Travel guide – costa dorada
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Overview
The hue of the fine sand on the wide, wonderful beaches of Spain’s Costa Dorada (Golden Coast) has given this popular holiday region its name. The 20 or so towns and villages along this 120-mile (200km) stretch of Mediterranean coastline, south of Barcelona, have become built up with hundreds of hotels, camp sites and apartment blocks, catering mainly for family holidays. Entertainment consists largely of enjoying the shallow, transparent, gentle sea, ideal for the ‘bucket and spade’ brigade, and the large, thrilling theme and waterparks at the local resorts.
Visitors who enjoy soaking up some local culture and history find the Costa Dorada has plenty to show, particularly the main regional city of Tarragona, which was an important army base in Roman times and today boasts historical ruins and a variety of museums. Excursions inland, among vineyards, olive groves and almond plantations, take in the quaint medieval city of Montblanc with its fine Gothic church, and there are some interesting monastery ruins dating back to the 12th century at Poblet. Adding to the area’s natural and historic attractions is the sunny, temperate climate.
Situated on the Costa Dorada's sun drenched coast, 50 miles (80km) west of Barcelona and six miles (10km) west of Tarragona, the popular resort town of Salou is hard to beat for a fun family vacation. It is fairly spread out and merges with the neighbouring resorts of La Pineda to the east and Cambrils to the west, all of which benefit from the string of wonderful clean sandy beaches and secluded rocky coves. As well as the natural attractions, Salou is also packed with entertainment for all ages, from watersports to an aqua park, go-karting and one of Europe’s most thrilling theme parks, Universal’s Port Aventura. Sightseers interested in museums or ancient history will find plenty to occupy them in nearby Tarragona, or on excursions into the countryside. Salou’s seafront promenade is set with beautifully landscaped gardens and parks; fountains are lit up at night when holidaymakers stroll to the restaurants, nightclubs, bars and British-style pubs.
Things to do and see in or around Salou
Tarragona
The Costa Dorada’s main city, Tarragona, has almost doubled in size during the last few decades, its residential districts continually expanding around the medieval core. Tarragona, originally built on a rocky bluff, can trace its roots back to 218 BC, when it was founded by the ancient Romans as a legionnaires military base. Vestiges of its past still remain in the form of ruins of the Roman amphitheatre, aqueduct, forum and other buildings sited on the Paseo Arqueologico (Archaeological Avenue), which leads to some panoramic viewpoints. A wide boulevard called the Rambla Nova represents the modern main street outside the old city walls. A popular outing for visitors is to explore the old harbour, known as El Serrallo, to watch the fishing boats arrive and auction their catch. The city also sports some excellent beaches on its doorstep, including Playa Llarga, regarded as one of the biggest and best on the Catalonian coast. Among the many museums is an archaeological museum devoted to Roman antiquities; the Diocesan Museum displaying Gothic paintings, sculptures and tapestries; and a house museum detailing the life and career of renowned cellist, Pablo Casals.
Port Aventura
This massive theme park, based on Busch Gardens in Florida, attracts holidaymakers from far afield to its five worlds (Far West, Mediterránia, Mexico, China and Polynesia). Visitors can be at the Great Wall of China one minute and at the ruins of Mayan Mexico the next, and meet some cowboys for a taste of the Far West before cooling off by jumping into the great lake from the summit of the Tutuki Splash volcano. Popular attractions include the Sea Odyssey underwater adventure, the Stampida roller coaster ride and the Grand Canyon Rapids water ride.
Telephone: 0977 779 090 ; Daily 10am to midnight (earlier off-season)
Climate
The Costa Dorada is cooler in summer than the southern Spanish holiday Mecca of the Costa del Sol, with temperatures ranging between 73°F to 77°F (23°C to 25ºC), cooled by sea breezes. Rain is a rarity, even during the mild winters.
Health
There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing free emergency health care at State run hospitals. UK travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that private clinics are not covered, and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
The basics
Getting Around
There are good local bus services within the main towns and resorts and a reliable train service connecting Salou, Tarragona, Sitges and Barcelona. Car rental is a good option for those who want to explore the interior. Drivers must hold a full driving license and be over 21.
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