Where is Costa Dorada located? Costa Dorada - beaches with golden sand. Costa Dorada - relaxation day and night
The Spanish coast stretches for several thousand kilometers. Among this extent, a small section of the coastline of the province of Tarragona in Catalonia stands out. Washed by the Balearic Coast, this coast is known among tourists as the Costa Dorada, which means “golden coast” in Spanish. The area received this name for a reason, because the fine yellow sand on the beaches of the resort area sparkles in the sun like gold ore.
The Catalan coast of the Costa Daurada is very popular among tourists and Spaniards. This is facilitated by the protection of the coast by low mountains from cold air masses, a favorable climate, developed infrastructure and picturesque landscapes. Most of the beaches on the coast have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award.
Costa Dorada on the map
The resort area has a flat terrain. It is located on the east coast of Spain and stretches for 200 kilometers. The northern border of the region is the city of Vilanova i la Geltru, and the southern border is the town of Alcanar. The Costa Dorada is separated from the central part of the country by the low ridges of the Catalan Mountains. At the southern borders, the deepest river in Spain, the Ebro, flows into the sea as a delta.
The administrative center of the Costa Dorada is the city of Tarragona. It is 100 km away from Barcelona.
How to get to Costa Dorada
To relax on the golden coast of Spain, you need to fly to Barcelona - El Prat de Llobregat International Airport is the closest to the resorts of the Costa Dorada. Then you can get to the desired city by buses that run several times a day. The resorts of Calafell, Torredembara, Tarragona, Salou, Cambrils can be reached by regional train from Barselona-Sants station.
Another way to fly to the Costa Dorada is through the airport in Reus, which is 8 km from Tarragona. From there you can get to the right place much faster. But its peculiarity is that planes do not fly here from all countries, but only from several European cities. Charters are open in Reus during the summer season.
Cruise ships call at the capital of Tarragona. In addition, you can get to any coastal city from the airport by taxi or rented car.
Climate and weather
The shores of the Costa Dorada have a typical Mediterranean climate. It is characterized by hot summers and mild winters.
The summer season here already begins in May and ends in October. Average air temperatures are +24...30 degrees. The water temperature remains at +23…25 degrees. The coastal strip throughout the resort area is flat and shallow, so the water warms up quickly. Vacationers are constantly pleased by the light sea breeze, softening the summer heat and refreshing in the evening.
Winter on the Costa Dorada is cool but sunny. The air heats up to +16 degrees, and the sea does not exceed 10 degrees. There is little rain here.
Beaches of the Costa Dorada
A characteristic feature of the beach area is its length and width. Here, in any month of the high season, there is enough space for everyone both for active recreation and relaxing time in the sun.
All beaches in the area are municipal and free; rental of sunbeds and umbrellas is available everywhere. Local authorities monitor the cleanliness of beach areas, so order is maintained here. Many beaches have been awarded the mark of cleanliness and quality service.
The sandy bottom is shallow near the shore, the descent into the sea is convenient. In some areas of the Costa Dorada there are rocky beaches.
The best beaches of the Costa Dorada:
Levante
Located in the city of Salou, the beach stretches in an arc along the bay with a wide sandy strip. The pedestrian Jaime Boulevard and the lush vegetation of palm trees add special beauty to the coastal area. Nearby there are hotels, restaurants, eateries, boutiques. The beach is equipped with playgrounds, rescue towers with vigilant guards, showers, and parking. Many of the resort's attractions are within walking distance.
This beautiful and secluded beach is not crowded during the season. It has a shallow shore, so it takes quite a long time to get to a deep place. The beach is great for families with small children. There are many children's entertainment facilities and swimming pools in the area, and restaurants offer children's menus. The most beautiful part of the beach is the two-kilometer promenade, where festivals and street entertainment often take place.
Regeral
Located in the resort town of Cambrils (south of Salou). This is the central beach of the resort, with a picturesque embankment running through it. It is easy to reach, even for people with disabilities, so it is popular among holidaymakers. The kilometer-long beach strip is strewn with bars and restaurants, volleyball courts, and places for water sports. There are boarding schools and dive centers on the beach.
Llarga
This sandy beach in Tarragona is the best place for swimming and entertainment. The beach is 3 km long and well equipped. It has a full range of water activities and developed infrastructure. Places remote from the city border on protected oak groves where lynxes and storks live.
Calafell
The beach of the resort of the same name is a favorite place for guests and residents of the city. It is decorated with a beautifully designed embankment, the entire territory is equipped with places for recreation and sports grounds, and there are paths for the disabled. Frisbee fans love to gather here and hold competitions. Those who want to combine a beach holiday with exploring Roman ruins prefer to come here.
Resorts and entertainment on the Costa Dorada
The combination of natural landscapes, architectural monuments, stunning beaches with golden sand and a wide variety of entertainment options make Costa Dorada a paradise for relaxation. Everyone can relax here, and everyone can find an acceptable place for themselves. The beaches and cities of the resort area are different and have their own characteristics:
Salou
This is the busiest tourist place. The once ancient city today is replete with modern hotels and a large entertainment complex. It is believed that this resort is the best shopping and gastronomic center in the region. Here is the second largest amusement park in Europe - Port Aventura (after Disneyland Paris).
Cambrils
The former fishing port is today a popular holiday destination. Tourists are attracted not only by the 10-kilometer strip of beaches, but also by the ancient colonial-style architecture of the historical center. The resort is famous for its emerald museum, shopping, fish market and many restaurants specializing in fish dishes.
La Pineda
Relatively new but lively resort. It is surrounded by pine groves. On its many kilometers long coastline there are rocky bays and cozy lagoons. Tourists are attracted by the clean air with a pine aroma, shallow waters, and sports complexes. A large water amusement park is open here for children.
Tarragona
Tarragona is the capital of the region. A very interesting city for independent sightseeing. Founded by the ancient Romans, it became a major city in its time. The Roman amphitheater, circus and aqueduct, the medieval Cathedral of St. Thecla, ancient fountains and buildings have survived to this day. Street festivals and events are regularly held here.
Sitges
Another popular resort on the Costa Dorada. Rich in medieval Art Nouveau architecture, the resort is popular among art lovers. And this is not without reason: the ancient quarters, arched ceilings, and narrow streets of the historical center are amazingly beautiful. Artistic traditions, carnivals and festivals, and numerous parties add to the popularity of the resort. The main attraction of the city is the Cau Ferrat Museum, where paintings by the Catalan post-impressionist artist Santiago Rusiñol and works by the Greek sculptor El Greco are exhibited.
What is the difference between the resorts of Costa Dorada and Costa Brava?
The Catalan region includes three resort areas:
- in the north - ;
- in the center - Costa Barcelona;
- in the south - Costa Dorada.
Geographically, the northern region of Catalonia is slightly cooler than the southern region. Here the coastal strip is strewn with rocks and secluded bays; due to the cold current, the sea takes longer to warm up. There are resorts that are open to the wind. Unlike the Costa Dorada, which has shallow waters, a gentle slope and fine sand, the Costa Brava stands out for its coastal depth and pebble-sand beaches. There are places here where the depth begins right at the shore.
But the Costa Brava outshines its southern competitor with magnificent landscapes of a wild and rocky coast, where cliffs and cliffs covered with pine trees fall straight into the sea. And on the tops of the rocks there are towers and ancient ruins that add a colorful touch to the beauty of nature. Holidays in this region are most often chosen by those who love nature and beautiful views.
What to do for tourists in the resorts of the Costa Dorada
Those who spend their holidays in the resorts of the Costa Dorada can enjoy more than just a beach holiday. The hospitable shore offers active tourists many options:
- windsurfing – there are few strong winds here, but beginner athletes will find a constant breeze just right;
- paddle surfing – stand-up paddle boarding is gaining popularity;
- yachting – many resorts have sailing schools;
- hiking in the mountains – for tourists there are hiking routes and steep cliffs for rock climbing;
- golf clubs and fitness centers are available in many hotels.
In addition, tourists can rent roller skates or a bicycle, ride horses in horse riding centers, or go down to the underwater museum with a diver instructor. In the evening, cafes and restaurants, discos, and night clubs await vacationers. Those who love history will enjoy traveling to the historical sites of the Costa Dorada. The entire holiday season is accompanied by folk festivities and holidays, so here everyone will feel the character of the Catalans and get to know the local culture.
The peak tourist season on the Costa Dorada is during the hot summer months, although thanks to the mild winter you can relax on the coast all year round with 300 days of sunshine. The water temperature in summer stays around +26 °C, in winter it does not drop below +10 °C, the swimming season lasts from May to October. The most active nightlife is observed in Salou; Altafulla, Torredembarra and Calafell are optimal for a quiet family holiday.
Costa DoradaGeographical position of the Costa Dorada
The southern border of the Costa Dorada is the town of Alcanar, the northern border is Cunit, located just 60 km from Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. From the central part of the peninsula, the coast is closed by the low ridges of the Catalan Mountains. Near Alcanar, this is the Moncia ridge, reminiscent of a sleeping dragon, 14.5 km long and up to 764 m high, with the largest peak La Torreta. The Sierra de Montsan system, with its natural park of the same name, is located west of Tarragona. In short, no more than an hour’s drive from any seaside town you can find excellent conditions for active recreation in the mountains.
The country's deepest river, the Ebro, flows into the sea at the southern borders of the Costa Dorada - this explains the abundance of coastal swamps with special fauna and the peculiarities of the region's cuisine, which includes dishes not only from sea fish, but also from freshwater fish.
Natural attractions of the region
In the Masia Blanca Marine Reserve, at the mouth of the river of the same name, tourists can observe the aquatic flora and fauna of three zones at once - coastal algal meadows, a bare sandy bottom with crabs and reefs full of fish. A three-hour tour of it, including snorkeling, will cost only 20 euros.
In addition to picturesque beaches, the Costa Dorada offers guests spectacular mountain scenery. A trip along the trails of the Sierra de Monsant Park with the opportunity to climb rocks or visit wineries costs 8 euros per day. The Llaberia mountain range is known for its challenging trails for mountain bikers and horseback riding and hiking. The Tiwissa and Vandielos mountains are linked by a 13-kilometer hiking trail, along which rock carvings are found. Among dozens of hiking trails, the longest one in the Prades Mountains is through the Roar Valley. To cover 70 km, you will have to stop overnight in local villages.
History of the Costa Dorada
The region began to be actively developed back in the days of the Romans. The oldest surviving buildings date back to the 1st-2nd centuries. n. e. True, for newcomers from the Apennines, the Gold Coast was not so much a vacation spot as a food supplier. Costa Dorada has retained its reputation as a producer of excellent wines, olive oil, and citrus fruits to this day. In the Middle Ages, Tarragona was valued as an important Mediterranean port; later, during the Renaissance, pirates realized this fact, threatening the city and surrounding areas with raids and turning neighboring Salou into their residence.
At the end of the 19th century, the province's transport infrastructure was improved, but the region's tourism boom began only in the second half of the 20th century. Before this, Spain, shaken by civil conflicts, had no time for rest. As a reminder of the Civil War, bunkers remain on the Costa Dorada. In peacetime, the Gold Coast was quickly developed by residents of the central provinces, who dreamed of a clean sea and a quiet family vacation. With the construction of new hotels, theme parks, and the reconstruction of picturesque fishing villages, foreigners also followed suit.
The main, but not the only advantage of the Costa Dorada is its beaches, many of which have been awarded the Blue Flag, a sign of ideal cleanliness and quality service. There has never been a developed industry with harmful emissions in the region; the Spaniards manage to maintain order in the ports, so there are simply no sources of pollution of water and coastal areas on the Costa Dorada. The main differences between the beaches lie in the types of outdoor activities that are offered to tourists. Access to all coastal areas is free, only the rental of sun loungers and umbrellas is paid - an average of 10 euros per day. The collection is not obligatory; if necessary, you can lie on the mat you brought with you.
The 7 km of El Vendrell beaches and the kilometer-long Playa Larga along the Rode de Bara promenade are popular. In the town of Cunit there are 2.5 km of sandy beaches, protected from erosion by a semicircular spit, and four artificial beach islands. Record holder for the number of beaches separated by rocky coves, Salou is the unofficial tourist capital of the Costa Dorada. Many of them are located next to the promenade with restaurants and sports grounds. The town of Calafell has three beaches, on one of them, Segura, you can rent boats and catamarans. In Cambrils, it is convenient to ride along the sea along equipped paths on bicycles and roller skates, which are rented here. The nudist beach of El Torn, surrounded by forest, is located near the town of Hospitalet del Infant.
Amusement parks on the Gold Coast
In the Costa Dorada region there are three amusement parks open for tourists - Port Aventura, Aquopolis and Aqualeon. While the first enjoys European fame as the largest year-round park on the continent with hotels and campsites, restaurants, water and land attractions, and concert programs, the others prefer a narrow specialization and operate only in the high season.
Aquopolis in La Pineda represents a popular European network of water parks and dolphinariums. The park, open from May to October, has 19 slides, and after the show in the dolphinarium you can swim with sea lions. A comprehensive ticket costs about 30 euros, visiting a performance costs 8 euros. "Aqualeon" in Albinyan for 10-12 euros offers guests a water park with 8 attractions and a safari on a double-decker bus, along the route of which lions, tigers, elephants, jaguars, rhinoceroses and bears roam freely.
PortAventura Park
The Port Aventura amusement park is located in Salou on the Costa Dorada and ranks 6th in popularity among theme parks in Europe. The complex was conceived as a park with 42 attractions, representing different regions of the world - the Mediterranean, Polynesia, China, Mexico, the Wild West and the fabulous Sesame. Each zone has its own attractions, performances, souvenir shops and cafes with national cuisine. In the Mediterranean, nightly parades and fireworks displays take place during the high season. During the day in Polynesia, performers dressed in Hawaiian costumes address the island gods in a hot dance. A Chinese magician masterfully manipulates giant soap bubbles, a cancan is danced in a saloon in the Wild West, and in Mexico archaeologists are exploring an ancient temple with fiery surprises. Popular attractions include a catapult, an active volcano, a Mayan labyrinth, and a terrifying roller coaster. For guests who prefer a less extreme holiday, there are walks on the water on Chinese boats and a trip on an American train. Safe children's play areas are equipped for the youngest visitors.
In the Karibe water park, guests will find 17 water attractions for every taste: a pool with waves for surfers, Bahama Beach - a beach with sun loungers for the lazy, a children's area under the roof with water pistols, an airplane and pools with balls. The twisting slide “Mambo Limbo”, 12 m high, is gentle enough that it is not scary for children over 110 cm tall. Much more extreme is the 15-meter “Typhon” with almost vertical sections. Descending down the Torrent is reminiscent of rafting down a mountain river. You can relax a little by swimming under the waterfalls on inflatable rings and mattresses along the 1.5-kilometer Rio Loco.
Waterpark "Karibe"Just recently, the Ferrari Park opened in Port Aventura, telling everything about the life of the brand’s founder, Enzo Anselmo Ferrari. As expected, all attractions - simulators for children and adults, racing tracks, pit stops, gondolas with free-fall elements - are designed in red.
One day at the amusement park costs 49 euros for regular visitors and 41 euros for beneficiaries, which include children 4-10 years old and guests over 60 years old. The longer you plan to vacation, the lower the costs. A night ticket generally costs 25 and 22 euros, respectively. A holiday in Ferrari Park costs 20 and 16 euros per day. The most profitable ticket is a comprehensive ticket to the main park, Ferrari and Caribe for 3 days: such a visit costs 85 and 70 euros. Those staying in a hotel on the territory of Port Aventura get free access to the main attractions without time restrictions and a one-time visit to Ferrari, in addition, they receive a discount in the water park.
Architectural sights of the Costa Dorada
Although the region does not have the works of world-famous architects, it has preserved many interesting examples of buildings from the Roman era, the Middle Ages, and Baroque. In Cambrils you can see the Vilafortuny Castle; in Calafell, a castle from the 11th century has been partially restored. There is also a monument to a fisherman here - a stocky barefoot man with a net on his shoulder, peering into the sea. Another interesting sculpture of the Costa Dorada is in Altafulla, where in the right corner between two houses there is an eight-tier acrobatic pyramid, at the base of which there are a dozen athletic people, and at the top – a thin teenager.
A 38-meter record-breaking lighthouse was built in Torredembarra, firstly, the tallest in Catalonia, and secondly, the last one erected in the twentieth century, since it was opened minute by minute at the end of the century. To attract tourists, the typical fishing village of Roc de Sant Gaeta has been restored near Roda de Bara. The name of the town of Hospitalet del Infant was given by the hospital built in 1346 by Prince Pere. Now it hosts painting and photography exhibitions. In the village of Vila Seca, near La Pineda, Roman settlements and a medieval tower have been preserved.
Lighthouse in TorredembarraArchitectural monuments of Ancient Rome
Traces of the Roman presence are especially noticeable in Tarragona - ancient Tarraco. Here you can see an aqueduct, a circus for 30,000 spectators, an amphitheater, and a forum included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The 1 km long fortress walls are the oldest Roman structure outside Italy. The Roman Praetorium was used until the 16th century as the residence of kings, and then, so that the strong building would not be empty, as a prison. Several Roman villas remain in the region, one of the most visited is “Muns” near Altafulla. Near Roda de Bara stands the 12-meter Arc de Triomphe, recognized as a national treasure.
Monuments of religious architecture
Among the Christian monuments of the Costa Daurada, the 12th century Tarragona Cathedral with elements of both Romanesque and Gothic styles stands out. The Church of Our Lady of the Rocks was built in Mont-roig del Camp at the end of the 13th century on the ruins of a medieval castle. The Romanesque foundation is preserved in the sacristy of the Church of St. Christopher in Cunit, substantially rebuilt in the 18th century.
The most famous Christian monument on the Costa Dorada outside the country is the Cistercian monastery of Poblet, founded by French monks in the 12th century and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 8 kings of Aragon are buried there. The monastery functioned until the middle of the 19th century; in 1940 it was restored by Italian monks of the same order. Now about 30 brothers permanently live in it, so visiting hours are limited - from 10 to 17:25 with a break from 12:30 to 15 hours from Monday to Saturday; on holidays the facility closes earlier. A ticket costs 7.5 euros for independent travelers, 10 euros for those who want to listen to a guide, and for 24 euros you can also have lunch at the monastery. There is a bus service from Tarragona to Poblet three times a day.
Museums of the region
The main museums of the Costa Dorada are concentrated in Tarragona. The most interesting collection of finds from the Roman period is kept in the National Archaeological Museum, founded in the middle of the 19th century. The Paleo-Christian necropolis is also under his control. All Roman buildings are part of the Tarragona History Museum. The port museum tells about the history of fishing, the old lighthouse tells about signal systems. Located in Calafell, the house-museum of Carlos Barral, a prominent Catalan poet and politician, is considered a fisherman's hut, although the building looks like a nice old stone house. The collection of the Cambrils City Museum is distributed among five historical buildings, the main one being a former mill.
Subordinate to the monastery of Poblet is the royal palace of Martin I, famous mainly for the fact that he died of laughter. One of the most spectacular civil buildings in the country houses ceramics, silver, and stucco architectural elements. The palace is decorated with gargoyles - actually portraits of prominent statesmen.
The Joan Miró Center is opened in Mont-roig del Camp in the building of the Old Church. The world-famous Catalan artist lived here in his youth, when the now popular tourist spot was surrounded by wetlands with no hint of civilized beaches.
In Reus, on the Market Square, there is the center of Gaudi - another Catalan celebrity, a brilliant architect. In El Vendrell there is a Deu Museum, named after the collector who left valuable paintings, ceramics, and objects of religious art to the city.
Active holidays on the Gold Coast
Sports center of the Costa Dorada - Salou. The Lumine Golf Club in the outskirts of the city has 3 courses covering 170 hectares. A rally is taking place in Salou, football fields, tennis courts, and swimming pools are being built. Sailing competitions are scheduled for 2018 as part of the Mediterranean Games. Half an hour's drive from Calafell, on the edge of a pine forest, is the Graiera Golf Club with two courses.
Golf courses near TarragonaDiving on the Costa Dorada is unique in that divers look not so much at marine life, although there are plenty of them on the reefs, but at sunken ships from different eras and military equipment from the Second World War. In the Underwater Park of Tarragona, an artificial reef was formed from sunken ships, and to attract tourists, the 65-meter vessel Dragonera had to be sunk to the bottom.
Surfers on the Costa Dorada are mostly beginners: small waves due to weak winds are optimal for beginners. The most popular surf school is near the port of Tarragona. But the most experienced professionals come here for fishing. All local residents fish, and special calendars are regularly issued for them. A permit is required to fish, so tourists are better off seeking help from specialized companies - going out to sea on your own can result in a fine.
Holidays Costa Dorada
As befits a Catholic region, every city or village of the Costa Dorada celebrates the days of its patron saints and general church holidays on a grand scale. During this time, processions with religious symbols and festive carnivals are obligatory. A secular carnival takes place in February in Tarragona, and here in May, at “Living Tarraco”, nostalgia for the Roman past is indulged in - crowds in togas roam the streets. The patroness of the capital, Saint Thecla, is honored in September with a long carnival. The Festival of Magic, also known as a magic competition, takes place in mid-March in La Pineda. In July, citizens and guests participate in a fireworks competition. In Hospitalet del Infante, a large festival in honor of Saint Roch takes place in mid-August.
There is a real culinary cult in Tarragona. Tourists can not only have a great lunch, but also visit specialized museums where they will be told how local rum, wine or olive oil is produced. The most famous of them is the Agricultural Museum of Cambrils in a former wine cellar. A significant part of the holidays on the Costa Dorada is related to food. In Valls, at the end of January, a calciotada is organized in honor of the leek; in Reus, in June, a wine fair is held; at the same time, the municipality of Mont-roig del Camp celebrates the days of the octopus. September is the time for local agricultural fairs with tastings in every village.
Coastal restaurantIn the restaurants of the Costa Dorada, which usually open in the afternoon, you should try dishes of meat and river and sea fish, flavored with herbs, garlic and spices, and local wines. Each city has its own wine cellar with inexpensive products of excellent quality. It is better to go shopping to Tarragona and Reus. The latter cannot boast of architecture or history, but it houses several hundred boutiques. Souvenirs, exotic sweets, summer clothes and handicrafts are sold in Port Aventura Park.
Where to stay
Tourism is the main source of income for the Costa Dorada, so in addition to numerous hotels, it is easy to find private apartments at reasonable prices due to high competition. In recent years, offers in the Port Aventura park have been in greatest demand. A room in the American-style Gold River hotel costs from 73 euros per night, in Caribe next to the water park - from 69 euros. The Port Aventura hotel in the style of an expensive fishing village will cost 76 euros per night, the Mexican El Paso will ask for 99 euros, the Caravaning campsite will cost 105 euros. In addition to the listed 4-star hotels, the 5-star Mansión de Lucy in the style of the American Wild West has recently opened.
How to get there
Foreign tourists arrive on the Costa Dorada mainly through Barcelona International Airport. The airport in Reus, although it has international status, is intended mainly for charters. From the capital of Catalonia to the coastal cities: Tarragona, Cambrils, Salou, La Pineda - buses cost 13-17 euros per trip and trains. Cruise ships call at the port of Tarragona.
Translated from Spanish, Costa Dorada means “Golden Coast”. The resort fully justifies its name thanks to its magnificent beaches with golden sand. Holidays at the resorts of the Costa Dorada, located south of Barcelona, are loved by tourists not only from Russia, from many Europe and other countries of the world. The most popular resorts on this coast are Cambrils And Salou. They have everything that lovers of active recreation and a quiet lifestyle, both adults and children, need. Here you can also find a variety of water activities, tennis courts and much more. Gourmets here will be able to enjoy the rich fish cuisine of restaurants, bars and cafes.
Nature of the Costa Dorada.
Every year the Costa Dorada resort attracts more and more tourist groups to its golden sandy beaches. In the delta of the Ebro River there is a unique nature reserve. Here you can find spacious comfortable beaches, comfortable modern hotels, unique historical monuments, wonderful restaurants, discos and much more.
Climate on the Costa Dorada.
The Costa Dorada will be remembered for its rich Mediterranean sun. The beaches of the coast are protected by the coastal chain of mountains from the northern winds and are abundantly covered with sand; the water in the sea is quite clean. The average air temperature in summer ranges from 25 to 32 degrees above zero, and the occasional sea breeze keeps the surrounding air fresh. Winters here are very mild; they are accompanied by clear sunny days. This makes the Costa Dorada one of the best places to spend an extraordinary and memorable holiday for many years to come.
What to try on vacation? National cuisine of Spain.
Spanish cuisine is very diverse, we recommend try it in local restaurants located along the entire coast. Here you can always order “zarzuela”, “fisherman’s paella”, “fish parillada”, “arrossejata”, “suquetas”, “arros negre” and “fideua”. Traditional dishes are distinguished by their incomparable taste.
Capital of the Costa Dorada region.
The main city of the Costa Dorada is Tarragona, the current capital of the province. Tarragona is famous for its buildings from the ancient Roman era that have survived to this day; modernity and ancient traditions coexist harmoniously here. The city is famous for its numerous folk festivals and is the most important cultural, sports and commercial center in Catalonia.
Costa Dorada - relaxation day and night.
In the resort area La Pineda settled down Aquapolis Park, which has many slides and other water attractions for every taste and age, as well as a dolphinarium. A recreation area is a unique complex that combines cafes, bars, restaurants and discos. "Pineda Drink". A holiday in this area of the Costa Dorada involves not only daytime entertainment, but also a lively nightlife, which takes place in dance halls, numerous discos, bars and cafes with music. Every day, tourist boats depart to Cambrils, Tarragona and other nearby resort centers, where you can take a walk along the coast.
Resort town of Salou.
City Salou was founded by the ancient Greeks and preserves traces of various cultures and civilizations of the Mediterranean. The rich history of the city contains many interesting facts, for example, in 1229, King Jaime I, from here, set off to conquer Majorca, and in the 16th century, an old tower was built here - Torre Vella, which has survived to this day. Salou is located one hundred kilometers south of the capital of Catalonia - Barcelona, the city is literally surrounded by the greenery of Mediterranean pine trees and tropical vegetation, it is known for its varied beaches. Holidaymakers on the Costa Dorada are enchanted by the golden sand, clear sea water and the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Boulevard Jaime I- This business card of Salou, a colonnade of majestic palm trees stretches along it for a thousand meters. During the daytime, the small town of Salou is filled with sea and sun, and at night it sparkles with the bright lights of discos, shopping centers, restaurants and bars. In the evenings, we definitely recommend visiting the show of color and musical fountains.
Adventure Park Port Aventura.
The attractive force of the Costa Dorada is its proximity to the Port Aventura adventure park, which is second largest in Europe. The park was built with the participation of the American Universal film company and is unique in that it presents five corners of the world with their characteristic attractions, national folklore and national cuisine. One day will not be enough to try out all its attractions and watch all the shows and performances. Therefore, we recommend buying a ticket for two days at once. And for those who want to use all the possibilities Port Aventura, we can advise you to book one of the four hotels located on its territory for a few days, then visiting the attractions will be free for you. In addition, you will also receive several small but pleasant bonuses. Another tip - try to avoid visiting the park on summer weekends. Schoolchildren from all over Spain come there, and the queues for popular attractions are simply gigantic.
Buy tours to Costa Dorada in our company!
Our tourists have long known that the managers of Flagman Travel are very well versed in the hotel base of the Costa Dorada, they know all the pros and cons of popular hotels on the coast. In addition, we know which operators are best to book a particular hotel with. By purchasing a tour from us, you can be confident in the quality of your vacation and the optimal price.
Most Russian-speaking tourists prefer to holiday in Spain at the resorts of the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada. But these two tourist regions are seriously different from each other, as they offer completely different holidays.
Holidays in the Costa Brava will be more enjoyable for those who cannot sit still. Museums, natural views, architectural monuments, proximity to Barcelona’s attractions - you can’t do it all in a week!
Costa Dorada, on the contrary, is aimed at the “lazy” tourist and young parents. The latter will definitely like the gentle entrance to the sea and the proximity of one of the largest amusement parks in the world, Port Aventura.
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Comparison of pros and cons
| Advantages of the Costa Brava | Advantages of Costa Dorada |
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| Flaws | Flaws |
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Location of coasts on the map
Costa Brava
Main resorts:
The Costa Brava (meaning “wild rocky coast” in Spanish) is part of the Balearic Sea coast north of Barcelona. Officially, its borders start from the city of Blanes and end at the Spanish-French border.
The only “own” airport of the Costa Brava is in Girona, but 98% of tourists fly to Barcelona and get to the resorts using public transport or transfers.
Costa Dorada
Costa Dorada is located in the province of Tarragona, in the northeastern part of Spain. The "Golden Coast", as this coast is often called because of the golden color of the sand, stretches from Tarragona to Barcelona.
Main resorts:
Climatic features
Costa Brava
Lloret, Blanes and Tossa De Mar are always a couple of degrees cooler. It is influenced by the mountains and the cold current that comes here from Gibraltar. The water takes a little longer to warm up, so the swimming season begins only at the end of June and ends at the end of September.
Majestic cliffs, densely covered with mighty pines and firs, secluded bays and snow-white beaches. You won’t find anything like this in other regions, so we recommend staying in the north for lovers of beautiful views and hiking.
Costa Dorada
Costa Dorada has a slightly milder and warmer climate. Thanks to its southern location, it receives less rain from the Pyrenees. The swimming season here starts earlier and ends a little later. Therefore, in June and October it is better to relax in Salou or Tarragona.
Since the entrance to the sea is shallow, the water also warms up much better than in the resorts of the Costa Brava. And the sand here is finer, so it sticks better and kids like it. There is so much entertainment here that neither kids nor lovers of active recreation and thrills will be bored.
The resort infrastructure is growing and improving every year. There are many more hotels with animation and food that our tourist is used to. The same applies to nightclubs, noisy discos and entertainment centers.
Major resorts
Costa Brava
Perhaps the brightest and busiest resort in the region is the former trading port, now a paradise for vacationers -. Nightclubs and discos for every taste, British bars, beach attractions and noisy party life - everything is created for a carefree youth holiday.
An excellent vacation spot is. A 3-kilometer golden beach, picturesque bays, medieval buildings, botanical gardens and wonderful nature create an atmosphere of comfort. Also, trains to Barcelona run constantly from here.
From the northern resorts it is a stone's throw to the southern coast of France. By renting a car, you can easily reach Nice and the Principality of Monaco in 6 hours. And good transport links to Barcelona will give you the opportunity to get to know this beautiful city and its attractions.
Costa Dorada
Tarragona Cathedral is a majestic building built in the 12th century. In the temple you can see sculptures of the 12 apostles, Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. The cathedral is active, so in addition to its architecture, it is also notable for the fact that it allows you to plunge into the local religion.
Costa Dorada, the “Golden Coast” is a strip of golden beaches stretching for almost 200 km. The shores of the Costa Dorada are washed by the waters of the Balearic Sea.
Costa Dorada is chosen for its clean beaches, fresh air, saturated with the aroma of pine, shallow sea and vibrant nightlife. There is something to do here for partygoers, families with small children, newlyweds, and lovers of antiquities and active recreation.
Climate and weather of Costa Dorada
The resorts of the Costa Dorada are reliably protected from the winds by the Pyrenees and the Catalan Mountains. The climate here is mild, Mediterranean. The best time to holiday on the Costa Dorada is late spring and early autumn. The hottest month is August. The swimming season begins in mid-May and ends in October.
| During the day | At night | Sea | Season | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | +14 | +6 | +14 | |
| February | +15 | +6 | +13 | |
| March | +17 | +8 | +13 | |
| April | +19 | +11 | +15 | |
| May | +23 | +14 | +18 | |
| June | +26 | +19 | +22 | Beach |
| July | +29 | +20 | +24 | Beach |
| August | +29 | +20 | +25 | Beach |
| September | +26 | +18 | +24 | Beach |
| October | +23 | +15 | +22 | Beach |
| November | +18 | +10 | +18 | |
| December | +15 | +6 | +15 |
Beaches and sea of the Costa Dorada
The beaches in Costa Dorada are sandy and the sand is golden. There are areas with a rocky bottom or pebbly surface. Many have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness. The beaches are municipal, entry is free, but you will have to pay for sun loungers and umbrellas. Unlike the steep banks of the Costa Brava, the Costa Doroda has a gentle entrance to the water almost everywhere. Windsurfers choose the beaches of Salou and Cambrils.
It is worth noting that there are no hotels on the first line in the Costa Dorada. To get to the sea, you need to either walk or use the hotel shuttle service.
Resorts of the Costa Dorada
The most popular resorts on the Costa Dorada are Salou, La Pineda and Cambrils. La Pineda attracts families with children - there is a gentle entrance to the water on sandy beaches. Party-goers and young people like Salou; there are many discos and nightclubs here. People also come to Salou with children - to the huge amusement park Port Aventura.
Cambrils is famous for its fish restaurants - a true gourmet paradise. Windsurfers come to Salou and Cambrils, as well as to the heart of the Costa Dorada - Miami Playa. In bustling Sitges, parties never stop; festivals and celebrations are held.
Sights of the Costa Dorada
Tarragona is an ancient town, literally crammed with various antiquities. A Roman amphitheater has been preserved here, in the arena of which gladiators once fought. The huge cathedral amazes with its bizarre appearance - over the 150 years of construction, it was replaced by many architects, each of whom redrew the design. Even in Tarragona, you can stand on the Devil's Bridge - an ancient Roman aqueduct through which water flowed into the city.
The main attraction of the Salou resort is the huge Port Aventura amusement park. Both adults and children come here - this is a real Spanish Disneyland with many attractions, shows, a beach club and even a Costa Caribbean water park. Performances are staged in the style of Polynesia, China, the Wild West and the Mediterranean - with knights, aborigines, princesses, cowboys - all accompanied by music, noise and fireworks. Salou also has a beautiful embankment and an amazing luminous fountain, whose repertoire includes 210 plays of light and water jets.
In the town of La Pineda there is a beautiful water park "Aqualeon" - in addition to the slides, there is also a nature reserve. The show involves sea animals and parrots. For art lovers, we recommend a trip to the town of Reus, where the famous Antonio Gaudi was born. In the magnificent museum you can get acquainted with his works and appreciate the flight of imagination of the great Catalan.
You can admire the yachts in Cambrils - but first you need to walk along the ancient narrow streets and find a hundred-year-old pine tree - it has an unusual round crown. They say that whoever touches it will have their cherished wish come true.
Cuisine of the Costa Dorada
Gourmets come to Cambrils - local fish restaurants are famous throughout Spain. Fresh fish and shellfish are excellent here. You can buy seafood at the market and then ask the owners of nearby cafes to cook your catch - this is a common practice. The fish is always fresh - the morning catch is considered the best. The fish is grilled, baked with lemon and spices, and served with vegetables.
There is a lot of rice in the dishes of the Costa Dorada, as elsewhere in Spain - be sure to try the paella with mussels and octopus. Meat eaters will love the Morcilla blood sausage. To crown your lunch or dinner, you should try the “menjar blanc” dessert - a delicate almond cream mousse with lemon and cinnamon.