When talking about Costa Daurada, for many people its beaches are the first thing that come to mind and, of course, the famous theme park Port Aventura. And yes, it’s certainly true that spread along its coastline there are many beaches and small coves where you can enjoy being under the sun, or indulge in a pleasant swim and have a drink at one of the many beachside snack bars. Of course, during your stay you can’t miss out on visiting Port Aventura, where you can enjoy all day long with your family, partner or friends.
And we can’t forget about the rich gastronomy of this region with its delicious fish and rice specialities. Also scattered along the coast are small and charming fishing villages, which breathe with tradition. We recommend you to visit the Ebro Delta Natural Park, with many wildlife species (especially birds) and flora. Summing up, there’s no doubt that Costa Daurada offers a wide variety of options for you to choose between and have a great holiday. Search your hotel in Hotelopia
Do not miss
Roman Circus of Tarragona
The Roman circus is found very close to the old town of Tarragona. It was once found inside walls and its construction dates back to the first century AD. It seems at that time one could enjoy thrilling horse-drawn cart races. It is not the only example of Roman art that can be admired in this town, don’t miss the imposing amphitheater or the Roman walls.
Torre Vella
The Torre Vella (Vella tower) was built nearly five centuries ago and even though at that time its mission was to protect Salou, today it opens its doors to all visitors. This historic building has a varied program of art exhibitions, making their rooms an attractive cultural space. In addition to its exhibitions, it houses the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Enamel (MECS), which holds a vast collection of enamels that represent various techniques and trends from around the world.
Font Lluminosa (Lighted fountain)
The construction of the Font Lluminosa is a product of the inspiration of Carles Buïgas, an architect best known for designing the Montjuic fountain in Barcelona locally known as Font Màgica. This work is an attraction that adds charm to Paseo Jaume I in Salou. Font Lluminosa provides a wonderful spectacle of water and light.
Port Aventura
Port Aventura is a unique place in the heart of Costa Dorada. Throughout the day visitors can live exciting adventures by travelling to imperial China, the wild Far West, the exotic Polynesia, the Aztec Mexico and the warm Mediterranean. Few adventures can make you as foolishly dizzy as those offered by its attractions.
Challenges such as the legendary Dragon Khan, the Hurakan Condor freefall or the speed of Furius Baco are worldwide references that you can’t miss.
Iglesia Santa Maria del Mar
The Church of Santa Maria del Mar is located in Salou and is one of the 13 places in the municipality declared of cultural and scenic interest. It dates back to the 13th century and was blessed in 1766. At first it was a small chapel, however during the 20th century refurbishment works brought it to its current state. Joan Garriga is the creator of the avant-garde baptistery.
Torre de la Ermita (Hermatige tower)
Given its good state of conservation, Torre de la Ermita has been declared as a Cultural Asset of National Interest. Its origins go back to the 14th century, when its main function was to guard the coast and the old Camino Real. Nowadays, it houses the Cambrils Museum of History.
Beaches
Scattered along the coastline of the Costa Dorada there are a multitude of beaches and coves where you can enjoy the sun and a refreshing swim. There are all kinds of beaches, like ones focussed towards providing a wide range of services for families, fully hidden natural coves or nudist beaches for those who want a suntan without any stap marks. Some examples are Honda beach in Tarragona, Coma-Ruga beach at El Vendrell, Cunit beach or La Pineda beach among others.
Eating out
La Tagliatella Restaurant
La Tagliatella chain of restaurants specialise in Italian cuisine. In particular, Salou’s restaurant offers plenty of Italian cuisine by taking advantage of seasonal products: pizzas, pasta, salads, Italian desserts and fine wines. There are restaurants of this chain located throughout Costa Dorada: Tarragona, La Pineda and Cambrils.
Les Barques Restaurant
Les Barques is the name of a number of restaurants across Costa Dorada, Vilafortuny, Cambrils, Salou and La Pineda which specialise in seafood. The dishes they prepare preserve intact the original seafood taste found in the area but with a completely innovative and surprising touch. Best of all is the good value for money.
Can Pilis Restaurant
This restaurant is one of the best known among the locals in Calafell. It specialises in local dishes, many of them cooked in a wood fire oven; don’t miss their lobster rice cooked in a wood fire oven!
Les Coques Velles Restaurant
This is a highly recommended restaurant for those who during their vacation want to give themselves a treat (€40 to €50). The local is a fully refurbished antique house in the old quarter, where one can notice a sense of modernity still keeping in mind the charm of tradition. It specialises in Mediterranean cuisine, and is also a place to get seduced by an excellent wine list.
El Dorado Arrocería (Restaurant specialised in rice dishes)
This arroceria in La Pineda specialises in all kinds of rice dishes; it is a challenge choosing between more than 23 varieties on offer! Having a meal here is fully recommended, both because of the perfect location on the beach and the quality of their products. If you are not a rice lover, you still have at your disposal a range of dishes of Mediterranean cuisine.
Vil•la Alexander Restaurant
This restaurant is found in Paseo Jaime I and forms part of the modernist houses of the promenade near the yacht club of Salou. It is a unique space to enjoy authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a cheerful and original touch. The chefs work enthusiastically and change the menu quite often, and a weekly gourmet set menu is offered as well.
Out shopping
Shopping in Salou
If you spend your holidays in Salou and are dying to go shopping, one of the best spots to head for is Calle Zaragoza, a mall where you will find all kinds of shops and many of them are specifically devoted to tourists.
Salou street market
Every Monday, Passeig del 30 d’Octubre fills with bright market stalls where you can find anything you could imagine. Here you can purchase a bargain.
The Pallol Shopping Centre
The Pallol Shopping Centre in Reus is part of a major residential and commercial complex located in the heart of the city, making it the perfect place to learn a bit more about the site and do some shopping. This commercial area has managed to complete and significantly boost the downtown shopping activity.
Shopping in the Reus old Quarter
The old quarter of Reus is the best-known shopping area in the city. It has always hosted plenty of shops but it has only been in the last years that the area has completely revitalized thanks to the creation of the El Pallol shopping centre. Parc Central Shopping Centre.
Whatever you expect from a classic extensive shopping centre, you will find at Parc Central shopping centre in Tarragona. There are several areas: shops, cinemas, restaurants and cafes. It is a perfect place if you want to spend an afternoon shopping and enjoy some leisure time afterwards.
Tarragona Central Market
Tarragona Central Market is a modernist building from 1915 designed by the architect Josep Maria Jujol i de Barberà. The building itself is worth a visit, but you can also admire or simply buy seasonal produce and other traditional products from the area.
Nightlife
Flashback Nightclub
This nightclub is a reference point in Salou. It opened in 1969 and over the years, a number of refurbishments have been carried out; as an extra, you can dine in the Flash Bar and then keep dancing on the dance floor: depending on which dance floor you are on, you will listen to a certain music style. It’s worth a visit at least once just to get to know a club that has been the blueprint for the avant-garde Costa Dorada nightlife.
Puerto Príncipe Nightclub
Puerto Príncipe nightclub has a top location in the Salou Marina. Maybe the most appealing thing about this place is hanging out on its great chill-out terrace overlooking the sea, which is open from May to September. This place invites you to relax while having drinks with friends accompanied by good music. Every night, the nightclub area becomes a meeting point for funky people looking for fun and quality music.
La Racona Pub
La Racona is a pub in Reus where you can mostly listen to Electro-House and Electro-Pop. Feel welcome to enjoy the DJ’s music in a youthful and cheerful environment.
Pacha Nightclub – La Pineda
Pacha nightclub in La Pineda is the flagship of the Costa Dorada, a symbol of glamour and fashion. Located just a few steps from the sea, it remains to be one of the busiest meeting points in the Costa Dorada nightlife. A very attractive program with performances from the best DJ’s of the international scene is currently offered.
Tropical Pub
This nightclub-pub is located in one of the busiest nightlife spots in Salou and has won great popularity among youngsters. The building has four floors with different dancing music styles, as well as a large terrace to go out for a quiet night.
Public events
Salou Nits Daurades
This is the most popular celebration in town. In mid-August for a week, the streets of Salou become a big party for everyone. You can enjoy music performances, traditional dances, children’s entertainment and the election of the Queen of Nits Daurades. Sure enough, the big day is the 15th of August with the spectacular castillos de fuegos (“castles of fire” fireworks). Both locals and tourists are delighted with a celebration that brings an incredible festive environment to the heart of the city.
Sant Magí celebration
These celebrations are considered as the second big City Festival in Tarragona. The legend says that Saint Magi made water to spring up from Brufaganya Stones to quench the thirst of the soldiers while he was carried away as a prisoner. The central act of the celebrations consists in bringing water (which is considered as sacred water) in carts from the Sant Magi fountain to the city centre, and there share it with everyone who wishes.
Rally RACC Catalunya – Costa Daurada
The Spanish race within the World Rally Championship (WRC) is held in Costa Dorada in the city of Salou. It is a first-class event as it brings together the best pilots in the world to compete in one of the fastest racetracks found on the circuit. Moreover, being near the end of the championship, this sporting event is full of excitement as the results are usually decisive for the winners.
Tourist Information Offices
Get further information from the tourist offices in Costa Daurada.
We’ve visited Port Aventura theme park and the caribe water park for 4 out of the last 5 years, and going again in July, absolutely amazing. I can highly recommend the El Paso hotel as well for a bit of luxury.
Tara
on May 19th, 2011