The Costa Dorada is a region located on the east coast of Spain, in the province of Tarragona, which stretches from the Ebro Delta to the city of Tarragona. This area has a Mediterranean climate, dream beaches and coves, a wide variety of outdoor activities and a rich culture and history. In this tourist guide to the Costa Dorada, we will show you some of the most outstanding places to visit and activities to enjoy during your holidays.
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Beaches and coves
The Costa Dorada is famous for its beaches with crystal clear waters and golden sand. Most of the region’s beaches have showers, toilets, sun lounger and umbrella rental, and lifeguards. These are some of the most outstanding beaches:
Playa de la Pineda: This is one of the largest beaches on the Costa Dorada, with more than three kilometers of golden sand and crystal clear waters. The beach has a large number of services, including a children’s play area and a wide variety of restaurants and bars.
Salou Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches on the Costa Dorada, with more than two kilometers of golden sand. The beach is serviced and includes a children’s play area and a variety of restaurants.
Cala Fonda in Tarragona: Also known as Waikiki, it is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Dorada, very popular with naturists. This beach is located in a protected natural environment, surrounded by cliffs and vegetation. The beach has fine sand and crystal clear water, and has no services, so it is recommended to bring everything you need.
Cala Font in Salou: This cove is one of the most photographed on the Costa Dorada, with an impressive natural environment and crystal clear waters. It has sun lounger and umbrella rental services, as well as restaurants offering typical regional dishes.
Playa de la Porquerola in Miami Playa: It is a long and wide sandy beach, with a calm atmosphere, showers, fishing on the shore and a bar-chiringuito.
Cala Crancs in Salou: This is a charming little cove, surrounded by cliffs and vegetation. The beach has fine sand and crystal clear water, and has sun lounger and umbrella rental services.
Culture and history
The Costa Dorada has a rich history and culture, which can be explored through its monuments and museums. These are some of the most prominent places:
Tarragona: The city of Tarragona is one of the oldest in Spain, and has a large number of monuments and historical buildings. Among them are the Roman amphitheater, the medieval wall, the cathedral and the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona.
Poblet Monastery: this monastery is one of the most important in Spain and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. Founded in the 12th century, it has an impressive Gothic and Renaissance architectural ensemble, and houses the tombs of the kings of Aragon.
Ciutadella Ibérica de Calafell: This Iberian citadel is an important archaeological site dating from the 6th century BC. It is located in the town of Calafell and has a guided tour that allows you to learn in detail about the history of the citadel and Iberian culture.
Railway Museum of Catalonia: This museum is located in the city of Vilanova i la Geltrú and is one of the most important in Europe dedicated to the world of railways. It has an impressive collection of locomotives, wagons and other objects related to the railway world.
Outdoor activities
The Costa Dorada is an ideal destination for lovers of outdoor activities. These are some of the most prominent options:
Delta del Ebro Natural Park: This park is a paradise for nature lovers, with a wide variety of flora and fauna, including flamingos, herons and ospreys. You can take excursions by boat, bicycle or on foot to discover the landscapes of the delta.
Samà Park: This park is an impressive botanical garden located in the town of Cambrils. It has a great variety of plant and animal species, as well as a waterfall, a lake and a maze.
Hiking in the Sierra de Montsant: The Sierra de Montsant is a mountainous massif located inland from the Costa Dorada, which offers a large number of hiking trails for all levels. From its peaks you can enjoy impressive views of the sea and the region.
Water activities: The Costa Dorada is an ideal destination for water activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddle surfing or kayaking. On many beaches in the region you can rent equipment and hire classes to get started in these disciplines.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy of the Costa Dorada is a delight for the senses, with a great variety of typical dishes of the region. These are some of the most prominent:
Arrossejat: It is a soupy rice typical of the region, which is made with fish and shellfish.
Fideuà: It is a dish similar to paella, but made with noodles instead of rice. It is usually prepared with fish and shellfish.
Romesco: It is a typical sauce of the region that is made with almonds, hazelnuts, toasted bread, ñoras and olive oil. It is used to accompany fish, meat and vegetable dishes.
Cava: It is a sparkling wine made in the region of Catalonia, which is made following the same method as champagne. It is ideal to accompany any type of meal or to enjoy on a summer afternoon.
Coca de vidre: It is a type of coca typical of the region, made with bread dough, tomato and olive oil. It is usually taken as an appetizer or as an accompaniment to main dishes.
Rovellons: They are wild mushrooms highly appreciated in the region, which are usually cooked on the grill or on the grill. They are an essential dish during the mushroom season.
Calçots: They are a variety of onion typical of the region that is grilled and served with romesco sauce. They are usually eaten in season and are very popular at regional festivals.
Featured events
The Costa Dorada is a region that has a large number of events throughout the year. These are some of the most prominent:
Nit del Foc de Cambrils: it is a pyrotechnic celebration that combines “correfoc” parades, dragon dances, giants and cabezudos. The streets of the town of Cambrils are filled with sparks of fire and firecrackers, with a parade that culminates with a great pyrotechnic show, final track and dance and concert in the framework of the Festa Major de la Mare de Déu del Camí de Cambrils, at the beginning of September
Cambrils International Music Festival: This festival is held during the month of July and August. They are a series of concerts in the Parque del Pinaret de Cambrils in which national and international artists of different musical genres participate every year. Many great artists have participated over the years, including: Alejandro Sanz, Miguel Bosé, Luz Casal, Bonnie Tyler and many more.
Tarragona Carnival: The Tarragona carnival is one of the most popular in the region and is celebrated during the month of February. It stands out for its parades and costume troupes.
Santa Tecla Festival in Tarragona: These festivals are held during the month of September and are some of the most popular in the region. They stand out for their fireworks, concerts, cultural and sports activities.
Montblanc Medieval Market: This market is held during the month of April and is one of the most important in the region. During the market, the city is transformed into a medieval village with shows, food stalls and crafts.
Conclusions
The Costa Dorada is an ideal tourist destination for those seeking sun, beach, culture and nature. The region boasts a wide variety of attractions, outdoor activities and outstanding events throughout the year. In addition, its gastronomy is a delight for the senses, with a great variety of typical dishes of the region. In short, the Costa Dorada is a destination that will not disappoint those who decide to visit it.
