Cheap Holidays > Spain > Costa Dorada

Cheap Holidays to Costa Dorada

The Costa Dorada is Spain's 'Gold Coast' extending from the city of Barcelona in the North, all the way down to south of Tarragona in the region of Catalonia. The main attraction here are the beautiful, golden beaches but there is a lot more to the area than just beaches.

Salou has been a favourite of British holidaymakers for years and is close to the water park and the great theme park, Port Aventura.

As well as the many attractions and entertainment hotspots, the area is also great for exploring, with so many mountains and green hills where you will find the Monastery of Montserrat and Europe's best wetland reserve, Ebre Delta which is a birdwatchers paradise.

Location Map

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How Hot?

The Costa Dorada is at its busiest during July and August when temperatures are upwards of 86ºF, May to June is an ideal time to visit with temperatures are pleasant between 70ºF and 80ºF and the prices reasonable prior to the school holiday season.

The later months of September and October also offer ideal temperatures, though this is the wettest time with considerable rainfall.

Out and About

Golden sands and clear shallow waters make the beaches of the Costa Dorada popular with tourists and yet the surrounding area remains scenic and tranquil. In easy reach of the beach resorts is the beautiful Catalonian countryside replete with vineyards, groves of olives and nut trees, peaceful villages and medieval monasteries.

The beach resort of Salou is particularly popular with British holiday-makers and La Pineda is ideal for younger families; the picturesque harbour town of Cambrils has an excellent beach as does Calafell, the preferred choice for golfers. Coma Ruga is located just outside of Calafell and Sitges is a lively beach front town, just half an hour drive from Barcelona.

The most popular leisure attraction is the Port Aventura Theme Park, between Salou and La Pineda, which has 5 themed areas with rides for all ages as well as a water park. You can also visit the Aquapolis water park at La Pineda and the Aqua Leon water park and wildlife safari in Albinyana, near Tarragona. There are 2 parks in Cambrils, both with children%u2019s play areas, ideal for a picnic or a break from the beach.

For water-sports such as surfing, and windsurfing, scuba diving, waterskiing and jet skiing, Salou and Cambrils are ideal. On land the most popular activity is hiking through the natural parks and mountainous Catalonian landscape and there are also 4 golf courses in the region.

The beautiful port city of Tarragona enjoys a central location along the Costa Dorada and is a UNESCO world heritage site. In Tarragona you can relax and enjoy the sea views from the pavement cafes on the Balco del Mediterrani, browse the museums and art galleries and visit the 12th century Cathedral in the gothic quarter. Historic landmarks include the Ferran Castle, the 2nd century Roman amphitheatre, the 1st century Roman Circus and the impressive Roman Walls.

The enchanting city of Barcelona is in easy reach of all the Costa Dorada resorts, being approx half an hour drive from Sitges and around 90 minutes from Cambrils. The various districts of Barcelona, from the gothic quarter to the beach, offer an array of historic and cultural attractions, shopping and dining opportunities and, of course, many of the distinguished works of Antoni Gaudi.

Reus, the home town of Gaudi is also worth a visit for its traditional atmosphere, charming town squares, excellent shopping facilities and traditional tapas bars and restaurants. Stroll through the city and admire some of the most beautiful architecture by following the Catalan Modernism Route and take the Guadi Route to the Gaudi Centre.

Out for Lunch!

All along the Costa Dorada there are numerous restaurants of all types, from tapas bars to authentic Spanish restaurants and well known fast food outlets to Irish pubs, there really is something for everyone.

Specialities in the area include; suquet, a Catalan fish stew, butifarra or fuet sausages often served with white beans, caldero a soupy rice and fish dish, octopus cooked with potatoes and garlic, omelettes with chanquetes (tiny fish), and the local delicacy romescos sauce, which is a mixture of hazelnuts, red peppers added with toasted almonds and usually served with fish.

Salou is a popular choice with families and British holidaymakers, allowing for this the restaurants here are very family friendly and offer great value for money, and don't be surprised to see toad-in-the-hole alongside paella on the menu.

Cambrils is a little more traditional and a great place to enjoy freshly caught fish, it also boasts a proud reputation as the area's gastronomic capital. The picturesque fishing port is lined with restaurants all offering a variety of seafood dishes, including a wide variety of grilled and fried fish, baby octopus, sea bass cooked in salt and baby squid sautéed with broad beans.

Qucik Facts

Flight Time - From London 2 hrs 5 mins, From Manchester 2 hrs 15 mins, From Glasgow 2 hrs 40 mins

Currency - Euro

Nightlife - Restaurants, Bars, Nightclubs and Cafes - mixed and varied with a wide selection of things to do.

Best Time to Visit: May to October

Costa Dorada Resorts

Calafell Hotels	Coma Ruga Hotels	Salou Hotels
Cambrils Hotels	La Pineda Hotels	Sitges Hotels

Costa Dorada Deals

Here are just a few offers. To book your next holiday to Costa Dorada, use the search box above or browse the offers below.

Salou
from Bristol

Corcega Apartments Picture

7 Nts, Self Catering
Corcega Apartments
Salou

from £144.51

(per person including flights)