The Costa Daurada - or Côte d'Or in French - owes its sweet name to its wild coves and long stretches of fine sand that make up beaches with crystal-clear, shallow waters, sparkling under the constant light of a golden sun. Its 81 kilometres of coastline make it a real summer paradise, especially for families looking for peace and quiet. A bargain before you enjoy of a gastronomy of choice at the table: with its products at the crossroads of land and sea, a few good moments are to be expected, ensuring even the most seasoned gourmets unsuspected surprises. Zoom on a must-see summer destination.

Myriads of golden beaches

The Costa Daurada, it is therefore above all its beaches of fine golden sand that gave it its name. Lulled by crystal-clear, calm and shallow waters, its coastline, set with sumptuous coastlines, alternates between long sandbanks and secret coves surrounded by green pine forests, so many edens for families and landmarks for sportsmen and women who come to enjoy a whole range of activities

There are many spots to enjoy this exceptional coastline. To the north, after El Vendrell, where the house-museum of the Catalan cellist and local child Pau Casals is located, we find Calafell, a "certified tourist destination for families" and an old fishing village with beautiful beaches. After visiting its Iberian citadel, we will set sail for Roda de Berà, with its famous Romanesque arch, Creixell, Torredembarra and Altafulla, a charming seaside resort lined with old fishermen's houses. Then there is the capital Tarragona and its superb Mediterranean Balcony, Vila-seca, La Pineda Platja, Salou, Cambrils, Mont-roig del Camp and, finally, l'Hospitalet de l'Infant and La Vall de Llors.

Nautical activities in a mess

Of course, if such a coast calls for idleness, there are also many activities for those who would like to exercise. The Costa Daurada is indeed favourable to the practice of a whole range of activities favoured as much by the mildness of its climate as by the diversity of its landscapes. On these kilometres of coastline, water sports are in the spotlight, whether they are sporty or more leisurely! In particular, the Costa Daurada nautical resort offers all kinds of leisure activities around the Gulf of Sant Jordi and the surrounding area, in an area that includes the main points of interest in the destination: Salou, Cambrils, Miami Platja or l'Hospitalet de l'Infant. From catamaran rental to jet-skiing, snorkeling and sport fishing, not to mention memorable banana boat trips... and of course scuba diving! Several specialised centres offer the opportunity to discover the exceptional biodiversity of underwater flora and fauna, for beginners and more experienced divers alike. For extreme submersions, the wreck "Le Cavour", sunk in 1917, is unavoidable at a depth of 50 m. Guided boat trips along the coast of Salou and even as far as Cambrils are possible. Here, once ashore, you can linger on the terrace on the seafront promenade, reveling in seafood cuisine and dreaming of the sight of the boats in this small fishing port scented with iodized sea spray.

Family water parks and theme parks

Thanks to its numerous family-friendly facilities, water parks and theme parks, the Costa Daurada will delight the youngest ones while leaving parents free to sip a vermilion in front of the sunset.

Thrill-seekers can easily trade an afternoon on the beach for an adrenaline rush at the PortAventura World Parks & Resort theme park. For the past two years, in addition to the Port Aventura World theme park itself and the Port Aventura Caribe Aquatic Park - a new area dedicated to the famous Italian cars, the Ferrari Land Park! If toboggans, swimming pools, roller coasters or magical temples were already on the programme, Ferrari Land has something to thrill thrill-seekers. In a decor that smells like Italy, reconstructing the Colosseum of Rome, the colourful facades of the Italian alleys, the Venetian bell tower of the Basilica of Saint Mark or the house of Enzo Ferrari (founder of the brand), rises the highest and fastest attraction in Europe, Red Force, a roller coaster that propels you to almost 180 km/h in 5 seconds, with your head in the clouds at 112 metres high. Sensitive souls abstain!

A gastronomy between land and sea

To recover, one can enjoy here a high quality gastronomy. This coastal region will satisfy lovers of marine cuisine, with its freshly caught fish and seafood, drizzled with romesco sauce, the hinterland is home to precious foods, as are its award-winning wines, grown here since time immemorial. After exploring the infinite expanses of vineyards and discovering the astonishing wine cooperatives known as "wine cathedrals", an oenological tour of one of the many wineries in the Priorat wine region - including a visit to the facilities and a tasting - will give you an idea of the area's excellent production. We should also mention olive oil, a true "liquid gold" to which the Romans already attributed therapeutic virtues, produced in these territories dotted with olive trees thousands of years old. Vermouth, fresh and easy to drink, the Reus hazelnut, the Prades potato or the famous Calçot de Valls, a sweet onion roasted over a fire and revered throughout Catalonia, are some of the excellent products of these lands: a region whose flavours permeate all the senses.

And to take advantage of these quality AOC products, many gastronomic days are organised all over the territory. And you can also choose from a number of well-known tables. Both addresses with a Michelin star in Cambrils (Rincon del Diego and Can Bosch) and tables with the Km 0 Slow Food (Equiliquà in Valls, El Llagut in Tarragona, El Pòsit Jardí Gastronòmic in Cambrils, Lola Bistro in Altafulla, Maspubills Ecorestaurant in Vinyols i els Arcs and the QuintaForca in Nulles). The latter only use fresh, seasonal and/or locally grown produce. A great opportunity to discover this exceptional territory even better

Smart info

When? The Costa Daurada enjoys a privileged Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters with low rainfall. The region is therefore welcoming all year round and, in summer and winter, you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. Summer remains the ideal period for those who like to relax, although the months of May, June, September and October allow you to avoid the high season, while enjoying optimal temperatures.

Getting there. In the centre of the territory is Reus airport, served by several companies. From Barcelona or Valencia, it is very easy to get there by car via the AP-7, by bus or by train. Tarragona can also be reached from France by TGV-AVE.

Useful. In order to best prepare for his trip.

COSTA DAURADA TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the site, Instagram page or Facebook profile