Costa Dorada holidays

There are lots of beaches to choose from in Cambrils, which boasts nine kilometres of soft sands. The most accessible is Playa del Regueral, which is a kilometre-long beachfront backed by bars, restaurants, and palm trees. There’s often something going on here, such as games of volleyball. If you’re looking for a quieter stretch of sand, the neighbouring beach of Playa del Cavet is very peaceful.

The beachfront at La Pineda is a bit smaller and quieter than nearby Salou, but it still has plenty to offer. The promenade features bars, restaurants, and entertainment, and the calm waters are ideal for families to enjoy swimming or splashing around. The sandy sweep is actually made up of a trio of beaches that blend into a 2.5-kilometre-stretch along the coast.

For more secluded and undeveloped beaches, head to Cap de Salou. One of the best beaches here is Cala Crancs. Back by steep cliffs, and with rocky waters, this is an ideal place to pop on a snorkel and explore the underwater life off the Costa Dorada coast. Alternatively, head to Punta del Cavall. The beach is tiny and surrounded by rocks, but the clear waters and isolated feel is what people come for.

In every tourist resort on the Costa Dorada you’ll find little beachfront gift shops. These sell standard holiday souvenirs such as magnets, t-shirts, and stationery. For something a little different, take a trip to the Bonavista Sunday market, which is one of the biggest outdoor shopping markets in Spain. It’s just a 15-minute drive from Salou, and you’ll find clothing, handbags, toiletries, and cheap designer imitations.

Salou and Tarragona are two of the best places on the Costa Dorada for shopping. Local Siurana olive oil made in the region is popular, as well as olive wood products like picture frames and kitchen utensils. Tarragona is also home to the Parc Central shopping centre, which boasts more than 120 shops. And if you take the kids to PortAventura, make sure to budget for some cool souvenirs from the gift shops.

There’s nowhere better for designer goods than Barcelona. Just one hour and 20 minutes away by car from Salou, the city’s Passeig de Gracia is a major shopping hotspot. Stroll along the avenue and you’ll find the likes of Armani, Rolex, Swarovski, Zara, H&M, and Mango. There’s also a branch of Spanish department store El Corte Ingles here. Boutiques in this store include Bobbi Brown, Bulgari, and Gucci.

The Costa Dorada is a popular destination for families, so in many resorts you’ll find that the nightlife is geared towards down-to-earth, family-friendly nights. There are many cafés, pubs, and outdoor patios which are perfect for sitting down with soft drinks and watching the sun set over the Med. You can also check out the evening entertainments offered by your hotel. If you’re looking for a bit more, without going over-the-top, Tarragona and La Pineda are buzzing resorts filled with bars and salsa clubs. These resorts offer a bit more of a grown-up vibe without the loud nightclubs or drunken karaoke.

Although the clubs of the Costa Dorada may not be as famous as those in Ibiza, Salou’s nightlife is certainly not to be missed. Salou is considered to be the most energetic nightlife hotspot on the Golden Coast, with neon-lit bars, pubs, nightclubs, and discos. Many venues boast live music all throughout the evenings, and with the bars all located within a very compact area, bar-hopping is a major activity.

As part of Spain’s Catalonia region, the cuisine of the Costa Dorada is heavily based on traditional Catalan flavours and tastes. Popular Catalan dishes include xato, which is a nut-based sauce for salads, and the sweet crema catalana. This is a cross between custard and a creme brulee, with a toasted top.

Although Catalan cuisine dominates the Costa Dorada, this region does have a few specialities of its own, too. Shrimp is a popular menu item here, as it’s caught in huge numbers off the Tarragona coastline. Be sure to try the tomato-based romesco sauce which comes from the town of Valls.

Olive oil plays a big role in the cuisine of the Costa Dorada, but it’s not just any old olive oil. The Golden Coast produces a protected oil known as Siurana. It comes from Arbequina, Royal and Morrut olive varieties which are grown across Tarragona. It’s a popular souvenir.

Travelling with kids? Don’t worry. The larger resorts on the Costa Dorada such as Cambrils and Salou cater very well for families. You'll find a number of international restaurants and fast-food dining options. These include burger joints, pizzerias, fried chicken outlets, and tapas bars where kids can try a bit of everything.

The closest DOP, or officially-recognised Spanish wine region, to the Costa Dorada is Tarragona. The vineyards extend along the Golden Coast, and create reds, whites, and rosés. While the winemaking industry here has modernised in recent years, you can still find some of the more traditional Tarragona wines here. These include sun-aged rancio, or 'rancid' wines.