Earlier this year I had the absolute pleasure to visit the Costa Daurada – or Costa Dorada in English which quite literally means the Golden Coast. And it really was simply stunning.
I grew up taking my holidays in Spain from around seven years old until I was old enough to go away without my family. And I think that is probably why I choose to visit other countries each Summer now. But where I would stay in the same golf resort year after year it doesn’t compare to actually getting out and exploring the many parts of Spain and the sheer beauty so close to us in the UK. And a testament to how much I have changed my mind – I am now heading back to Spain next week with my little family to explore some more of the country.
So I have put together my seven top reasons you must place Costa Dorada on your visit list…
Reason 1. Tarragona
This was the first place I explored and it is steeped in history and beautiful historical buildings and ruins. The Roman ruins of Tarraco are a world heritage site and you can visit the roman wall, amphitheatre and the Roman circus. You can easily while away an afternoon soaking it all in and then sit in a shady cafe and have a long late lunch with some gorgeous wine and seafood.
Reason 2. Reus
Another place full of history – when I visited I got to watch the ‘Human Towers’ which if you get a chance to witness is quite the sight! Its a bustling busy city with great shops and restaurants. Sit in the Plaza de Prim and soak up the atmosphere taking in the incredible Modernist buildings – as Reus is in fact the birth place of Gaudi.
Reason 3. The beaches
The area is south west of Barcelona and known for its calm shallow waters. Whether you want water sports or a place to get away from the crowds theres something for everyone. We took a boat out to visit some smugglers caves and do some paddle boarding and it was the magical afternoon I would highly recommend.
Reason 4. PortAventura theme park
If you’re a thrill seeker then this is the theme park for you. You can even stay at one of their hotels and spend a few days enjoying all the rides. There are 40 rides in the park and Shambhala is Europes tallest rollercoaster – just looking at it was enough to frighten me! Then you can also go into Ferrari Land and the neighbouring waterpark – Caribe Aquatic.
Reason 5 – Priorat Mountains
This was a particularly special trip for me. We drove up high into the mountains to a little village called Siurana with the most incredible views – just in time to watch the sunset. After soaking up the memories we took a stroll around the cobbled streets and explored the beautiful houses, like something from a movie it was all so picturesque.
Reason 6 – Wine tasting
Costa Dorada is actually very well known for its wine which I had no idea of. The sun soaked vineyards are something to behold too. I visited Familia Ametller which is the most stunning landscape of vines. We explored the machinery and learnt about the process of creating the wine. And then thoroughly enjoyed tasting a few varieties of their red and white.
Reason 7 – The food
Oh the food – it was heaven! From fresh fish, rice dishes, beach cafe tacos and cold meats. I ate the most beautiful lunch in Tarragona at a small restaurant called El Llagut. a table full of fresh starters, salads, seafood and meats. Followed by huge bowls of rice with spices or seafood to be shared out around the table. Another highlight was a small beach cafe called Rosarita Cafe. We had fresh juices and tacos under the trees on picnic style benches next to a beautiful long stretch of beach.
I visited Costa Dorada with Jet2 Holidays on a pr trip – you can leave from ten different airports on flights to Reus with Jet2Holidays landing in Reus and the prices for a package holiday to Costa Dorada are extremely reasonable. We stayed at the at El Estival Dorado Resort with Jet2holidays which is great for family holidays. Although it was nice being able to use the adult pool for once without my children! We only had our breakfast there so can’t comment on the food, but the beach front location made for amazing sunrise walks in the morning and it was the perfect spot for exploring the area – Jet2 holidays to Cambrils, Salou, Tarragona and so much more.
If you have any questions at all comment below and I’ll come back to you as soon as I can.
Thanks so much for reading.
Ax