Autumn means a cool breeze, yellow-red leaves and the reflection of grey clouds in puddles. However, this is irrelevant to autumn in Spain, where the atmosphere is one of summer, joy and fun. September is almost the perfect month to head to Costa Dorada, a popular holiday destination in the country's east.
The Costa Dorada, meaning 'golden coast', is washed by the Balearic Sea. Spacious sandy beaches, comfortable hotels, and many exciting places (what is only the legendary amusement park "PortAventura"!) attract tourists worldwide. And the onset of autumn is no reason to deny yourself the pleasure of visiting this wonderful corner of Spain for at least a couple of weeks to prolong your summer.
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Holidays in Costa Dorada in September: pros and cons
The beginning of autumn is considered a perfect time for a holiday on the Spanish coast, and reviews of holidays in Costa Daurada in September only confirm this. People who have already visited the resort in the first month of autumn note the following advantages of the holiday:
- Weather. In September it is not as hot as in the summer. The air temperature drops slightly, which makes the holiday more comfortable.
- Warm sea. The beach season has yet to end; the water in the Balearic Sea is ideal for bathing even the smallest tourists.
- Decrease in tourist flow. In autumn, students and schoolchildren start a new school year, and the holiday season is also ending, so people in the resort become much less than in the summer months.
- The opportunity to visit the park "PortAventura". In September, the amusement centre is still open daily so that you can give yourself and your children an unforgettable experience.
- The 15 Best Things to Do in Costa Dorada with Kids
It is complicated to highlight any disadvantages of holidays in Costa Dorada in September because the season is rightly considered the best time to visit the "Gold Coast".
In September, the weather on the coast is warm but not hot, the sea is perfect for swimming, and the air temperature is suitable for sightseeing holidays. In addition, water parks and entertainment centres are still open in September.
Weather in Costa Dorada in September
Autumn in Spain evokes a feeling of envy among our tourists. The weather in Costa Dorada in September - October is warm and sunny. The sky is increasingly cloudy in mid-autumn, but the number of sunny days prevails.
The weather in early September is very similar to the sultry days of August. During this period, the sun is quite aggressive, so remember to protect your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light.
The temperature in Costa Dorada in mid-September becomes consistently warm. It is an excellent time for family holidays, as children can swim in the sea, sunbathe in the sun, and visit excursions — in general, get a hundred per cent enjoyment from the holiday.
The weather in Costa Dorada at the end of September also pleases tourists. However, in the last decade of the month may be short rains and cloudy weather, but such phenomena are usually rare to spoil the mood of visitors.
Air and water temperature
A typical Mediterranean climate characterises the coast of eastern Spain. The Pyrenees and the Catalan Mountains protect the Costa Dorada from winds, and the sea is almost always calm. The Golden Coast is perfect for family holidays thanks to its comfortable climate zone and windless weather.
Although the holiday season lasts from May to October, September is the most optimal time for holidays with children. During this period, the temperature at the resort is comfortable, the sea remains warm, and the rains are not as frequent as in the rest of the autumn months.
Air temperature in Costa Dorada in September
At the beginning of autumn on the "Gold Coast", there is warm weather around the clock. During the day, it is a bit hot for tourists to walk along the resort streets. The average day and night temperature in Costa Dorada in September is +26.9 °С and +20.7 °С, respectively.
What is the water temperature in Costa Dorada in September?
Even babies enjoy swimming in the Balearic Sea in September. The water temperature reaches comfortable +24.7 °С. The sea cools down only by the end of October when the beach season ends.
Precipitation
September in Costa Dorada may bring short rains, but they do not spoil the holiday experience, and stormy weather only stays on the coast for a short time. Generally, three rainy days are expected for the whole month, bringing 48.1 mm of precipitation.
Sunny, cloudy, overcast days
Don't forget to bring your sunglasses, as the sun is abundant in the resort — 25 days. The number of cloudy days is about 13%. As for cloudy days, they occupy only 4%.
Beach holidays
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The Gold Coast is renowned for its natural landscapes and comfortable holiday conditions. The spacious sandy coastline and clear sea have deservedly earned the title of the best swimming spot in Catalonia.
Tarragona
The most popular beaches of the resort are "Cunit", "Coma Ruga", and "Calafell", which have developed infrastructure and a wide range of various entertainment options. Since 1988, "Coma Ruga" has been awarded the "Blue Flag". Separately it is worth highlighting the beach "Playa de Tamarit", near which there is a natural reserve of the delta of the Gaya River. Such a favourable neighbourhood makes it possible to combine beach holidays with excursions.
Fans of secluded areas, where you can feel like a "savage", will suit the bay of Cala de Cañadel or the beach "Waikiki". It is always quiet and not crowded — this is undoubtedly a plus. The downside is the complete lack of infrastructure.
Salou
In Salou, the most popular resort town of the Costa Dorada, you will also find many excellent beaches, the most famous of which is "Llevant". It has showers, toilets, umbrellas, sun loungers, hammocks and all other necessary attributes of a comfortable rest. On the beach, you can rent a catamaran or water skis. Popular areas for swimming in Salou are also "Ponent" and "Capellans".
The Cala Peña Tagliada Bay is considered a quieter place. The picturesque location surrounded by pine groves will ensure you are entirely at one with nature. If you are not confused by the lack of facilities and services and want to swim in the clear, clean sea and sunbathe on the warm sand, then this place will fully satisfy your desires.
Cambrils
The Playa de Vilafortuny and Playa del Regueral beaches are ideal places for a family holiday in Cambrils. Clean, well-maintained areas, playgrounds, sunbeds and umbrellas, changing rooms and showers — all this is here. Visitors feel comfortable here and do not suffer from the lack of the benefits of civilisation.
You'll find organised and "wild" beaches in almost every resort on the Costa Dorada. Whether you're on holiday in La Pineda, Torredembarra, Salou or Tarragona, you'll have a great beach holiday. The Gold Coast has places for family holidays, secluded pastimes, as well as for noisy, fun-loving young people.
Tour Holidays
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Costa Dorada is not just a Mediterranean coastline with sandy beaches and warm seas. In the "Gold Coast resorts," there are many interesting sights: monuments, museums, entertainment centres, etc. Since in September it is not so hot as in summer, and the daylight is 11-13 hours, tourists can devote a lot of time to sightseeing holidays.
Fountains of Salou
The resort's highlight is the fantastic musical fountains that light up in different evening colours. The colours change every minute and a half, and the multi-coloured jets look incredibly spectacular. Salou has three fountains: the luminous fountain in Francesc Square, the singing (cybernetic) fountain and the jester fountain on King Jaime I Boulevard. The latter is built in the shape of a labyrinth, which makes it even more original than the luminous and singing fountains. At the beginning of September, guests can still enjoy the light and sound show, but the fountains are no longer switched on on the last days of the month.
Ebro Delta
It is a picturesque place that attracts tourists with its natural beauty. Here the river flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The coastal area of 7 thousand hectares is home to various representatives of local fauna, including quite rare species of birds. In the delta, there are more than 400 fish species; their number is so great that you can catch fish with your bare hands. The local flora, rich in tropical plants, is also pleasing to the eye.
Roman aqueduct
The aqueduct is located near Tarragona; it dates back to the Roman period and is now a UNESCO heritage site. The aqueduct was formerly an aqueduct that supplied water from the Francoli River. It is 220 metres long and reaches a height of 27 metres.
The ancient aqueduct sits right above the gorge and is often called the "Devil's Bridge" by locals. It is better to visit this ancient historical attraction in late September in the morning or evening, as there is nowhere to hide in the shade.
In the resort towns of the "Gold Coast", there are places where you should relax with the whole family. Here are the most famous of them:
- PortAventura amusement park (Salou)
- Aquopolis Water Park (La Pineda)
- "House of Illusions (Salou)
- Aqualeon water park
Holidays, events and festivals
Spain is a holiday country where people know how to have fun. The annual calendar is full of "red" dates, and Spaniards still can not do without entertainment on days that are not holidays. Holidays in Costa Dorada in September are bright and leave unforgettable impressions.
On 3 September in Salou, Spaniards celebrate the holiday of King Jaime I; his exploits played a significant role in the city's life. In memory of the great ruler are organised folk festivities; on every street in Salou, songs and rhythms of Spanish melodies can be heard. The highlight of the holiday is the regatta, held on 3 September.
On 15-24 September in Tarragona, the Santa Tecla Festival takes place in honour of the City Day. Interestingly, the fiesta is included in the UNESCO list of intangible heritage. The programme counts about 500 events, including festive processions, costume shows, theatrical performances, as well as performances of Spanish musical and choreographic groups.
From 13-17 September in Salou, holidaymakers and locals can attend the Nomad Festival. There is live music on the town's seafront, exhibitions, concerts, and workshops on Jaime I Boulevard. Nomad is a five-day fair with workshops, bands and special entertainment programmes for children and adults.
Cost of vacation in September
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As the high tourist season comes to an end, prices in Costa Dorada in September gradually decrease. At the beginning of the month, the cost of holidays is about the same as in August, but tourists can save a little towards the end of the month.
Package Tours
In September, tours become 19% cheaper compared to the August price. In October, tour operators still slightly lower prices. However, the price difference between early and mid-autumn is insignificant — about 0.5%.
Airfares
In the first month of autumn, flights to Reus are 7% more expensive than in August. And in October, flight prices are the same as at the end of summer. Flight prices in mid-autumn fall by 10% compared to the previous month.
Accommodations
The hotels in Salou significantly reduce the cost of accommodation. In September, guests pay significantly less than in August. In October, prices fall by another 10-15%. Thus, in August, the average daily cost of accommodation is 160 euros, in September — 84 euros, and in October — 78-80 euros.
Food and Transport
Spaniards know a lot about cooking. The mere mention of Spanish cuisine can awaken the most daring gastronomic fantasies. The national dishes are not only surprisingly tasty but also very hearty. Ordering a full breakfast in a local cafe costs about 8-12 euros, and the lunch price starts from 10 euros. You can have breakfast in restaurants for 10-15 euros (but not all are open in the early morning) and lunch — for 20-25 euros.
There are buses (fare costs 1.2 euros) and tourist trains (3-4 euros) travelling along the "Gold Coast". The cost of travelling between the resorts of Costa Dorada depends on the distance. For 12 euros you can buy a T-10 pass and thus save money on public transport services. Taxis cost 3.5 per boarding and 1.5 euros per kilometre travelled within the city.
What clothes to pack for Сosta Dorada in September?
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As we have already written above, the weather in September on the "Gold Coast" is warm and sunny, so tourists feel comfortable in light summer clothes during the day. In addition, in the daylight hours, you should not go out without a hat, especially at the beginning of the month, when the sun is still summer active. For evening walks, it's better to bring some warm clothes. Leave the woollen jumpers at home, but a windbreaker or pullover will undoubtedly be handy.
In Costa Dorada, you will need beach shoes and comfortable sandals or trainers for hiking. Stiletto heels are not the best choice for a holiday on the east coast of Spain, and there is nowhere to go in such extravagant footwear.
Tips for travelling with children
September is considered the best period for family holidays in Costa Dorada. At this time, holidays are practically devoid of disadvantages. Tourists with small children can swim and sunbathe, visit exciting places and entertainment centres, become participants in Spanish holidays and get unforgettable impressions from the trip.
The country of bullfighting and oranges offers many places to relax in early autumn. You will learn about the most popular resorts from the article Kidpassage "Holidays in Spain in September". However, opting for the Costa Dorada, you will not miss out — the "Gold Coast" meets the high requirements of even the most capricious tourists.
