Costa Dorada, which translates as the Golden Coast, is a popular 216km long stretch of coastline in Catalonia famed for its beautiful beaches. The perfect golden beaches are long and wide sloping gently into the sea. The sand is clean as are the waters which are ideal for swimming. A number of bustling resorts have sprung up catering for classic beach holidays but the region also offers a myriad of superb historical sights plus wonderful landscapes to explore inland, ranging from flat fertile plains to rugged mountain regions.
The Costa Dorada benefits from a temperate Mediterranean climate. Expect clear skies of intense blue. In winter mistral winds blow from the north east and in summer similar strong south easterly winds maintain a low humidity and clear skies. Average temperatures in summer are mid twenties Centigrade and never drop below 7 degrees C in winter. Rainfall occurs mainly in spring and autumn although sudden heavy downpours can occur in summertime.
There are unspoilt areas of great beauty to the south, the Delta del Ebre Nature Park and the Ports de Tortosa-Besseit National Reserve. To the west lies the Prades Mountains with large forested areas and picturesque villages. The Serra del Montsant mountain range is in the middle. The interior plains are wine country. Cultural attractions include stone houses and Romanesque monuments. Catalonia borders to the north with France on the other side of the Pyrenees Mountains. To the south is the region of Valencia. To the west Aragon. Fishing towns along the coast are largely transformed into tourist resorts.
The Costa Daurada has its own airport in Reus. Regular and charter flights link the area with the main cities of Spain and elsewhere in Europe. Barcelona International Airport is 80 km from Tarragona. There is also a direct motorway link. The region has good rail, road and bus links. A number of marinas scatter the coast. Nature Attractions
Rugged mountain range covering 800 sq km. Mont Caro at 1441 metres is the highest peak offering spectacular views as far as the Pyrenees and the Balearic Islands. This is a haven for wildlife including wild mountain goat and the golden eagle. Dense forests, cliffs, canyons and waterfalls ensure a terrific experience for walkers.
Steep Mediterranean mountain region covering 260 sq km of high plateaus, cliffs and gulleys. Several important rivers have their sources here and there are also many oak woods. Springs and streams are a delight for the eyes and you will see eagles and maybe even a wild cat.
Huge wetland area of large salt and fresh water lakes and beaches with spectacular sand dunes and salt wastelands. The Delta national park is rich with rare bird life, plants, amphibians, fish, insects and flora. There is also the beauty of its superb beaches.
In the interior lies the Serra del Montsant (1163 metres), the Mountain of Peace. A 12th century Carthusian monastery is at its base. Yet another place of scenic wonder and rare, beautiful plants and wildlife.
The resort town of Salou is an extremely popular destination for families and it is easy to see why. Situated on the coast 80km west of Barcelona and 10km west of Tarragona this modern resort features a host of amusements and a series of stunning beaches. You can try watersports, go-karting and visit one of Europe's most popular theme parks - Universal's Port Aventura. Other things to do include shopping in the many stores or at the lively flea market. There are also lots of gardens and parks as well as lively nightclubs and bars. Can be very busy in summer.
Enormously popular theme park offers five theme worlds - Far West, Mediterránia, Mexico, China and Polynesia. Popular attractions include the Sea Odyssey underwater adventure, the Stampida roller coaster ride and the Grand Canyon Rapids water ride.
The Costa Dorada's main city. The Dorada's capital was founded by the Romans as a military base and you can visit the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre, aqueduct, forum and other buildings. A wide boulevard called the Rambla is the modern main street outside the old city walls. Its ancient harbour El Serrallo is a charming place to watch fishing boats arrive with their catches. There are also excellent beaches, many fine museums and a wide range of other leisure opportunities, including sports facilities, summer festivals and fish restaurants.
This delightful town in the Baix Ebre has a large number of historical monuments including La Suda Castle, a Gothic cathedral and stately homes such as the Palau Despuig. The Sea Exchange market is ancient. There are superb examples of Renaissance architecture and many other places of interest such as the town's superb Municipal Park.
