Waste no time in arranging your holiday on the Costa Dorada thanks to our Top 10!
The Costa Dorada, a place of endless life and contrasts
Of course you will be looking for nature, history, art, sport and beaches. Are you looking for somewhere to find all these ingredients? The answer is in Spain, on the Costa Dorada, and you are heading in the right direction!
Come with your family or with friends, book a villa or holiday home with private swimming pool! You will be able to explore the Costa Dorada at your leisure and you can then come back home to relax in your villa, in your magnificent, comfortable holiday home!
If you are not convinced yet, read below 10 good reasons why you should come on holiday to the Costa Dorada. Read more:
Top 10: sights not to be missed during your holiday on the Costa Dorada
1. National Park of Delta del Ebro, Costa Dorada
It doesn’t matter what village you chose for your holiday on the Costa Dorada, you must not miss this spectacular national park.
The Delta del Ebro (320 square km) is the most important aquatic habitat of the Costa Dorada and the west of the Mediterranean Sea. This wonderful place was established to conserve the fauna and flora which have been there since 14th and 15th centuries.
If you are looking for more than this, in the park you will find the Ecomuseum of the Delta del Ebro Natural Park, which is divided into various parts, each with its own theme. If you are here as a family, your children will love this site. Visit it! You won’t regret it!
2. Aqueduct of Les Ferreres (or the “Devil’s Bridge” of the Costa Dorada)
If you want to see something really extraordinary go and see the aqueduct of Les Ferreres! This Roman aqueduct in Tarragona (first century BC) is registered with UNESCO´s World Cultural Heritage Sites.
It was the aqueduct which took water to the imperial city. It is 217 metres long and 27 metres high; there are two rows of superimposed arches, one above the other, built of stone blocks put together without cement. Legend has it that this bridge was built by the devil after having won a bet with a girl who wagered her soul. Hence the name “The Devil’s Bridge”.
How to get there: by the national road N240 to Lerida, it is 4 km from Tarragona.
3. Port Aventura: the big amusement park of the Costa Dorada
If you fancy a crazy day out, on the big dipper, carousels, water amusements and much more, the Universal Studios Port Aventura is situated in the middle of the Costa Dorada, in Tarragona; it is without a doubt, one of the biggest amusement parks in the south of Europe.
This park is divided into several themed areas. There is a zone dedicated to the whole family, where you can enjoy live shows and get the most out of a lot of amusements. There is a refreshing zone called Costa Caribe, where you will find water amusements, playgrounds and play areas. There are also countless restaurants, all specialising in different cuisines.
It is the ideal place to have a great day out with your family and friends. Then, come back to the house to rest, after a really tiring day.
4. The Cathedral of Tarragona
Come and discover the cultural heritage of Tarragona!
This cathedral was built in 1184 on a site previously occupied by an old Christian basilica and, before that, a 10th century Arab mosque. The cathedral is in transitional style from the Romanesque to the Gothic. In its main façade there are two Roman-style doors from the 12th century and a magnificent rose window.
Inside, you will be able to see the big polychrome alabaster altarpiece made by Pere Johan in the 15th century. You can also enjoy the sculptures of the Virgin, Saint Tecla and Saint Paul. The treasures of the cathedral are the thumb of the archbishop, housed in the high altar, and the chapel of Santa Maria, dating from the 14th century.
In the cloister there is the museum of the diocese of Tarragona which owns more than 6000 works of art, but only 350 are exhibited.
5. The Amphitheatre of Tarraco, on the Costa Dorada
On the Costa Dorada there are the remains of centuries of history such as the Roman Amphitheatre of the Costa Dorada, in Tarragona. It was built next to the Mediterranean Sea in the 2nd century BC, and it is unique in Cataluña. It was the seat of numerous popular spectacles like the gladiatorial combats. Under the arena where the combats took place, there are the trenches that were used for auxiliary services.
The centre of the Amphitheatre has the remains of a Visigoth basilica (6th century) and of a Roman-gothic church of the 12th century.
You will be thrilled by the magnificent views from here, because the Amphitheatre is located on a site looking out to sea. Take your camera with you!
6. The Castle of Tamarit: a must on the Costa Dorada
This Roman castle of the 13th century is situated in Tamarit (Tarragona) and it is one of the favourite sites for tourists to visit on the Costa Dorada! The castle is situated next to a bay and a wooded area, and faces onto the sea. It contains both defensive and residential elements: a prison, towers, a Roman church…
This church is one of most authentic pieces of Roman architecture in Tarragona.
It is a “must see” if you are spending your holiday on the Costa Dorada, and did you know that, from 1681, the Castle was owned by the archbishop of Tarragona and the marquis of Tamarit? At the beginning of the 20th century it was bought by an American collector who had it restored. The Municipality of Tarragona has owned it since 1950.
7. The beaches of Costa Dorada
Obviously there is no shortage of beaches on the Costa Dorada! Most of them have got the blue flag, which means that the water quality is very good and there are all kinds of facilities such as showers, restaurants, first-aid posts… and what’s more, you will be able to practise a variety of water sports.
The most famous beach of the Costa Dorada is the beach of Llevant; there are other very beautiful beaches too, like the beaches of Ponent or Coma-Ruga. There is nothing better than to relax on one of these beaches after a very active day. Let your children build sand castles by the sea while you cool off in the fantastic crystal-clear water.
8. History museum of Tarragona, Costa Dorada
Are you interested in learning about the history of Tarragona? The Costa Dorada has a broad historic heritage and Tarragona is one of the most interesting places to visit.
The History Museum of Tarragona is of enormous historical importance, not just because of its art pieces but also because it is responsible for all of the historical monuments. In fact, the museum administers the principal monuments of the city, and at the same time, it is the steward and the guardian of the most important heritage of the monuments of the Province of Tarragona on the Costa Dorada.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit the museum and to broaden your general knowledge. Every day one learns something new.
9. Caesar Augustus Statue
Caesar Augustus was the first Roman emperor and he was the adopted son of Julius Caesar. He succeeded in portraying himself as a restorer of peace, prosperity and tradition.
Have you ever felt that suddenly you cannot stop noticing things, watching or taking photos as you are walking?
The position of the statue is really exceptional. As you are walking along the promenade of San Antonio, the statue appears slowly between the walls of the Roman praetorian building; nothing could make a greater impression. It seems incredible that a “simple” statue could be so well positioned even when it is not contemporary with the buildings surrounding it.
10. Shopping at the Carles Buigas Avenue
We have not forgotten that you would probably love to go shopping and experience the night life! After having done so many cultural visits, it is time to buy something and to go out on the Costa Dorada by night.
At Salou’s Carles Buigas Avenue, you will find the majority of shops and restaurants. In this tourist area, you will find plenty of all kinds of stores, good restaurants, bars where you can go for a drink, pubs and discotheques.
Salou is popular because of its great night life too, so you will be able to party until dawn!
The Costa Dorada is one of the main holiday destinations on the Mediterranean Sea
An interesting suggestion would be to combine excursions to the beach and to the countryside further inland. Culture, art, sport, beach, nature… there are countless reasons to visit the Costa Dorada. We can only encourage you to come and to discover them for yourself!
You will find more information on our web site of the Costa Dorada.