Discover Costa Daurada – Attractions and Beautiful Places

Costa Daurada (Costa Dorada in Polish) is a coastline located south of Barcelona. Costa Daurada is synonymous with the coast of Tarragona, but this is a partial truth. This 160-kilometer-long coast is located in Catalonia, within the borders of two provinces: the previously mentioned province of Tarragona and a small part of the province of Barcelona.

Costa Dourada is a tourist region that attracts visitors for its sandy beaches, warm sea, and picturesque landscapes. However, it is not as popular as the Costa Brava, located to the north. The reason for this I don’t know, but I spent a month there and I know there is plenty to do.

One of the greatest assets of Costa Dourada is, of course, the beaches. There are numerous cities In addition to the beaches, Costa Dourada also offers many other tourist attractions. What are these places?

Feel free to check out the article!

Beaches on the Costa Daurada 

I know that on vacation in Spain, beaches are really important. But you could do a whole guide about the beaches on Costa Daurada! There are more than 60 beaches in the area and there is something for everyone. One thing is certain, they are varied in character and size. Most are sandy, with plenty of shells and crystal-clear water. In addition, many beaches on the Costa Daurada have the Blue Flag eco-label, signifying, among other things, incredibly clean water.

The most popular Costa Daurada beaches are, for example, those in Salou or Stiges. And while they are beautiful, I recommend the beaches in Miami Platja. There you will find incredibly beautiful sandy beaches, plus there are intimate coves. A fabulous place.

And what else? For example, the nudist beach in Platja Del Torn is sensationally sheltered from the wind, so in the low season, even in February, you can sunbathe and it’s really warm.

In the village of l’Almadraba, there is a beach overlooking the nuclear power plant. Such sunbathing is impressive, isn’t it?

Attractions of the Costa Daurada

What is worth seeing on the Costa Daurada? Below I’ll list amazing places that you won’t find in all guidebooks. But there are also places that you will probably want to visit with your children.

Such attractions include Port Aventura Park, which is one of the largest amusement parks in Europe. There are numerous attractions there, including roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, children’s shows, and much more. Another place liked by children will be the Caribe Aquatic Park. From what I’ve heard, this water park offers many attractions for children and adults, including water slides, wave pools, wading pools for the little ones, and great relaxation and lounging areas.

Now I come to what I like best: nature and atmospheric towns.

Sant Gregori Hermitage – a place carved in the rock

This remarkable place is located one and a half kilometers from Falset in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Red rocks are carved by wind and water. And in the rocks a hermitage, in honor of Saint Anthony. The hermitage, which honors St. Anthony, was built in a large cave made of red sandstone. Interestingly, the current building is the result of a 1927 reconstruction, as the earlier one was destroyed by a landslide

It is a mysterious and fascinating place that seems to have been carved into the rock by the wind. In my opinion, it is the perfect place for a family outing. In addition, there are hiking and biking trails in the area, and you can get water from a sacred spring on site.

Corbera D’ebre – an abandoned village in Catalonia

There are quite a few abandoned villages in Spain. Some, like the one we visited, are remnants of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). That war was considered a testing ground for new weapons by European countries.

Corbera d’Ebre was destroyed in 1938. Then, it was there that the longest, bloodiest, and also decisive battle of the Spanish Civil War took place.

What did this war consist of? The government of the Spanish Republic (with communists) fought against the right-wing opposition (with fascists and nationalists). Nevertheless, both sides of the war had support from abroad (Poland participated, among other things, by selling weapons).

To this day, part of the village looks almost the same as it did after the bombing. More precisely, what until 1938 was the village of Corbera d’Ebre is a memorial to the victims of the war.

Siurana – an amazing place a piece from the coast

Siurana is a picturesque village that sits on a hill, above a river valley, surrounded by the Sierra de Montsant National Park. The climate of the place is unmatchable, so if you are on the Costa Daurada, be sure to go there.

You can climb or get here by car. You have to overcome dozens of turns, the village is located away from other villages, at an altitude of 737 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountain peaks. It can be considered one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia.

The village is known for its Romanesque church, castle ruins, and the fact that it looks as if time has stopped there.  The place is also ideal for tourists who want to relax in nature. The area offers hiking and climbing (Sierra de Montsant National Park).

Reus – the city where Gaudi was born

Reus is known as the city of Gaudi. Why? The famous Catalan architect was just born there. Not surprisingly, Reus is a city that is famous for its amazing architecture. Interestingly, this is not due to Gaudi, who left the city when he was 16 years old and ended up designing or building nothing in his hometown. The most beautiful buildings are designed by architects such as Lluis Domenech and Montaner, among others, and in my opinion

Tarragona

Tarragona is the heart of this coast. It is primarily known for its Roman monuments, including, among others, the well-preserved ruins of the ancient amphitheater. The archaeological complex in Tarragona dates back to Roman times and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The aqueduct and many other monuments are also worth a visit.

Tarragona is not only interesting in terms of history. There are also many other places to visit in the city, but I will describe them in a separate entry.

Tarragona is also a popular tourist destination because of its beaches, picturesque scenery, and great transportation to Barcelona.

Iberian town of Castellet de Banyoles

In Spain, you will find many remnants of ancient cities. The Iberian town of Castellet de Banyoles is unique: it was a town of about 4.5 hectares, probably the largest ancient town in Catalonia. It’s a town with a history dating back to 1200-650 BC, more precisely the Bronze Age.

Castellet de Banyoles is located on Banyoles Hill, at the control point of the Ebro River. Today we know that trade between the coast and the interior of the country was controlled by this town. Today, ruins remain of the town, but we can still enjoy the view of the Ebro River and nearby houses and fields.

It’s beautiful and peaceful and no one was with us during the tour.

Sant Ramon Chapel and Mare de Déu de la Roca

If you love red rocks and want to see something unusual, be sure to save this place for yourself. The natural area and chapel of Mare de Déu de la Roca and the second chapel of Sant Ramon. This place was documented as early as the 13th century, although there are legends that speak of it as early as the 12th century.

This place was on my list because of its unique terrain, but without these buildings built into the red rock, it wouldn’t be as impressive. It’s a remarkable spot that stands out for its shapes, where nature and landscape, as well as history and faith, delight.

There are plenty of walking trails around, so be sure to bring good shoes and provisions.

Sitges – a charming town near Barcelona

Sitges is a charming seaside town located about 35 km from Barcelona. It is characterized by beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and a great selection of restaurants. It is famous for its carnival and rich nightlife throughout the year. With its historic center (look out for the 17th-century church of St. Bartholomew and St. Tecla – the city’s patron saints), rich history, and culture, the city is a popular destination. You can admire beautiful details there (as well as in many local towns), such as colorful mosaics.

Oh, and I would have forgotten. Robert Lewandowski lives in this city. ?

Benifallet Caves

From what I’ve read, these are some of the most important caves in the Catalonia region, having been temporarily inhabited by humans as far back as prehistoric times.

And although there are more caves in the area, only Cova Meravelles and Cova del Dos have been opened to the public. These beautiful caves are visited with a guide for 45 minutes.

In the caves, you can see many fantastic rock formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites. The most beautiful curiosity awaits you at the end: the Sala de la Música will impress any visitor. These caves are a great place for nature and history lovers.

As I wrote, entrance to the cave is possible only with a guide who will tell you about the history and significance of the place. It is worth knowing that not all tours are in English, we toured in Catalan and were given a leaflet in English.

Parc Natural del Delta de l’Ebre 

Located in the Ebre River Delta, the park is a natural reserve that features extensive wetlands. It is one of the largest wetlands in Spain and an important place for migratory birds, especially flamingos. The park is home to more than 400 species of birds and 764 species of plants. You’ll find many trails to enjoy the scenery and see the animals, in addition to organized boat tours on the river. There are also rice plantations in the park.

The park is open to tourists all year round. We visited it in February, and unfortunately, we didn’t manage to see too many species. Nevertheless, it’s a great place for nature lovers and people who want to discover the natural beauty of Spain.

Sant Jordi d’Alfama Castle

There are many castles on the coast, but this one impressed us. The Castle of the Order of Sant Jordi was built as a defensive fortress in the first half of the 18th century. Next to the castle are the ruins of an observation tower. The castle was bombed in 1650, during the war, to prevent the French and Catalans from staying there. And although we did not go inside (the building was closed) its location alone is impressive, as the castle is picturesquely situated, towering over the bay. And the bay in which it is located is similarly named: Sant Jordi. There is also a beautiful beach here, besides which it is worth a picnic overlooking the sea. The place is captivating and beautiful.

Accommodation on the Costa Daurada

Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose from luxury hotels, villas, apartments, campsites, chalets, guesthouses, and much more.

We on Costa Daurada spent a month. We stayed in the town of Hospitalet Infant, where we found a comfortable and spacious apartment. Our apartment offered many amenities, such as a swimming pool, underground parking, and wireless Internet access. You can see them here.

Hospitalet is a great place to base yourself if you want to explore Costa Daurada and surrounding attractions. There are many tourist attractions in the area, such as the historic cities of Tarragona and Reus, as well as amusement parks such as Port Aventura…

Visiting the Costa Daurada – what is worth knowing?

I think the most important thing to know will be the siesta. This one is in force in museums or caves, and it’s usually from 2 PM to 4 PM. At this time you can not visit these places. Therefore, preparing a sightseeing plan is worth planning attractions for the time before and after the siesta.

Also, the previously mentioned Catalan language. Costa Daurada is Catalonia and some tours or guidebooks are in this language, so it is worth bearing in mind.

I’d like to add that Costa Dauradais a beautiful coastline, and the attractions I’ve mentioned are the beginning of the tour. You will find hot springs, mysterious castles, and truly beautiful sandy beaches.

You can find more inspiration from this region of Spain here:

Vacations in Tossa de Mar – Discover the Extraordinary Beauty of the Costa Brava

Reus – What To See In Gaudi’s City?

Hospitalet del Infante – Here You Spend a Beautiful Vacation

Remote Work From Spain – How To Plan It?

Exploring Tarragona: A Comprehensive Guide

Things to Do in Benidorm

The Top Things To See And Do In Alicante