The Costa Daurada, with its rich cultural heritage and exceptional gastronomy, is a crossroads where civilizations have left an extraordinary heritage. The Cistercian Route, the modernism of towns like Reus, unique cultural events in towns and castles, restaurants that feature the best local products, there is plenty to do to enjoy a unique and memorable vacation in this sun-drenched territory, where the landscapes of the sea compete with those of the mountains in beauty. Treat yourself to a cultural and pleasurable holiday on the Costa Daurada, in this enchanting part of Catalonia, with a wide range of proposals, environments and possibilities around history, festive events, cuisine and wellness.
1- Discover the rich heritage of Calafell
Open to the Mediterranean, Calafell has a rich historical heritage, as well as 5 km of fine golden sandy beaches that make sea lovers happy all year round. Iberians and Romans, Arabs and feudal lords, all these civilizations are part of Calafell 's history and have left a precious legacy. Strolling through the town, we travel back 2,500 years! The Iberian citadel, the Casa Barral museum - a fishermen's house from the beginning of the 20th century where the eponymous publisher, writer and politician lived - the lifeboat, the church of Sant Miquel, the fishermen's guild or the castle of the Holy Cross guide us through the history of a multi-century town.
2- Treat yourself to a gastronomic stopover in Cambrils
The relationship between the sea and cuisine reaches its peak in Cambrils, a paradise of culinary delights recognized as the gastronomic capital of the Costa Daurada. Here, recipes are handed down from generation to generation. Each one receives the heritage and reinterprets it according to his own sensitivity. It is no coincidence that this small coastal town has four Repsol Guide Suns and two Michelin-starred restaurants, Can Bosch and Rincón de Diego. The gastronomic culture of Cambrils has a Mediterranean tradition. Here, the sea and the land provide high quality products. The recipes mix the respect of the heritage with the will to innovate and surprise. Of course, the basis of the local cuisine is its fishing tradition, embodied in recipes such as red noodles or romesco. The region also has a rich production of organic fruits and vegetables, as well as one of the best olive oils, the Arbequina PDO/DOP Siurana.
If Cambrils seduces with its old quarter, its beaches and the possibility of practicing a multitude of activities, in the sea or on land, all the efforts are rewarded by delicious moments around the table.
3- Stay at a campsite to enjoy the cultural excitement
The cultural and patrimonial richness of the Costa Daurada, in the south of Catalonia, can be appreciated between two nights in one of the campsites of the territory. In a tent, caravan or motor home with a view of the sea, or in a fully equipped bungalow, you can enjoy a vacation at your own pace and in contact with nature, with the Mediterranean Sea as your backdrop, peaks of over 1,000 meters and the romantic wetlands of the Ebro Delta. There are more than 50 coastal and mountain campsites on the Costa Daurada and Terres de l'Ebre. Six of them are among the best campsites in Europe, recognized for their quality to spend a vacation in the open air and far from the crowds. Not to mention their entertainment and the possibility of practicing a multitude of activities as well as simply relaxing by the pool. Perfect places for a family vacation. And what's more, most of the campsites in Tarragona accept pets!
Find your ideal campsite on www.campingstarragona.com. The Costa Daurada, a "Unique Camping Destination".
4- Staying in L'Hospitalet de l'Infant and the Llors Valley
L'Hospitalet de l'Infant and the Llors Valley is the perfect oasis for nature, history and beach lovers. Located on the Costa Daurada, this area is a little-known wonder waiting to be discovered. L'Hospitalet de l'Infant and the Llors Valley are home to an important heritage, to be discovered freely or on guided tours. We can mention elements such as the hospital of Coll de Balaguer, founded in 1344 and declared a cultural asset of national interest; the Museu Escola Áster Antonio Bonet; the Gothic hospital or the fortifications of the Civil War in Coll de Balaguer. Many other experiences await the vacationer in the area. Boat trips to admire the city from the sea; swimming and water activities on the beaches of the Torn or Almadrava; discovering natural wonders such as the Cova del Llop Marí, perfect for snorkeling, or strolling through the Olive Oil Interpretation Center in Vandellòs. From the pleasures of the sea, we also pass in no time to those of the mountains, with paths that lead to the heart of nature and to charming villages.
5- Visit Mont-roig and Miami Platja
Mont-roig and Miami Platja is another place on the Costa Daurada where the pleasures of the sea meet those of the mountains. You can take the Devil's Stairs to enjoy a beautiful view of nature. We walk to contemplate the dry stone huts, hermitages or the remains of the Civil War. We marvel at the beauty of the landscapes of theMare de Déu de la Roca Natural Area, before following the route "Miró's Emotional Landscape", which takes visitors to the places that the artist transformed into universal art. Of course, Miami Platja has an ideal environment to enjoy the Mediterranean. Swimming, kayaking, towed buoys, families create memorable memories. At lunch or dinner time, we discover that gastronomy is another strong point, with the cultivation of quality products - oil, "calçot" and carob flour - and restaurants that know perfectly how to sublimate them. Enjoy your meal!
6- Enjoy PortAventura World and its atmosphere
During a family vacation on the Costa Daurada, it is essential to enjoy one of the best theme parks in Europe: PortAvantura World. No less than 6 hotels offer a different and immersive atmosphere, with themes such as Mexico, the Far West, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Victorian Era. You will enjoy majestic settings, a gastronomic experience that will allow you to change your habits, play areas to relax in the sun and, of course, access to the park and its PortAventura Park, Aquatic Park and Ferrari Land areas. Ideal and exciting conditions to enjoy the attractions, with proposals for all ages.
PortAventura World is easily accessible by car, train and even by plane, with the new Vueling Paris-Reus route, which has been operational since the end of March.
7- Choosing an anchorage in Tarragona
By settling in Tarragona, you choose a destination that combines culture, beach and gastronomy. It is the only World Heritage City in Catalonia. It is the only World Heritage City in Catalonia, with an architecture of diverse influences: from the Roman with the amphitheater and the aqueduct of Ferreres on the edge of the city, to the Gothic with its sublime cathedral, or to the modernism with the market located in the Plaza de Corsini. Tarragona is a leading gastronomic destination on the Costa Daurada. While visiting its seaside district, El Serrallo, you can taste the romesco of Tarragona, a sauce made with peppers, nuts, garlic, bread and olive oil. To be tasted with the local fish, of excellent quality, and accompanied by one of the wines of the D.O. Tarragona. The city comes alive with various events, with days based on traditions such as Sant Joan, Sant Magí or the two days of Santa Tecla, the main festival of Tarragona. On this occasion, at the end of September, the city is filled with traditions, music and festive dances. The castells, spectacular human towers with up to 10 floors, are one of the characteristics of the culture of Tarragona. Throughout the summer, the city offers many highlights around this cultural event declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010. To discover for example during the contest of Castells in the Tarraco Arena Plaça!
8- Explore Torredembara
The town of Torredembarra is famous for its incredible beaches, each with its own particularities. 4 km of family-friendly coastline, with fine sand and calm, transparent, shallow waters. But you shouldn't miss a stroll through its historic center. This is home to a remarkable heritage, including a castle that is the only civil building built during the Catalan Renaissance that is preserved in Catalonia. Around it, you can wander through a maze of pretty medieval streets. Later, we discover the remains of the old wall, the church of Sante Pere, the Tore de la Villa, the Roman complex of the Moro and the exceptional modernist building of the former school Antoni Roig i Copons, an indiano from Torredembarra. The city, ideal for a family stay, is also endowed with a large number of interesting addresses with a varied culinary offer.
9- Stop in El Vendrell
The town ofEl Vendrell is an important cultural stop on the Costa Daurada. There are many interesting museums, including the Museu Pau Casals on Sant Salvador beach, the house where Pau Casals was born, the Casa Museu Àngel Guimerà, the Museu Deu and the Foundation of the sculptor Apel-les Fenosa, which is located in one of the most emblematic areas of the town, the Portal del Pardo. The wide beaches, the MasiaBlanca marine reserve and the Les Madrigueres wetland, with its rich biodiversity, and the Deu de l'Estany i Riuet spring, known for its therapeutic properties, are all very attractive. On a vacation in El Vendrell, it is worth stopping off at a restaurant to enjoy xató, a dish made with escarole, tuna and salt cod flakes, anchovies, black olives and arbequina, all seasoned with a tasty romesco sauce. El Vendrell is the perfect destination for pampering yourself, with sports and leisure activities organized along the beaches. But it is also the perfect place to get out of the city and walk along the rural paths or along the Dry Stone Route.
10- A getaway to Vila-seca
A family and cultural destination par excellence, Vila-seca, la Pineda Platja, awaits vacationers for an ideal stay by the sea. The castle is an important element of heritage, which also hosts exhibitions of contemporary art. Another building has several functions. It is the Celler de Vila-seca, which is both an experiential wine museum and a cultural venue for conferences and shows. In the city center, a route allows you to discover the main places, with the presence of 10 totems with QR codes available in 5 languages. There are also several areas where you can enjoy nature. The Torre d'en Dolça Park is a green lung with artificial lagoons, wetlands and also houses the remains of a Roman villa. The Pinar de Perruquet Park is a seaside urban park where you can walk through the pine forest and where children can have fun in the playgrounds or swimming in the pond. There is also the Sequia Major, a protected natural area and coastal wetland of particular interest between the Llobregat and Ebro deltas. Vila-seca also has one of the largest offers of spa and wellness centers on the Costa Daurada. And let's not forget the gastronomy, of the Mediterranean type. A market and seasonal cuisine that we like to accompany with a good glass of wine DO (PDO) Tarragona.
Where to go to the Costa Daurada with your family?
The Costa Daurada is a Catalan region with a variety of landscapes, between sea and mountains. Families have the opportunity to stay in towns with a rich heritage, explore buildings and museums, and dine in restaurants that showcase local products. Culture is in full swing on the Costa Daurada, with fascinating itineraries and many local festivities. You can't miss the Castells! A territory that can be visited all year round, with very pleasant temperatures. Water activities, walks in the hilly hinterland, time in one of the most important amusement parks in Europe, the whole family can enjoy it. The Costa Daurada offers campsites, facilities, restaurants and activities that meet the needs of both adults and children.
