Costa Dorada holidays

The region is also the theme park capital of Spain, playing host to one of Europe’s largest playgrounds for thrill seekers, PortAventura World. It’s comprised of three parks just outside Tarragona – PortAventura Park, Caribe Aquatic Park and Ferrari Land – and is ideal for families.

For something quieter, the countryside to the north of Costa Dorada beckons. This is one of the best wine regions in the country and is dotted with wineries specialising in cava, Spain’s favourite fizz. Even if you prefer to stay by the coast, consider a wine tour into the heart of the region. You’ll see a different side to this overlooked costa, and plenty of tours include tastings.

Costa Dorada is popular with Spanish holidaymakers, so you’re likely to have an authentic experience staying here. You’ll be able to embrace the Spanish style of long lunches – where patatas bravas will be more common than fish and chips – and late evenings.

Off-season sees visitors from colder climes arriving for some winter sun. But if you’re after a cheap holiday to the Costa Dorada, you’re more likely to find one in the cool months.

Prices skyrocket during some of the region’s biggest events. Sitges hosts its world-famous weeklong carnival in February, with more than 250,000 visitors in attendance, while in Tarragona, in October and on even years, the incomparable Concurs de Castells human tower competition takes place.

Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the port city of Tarragona is packed with Roman treasures. Make time for the Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the 1st-century Pont del Diable, an impressive 2-storey aqueduct spanning 217m and soaring 27m high.

The National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona is also well worth a visit.

Sitges

As one of Spain’s most renowned party destinations, Sitges need no introduction. Between taverns, cocktail bars and gay clubs, if you’re after a great night out, you’ll find it here.

By day, Sitges has plenty to keep you entertained, too. Lay your towel on one of the 17 local beaches (Platja de la Fragata is a good option for families, while Platja dels Balmains is a popular nudist stretch) or head indoors for a slice of Sitges’ cultural offerings. The 17th-century Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla gleams gold on its perch overlooking the Mediterranean, and art-lovers can find pieces by El Greco and Picasso at the Museu del Cau Ferrat.

Gaudí Centre Reus

Reus has a pretty impressive claim to fame: it was the birthplace of Antoni Gaudí, one of Spain’s best-known architects. Though his most famous modernist creations bless Barcelona’s streets, the Gaudí Centre dives deeper with interactive and audio-visual exhibits recounting his life and works. You can also visit a reconstruction of his workshop in the Sagrada Família, where he spent the final years of his life.

While in Reus, consider passing by Gaudí’s childhood home on Sant Vicenç Street and see “El Nen”, the adolescent Gaudí statue on L’Amargura Street.

PortAventura Park

One of Europe’s largest theme parks, PortAventura Park has five themed areas taking visitors on a whirlwind trip around the globe. The 37 rides include Furius Baco, a horizontal catapult that hurls thrill seekers into the air, and Dragon Khan, a rollercoaster that flies through 8 loops at 68 miles per hour. Younger or less daring visitors may prefer the spinning teacups or the log flume.

Nearby theme parks, Caribe Aquatic Park and Ferrari Land, offer other adrenaline-fuelled experiences.

The Ebro Delta

Spanning 123 square miles, the Ebro Delta is the second largest wetland area in the Mediterranean. Located in the southern part of Tarragona province, the delta is an intersection between the Ebro River and the Mediterranean Sea.

Visitors can explore sandy beaches, rice fields and large saltwater lakes by foot, bike or horseback. Or, you can navigate the Ebro River by canoe, keeping an eye out for more than 300 species of migratory birds including purple herons.

For a more active family holiday, the quaint town of Cambrils has nearly 17 miles of bike lanes, a third of which run along the coast. Cambrils also puts you within a 20-minute drive of PortAventura World.

If theme park thrills are your priority, consider one of the six on-site hotels. There’s also an area for campervans.

For travellers on a budget

A Costa Dorada holiday doesn’t have to break the bank, and there plenty of options for budget-conscious travellers. Base yourself in larger centres like Tarragona to have your pick of hostels in and around the old town. You’ll also be close to the beach and PortAventura World.

The attractive beach town of Sitges is also a good choice, with hostels and self-catering apartments moments from the beach. Salou also has a range of accommodation options so it’s possible to grab a cheap holiday, especially off season.

For food and drink

All along the coast you’ll find fresh seafood on menus, including regional hub Tarragona. The city is also the home of the calçot, the Catalan green onion that comes into season between January and March. Barbecued and served with romesco sauce, you can enjoy it in most city restaurants.

If you’re interested in sampling the local specialty, Reus has a long history of vermouth production. Wine connoisseurs can stay slightly inland at Vilafranca del Penedès, a 12th-century town known as the Catalonia’s wine capital.

For nightlife

While the Costa Dorada has a relaxed atmosphere compared to the livelier Spanish holiday destinations, there are still spots where you can dance until the early hours. Salou has a selection of late-night entertainment, with everything from pubs to clubs. You’ll also find a few establishments along the Jaume I Promenade, within stumbling distance of most accommodation.

Sitges is especially famed for its nightlife. There are ample bars and clubs here, and the town hosts numerous events throughout the year, including an International Film Festival in October. The Sitges Carnaval is seven solid days of partying.

For culture

Tarragona is one of the best places to discover the Roman history of the region, with striking archaeological remains. You can choose an apartment or boutique hotel within the old town’s warren of streets dotted with gothic arcades, galleries and restaurants.

Reus is known for its architecture and museums. You’ll find the Gaudí Centre here and charming streets with bars selling vermouth. For a typical Spanish seaside town complete with historic buildings and traditional tapas bars, head to Cambrils.