SIZZLING sunshine, golden beaches, mouth-watering cuisine, entertainment and a thrilling theme park – Spain’s Costa Daurada has it all.
Located in the north east of Spain, the combination of beaches, activities and charming villages makes it a fun destination for all ages.
Costa Daurada, meaning the Golden Coast, boasts around 89km of golden sand beaches.
Top of the list is of course PortAventura World – that bills itself as a Spanish rival to Disneyland Paris.
Less than 15 minutes from Reus Airport, or just over an hour from Barcelona, it’s easy to get to.
On par with Disneyland, this Spanish theme park has three worlds to choose from.
PortAventura World is the home to over 40 rides and 5km of rollercoasters, set within six different worlds.
Get your adrenaline pumping on the Hurakan Condor – a 100 metres free fall.
Pass through eight loops within 69 seconds, reaching a speed of up to 110 km/h on The Dragon Khan.
Challenge the waters of the volcano on the Tutuki Splash.
For little ones, you’ll find popular fairground-style rides such as the carousel, bumper cars, and tea cups.
Ferrari Land, Europe’s only dedicated theme park to the Italian motor racing team, has 16 gripping rides and games.
Cool down in PortAventura’s Caribe Aquatic Park with 16 pools and attractions.
Visitors claim the park cheaper than Disneyland, with adult tickets starting from €48 and junior tickets from €42.
We sped through queues with an express pass. Prices for Express Max passes start from €35 per day.
PortAventura also has their own selection of hotels from €130 which give guests unlimited access to the park.
The main beach resorts in Costa Daurada are Cambrils, Salou and Tarragona.
CAMBRILS
Cambrils is a popular seaside area, perfect for soaking up the sun and switching off.
We checked into Best Cambrils, a four star hotel, located a few meters from the beach.
The all-inclusive package includes buffet or restaurant meals, unlimited snacking and a bar from 10am to 11:30pm.
Relax in the hammocks on the large solarium or make a splash in one of the pools.
A great way to see the area is hopping aboard a catamaran cruise.
Embarking from Cambrils Port, discover the coast of Tarragona and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Nautic Parc offers a relaxing one hour Ocean Fly catamaran cruise from €10.
A day out at Parc Sama, the botanic garden of Cambrils, is not to be missed.
Built in 1881, it offers 14 hectares of beautiful gardens with 1,500 species of plants and animals.
Dine in Acuamar, a seafood restaurant, located on the promenade.
SALOU
Salou, located in the heart of the Costa Dorada, will keep all the family busy.
With nine beaches, 23 football itches and three golf courses has hundreds of activities to discover.
Explore the capital of the Costa Dorada on Salou’s Coastal Path running along 6.5 km of coastline.
Or jump aboard the Salou Tourist Train from just €6.
During summer, enjoy Salou’s nightlife in a selection of pubs, terraces, discos and karaoke bars.
A visit to the House of Illusion will capture all the family.
With free flowing wine, beer, sangria and soft drinks – laughter, suspense, amazement and surprise is guaranteed.
An all-inclusive drinks show starts from €47.95.
Or go all out with the dinner, drinks and show from €67.95.
TARRAGONA
Tarragona is known for its Roman architecture, beaches and culinary scene.
The Roman Amphitheatre was once the stage for fights between gladiators and wild beasts, as well as public executions. Entry starts at €5.
The city specialises in historic re-enactments and events.
Other places to see include the Roman Theatre, Berà Arch and the Praetorium and Roman Circus.
Seafood, tapas and Tarragona wine is plentiful in the area.
El Llagut is highly recommended for its oysters and seafood paella.
INFINITUM
If a trip to the Golden Coast captures your heart, like mine, you may never want to leave.
A visit to Infinitum Golf Course and Living will give you “everything within reach”.
With exclusive homes with sea views, a beach club, three golf courses, gardens and private beach, this private resort will transport you to another world.
To get a taste of the luxury dine at The Terrace at Hills restaurant with modest prices.
REUS
Explore the architect of Reus, the capital of Baix Camp, with numerous Catalan modernist buildings.
Step back in time with a visit to the Gaudí Center (dedicated to Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí I Cornet) or the remarkable Casa Navàs.
Known as the Town of Vermouth, it has over thirty local vermouth producers.
The airport is located only 3km from the town.
Read more on the Irish Sun
Ryanair is the number one airline for Reus, with 40 flights weekly from Ireland.
With a flight just two and a half hour flight from Dublin to Reus, this is a destination for making some golden memories.
Costa Daurada
GO: Costa Daurada
WHERE TO STAY: Best Cambrils, located 25 minutes from Reus Airport. Prices in Sept start from €59.
WHAT TO DO: PortAventura World, Nautic Parc Catamaran Cruise, Parc Sama and House of Illusion.
WHERE TO EAT: Acuamar, Infinitum: The Terrace at Hills and el Llagut.
GETTING THERE: Ryanair