Hotel offers on the Costa Dorada

The northernmost region is the Baix Penedés. Located between the Montmell mountain range and the Mediterranean, it has important prehistoric and Ibero-Roman remains, as well as villages and towns that have established themselves as excellent options for family holidays. The first municipality we come across is Cunit, located next to the Garraf region of Barcelona. In addition to buildings such as the Parish of Sant Cristòfol, which dates from the eighteenth century, or the Castle of Cunit, it is home to an expansive 2.5 km beach.

Continuing south, the next municipality we come across is Calafell, between the Mig de Calafell mountain range and the Serralada Litoral. Although this town is located 1.5 km from the sea, the Platja de Calafell neighbourhood unfolds along the seafront. Other beaches are those of Segur de Calafell, 1.7 km long, and the beach of Mas Mel L’Estany, 1.4 km long. In Calafell, it is also recommended to visit the castle and the carefully reconstructed Iberian citadel.

In El Vendrell, the birthplace of the musician Pau Casals and the capital of the region, you can admire the 18th-century neoclassical church of San Salvador, the Pau Casals Museum, and the Àngel Guimerà House Museum, a writer who was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature. The beaches of El Vendrell are San Salvador, Coma-ruga, and El Francàs.

When we reach the Tarragonès region, the first town we see is Roda de Barà, famous for its spectacular Roman triumphal arch and the beaches Llarga, Punta del Guineu, and Pellisseta.

Then we have the municipality of Creixell, in the foothills of the Serralada Prelitoral and with attractions such as the church of Sant Jaume or the castle of Creixell. It has only one beach, 1.9 km long, and is popular with families.

It is followed by Torredembarra, a town that is an important tourist hotspot in the summer. Among the things to see are its 16th-century castle and the beaches: Mutanyans, Barri Marítim (also known as Baix Mar), and La Paella, which borders an area of cliffs.

Further down is the municipality of Altafulla, formed by an old walled town and a seaside neighborhood. In addition to the castle of the Marquises of Tamarit, there are also notable archaeological remains of a Roman villa, called La Tartana, and the chapel of Sant Antoni, which has a watchtower. As with Creixell, Altafulla has only one beach, 1.1 km long, and is very popular with families.

Then comes the highlight of the Costa Dorada: the city of Tarragona, the ancient Tarraco, whose Roman remains are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Most notable among them are the amphitheater, the only one in the world located by the sea; the Praetori or Palace of Augustus, the walls, and its imposing Roman circus. On the outskirts of the city, there is the Pont de les Ferreres, an aqueduct from the same period. Not to be missed is the cathedral of Santa Maria from the twelfth century, where you can see the transition from Romanesque to Gothic styles. Walk along the Rambla Nova or to the fishermen’s quarter of the Serrallo. To enjoy exceptional views, we recommend that you go to the Balcó del Mediterrani, decorated with a beautiful railing. According to local legend, you have to touch it if you want to visit Tarragona again. Its urban beaches are Tamarit, La Mora, Llarga, Capellans, Savinosa, Arrabassada, and El Miracle.

The next towns, Vila-seca and Salou, are home to PortAventura World, a theme park and hotel complex that was the first to open its doors in Spain. The beaches of Vila-seca are Prats, La Pineda (which at Christmas time hosts an eye-catching sand nativity scene), and El Racó, as well as those of Salou, Cala Crancs, Cala Font, Llarga, Capellans, Llevant, Ponent, and Llenguadets.

Finally, in the Baix Camp region, it is advisable to move inland to visit Reus, it’s capital. This city boasts modernist buildings such as the Institut Pere Mata, which served as a test for the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner to carry out the hospital of Santa Creu i Sant Pau in Barcelona. He also designed the Casa Navàs, in the Plaça del Mercadal. Older is the priory of Sant Pere, built between 1512 and 1569. The museum section houses the Gaudí Centre Reus, dedicated to the legacy of local architect Antonio Gaudí.

Also in this region awaits the quiet Cambrils, a peaceful destination with many services including a port and beaches such as Vilafortuny, L’Esquirol, Prat d’en Forés i Regueral, Cavet, L’Horta de Santa Maria, La Llosa, L’Ardiaca, and La Riera. Nearby, there is the exuberant Parc de Samà built in 1882 by the Marquis of Marianao. Just 3 km from Cambrils, is Montbrió del Camp, a small town known for its thermal baths and its 4-star spa hotel.

In Mont-roig del Camp, you can unwind and de-stress on the beaches of Cala de la Pixerota, Cala dels Àngels, Cala del Pescador, Cala Califòrnia, Cala de Santa Fe, Cala Misteri, Cala del Solitari, Cala de les Sirenes, Cala dels Vienesos, La Porquerola, L’Estany Gelat, and Cristall.

Finally, between Vandellòs and L’Hospitalet de l’Infant, it is possible to relax on the beaches of Punta del Riu, L’Arenal, El Torn, and L’Almadrava.

Inland, it is also advisable to take a trip to Prades, known as the Vila Roja (Red Village) because of the predominant color of its buildings. We also recommend a trip to Siurana, one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia, or to Riudecanyes, where the Escornalbou Castle opens its doors, originally from the 12th century and which can be accessed with dramatized guided tours. Hence this proposal is suitable even for those who are traveling with children to Costa Dorada.