The 9 essential things to do on the Costa Dorada

Between its fantastic coast and its fertile and spectacular lands, go to the Costa Dorada!

The Costa Dorada alternates the superb coastal strips, the sometimes Roman vestiges sometimes Gothic, the city centers charged with Art and History. So delay your fears of concrete landscapes and visit the Costa Dorada to live your dreams of paradise filled with turquoise water.

Then, to save your sunshine capital, count on the more mountainous nooks, licked with vines, olive trees and almond trees. Here are the 9 must-have things to do on the Costa Dorada, the most important thing to experience a complete and undisturbing journey.

1. Cities and villages heritage

Visiting the Costa Dorada through its small picturesque and shell villages will keep all its promises. Folk holidays, between relaxation and culture, guarantees.

• Calafell: Renowned as one of the most beautiful places in Costa Dorada, this authentic town is located halfway between Barcelona and Tarragona. Its streets invite you to go back in time through its medieval castle and Roman ruins. The museum “Cofradía de los Pescadores” retraces its maritime history;
• Roc de San Gaietà : A small town built for fishermen and multiple architectural influences. This is reflected in the remains of the Moorish, Gothic and Romanesque art. You will contemplate houses at the same time Andalusian, Galician and Sardinian. An originality that no one sees elsewhere;
• Torredembarra: A city marked its beautiful sandy expanse in a state-of-the-art port. Conversely, its historical central part offers medieval influences visible in its architecture and places of life;
• Tamarit: A beautiful village, toizing the sea and unique from its church and Romanesque castle incarnating the 12th century. The place even invites a swim at sea in front of this impressive building;
• Amettla de Mar: This authentic fishing village, sometimes nicknamed “La Cala” because of its coves, bathes in calm and fabulous waters;
• Ampolla: This small town is a clever mix of Mediterranean essences. Its landscapes alternate between flat fields and steep coasts. Wet soils adjoin the shelling areas, olive trees cleave the rice fields and all in an incredible harmony;
• Cambrils: A fishing village where life is built around a dynamic port and a detailed city centre in narrow and picturesque streets;
• El Perello: A charming village renowned for its honey and caves decorated with prehistoric rock paintings;
• Altafulla: This town of character concentrates around its castle and its characteristic church. Its heart consists of aguisy streets, where large old houses and medieval decorations are pressed, and giving a walk by the sea;
• Sant Carlos de la Ràpita : Fishing port and gastronomic paradise, this city is a landmark for good living. She brought langoustine into the design of many tapas. It also highlights the great marine diversity of the region thanks to its museum;
• Reus: This ancient medieval village, the cradle of Gaudí, is now known for its ensembles of modernist monuments. Don’t miss the Plaza del Mercadal and the Casa Navas: a jewel of Catalan modernism with intact furniture of time;
• Mont Roig del Camp : A small village with great authenticity. Flanquered by the mountains of Colldejou and Llaberia, this was the den of the painter Miró;
• Mont-Blanc: A fortified medieval village, planted on fertile lands filled with vineyards and almond trees. Here, the mountains covered with pine forests stretch the turbulent streets of the village;
• Valls: An attractive village from its rugged terrains where mountain chains and valleys gather. It stands out by its folklore and culinary specialties such as calçots. A kind of onion that is even celebrated at a well-watered party.

2. Natural parks in the region

Want to visit the Costa Dorada in good shape? Direction the Natural Park of the Prades Mountains: a fabulous playground for outdoor activities and greenery. It consists of wooded spaces repeatedly stalked by hikers.

In the hollow of the valleys, you will also find some small villages as forgotten in the world. In total harmony with local nature, the inhabitants will be delighted to invite you to share their traditions. Finally, you will discover La Forêt de Poblet and all its endemic fauna and flora. In addition to hiking, the Prades mountains lend themselves to climbing, speleology and mountain biking.

Then, head to Montsant Natural Park: a natural icon of the Costa Dorada. This park has many exciting shows and gorges. It is surprising by its magnificent reliefs and spectacular windows on the region. The outdoor enthusiasts rush to defy its large blocks of limestone conglomerates and its erosion-trained blows.

3. The beaches

One of the essential things to do on the Costa Dorada? Bronzette and swimming, of course! If all its beaches have a lot of fabulous landscapes, we made a small selection of our favourite spots.

• Platja de Riumar : For its corner of preserved nature, the great purity of its waters and its proximity to the mouth of the Ebro;
• Cala Llenya and Punta de Áliga in Ametlla del Mar: For the spectacular paintings of their high cliffs;
• Platja El Miracle: For its embrace with the city centre of Tarragona, its animations and waves perfect for water sports;
• Platja de Callafell : For its kilometers of comfortable and clean sand, equipped to properly fill your days;
• Crique Cala de la Roca Plana : For its wild paradise, between golden sand, trees and rocks planted in turquoise water. Careful, it is also a nudist beach;
• Platja del Torn: For his little pebbles and pine crown. On the other hand, it is a nudist beach;
• Beach Llarga in Salou : For its pines carrying their odors, the wonderful incursion of the Cami de Ronda and the balanced setting between city and nature;
• La Cala Fonda near Tarragona: For its heavenly and isolated atmosphere, these corners surrounded by cliffs, its sandy expanses illuminated in a postcard decor. Once again, it is a nudist beach;
• Tamarit beach: For its high pine gates, its rest space and its calm waters with the Tamarit Castle in line of mire.

4. A boat ride

Did you take a tour of all the beaches mentioned above and you're tired of the sand? No worries, another must in Costa Dorada awaits you: the boat ride! Indeed, thanks to the boat rental on the Costa Dorada , you can offer you the possibility of a sublime view on the coast, in the middle of the clapotis of the water.

Thus, with or without a permit, with the help of a skipper or not, you will undoubtedly spend one of the most soothing afternoons of your stay!

5. Local gastronomy

Visiting the Costa Dorada necessarily spends an immersion in its rich and varied cuisine. Its foods are typically Mediterranean, attesting to the many specialties based on fish and seafood accompanied by fresh vegetables, rice and olive oil.

First, we advise you to taste the “ Rossejat de Fideos ", the fish dish typical of this region. Creation of Catalan fishermen, it is a dish of golden vermicelles fried with olive oil and served with fish.

Nevertheless, the gastronomy of the Dorée Coast is also rich in unique products of the earth and traditional dishes. Let you try for example I Carn D’olla a vegetable broth with pork, veal and chicken.

Also taste the " Amb Tomàquet ", rustic bread and grilled with tomato served with ham, sausages or tortilla... at breakfast.

No wonder, do you know that La Coca is one of the Catalan specialties? But it is actually a fine dough filled with onions and sun vegetables, served with sardines most of the time. Also dip your bread (yes, you are French no?) in the romesco sauce made of nuts, chili peppers, onions and aromatic plants of the south.

More light – though – la xató or the salad usually accompanied by omelette, small peas and mud. What do we do for dessert? The menjar-blanc a mythical cream with multiple variations. Otherwise, the " Pastis Sets ", kind of sweet slippers mielleux and anise. Or even dry cookies such as " Carquinyolis de la comarque d’Urgell ".

6. The treasures of Tarragona

What a stop on the Costa Dorada if you dream of an authentic and versatile citybreak? A stay in Tarragona, without hesitation. It is one of the most vibrant, rich and attractive cities in the territory. Moreover, it offers a multitude of activities, between land and sea, and is friendly both day and night.

First of all, stroll through his old town. Nommée Part Alta, it seduces all visitors thanks to its overflowing streets of charm, its gothic arcades, its Spanish architecture, its romantic facades, its colourful balconies and street art.

It is also built around its Cathedral, its ramparts, its Roman amphitheatre: the postcard of the city. Then live Tarragona at the rhythm of its harbour traditions, its craft shops and museums. Finally, your discovery would be nothing without a break on its pretty beaches.

7. The Ebre Delta

The Costa Dorada, apart from its coastal and mountainous areas, also offers a peninsula with lakes, lagoons and small ports. One of the best things to do on the Costa Dorada is to discover the particularities.

Here reigns soothing silence. Named Ebre Delta, this unspoiled preserved space thanks to the great diversity of its fauna and flora. Moreover, it is a refreshing area that is covered by hikes between swamps and rice fields. Walks under the eye of migratory birds, fish and discreet bulls in high grasses.

8. Local festivals and traditions

Visiting the Costa Dorada brings you to the encounter of festive traditions that are so endemic, dazzling and exciting. Throughout the year, religious and cultural gatherings invade cities and villages.

First celebrate the Chandeleur in Calafell. Then connect with the Carnival in Reus. Then discover the legend of Sant Jordi during the medieval week in Montblanc. Finally, the Aplec de Sant Jeroni in Móra d’Ebre or Corpus Christi in Torredembarra are events not to be missed.

In addition, if you have to designate a holiday capital on the Costa Dorada, the big winner is Salou . This very active tourist centre is rich in bars and discotheques in the sand.

9. Port Aventura

Do we still have to present this place among the invaluable things to do on the Costa Dorada? This park with strong sensations immerses you in six different universes: Mediterrània, Polynesia, China, México, Far West and Sésamo Aventura.

Fans of great thrills and fantastic scenery necessarily know its attractions that challenge time and gravity. Indeed, Port Aventura can boast of the fastest and highest rides in Europe. Extreme madness and emotions, with family or friends, guaranteed. The ideal is to spend two to three days during your stay.

How to get to the Costa Dorada?

By plane

First of all, to visit the Costa Dorada, the aircraft is the fastest and most convenient way. Its main airports are Reus and Barcelona El Prat. Both of them offer numerous connections from and from all over France. To make the best choice, don’t hesitate to take a look at the flight comparison Skyscanner .

Finally, to get to good port, you can rent a car .

By train

On the other hand, for those who favour the ecological aspect, there are trains that connect Paris to Barcelona. You will then have to leave Paris-Gare de Lyon. The duration of your journey will be 6h50 . Like the plane, a rental car will be needed if you want to discover the Costa Dorada.

Where to sleep the Costa Dorada?

Coastal tourist destinations in small isolated places, there are many places to sleep on the Costa Dorada. Hotels, campsites, holiday homes, Airbnb , hostels : all are full of offers of various accommodations. Thanks to a a hotel comparison , you will find the offer that best suits you.

Thanks to a plethoric offer, everyone will find their account. A large number of rentals are centralized in Tarragona and Reus, known for their versatility. For a 100% beach stay on the Costa Dorada, take a look at the accommodations in the cities hosting our beaches that we have advised you.

For those who want to get green, the Ametlla del Mar offers an ideal compromise between fishing village, virgin coves and Ebre Delta. Otherwise, Mont Roig del Camp will fill you with its proximity to the Serra de Montsant Natural Park. Finally, for those of a party nature, direction Salou!

With Wanderlix, you know what to visit on the Costa Dorada. What are you waiting for to go on adventure?