The Costa Dorada is one of the Mediterranean's most popular tourist destinations, with many different things to do and see. It is characterised by miles of fine golden sands and the history of the region goes back to ancient Roman times, so there's really something for everybody to enjoy here. Bathed in sunshine throughout much of the year and with an interior dotted with cultivated fields and picturesque, quiet villages, the Costa Dorada offers all the sun, sand and cultural interest that you could wish for on a family holiday. Nature, history, and a wide choice of leisure activities combine into the perfect package for a holiday with the family in one of Spain's most popular regions. Pick up a local guide when you get here to see the full range of attractions on offer.
Places to Go
The huge Aquopolis theme park at La Pineda is full of excitement for older kids, who'll enjoy nothing better than whooshing into a black hole, challenging friends on the racer slides, or screaming their lungs out on the Kamikaze Ride. For the younger kids there are bouncy castles and slides, and with hydrotherapy pools and live shows too there's plenty of fun for all the family. If you enjoy wildlife, Ebro Delta in the southern part of Costa Dorada is an area of natural salt pans, marshes and reed beds that attracts thousands of exotic birds, including kestrels, larks, and herons. A particular visitor attraction here is the pink clouds of flamingos that come to the Ebro Delta to breed.
Attractions
PortAventura is one of the biggest and most popular theme parks in Spain. Located in Salou, the amusements and rides are aimed firmly at younger children but there are plenty of facilities here to keep the adults happy too, including smart eateries and other conveniences. The rides include a roller coaster, carousel and a free-fall Harukan Condor for the older kids. The park also has live shows, a water park, an attractive area for sitting, and plenty of shops. The Cap Salou Tourist Train takes visitors on a fun ride through the town, past all the most popular attractions, shops and markets, and is a fun way to spend the day if you fancy a break from the beaches and shopping.
Places to Visit
Barcelona is the major city in this part of Spain and is renowned for its colour and creativity. This is best represented by the magnificent Sagrada Familia created by Gaudi, which took him 40 years to do and which is still incomplete. Take a pleasant stroll around Barcelona's Gothic Quarter while you're here, and enjoy shopping for cool souvenirs in La Rambla. At Cambrils fishing village you can get away from the heat of the beaches and the hustle and bustle of the shopping centres to enjoy an afternoon in a traditional village. Cambrils is as charming as Salou and retains even more of its old regional character. The mountain monastery of Monserrat is about an hour's drive from Salou and is widely regarded as Catalonia's spiritual heart. Aside from its unique history, the monastery offers visitors unparalleled views of the surrounding landscapes, and if you're looking for things to do it makes the perfect destination for a fun day out.