The welcoming sands might be the biggest draw, but it’s not all beach towels and umbrellas here, as this area packs in a lot of attractions. It mixes exquisite beaches with exciting cities, traditional towns, historical sites and some of the best water and theme parks in Europe. There are also quieter resorts to relax in and use as a base to enjoy the sights and explore the green and mountainous landscape inland.

As you travel along this section of coast you’ll be struck by the number of places to stay or visit, each with its own character and charm. Enjoy the old town by day and happening bars by night, the pretty and historical towns like Salou. To be close to the action of PortAventura theme park, Portaventura itself is a convenient spot to make your base and is ever-popular with families.

La Pineda has a good balance of beach life, bars and attractions without being overly busy. If you’re looking for a quiet place to rest your head on the soft sand, then Cambrils or Cap Salou are for you with some seriously gorgeous beaches. The ancient city of Tarragona is just a stone’s throw away and Barcelona is just one-hour drive away, so these are perfect for some fun and fascinating day trips.

Costa Dorada offers so much for all different holiday needs and wants, whether it’s All Inclusive luxury, adventure and sight-seeing, or cheap Costa Dorada holidays that stay within budget – there’s no wonder as to why it’s ever so popular.

Beaches galore

What all of the resorts in Costa Dorada have in common is the selection of amazing beaches – from peaceful coves to long stretches of immaculate sand. 26 of them have Blue Flags thanks to their clear, shallow waters and beautifully clean beaches. Beach days are the perfect days for no or low spending, so if a cheap holiday to costa Dorada is what you’re looking for, there’s a different beach for everyday.

Salou alone has 14 kilometres of coastline, with large, urban and well serviced beaches, as well as small bays with an exclusive feel. The two most popular beaches of Ponent and Llevant are split by the harbour and have the most to do. While Capellans beach is in the heart of Salou but you’ll feel like you’re much further out of town, due to its small and private nature.

Away from the bigger towns, there are still plenty of options for seaside fun. At Cambrils, seven kilometres of golden sands are edged by a promenade. They range from Regueral Beach in the heart of town to L’Esquirol Beach with its sailing school or more wild and rocky but quieter Cavet Beach.

You’ll find three kilometres of Blue Flag paradise at La Pineda perfect for families. During the summer a range of events are put on aimed at a family audience, from puppets to magic, as well as dancing and performances for all to enjoy. On the other hand, if you want to get away from it all, head to the quiet resort of Cap Salou, where its hidden-away beach is overlooked only by cliffs covered in pine trees.

Explore your surroundings

Costa Dorada is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, thanks to its pleasant, mild climate almost all year round, and abundance of activities. It is the ideal place to enjoy a holiday with the whole family.

Costa Dorada boasts so many things to see and do, and there is something to suit everybody’s taste. From the golden coast to the beautiful scenery, rich cultural to the historical heritage, you can choose to jam pack your Costa Dorada holiday or simply make the most of the beaches. Portaventura World in particular is one of the largest holiday and family leisure destinations in Europe and being in Costa Dorada, no matter which resort you choose to stay in, a day trip is ever so easy – and will be one to remember.

If you head inland, expect to be surrounded by spectacular natural landscapes, where you can enjoy open-air activities, visit vineyards with a grand winemaking tradition and taste the delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

There’s frequent buses all across the Costa Dorada so it’s super accessible and low cost to get out and explore.

Culture & history

Tarragona is a great place to visit on holiday in Costa Dorada  for a healthy dose of culture and history. The city, once called Tarraco, is home to some fascinating Roman Empire ruins, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. But, you’re in for a real treat as this isn’t the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city! Tarragona has a rich history of monasteries, with Poblet Monastery holding the UNESCO title since 1991.

For the art lovers, Tarragona offers a whole host of galleries and interesting architecture to take in. The Paisatge dels Genis, which translates to The Landscape of the Geniuses, is a tourist attraction that lets you discover the landscape that inspired the works of Antoni Gaudi, Joan Miro, Pau Casals and Pablo Picasso on the Costa Dorada.

Reus is the city in which Antonio Gaudí was born and it preserves some places frequented by the genius that was Gaudi during the 16 years he lived there before leaving for Barcelona. The Modernist Route is a pleasant stroll through the centre of Reus, which allows visitors to view 26 beautiful buildings, all with a connection to the artist. Visitors should follow the route and stop in front of the buildings identified with a plaque, featuring the name of the building, the date of construction and the name of the architect.

Gastronomy

Visiting a new destination is always exciting, especially when you’re a foodie! There’s a whole host of new dishes and accompanying drinks to try in Costa Dorada. It’s a destination steeped in tradition, and many of its dishes reflect this. Plus, being a coastal area, there are plenty of fish and seafood recipes which are prepared with the ‘catch of the day’. Though these recipes have been passed down many generations, they’re all tried and tested dishes with modern twists. One of the traditional dishes you’ll find on the menu in Costa Dorada is xató. It’s a sauce made with almonds, hazelnuts, breadcrumbs, vinegar, garlic, olive oil, salt, and the nyora pepper – a must try.

To accompany the delicious cuisine, there’s of course equally as tasty wine. Montsant, Tarragona, Conca de Barberà, Penedès are part of the Priorat DOQ which covers 11 municipalities of wine production. It primarily produces powerful red wines which pair beautifully with the delicious traditional Spanish meals you’ll find in Costa Dorada. These wines are of high quality thanks to the climate and geographical conditions in which the grapes are produced.

Wherever you choose to stay in Costa Dorada, the resorts all have a huge selection of restaurants, whether you’re looking for home comforts, traditional Spanish tapas, or even restaurants with a drag cabaret show. Such a range of dining options means there’s plenty of choice, especially for those looking to stay within their cheap Costa Dorada holiday budget.