Costa Dorada resorts and the best beaches of the Gold Coast for family holidays in Spain. Open left menu Costa Dorada

The main attractions of the Costa Dorada

The Costa Dorada can offer travelers a rich excursion program. The abundance of natural and historical attractions allows you to diversify your holiday and learn a lot of interesting things from the history of this amazing place.

Port Aventura

One of the main attractions of the Costa Dorada can easily be called the most visited amusement park in Spain, Port Aventura. The park occupies a huge territory and is divided into 6 thematic zones. There are more than 40 attractions, water parks, golf courses, luxury hotels, and magnificent beach clubs.

Gaudi Center in Reus

One of the most unusual attractions of the resort can be considered the Gaudi Center, located in the city of Reus. This unique museum contemporary art, created by modern architects using the latest technology. Here tourists are unlikely to be able to see the usual exhibits. All objects of interest to you are located on the glass floor of the second floor, which plays the role of a huge computer monitor. If you move your foot over an object that interests you, a movie about that object will start showing on the wall. All unusual exhibits are associated with the works of the famous Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi.

Ancient Roman aqueduct near Taragona

Among the historical attractions, one can highlight the ancient Roman aqueduct located near Taragona. It was once used as a water pipe. But when he stopped performing his main function, everyone forgot about him. Currently, the aqueduct is included in the UNESCO heritage list.

Amphitheater of Taragona

Among the historical heritage of the Costa Dorada, one can also highlight the Taragona Amphitheater, which has been perfectly preserved to this day. The amphitheater was built in the 2nd century and accommodated more than 13,000 people. In the distant times of the Roman emperors, bloody gladiator fights were held here. In the 3rd century, priests were executed here. In memory of these difficult times of persecution of Christianity, the people of Tarragona still honor the memory of the clergy who died here.

On resorts of the Costa Dorada everyone will find entertainment to suit their taste, because this region has its own rich historical heritage, magnificent nature, winemaking and culinary traditions, and leisure opportunities.

A must visit for history buffs and connoisseurs Tarragona, where many ancient monuments have been preserved. A Roman aqueduct is visible on the way into the city. Also interesting buildings are the Roman Amphitheater and the Roman Circus, built in the 2nd century. The Cathedral of Santa Maria, built in the 12th century, dates back to the Middle Ages. This is the most big temple throughout Catalonia. The central streets of the city are also interesting - the New and Old Ramblas. The spirit of modernity is already felt here, since there are many buildings in the Art Nouveau, Neoclassical, and Baroque styles. You can also climb Mount Montserrat, where the monastery of the same name is located.

Active people who love fun, as well as families with children, can be advised to go to Salou. This is where the Port Aventura amusement and amusement park is located, the second european park entertainment after Disneyland in Paris and perhaps famous all over the world. Port Aventura includes five zones: Mediterranean, Wild West, Mexico, China, Polynesia. There is also an area for children, Sesame, where the youngest visitors to the park will find entertainment.

Salou - ancient city, which arose in the 13th century, and is located at a distance of 13 km from Tarragona. It is considered the main place where tourists come. Here life is in full swing with all its colors. Jaime Street is where the main hotels, shops, restaurants and bars are located.Modern entertainment complexes, a large number of shops, catering outlets, exciting night entertainment - you will find all this at every local resort. The stunning sand and shallow waters attract families with small children.

Not far from Salou is La Pineda- a tourist center with numerous hotels, boarding houses, campsites and well-developed infrastructure. In this place there are a sports complex, the Pineda Drink entertainment center and a water amusement park. Pineda Drink is a huge network of small restaurants and cafes located right on the coast. In the water park, children will find a lot of exciting entertainment and attractions.

Small resort town Cambrils another one of interesting places Costa Dorada. Initially, it was a small village that arose in the 12th century, and subsequently a city grew on this site. Everything you need for relaxation is concentrated in the port part: a noisy promenade, hotels, a large number of restaurants and a seafood market. The main city attraction is Sama Park, which is located in the surrounding area.

Sitges is located on the Costa del Garaf.Sitges is a city of contradictions. Without losing its ancient charm, which has been complemented by modernist works, Sitges has become a dynamic resort. Here you can have a great rest, as there is a huge selection of entertainment for every taste and budget. Life in this place does not cease for a moment.

Near Tortosa, on a sandy peninsula, there is a natural park covering an area of ​​320 square kilometers. In this place you can see more than 300 species of birds and 500 species of various plants, many river and sea inhabitants.Of great interest and natural parks Monsan mountain range. Here nature itself has created an atmosphere for relaxation and enjoying the beautiful nature.

Cuisine of the Costa Dorada very diverse: they prepare dishes from seafood, meat, vegetables, even snails. Various snacks (tapas), as well as sauces, are very popular. Catalonia is a wine region. The areas where wine is produced are mainly in the south of Catalonia. The most famous product of Catalan winemaking is cava, a special foaming wine produced by fermentation in a bottle. The most famous wine producing regions around the world are Priorat and Penedès.

So, having arrived at holiday in Costa Dorada, everyone will find what they want, because all the conditions for this have been created here.

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The name Costa Dorada is well known to tourists from all over Europe. This section of the Catalan coast is called golden for a reason - it is famous for its endless sandy beaches, ideal for families with children. The Costa Dorada welcomes almost 4 million visitors every year and offers them a wealth of entertainment, historical attractions and excellent restaurants.

Climate of the Costa Dorada

The mountains that surround the Costa Dorada coast reliably protect it from winds and cyclones. Therefore, the climate here is warmer than in nearby resorts, and in the summer the sea warms up faster. The best time June-September is considered for relaxation - the air is warmed up to +28°C on average, water - up to +24°C.

Costa Dorada Map

Holidays in Costa Dorada

First of all, it is worth going to the Costa Dorada for a beach holiday. His coastline stretches for a total of 220 km, and most of it is occupied by beaches with golden sand. List best beaches you can endlessly: Tamarit With transparent sea and pine forest nearby, Cala Fonda- a secluded sandy bay, Playa Larga- extended sand strip, Riumar- it guarantees a vacation almost in a protected part of the Costa Dorada.

The cleanest beaches have become the key to the popularity of the Costa Dorada among tourists with children. But another factor that influenced this was the mass of family entertainment. Water parks, show programs and big PortAventura park.

The Costa Dorada is a whole scattering of world-famous resorts. The most famous is considered Salou, where life does not stop until October. Salou will appeal to young people, lovers of shopping and gastronomic adventures.

Looks a bit like him Sitges, which is called the youth capital of the Costa Dorada and the Catalan St. Tropez. For those who want to combine beach holiday with a tour, it is better to stay in Tarragona. This Cultural Center Costa Dorada with exciting festivals, historical heritage and golden beaches. And for a family holiday, two quiet resorts are suitable - La Pineda And Cambrils.

Sights of the Costa Dorada

Interesting sights are scattered throughout the Costa Dorada. But most of it comes from Tarragona- a city-museum that amazes the imagination with its ancient atmosphere. His decoration was Cathedral 12th century built in several stages. This affected the diversity architectural styles- such eclecticism became the highlight of the cathedral. Here you can see some of the oldest bells in Europe, impressive stained glass windows, frescoes, several types of Romanesque and Gothic arches, and also visit a museum. It houses artifacts discovered during a recent large-scale restoration.

Among the important monuments of Tarragona are: roman amphitheater, from the height of which you can enjoy panoramas of the sea. The most impressive places to visit are: Monastery of Santa Creus And Poblet Abbey- amazing examples of religious architecture, each of which contains many shrines.

Costa Dorada is often chosen for the opportunity to visit the most striking attraction of this coast - Port Aventura. The park is world famous and is in no way inferior famous parks Disneyland. Port Aventura is divided thematically into several zones, including the Mexico, Mediterranean, and Wild West zones. The choice of attractions is, without exaggeration, huge: from exciting rides for adults to attractions for the little ones.

You can't miss it in Sitges Maricel Palace- a property previously owned by millionaire Charles Deering. In addition to the luxurious halls, where buffets are often held, and beautiful decorative elements, Marisel is interesting for its large Deering collection. He left a collection of paintings and statues here, although most took him to the USA.

Shopping in Costa Dorada

When going on vacation to the Costa Dorada, tourists wonder about the best place for shopping. Fortunately, the resorts on this coast offer more than just beaches - you can have a good time shopping here. Usually the choice falls on Salou, where on any central street there are dozens of shops with fashionable new items. You can go to Tarragona, where they operate on a par with mono-brand boutiques shopping centers. The most famous is Parc Central. It features stores H&M, Calzedonia, Zara, Desigual, Etam, Mango.

As a memorable souvenir from the Costa Dorada, you can take away original ceramics or jewelry. Products based on sketches by Salvador Dali, a famous native of Catalonia, are especially valued. There are both expensive jewelry and affordable jewelry on sale. The Costa Dorada is known for its excellent wines and liqueurs, cheeses, jamon, and high-quality leather goods. Typical Catalan souvenirs include castanets or a bull figurine. And if you want to take away a truly unique item, you should visit the antique markets - they are in almost every major resort town.

The best restaurants in Costa Dorada

One of the advantages of the Costa Dorada is local gastronomy. There are also a lot of restaurants serving international and Catalan cuisine, many of which are especially loved by vacationers. A restaurant worth visiting in Sitges Fragata, located on the coast. The menu offers a wide range of fish dishes, wines, risotto and traditional Catalan desserts.

In Tarragona, according to tourists, the best restaurant is Arcs. It is located in the medieval quarter, and the halls of the establishment are separated from each other by arches. Such an interior requires quality service, and Arcs restaurant does this best. The menu includes only fresh seafood, delicious desserts, and meat dishes. The restaurant has a wine cellar.

In Salou, many establishments are aimed at tourists, but in such a variety you can still find restaurants with reasonable prices and quality service. Lovers of traditional Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine should visit the tavern El Trasto. Pizza, mussels, light salads and fish dishes are excellent here. And among the resort's fish restaurants, it stands out Omar. In addition to fish, you should order paella and homemade wine.

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Costa Dorada - translated as “Golden Coast”, stretches 140 km from the town of Vilanova i la Geltrú, west of Barcelona, ​​to the lagoons and rice fields of the Ebro River valley. The Costa Dorada gets its name from its beaches of fine golden sand, many of which are awarded the Blue Flag. If the eastern and central parts of the coast are developed, and their resorts are crowded, then the beaches in the Ebro Valley, even during the season, amaze with their desert and a feeling of complete loneliness among the sand dunes.

One of the reasons why tourists with children come here with pleasure is the Port Aventura amusement park - the largest in southern Europe. Young people are attracted by noisy parties in the numerous clubs and discos of Salou and La Pineda. History buffs will be happy to complement their beach holiday with an acquaintance with the monuments of the Roman era and the Middle Ages in the main city of the coast - Tarragona, which is easily accessible from any resort.

How to get to the Costa Dorada

Majority tourist routes pass through Barcelona. From Terminals 1 and 2 to Costa Daurada there are comfortable buses from Plana (office site) - 15 trips a day from 8:35 to 23:50. They pass through Tarragona (travel time 1 hour 15 minutes, ticket price 14 EUR), La Pineda (1 hour 35 minutes, 17 EUR), Salou (1 hour 50 minutes, 17 EUR) and Cambrils (2 hours 20 minutes, 17.5 EUR). The ticket is purchased from the driver or on the carrier's website. There are Mon-Bus buses to Sitges (office website in English), departing from Terminal 1 (16 trips from 6:50 to 23:50, 25 minutes, 4.3 EUR). Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Tarragona, Salou and Cambrils can also be reached by train. First, from Terminal 2, take the train and get to Barselona-Sants station (2 times per hour from 5:40 to 23:40, journey time 19 minutes, ticket 4.50 EUR). Then transfer to a regional train going to the desired station (2 times per hour, from 1 hour 10 minutes, ticket from 8.80 EUR).

A taxi from Barcelona airport to Tarragona will cost 136 EUR, Salou and La Pineda - 148 EUR, Cambrils - 154 EUR, Sitges - 50 EUR.

It is convenient to get to the Costa Dorada through Reus - 8 km from Tarragona. The low-cost airline Pobeda (2 times a week, 4 hours 40 minutes) and Royal Flight charters (1 time a week) fly there from Moscow. From the airport to coastal resorts there are Plana buses (flights at 2:45, 5:40, 9:25, 13:25 and 15:55, travel time from 25 minutes to 1 hour, 7 EUR). You can go by public transport - first by bus number 50 to the bus station or railway station in Reus, then by local train or bus to the desired resort. A taxi from the airport to Tarragona, Cambrils, Salou and La Pineda costs 45-50 EUR.

Search for flights to Barcelona (nearest airport to Costa Dorada)

The main resorts of the Costa Dorada

Entertainment and attractions

The main city of the coast is Tarragona, in antiquity it was the center of the Roman province of Near Spain. In the arena of the amphitheater at the foot of the coastal hill, where gladiatorial fights took place, the first bishop of Tarragona, Saint Fluctuoso, was burned. Since Roman times, an aqueduct 27 m high has been preserved in the surrounding area, and in the city itself there are the remains of the governor’s palace and a 4-kilometer section of the fortress wall, which was stormed by the Visigoths. The winding streets of Tarragona rise from the sea to the Cathedral of St. Thecla with a huge Gothic rose window on the facade and a revered statue of the Black Madonna inside. Some of its bells, cast in the early 14th century, are among the oldest in Europe.

From the cathedral, the pedestrian street Mayor leads down to a popular modern landmark - the painted façade of a house in Sedassos Square. Artist Carles Aropa depicted characters from local folklore and himself along with his wife watering flowers.

The most important center of Catalan statehood is the Abbey of Poblet, 47 km from Tarragona, the largest of the monasteries of the famous “Cistercian triangle”. Surrounded by vineyards and a double ring of walls, Pablet served for centuries as a tomb for the kings of Aragon, as did the other Cistercian monastery of the "triangle", Santes Creus. Quiet Reus is the birthplace of Spanish vermouth and the great Gaudi. There are museums dedicated to both in the city.

A place of complete unity with nature - National Park in the Ebro Delta, home to pink flamingos and dozens of other bird species. Its channels and channels are teeming with fish that you can literally catch with your hands. Everything caught is sold at the fish auction every day at 4:00.

Costa Dorada for children

The cheerful woodpecker Woody, the hero of Walter Lantz's animated series, greets every guest of Port Aventura, the most visited amusement park in Europe. It is divided into 6 thematic zones representing different world civilizations. The coolest roller coaster is in “China”, the most high rides- in Mexico". In the "Wild West" you can take a breathtaking journey through Grand Canyon and organize trolley races. And in “Polynesia” - see a show with Tahitian dancers.

In April 2017, a new one opened next to Port Aventura amusement park"Ferrari Land" (off. site) - the world of high speeds and Formula 1 cars.

On the Red Force vertical accelerator, 880 m long and the height of a 24-story building, you can accelerate to 180 km/h in just 5 seconds.

Port Aventura is combined with the Costa Caribe water park (office site) with the highest water toboggan in Europe, the descent speed of which reaches 6 m/sec. For the little ones there are children's pools, play areas and a pirate galleon with characters from the educational television program Sesame Street. The Aquapolis water amusement park (office site) in La Pineda is good even for the little ones - there is a special pool with small slides and funny fountains. In between swims, you can watch a show of trained dolphins and sea lions.

Weather

Thanks to the mountains, the Costa Dorada coast is warmer than most of the surrounding resorts: from the north and west it is well protected from winds and cyclones, first by the Pyrenees and then by the Catalan Mountains. Local resorts are good for families with children: they are usually a little warmer, there are more sunny days at the beginning and end of the season, and the coastal waters are shallow and warm up faster.

Costa Dorada is translated from Catalan as “golden coast”. The sand here really sparkles in the sun, leaving a barely noticeable shimmering mark on the skin.

The beaches of the Costa Dorada start from the town of Vilanova i la Geltrú, south of Barcelona, ​​and end on the Catalan border in the town of Les Cases Alcanar. This is more than 100 km of clean fine sand by the sea and pine groves on the shore. Most of the beaches here have a gentle entrance to the water, so the Costa Dorada is ideal for families with children, leisurely long walks along the sea and a relaxed family holiday.

How to get to Costa Dorada?

If you are planning to relax on the beaches of the Costa Dorada, you need to fly to Barcelona - this is the closest airport to these resorts. Barcelona International Airport is called El-Prat-de-Llobregat, IATA code is BCN. There are several ways to get from Barcelona Airport to your desired resort.

By intercity bus

• The intercity bus station is located near the exit from terminal No. 1 on the ground floor. Buses from the company “Plana” (“Plana-bus”) go to the Costa Dorada
• The ticket price can be checked at the ticket office (it depends on the distance to your resort). Buses run several times a day; the exact schedule can be checked at the ticket office or on the official website of the Plana company.

By local train

There are no direct trains from the airport to the Costa Dorada.

• First, we take the Renfe train to Barcelona Central Station (Barcelona-Sants)
  The train platform is located near the exit from terminal No. 2, where you can buy a ticket - about 3 euros per person

• Trains leave every 20 minutes from 5:00 to 23:30, the journey takes no more than 20 minutes. R2N route number. (Important: there are several train stations in Barcelona, ​​you need Barcelona Sants)

• On central station There is a special information service whose employees help tourists with all questions that arise. It is marked with a lowercase letter “I” (there are several kiosks and a small office in the center of the station). It is better to contact the employees of this service, since it is quite difficult to navigate yourself for the first time

• Tickets to the Costa Dorada are sold at the box office under the sign “media distancia” (average distance). All trains going to Zaragoza, Tortosa and Lleida pass through the Costa Dorada. On average, the train to the Costa Dorada departs every 1-1.5 hours

• Trains only run during the daytime. It is important to remember that some of the trains do not stop in all cities on the coast, but in relatively large ones: Calafell, Torredembara, Tarragona, Salou, Cambrils. You will need to get to small villages with a transfer. Ticket price depends on distance

Transport on the Costa Dorada

Buses on the Costa Dorada

• The most convenient type public transport on the Costa Dorada - these are buses from the Plana company (Plana or Bus-Plana). They are found in almost all towns on the coast, in major cities their employees are on duty at many stops (they can be easily distinguished by their bright yellow or light green jackets, similar to the jackets of road workers)
• From them you can get bus schedules (both domestic and intercity), find out prices, excursions and much more. Most of them speak Russian (though sometimes with a strong accent)

• The larger cities - Tarragona, Reus and Salou - have urban bus networks. Drivers, as a rule, do not speak Russian or English, but they can help with gestures if you tell them the name of the place where you are going
• Payment for the fare is made directly to the driver upon boarding the bus (only through the front door). You can buy tickets for Plana buses in advance from employees at the bus stops.

Rent a car on the Costa Dorada

Rental locations

You can rent a car in any city on the Costa Dorada. This is convenient if you plan to travel a lot and feel confident behind the wheel. Rental points can be owned by small private individuals and large international companies. Their pros and cons:

• Small companies have little choice Vehicle, they often have only one car pick-up point, they offer almost no insurance, or the coverage area of ​​​​these insurances is very narrow, they can shortchange you in small things or fail to warn you about small defects in the car. But they always have lower prices, there are no queues and they are not very strict with documents.

• Large companies have cars for any number of passengers, all classes and types of fuel. They can offer any insurance and Additional services that you will need.
• In large companies, you can rent a car at one point and return it at another, since they have a wide network of representative offices. You can order a car in advance, before your trip, through the company’s official website, and receive the keys to the car immediately upon arrival at Barcelona airport
• Disadvantages of large companies: services for private owners are not cheap, there are often queues, when registering a rental you need to fill out a bunch of documents and forms, to rent a car you need to present a bank card (a mandatory condition), people over 23 years old with at least 2 years of driving experience can rent a car

Parking lots

• All parking on the Costa Dorada is paid. Payment is hourly, made through machines or directly into the hands of the employee. In large cities, leaving your car outside the parking lot is quite risky, as there is a risk of theft or a fine for parking in the wrong place (they are high here)
• The most serious violation is to leave the car at public transport stops or on yellow markings. In small towns, people often leave their cars (especially at night) in the wrong place, but under supervision (under the windows or opposite the counter in a cafe)

Highways

• On the coast there are paid and free trails. The toll roads have excellent quality coverage; they are located along the sea, do not wind, and are equipped with many signs and plates, so driving along them is quite convenient and easy to navigate in the direction. Payment is collected at checkpoints; when paying in cash, change is not issued, so have plenty of change ready
• Free trails are similar to country roads, sometimes gravel rather than asphalt; it is often difficult to understand where it leads and whether you are driving in the right direction. But they are absolutely free, which sometimes allows you to save a lot of money

Gas stations

• There are gas stations both in cities and on intercity highways. Fuel prices are lower outside the city. Suburban petrol stations often include a café, shop and service station

Eating on the Costa Dorada

• Most inexpensive way- cook yourself. Rented apartments always have a kitchen equipped with everything necessary. Sometimes apartments have a microwave oven instead of a stove; the set of dishes can be very limited - check these points when booking

• Accommodation at the hotel includes meals only in cafes and restaurants, because... There are no kitchens in the rooms. Breakfast is most often included in the price of your stay

• Grocery stores can be of three types: small private shops with a little bit of everything (there are a lot of them here), medium-sized grocery stores and huge grocery supermarkets. Prices are approximately the same
• In large stores you can often buy goods on sale. In order to save on food, you can buy cuts, semi-finished products, yogurts, rolls, cheeses, etc. and instead of going to a restaurant, have a hearty lunch in your room

• Of the cafes and restaurants, the cheapest are fast food (food + drink in the region of 7-10 euros per person). There are many small cafes serving Mediterranean (more often Italian) cuisine, a portion of spaghetti + a drink will cost 12-15 euros per person (portions, in our understanding, are simply huge, you can safely take one plate for two). The most expensive places are restaurants, it all depends on your appetite and wallet

• Local tapas restaurants are also interesting. Tapas is a national local dish - a variety of sandwiches and mixes on skewers, which are made from a variety of products. Tapas are cheaper and tastier where only locals and few tourists eat.

The main resorts of the Costa Dorada

Salou, La Pineda and Cambrils

From the point of view of a Russian who is accustomed to long distances between cities, these three cities are one. There are no clear boundaries between them, especially between Cambrils and Salou: two neighboring buildings can be located in different cities. City bus routes also often connect all three cities.

Salou

• This is a fairly large city by local standards - there are several residential areas - from high-rise buildings to private villas, a large number of hotels and apartments for rent
• In terms of attractions, Salou has nothing to boast about. This is a very young city - most of the buildings were built in the 1950s-70s (not counting hotels). Going to the beach and taking an evening stroll around the center is all there is to do here

• Salou is suitable for holidays for large families and mixed groups. There are playgrounds, a large walking area, many bars and discos, from here it is very easy to get to any city on the coast, all trains stop in Salou, except high-speed ones
• The central beach of Levante is the longest and best equipped, but during peak season it is also the most crowded. Capellanos beach is relatively small, calm and cozy. Larga Beach is the farthest and most “uninhabited” - for those who love complete privacy and are not afraid of the rocky bottom

• The main street (also known as the central promenade) is King Jaime I Boulevard. In the mornings there are many cyclists, joggers and dog owners. During the day, the boulevard is filled with tourists scurrying around in search of impressions, and in the evening the entire public of Salou comes here to stroll along the embankment, watch the fountain show, and sit in numerous cafes

• Among the objects worth gawking at are several old private villas at the beginning of Boulevard Jaime I, old tower(the remains of a patrol fortress from the time of pirate raids) and the Catalan manor (a small square where biblical scenes are reproduced in the form of installations, as well as several peasant houses with everyday details traditional for Catalonia are recreated)

Cambrils

• There are few hotels here, but many more private villas and apartments that are rented out to vacationers. There are also residential areas local residents, cola, shops, playgrounds, car rental. From Salou you can walk to the Vilafortuny area (hotel area of ​​Cambrils)

• Cambrils is most famous for its fish restaurants. The old port is located here, and this city has long been considered the main “supply” of seafood to the surrounding cities. There is an amazing variety of fish dishes including the most exotic species, as well as an amazing atmosphere of a port town

• Another a nice place Cambrils is an area of ​​private villas. Many of them were built in the last century, there are very interesting buildings in the traditional Catalan style, and there are several nice houses in the Art Nouveau style. In general, Cambrils is much quieter and less crowded than Salou

La Pineda

• La Pineda means "pine tree" in Catalan. This city is very fond of families with small children, athletes and elderly Europeans. It really looks like one big pine grove
• La Pineda has amazing air, very clean and gently sloping beaches, few noisy hotels, a quiet and calm audience, it has its own Aquapolis water park, a large Eurosport sports complex
• Of the minuses, one can note some remoteness from public transport and proximity to Tarragona, a large industrial metropolis

Koma-ruga and Calafell

• Koma-ruga and Calafel are small sleepy towns with few foreigners and almost no Russians. There is a railway station only in Calafell, and not all trains stop there. Comaruga can only be reached by bus or car. There are almost no hotels here, most accommodation options are rented houses or villas
• The main advantage of these towns is their authenticity. Here you will feel more like a local resident than a tourist. Get ready for the fact that no one understands English, much less Russian. It’s better to take a phrasebook with you or learn a few of the most common phrases
• Coma Ruga and Calafell are perfect for travelers tired of the hustle and bustle large resorts and not in need of special entertainment. They are also suitable for those who go to rest for a long time and plan to move a lot on their own. The peculiarity of local beaches is a very gentle entrance to the water

Torredembara and Altafulla

• Torredembara's style of holiday is a cross between Salou and Calafell. On the one hand, there is a hint of the presence of tourists and services for guests: hotels, many restaurants, equipped beaches and the central promenade.
• On the other hand, rest here is still more measured and calmer than in noisy Salou - there are no discos, the beaches are quite spacious, in the evenings there are no crowds of tourists filling the entire space
• The undoubted advantage of Torredembara is the old town (beautiful medieval buildings and streets), the width of the beaches (they are perhaps the widest here in the entire Costa Dorada), the presence of a railway station (most local trains stop), the amazing cleanliness of the streets and some special atmosphere comfortable and relaxed rest

• Altafulla is a town very close to Torredembara. Here a little fewer hotels, the same wide beaches and excellent service, friendly locals and excellent cuisine. Altafulla has its own medieval attraction - the castle of the Marquis of Tamarita and small Roman ruins on the outskirts of the city. The main advantage of Altafulya is its landscapes, they are mesmerizing

Tarragona and its attractions

Tarragona is big industrial city, capital of the Costa Dorada region and very interesting for self-guided tours city. It’s worth coming here for the whole day to see as much as possible. And there is something to see here, if only because Tarragona was founded by the Romans in the 2nd century BC as the village of Tarraco, and this is the oldest city founded by the Romans in all of Spain, no more, no less

• Old city – the heart of Tarragona, and Cathedral of Saint Thecla(in our opinion Thekla) is the heart of the old city and the main cathedral of Tarragona. The cathedral was built in the 12th-13th centuries on the site of a Roman temple. The cathedral and the neighborhoods around it are so well preserved that one can well imagine medieval life in Tarragona

• There are no modern details (plastic windows and satellite dishes) that interfere with historical appearance quarter. On the facades of houses you can see coats of arms, which in the Middle Ages denoted either the nobility of the family or the occupation of the owner

• In some houses, the front doors have not been changed for many centuries, and massive door knock rings still hang on them. In front of the cathedral there are drinking fountains from which people drank water 700 years ago. The old town was built on the site of an ancient Roman settlement, so that some buildings literally stand on the most valuable historical ruins

• Central square of the old city Place de la Fond- Very cozy place. There are not many foreigners here, but there are a lot of locals who come with whole families, noisily greet each other, animatedly discuss something, old people play backgammon - in a word, ordinary Catalan life is in full swing, not spoiled by tourists. There are also excellent eateries serving the best tapas on the entire coast.

• Archaeological Museum of Tarragona situated on Royal Square(this is the outskirts of the Old Town). The exhibition includes a huge number of unique items from the Roman era found in the area. From the roof of the museum there is an excellent panoramic view of the city, and an underground passage connects it with another attraction - Roman circus

• Roman amphitheater- another building from the times of Roman Tarraco. At one time, it became famous not for gladiatorial fights (although they were held here), but for the place of public execution of the first Christians, who, as you know, were subjected to painful death under the Romans

• Located next to the amphitheater Mediterranean balcony- a large observation deck on a cliff, which offers views of the entire coast and the modern port of Tarragona. The central part of the balcony is occupied by Monument to Admiral Ruggiero di Lauria, who served the kings of Aragon in the 13th century and became famous for his participation in the Crusades

• The street starts from the Mediterranean balcony Rambla Nova– a large avenue with pedestrian zone in the center throughout. Rambla Nova is interesting for its baroque buildings and big amount unusual monuments

• Eg, Monument to the Heroes of 1811 dedicated to the war with Napoleonic France. At one time, the monument caused a lot of noise due to the fact that the male figure on it is depicted with naked nudity, which was considered extremely obscene

• Another unusual monument - Castells. This is the name given to towers made of living people (castels), this is a traditional Catalan entertainment. Every year in Tarragona there is a castell competition for the tallest tower.

• University of Tarragona founded in the 16th century, it is considered one of the best in Spain, so young people from all over the country come here to study. The university buildings occupy an entire block and are distinguished by interesting architecture of the late Middle Ages

Reus: shopping and excursions

Reus is not a beach and not tourist town. It is located 10 km from the coast, 10-15 minutes by car from Salou and Cambrils, half an hour from Torredembara and Tarragona. Few people here speak English, you can count the hotels on one hand, but Reus has the most best shopping along the entire coast.

You can get to Reus by intercity buses from Tarragona, Salou and Cambrils. The shopping area is quite far from bus station, 10-15 minutes walk. The landmark is the Gaudi Museum (Gaudi Center Reus), which is located right in the center of the shopping district. In the same building there is a Tax-Free office, where you can return part of the money (up to 16%) spent on purchases (for this, you need the purchase for one check to be at least 90 euros, you also need to ask the seller to issue a special tax-free check , since regular checks are not refundable)

The Gaudi Museum is located on Market Square, from which shopping streets radiate in all directions. What can you buy in Reus?

• Clothing from all famous inexpensive European brands: Zara, Sela, OGGI, Mango, Savage, Bershka, H&M and others
• Brand stores of premium brands: Gucci, Chloe, D&G, Prada, Lacoste, Mexx, Benetton, Civenchi, Alexander McQueen, etc.
• The most popular sports brands: Adidas, Nike, Puma, Reebok, Columbia, Esprit
• Underwear and leather goods in all price ranges
• Spanish clothing brands of excellent quality: Loewe, Armand Basi, Jocavi, Jesus del Pozo, children's clothing line Mayoral
• Shops for toys and school supplies from pens to satchels
  Boutiques of accessories and bijouterie - both pan-European and local brands
• Shops with original collections of local artists with original and European stylish products made of glass, stone, wood, ceramics and other things for interior decoration

Important: in Reus, all shops observe siesta (afternoon nap), unlike cities on the coast, where, due to the abundance of tourists, the opening hours are almost around the clock. There is no single closing and opening hour for siesta; each store owner decides this issue independently. From approximately 13:00 to 14:00, shops close for siesta and open at 16:00-17:00.

During your siesta, you can take a break from shopping and wander around old Reus around the shopping district. There are many interesting buildings built in the 17th-19th centuries according to individual orders for wealthy citizens

Children's Park PortAventura

The park is located in Salou, but can be reached by train (Port Aventura stop) or bus from any city on the Costa Dorada. Strictly speaking, Port Aventura is a whole complex, which includes the Port Aventura park itself, the huge Costa Caribe water park, four themed hotels and a golf club.

Children's theme park Port Aventura is the most visited park in all of Europe. In terms of the number of visitors, it surpasses the famous Disneyland Paris. The park is divided into 6 thematic zones, each of which has its own unique atmosphere and attractions.

Mediterranean

• This is the central zone of the park in the form of a Mediterranean embankment street and a huge pond-sea. In the evenings on the water surface of the Mediterranean there are fantastically entertaining events. evening shows dancing fountains, huge laser projections and grandiose fireworks. The most interesting attraction here is Furius Baco - a roller coaster with a 180-degree loop around its axis.

Wild West

• Everything here is an exact replica of a typical small-town American town from the Gold Rush era. There are several roller coasters here, one of them ends with you falling into the water from a waterfall

• Another water attraction zone - the Grand Canyon, where you need to swim an impressive distance on a large round pillow boat between two sheer cliffs. A small surprise of the Grand Canyon is a water cannon installed on one of the banks, from which everyone can spray water on the poor souls floating through the canyon.

• In the Wild West, the route of Port Aventura's signature train begins, which in 40 minutes travels around all areas of the park. The station and the train itself are an exact copy of the American railway 19th century

• The signature show in the Wild West is a performance of cowboys with stunt tricks, including on horseback, and firing pistols. In the zone's shops you can buy real leather whips, cowboy hats, jeans, and scarves

Mexico

• The most exciting attraction in Mexico - the stele free fall 100 meters high. The squeals of visitors to this attraction can be heard even as you approach the park. Children under 1.5 meters tall are not allowed on the attraction

• The Fire Temple show immerses visitors into the adventure world of Indiana Jones. This is not just a children's performance, but a real interactive professional performance with unexpected special effects that cause goosebumps and squeals even in adults, because the audience is a direct participant in the performance

• Mexican specialty stores sell real wool ponchos and sombrero hats of incredible sizes. IN local restaurant serving authentic Mexican nachos and spicy bean chowder

China

• The China Zone is a real Chinatown with dragons, red paper lanterns, pagoda rooftops and traditional Chinese music. There are several playgrounds for the smallest, two of the highest in Europe roller coaster"Shambhala" and "Dragon Khan"

• In company stores you can buy a real silk robe, traditional Chinese souvenirs and Feng Shui attributes, faiths made of bones and painted on fabric, and unique Chinese boxes. There is also a pier in this area, from which a boat departs every half an hour, plying along a circular route through the entire park.

• The most interesting shows of the zone are the performances of Chinese circus performers blowing huge bubble, capable of enclosing a person or even a company of people, and a show of Shao-Lin monks in traditional Buddhist orange robes

Polynesia

• This is the most exotic part of the park. Instead of streets and buildings, there are tropical thickets, creepers, and thatched huts. Characteristic music plays from the speakers everywhere. It has its own beach with real white sand brought from tropical beaches, and idols replicating the famous stone figures of Easter Island

• The main show of Polynesia is the performance of "Aloha", consisting of songs and dances, traditional for the population Polynesian islands. Despite the boring description, the show itself captures no less than the cowboy races. All numbers are performed by a troupe of real Polynesians who come to work in the park for the summer. So this is not an imitation, but real authentic art

• Among the attractions, one can highlight “Tutuki” - riding a large boat over the mouth of a volcano and falling from a height into a small pool. Another attraction is the “Submarine Voyage” illusion, which is very similar to 7D cinemas, but the special effects here are much cooler and create a complete feeling of being inside the plot

• Polynesian specialty stores sell authentic Hawaiian shirts, authentic Polynesian jewelry, straw bags and hats, traditional flower garlands and all kinds of beach accessories

Sesame (Sesamo Aventura)

• This is an area for the youngest visitors to the park. The rides here are designed for children from 3 to 7 years old; many of them are allowed to ride with parents. Sesame looks like a real fairy tale with its fantastic decorations

• There are gingerbread houses, a huge tree with an observation deck, and a whole children's city, where all buildings and structures are designed for residents no taller than one meter. On the territory of the zone there are life-size puppets in the form of all the characters from the children's show "Sesame Street"

Useful information about visiting PortAventura Park

• Entrance tickets can be purchased on the official website of the park in advance (the cheapest option), from hotel guides, from Bus-Plana employees at bus stops and directly at the park ticket office. At the box office - although it is cheap, it is not the most inconvenient option, because there are always queues; in summer, the average waiting time is from 40 minutes to an hour
• For children under 4 years old, entry to the park is free. There are discounts for children 4-10 years old and pensioners over 60. Tickets can be purchased for 1, 2 and 3 days. How more days, the cheaper the ticket (in terms of one day)
• Tickets to Porta Caribe Waterpark are sold separately. If you buy a ticket to the water park and Port Aventura at the same time, you also get a discount

• The ticket gives you the right to stay in the park for the specified days, use all attractions for free an unlimited number of times, and attend any shows for free. Meals in cafes and restaurants in the park are paid separately
• It is prohibited to bring any drinks or food into Port Aventura that were not purchased in the park. At the entrance to the turnstile, all visitors are required to open their bags for inspection. If food or water is found, they will not be allowed into the park.
• At the entrance, right after the turnstiles, you can get a free booklet containing a map of the location of all thematic areas of the park, the name and description of all attractions, the name and start schedule of all shows and other useful information
• For children under 7 years old, you can rent special strollers with an awning at the entrance to the park.

Video. Costa Dorada (promo)

Video. Port Aventura, gala concert

Video. PortAventura final show