stretching south from the Costa Brava to Tarragona, the capital of the region. The wide and beautiful fine sand beaches (the colour of which give this area its name) and the sunny temperate climate combine to make this a popular holiday destination that attracts millions of visitors each year.

In the north, the coastline is notable for its stretches of flat beach and clear shallow water, which give way to steeper and narrower beaches in the mountainous south. Between the sparkling sea and the soaring peaks are wide areas populated with quaint peaceful towns, olive groves and almond trees, as well as vineyards that produce some of Spain’s finest strong red wines.

The twenty or more towns and villages along the 200km stretch of Mediterranean coastline cater well for traditional family beach holidays. Attractions include water-parks and the thrilling Port Aventura Theme Park, based on Busch Gardens in Florida, with its roller-coaster and water rapids rides. Venture out to explore the local history, such as the medieval city of Montblanc with its fine Gothic church, Poblet’s monastery ruins dating back to the 12th century, and the unique delta of the Ebro river, with its labyrinth of lagoons and ditches.

Also pay a visit to Tarragona, a city that goes back to 218 BC, when it was founded by the Romans as an important military base, and where you can ruins of a Roman amphitheatre, an aqueduct and other antiquities, as well as the old harbor of El Serrallo, and museums full of historical finds.