With a name that translates to the 'Golden Coast', you'd be right in guessing that the Costa Dorada in Spain has gorgeous beaches galore! There are several fabulous beach resorts dotted along the sun-drenched Costa Dorada, including Sitges, Cambrils, La Pineda and ever-popular Salou, and it even stretches all the way to the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona. Grab your bucket and spade for family holidays to Costa Dorada as you'll want to spend as much time on its beautiful sandy shores as you can, although there's plenty to offer grown-ups too - from luxury golf courses to designer shopping and fine restaurants, and of course, a vibrant nightlife to experience.
Costa Dorada holidays are the perfect choice for holidaymakers that just want to lay on the beach all day and soak up the sun. But it's just as great for more adventurous types, with many different types of watersports to try on the beaches, and away from the shoreline there's the PortAventura World theme park and water park in Salou that's always at the top of every Costa Dorada visitor's wish list! Fancy a round in the sunshine on your holiday? Head to one of the Costa Dorada's excellent golf courses, or if you'd prefer the other type of 'round', you'll never be far from a beachfront bar with a view.
As for where to stay on your holiday to the Costa Dorada, the choice is yours. From large all-inclusive hotels to boutique spa retreats for couples, you'll find it all in its resorts. Salou is particularly family-friendly, especially for those with young children, but in the summer months it's a favourite with younger groups of friends that flock to its many varied bars, clubs and pubs. On the other hand, coastal Barcelona offers the best of a city break and a beach getaway - its world-class museums, architecture, galleries and restaurants draw culture-seekers from the world over.
Flights to Costa Dorada destinations take around 2 hours from most UK airports, so you could leave before breakfast and be on your sun lounger after lunch! For your Costa Dorada holiday, trust Hays Travel to help you plan an unforgettable trip. We have over 40 years of experience in booking memorable Spanish getaways, including Tenerife holidays, getaways to Benidorm and more. Plus, we've been voted the UK's Best High Street Travel Agent, so you're in great hands! Call us today to start planning your next great holiday.
Holidays on the Costa Dorada centre around the beach life whether its sunbathing or swimming and water sports. Go gokarting or horseriding or explore the coastline by boat. Water parks and theme parks galore make great family days out especially Port Aventura. The area boasts an abundance of golf courses in Europe, making it a mecca for fans of the sport. Indulge in some serious retail therapy in the designer shops of Barcelona or visit the weekly markets in the coastal towns. Popular excursions include the Roman ruins of Tarragona, the Benedictine monastery at Montserrat, the Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres and the popular Nou Camp and Olympic Stadia and the Ramblas in Barcelona. Nightlife on the Costa Dorada is varied, depending on the resort you choose to stay in. In the summer, Salou is one of the busiest resorts offering a wide choice of late night bars, nightclubs and discos. Barcelona is a heady mix of live music bars and bustling nightspots and Tarragona nightlife centres around its main street, the Rambla Nova. Cambrils nightlife is lowkey whilst La Pineda has a bustling strip of latenight clubs and bars and a Pacha nightspot on the edge of town. Most hotels offer inhouse entertainment, including cabaret, kid friendly shows and karaoke.
The Costa Dorada is a great place to dine out with a wide choice of restaurants, including Italian, Indian, Chinese and fast food. Menu del Dia is a goodvalue choice in most resorts and towns. Don't miss the local cuisine though tapas, paella and sangria are all old Spanish favourites. For great fish restaurants head to Cambrils where fish covered in Romesco sauce, a tasty blend of dried red peppers, tomatoes and almonds, is a speciality.