The Costa Dorada is one of the most beautiful areas in the province of Tarragona, in Catalonia, Spain. With a wide variety of landscapes, from beaches with crystal clear waters to mountains of great beauty, it is difficult not to fall in love with this region. In addition, it is home to some of the most picturesque and charming towns on the Catalan coast. In this article, I will introduce you to the 10 most beautiful towns on the Costa Dorada in Tarragona.

Calafell

Calafell is a picturesque coastal town located in the region of Baix Penedès, in the province of Tarragona. Despite being a popular tourist destination, Calafell has retained much of its authenticity and charm, making it an ideal place to explore local culture and enjoy the region’s cuisine.

Catalan cuisine is famous for its variety and quality of fresh, local ingredients, and Calafell is no exception. Typical local dishes include rice dishes and stews made with fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, as well as high-quality Iberian pork meat and sausage dishes.

One of the most popular places to enjoy the local gastronomy in Calafell is the municipal market, where visitors can buy fresh and local products directly from the producers. There is also a wide variety of bars and restaurants in the village, offering everything from traditional tapas to high quality gourmet cuisine.

The 10 most beautiful towns on the Costa Dorada

For wine lovers, Calafell is also an interesting destination. The Penedès region, which surrounds the town, is known for its vineyards and wineries, and is one of the most important wine areas in Spain. Visitors can take excursions to local wineries to taste high-quality wines and learn about the history and production of wine in the region.

In addition to gastronomy and wine, Calafell offers a wide variety of tourist and cultural activities. The town’s medieval castle is one of the main tourist attractions, offering spectacular views of the coast and the town. There is also a wide variety of nearby beaches, with fine sand and crystal clear waters, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sun and the sea.

For those interested in culture and history, Calafell has several museums and interpretation centers that offer information on the history and culture of the region. The Casa Barral Museum, for example, is an ethnological museum that shows the life and customs of the area through the centuries.

Torredembarra

Torredembarra is a small town located in the province of Tarragona. This town is known for its rich history, dream beaches and for its excellent cuisine. If you are a lover of good food and charming places, Torredembarra is a tourist destination that you should not miss.

As for its gastronomy, the town is especially known for its fresh fish and shellfish. The proximity of the Mediterranean Sea allows local restaurants to offer a wide variety of top quality seafood. Some of the most popular dishes that can be found in restaurants in the area are fideuá, a dish similar to paella but in which thin noodles are used instead of rice, and calçots, a kind of sweet onion that is roast and eat with romesco sauce.

Another of Torredembarra’s culinary attractions are its wines. The Penedès region, located a few kilometers from the town, is one of the most important wine-growing areas in Catalonia. Some of the best wines in the region are produced here, which can be tasted in the local restaurants and wineries in the area.

In addition to its gastronomy, Torredembarra is also a popular tourist destination thanks to its beaches. The town’s main beach is Platja de la Paella, a beach of fine sand and crystal clear waters that has all the necessary services to enjoy a day of sun and sea. But Torredembarra also has other beaches of great beauty, such as Playa de la Mora or Playa de la Roca Plana, the latter ideal for practicing water sports such as windsurfing or kitesurfing.

Another of Torredembarra’s tourist attractions is its historical heritage. The town has a very well-preserved old town where you can find buildings of great historical and artistic value, such as the church of Sant Pere or the Torre de la Vila, a defensive tower from the 15th century that has become one of the symbols of the people.

El Roc de Sant Gaietà

El Roc de Sant Gaietà is a small coastal town located in the province of Tarragona. This place is famous for its architectural beauty, its calm and relaxed atmosphere and, of course, for its exquisite cuisine. If you are looking for a unique and charming tourist destination, El Roc de Sant Gaietà is undoubtedly an excellent option.

The architecture of this small town is undoubtedly one of its main attractions. Built in the mid-20th century, Roc de Sant Gaietà was designed to resemble a Costa Brava village from the early 20th century. All the houses in the village are built with traditional materials, such as stone and wood, and are decorated with carefully chosen details, such as flower pots and colored shutters. The result is a town that seems to be taken from a fairy tale and is perfect for strolling and enjoying its beauty.

But El Roc de Sant Gaietà is not only a tourist attraction for its beauty, it is also a highly recommended gastronomic destination. The local cuisine is based on the fresh products of the region and on the Catalan culinary tradition. Some of the most typical dishes that can be found in local restaurants are soupy rice with lobster, noodles in a casserole or suquet de peix, a very popular fish stew in the area.

In addition, the restaurants of El Roc de Sant Gaietà are also known for their excellent selection of wines. The Penedès region, located a few kilometers from the town, is one of the most important wine areas in Catalonia, so it is easy to find a wide variety of local wines to accompany your food.

But gastronomy is not the only attraction of El Roc de Sant Gaietà. The town also has a small beach of fine sand and crystalline waters, ideal for enjoying the sun and the sea. In addition, from the port of the town you can hire boat trips to discover the coast of the area and practice water sports such as kayaking or paddle surfing.

The 10 most beautiful towns on the Costa Dorada

In summary, El Roc de Sant Gaietà is a tourist destination that perfectly combines architectural beauty, tranquility and good food. If you are looking for a place to disconnect and enjoy the gastronomy and beauty of the Mediterranean coast, this town is undoubtedly an excellent option.

Ametlla de Mar

Ametlla de Mar is a picturesque coastal town. This charming tourist destination is known for its beautiful beaches, its rich history and culture, and of course, for its exquisite cuisine.

Ametlla de Mar has a wide variety of restaurants that offer the best of Mediterranean and Catalan cuisine. The local gastronomy is based on the freshness of the ingredients, such as freshly caught fish and shellfish, locally grown vegetables and olive oil produced in nearby olive groves. Typical dishes from the area include suquet de peix, a fish stew with potatoes and alioli, and rice with lobster, a typical dish from the Catalan coast.

In Ametlla de Mar you can also enjoy a wide variety of local wines produced in the Priorat region, a nearby wine-growing area famous for its high-quality red wines. Local wines can be tasted in the restaurants of the village or in the surrounding wineries.

In addition to its rich gastronomy, Ametlla de Mar is an ideal place to enjoy the natural beauty of the Mediterranean coast. The town has numerous beaches of fine sand and crystalline waters, ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the sea. You can also do water activities such as diving, fishing and windsurfing.

For those interested in history and culture, Ametlla de Mar has several points of tourist interest. The Lighthouse of l’Ametlla de Mar, located in the port, is a lighthouse built in 1864 that offers impressive views of the coast. You can also visit the Castillo de Sant Jordi, a 15th century fortification that dominates the town and offers an impressive panoramic view.

Prades

Prades is a beautiful town located in the mountains of the Baix Camp region, in the province of Tarragona. This charming tourist destination is known for its rich history and culture, as well as its exquisite cuisine.

The gastronomy of Prades is a mixture of flavors from the mountains and the sea, since it is located in an area close to the coast and surrounded by forests and mountains. The local cuisine is based on fresh and seasonal ingredients, such as game meat, mushrooms and truffles, as well as fresh, high-quality seafood.

Among the typical dishes of the area are the veal fricandó, a traditional Catalan stew made with veal, mushrooms, onion and red wine; soupy rice with lobster, a typical dish from the Catalan coast; and the fish soup, made with fresh fish and with the traditional recipe of the area. You can also taste local sausages, such as the Prades sausage, which is made with pork and spices.

In Prades you can also taste a wide variety of local wines produced in the nearby wine regions of Priorat and Terra Alta. The wines of the area are known for their intense flavor and high quality.

In addition to its rich gastronomy, Prades is an ideal place to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains. The town is surrounded by forests and mountains, making it an ideal destination for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the area from the Camí dels Avellaners viewpoint, located on top of a hill near the town.

Prades is also a place of historical and cultural interest, with numerous monuments and old buildings that show the rich history of the area. Among them are the church of Santa Maria, a Gothic church from the 14th century, and the castle of Prades, a medieval fortification that dominates the town and offers impressive views of the area.

Miravet

Miravet is a town in the province of Tarragona that is located in the Ribera d’Ebre region, in the heart of Catalonia. It is known for its impressive Templar castle and for its exquisite cuisine.

Miravet’s gastronomy is a mixture of Mediterranean and mountain flavors, with a wide variety of typical dishes that use fresh and seasonal ingredients. One of the most popular dishes in the area is xató, a salad that combines endive leaves, cod, black olives and romesco sauce, a delicious mixture of tomato, garlic, almonds, toasted bread and olive oil.

Another typical dish of the area is arroz caldoso con bogavante, a delicious and comforting dish that is prepared with rice, fresh lobster, tomato and spices. Coca de recapte, a kind of traditional pizza made with bread dough, vegetables, anchovies and olives, is also popular.

In addition to its exquisite gastronomy, Miravet is a place of great natural and cultural beauty. Miravet Castle, built in the 12th century, is one of the most impressive in Catalonia and offers spectacular views of the Ebro River and the surrounding area. It is also recommended to visit the church of Santa Maria, a Romanesque church dating from the 13th century and featuring beautiful stained glass windows and frescoes.

Miravet

For those looking for outdoor activities, Miravet is the ideal place for hiking, mountain biking and kayaking on the Ebro River. The surroundings of the town are full of routes and trails that allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the zone.

Finally, if you are interested in the history and culture of the area, do not miss the Museum of the Battle of l’Ebre, located in an old oil mill from the 18th century. This museum offers an interesting insight into the Battle of the Ebro, one of the most important battles of the Spanish Civil War.

Siurana

Siurana is a beautiful town located in the mountains of the province of Tarragona, in the Priorat region. Known for its impressive castle and breathtaking views, Siurana is also famous for its exquisite cuisine and high-quality wines.

Siurana’s gastronomy is a mixture of Mediterranean and mountain flavors, with a great variety of typical dishes that use fresh and local ingredients. One of the most popular dishes in the area is grilled lamb, a delicious preparation that is slowly roasted over olive wood and seasoned with salt and olive oil. Another typical dish of the area is the olla de truita, a fish soup that is prepared with different varieties of fish from the area and is accompanied with toasted bread and alioli.

In addition to its exquisite gastronomy, Siurana is a place of great natural and cultural beauty. Siurana Castle, built in the 12th century, is one of the most impressive fortifications in the region and offers spectacular views of the surroundings. It is also advisable to visit the church of Santa María, a beautiful Romanesque church dating from the 12th century and with beautiful stained glass windows and frescoes.

For those looking for outdoor activities, Siurana is the ideal place for hiking and climbing. The surroundings of the town are full of routes and trails that allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, while the rock walls that surround the town are a paradise for climbers.

Siurana

Finally, you cannot miss the opportunity to taste the wines of the area. Priorat is famous for its high quality wines and Siurana is an excellent place to discover the flavors of the region. The Clos de l’Obac winery is one of the most prestigious in the area and offers tours and tastings for those who wish to learn more about the local wines.

Montblanc

Montblanc is a charming medieval town located in the Conca de Barberà region. Known for its impressive walled old town and rich history, Montblanc is also famous for its exquisite cuisine and high-quality wines.

Montblanc’s gastronomy is a mixture of Mediterranean and Catalan flavors, with a wide variety of typical dishes that use fresh and local ingredients. One of the most popular dishes in the area is “boar civet”, a stew of wild boar meat with a thick dark sauce served with potatoes. Another typical dish of the area is “coque”, a kind of pizza made with a thin and crispy dough that is covered with tomato, anchovies, olives and olive oil.

In addition to its exquisite gastronomy, Montblanc is a place of great cultural beauty. The medieval town is surrounded by a stone wall from the 14th century that is preserved practically intact, which has earned it the declaration of a Historic-Artistic Site. Inside, the Plaza Mayor and the impressive Portal del Mar stand out, one of the oldest entrances to the old town.

For those looking for outdoor activities, Montblanc is the ideal place for hiking and cycling. The surroundings of the town are full of routes and trails that allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, while the Ruta del Cister, a hiking and cycling route that connects the three Cistercian monasteries in the area, is one of the most popular in the region.

Finally, you cannot miss the opportunity to taste the wines of the area. The Conca de Barberà region is famous for its high quality wines and Montblanc is an excellent place to discover the flavors of the region. The Abadal winery is one of the most prestigious in the area and offers visits and tastings for those who wish to learn more about local wines.

Cambrils

Cambrils is a beautiful coastal town located in the province of Tarragona, on the Costa Dorada in Catalonia. With its golden sandy beaches, its fishing port and its vibrant nightlife, Cambrils is a very popular tourist destination for both national and international tourists. In addition, the town has a rich gastronomic tradition that makes it an ideal destination for food and wine lovers.

Cambrils gastronomy is based on the Mediterranean diet and the use of fresh and local ingredients, especially fish and shellfish. One of the most famous dishes in the area is “fideuá”, a dish similar to paella but instead of rice, thin noodles are used. Also noteworthy are the “arroz a la cazuela”, the “suquet de peix” and the “zarzuela”, dishes that combine different types of shellfish and fish with a tasty and aromatic sauce. Typical desserts from the area include “coca de vidre”, a sweet with a very thin and crunchy dough that is covered with icing sugar.

In addition to its gastronomy, Cambrils has numerous tourist attractions. The fishing port is a must stop, where visitors can watch local fishermen unload their catch and enjoy a fresh meal at the many restaurants that surround the area. You can also enjoy the town’s beaches, which stretch for more than 9 km of coastline and offer a wide variety of water activities, such as surfing, sailing and scuba diving.

The 10 most beautiful towns on the Costa Dorada

Another of the most popular tourist attractions in Cambrils is Parque Samà, a beautiful botanical garden that has more than 50 hectares of Mediterranean flora and fauna. The park, designed in the 19th century by the architect Josep Fontserè, is an ideal place to spend a relaxing day surrounded by nature.

Finally, wine lovers cannot miss visiting the local wineries in the Baix Camp region, where some of the region’s most prestigious wines are produced. Area wineries offer tours and tastings so visitors can learn more about wine production and enjoy the unique flavors of local wines.

La Pineda

La Pineda is a coastal town located on the Costa Dorada of Catalonia, in the province of Tarragona. This tourist destination is very popular among travelers looking for a quiet and relaxed place to enjoy the sun and the sea, as well as delicious cuisine.

One of the main attractions of La Pineda is its beach, which has a wide expanse of golden sand and crystal clear waters. This beach is ideal for families with children, as it has a wide range of water activities and play areas for the little ones. In addition, La Pineda has a wide variety of bars and restaurants along the promenade, where visitors can enjoy fresh and tasty dishes from the local gastronomy.

The gastronomy of La Pineda is a mixture of Mediterranean and Catalan cuisine, in which fresh fish and shellfish from the Mediterranean Sea stand out. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of local dishes, such as “fideuá”, a dish similar to paella but thin noodles are used instead of rice, and “suquet de peix”, a fish stew with a delicious sauce and aroma. In addition, visitors can taste the region’s local wines, such as Priorat and Montsant, which are produced in nearby vineyards.

Another of the most popular tourist attractions in La Pineda is the Aquopolis water park, which has a wide variety of slides and water attractions for all ages. Visitors can enjoy a day of family fun while cooling off in the most exciting water rides.