Tour The Costa Dorada           {Traditions of the Costa Dorada}

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The Costa Dorada

The Costa Dorada - the Golden Coast - is deserving of its name. The southern Catalonian coast has 92 kilometres of wide, sandy beaches and light blue sea, long stretches of dunes and many hidden coves. Many parts are very shallow so that you can wade out very far, making the Costa Dorada a very family-friendly destination. The climate is mild, sunny and consistent, turning the area into a very popular spot for water sports, camping and other outdoor activities. The local cuisine is renowned for its exceptional seafood, perhaps the best in all of Catalonia, and the area is home to the Roman ruins in Tarragona (a World Heritage Site), the unique flora and fauna of the Montsant and Prades mountain ranges and the amusement park Port Aventura. 

Perhaps the least spoilt stretch of Spain’s Mediterranean coastline, has largely been saved from the mass developments which have blighted so much of the coast over the last few decades. Secluded sandy coves and fishing villages set against a mountainous backdrop characterise the coast. The climate is stable, warm in winter but with distinct seasons.

Charming fishing ports, such as Cambrils and L’Ametlla de Mar are found up and down the coast; typified by well-maintained promenades, clean beaches, and good, unpretentious restaurants, a visit to either will convince you that this is the ‘real Spain’ which foreign visitors to the country often find so elusive. The medieval city of Tortosa, and the Roman ruins at Tarragona are also notable features of the coast.

The city of Tarragona is located 90 km south of Barcelona. Ancient legends claim that Jupiter fell in love with Tarragona, so much so that he left his earthly wife for it. And it wasn't just the Roman gods who developed an infatuation with the area; their earthbound counterparts followed suit and settled here in 218 B.C. Tarragona served as an important strategic point as well as the capital of the Roman province Hispania Citerior. Then known as Tárraco, it became one of the most important cities of  the Mediterranean under Julius Caesar. The remains of the ancient empire still form part of the city's urban landscape; excavations have unearthed a city wall encircling the old town, a forum, an amphitheatre, a circus, an aqueduct, the Mausoleum of Cantcelles and several arches and columns. If you want a more in-depth look at the city's extraordinary history, stop in at the Archaeological Museum. In 2000, UNESCO declared the archaeological complex a World Heritage Site. Other eras have also left their mark. Tarragona has several lovely modernist buildings and traces of medieval architecture can be found throughout the city.

The city of Reus, which also houses the area's airport, is a fascinating place for anyone interested in modernist architecture. Renowned architects of the late 19th and early 20th century, such as Lluís Domènech i Muntaner and Pere Caselles left their signature style on the architectural wealth of this city. In spring of 2007, the Capsa Gaudí will open in the centre of Reus. This cultural venue will encompass several different exhibitions, audiovisual presentations and educational activities related to the city's modernist history and the work of Antoni Gaudí. The Terra Alta, Priorat, Alt Camp and Conca de Barberà regions are home to several wine cooperatives that were built in the modernist style, earning them the nickname "Cathedrals of Wine."

If you prefer an adrenaline rush to historical contemplation, head down to the beach and indulge in the wide variety of water sports, such as wind surfing and jet skiing, offered at the eight marinas in places like Cambrils, Salou, Torredembarra and Tarragona. Tarragona's beaches, as well as others along the coast, are long stretches of fine sand with pine trees up to the deep blue water's edge, wonderful for swimming and basking in the sun. Mountain biking enthusiasts should definitely stop in at Mont-roig del Camp, which has 143 km of circuits, 10 routes and 4 levels of difficulty. The mountain ranges - mostly granite, sandstone and calcareous rock - are ideal for rock climbing. The rock climbing school in Siurana is considered one of the best in Europe and has several challenging courses and spectacular vistas across the landscape.

When it comes to dining, you are also in good hands. The Costa Dorada is famous for its excellent seafood and inventive selection of rice dishes. The famous calçots (spring onions, eaten with a traditional sauce known as romescu) are a typical speciality from the Alt Camp region. Many municipalities hold annual culinary celebrations at which they present their specialities and most characteristic products. Tarragona also organises a spring-time gastronomic fair, which centres on rediscovering ancient Roman dishes and recipes. Wine also plays a crucial role in both the Costa Dorada's cuisine and commerce. The Baix Penedès, the Priorat and Tarragona are well-known for producing high-quality wines. A large part of the territory also lies within the official cava-producing region. Many of the wineries can be visited and offer tours of their facilities. The rural wineries and cooperatives built during the modernist era, located primarily in the Conca de Barberà, Montblanc, Priorat and Alt Camp regions, are of particular architectural interest.
Anyone with a penchant for high-altitude thrills should head to Port Aventura, close to the town of Salou, and ride one of the many gravity-defying roller coasters at this popular amusement park. (Please see video on Port Aventura.)

The coast is also home to many villages with a long seafaring and fishing tradition, such as Cambrils, Altafulla and Torredembarra. The latter also has a long, uninterrupted stretch of beach with fine sand and a well-preserved dune landscape, a reminder of what much of the coast once looked like. Many of the beaches have been awarded a blue flag, an ecological label recognising the high quality of the water, the cleanliness of the sand and services dedicated to safety and environmental protection.

The Costa Dorada is an ideal family destination, thanks to the shallow water at most of the beaches and the many services and activities designed specifically for families, including themed water parks, swimming pools, outdoor cinemas and amusement parks. Many towns have built playgrounds on the beaches and organise fun workshops and competitions such as sand castle building and sailing classes that are guaranteed to please the little ones.

The interior of the Costa Dorada, a bucolic setting with forests, vinyards (Priorat), craggy mountains, rivers and fields, is especially interesting for nature lovers, history buffs and anyone enchanted with all things medieval. The Prades mountains and the Montsant mountain range are quiet havens, crisscrossed by paths that can be explored on foot, mountain bike, horseback or quads. The Montsant nature reserve, a 10,000 ha expanse, is home to rare flora and fauna, including genets, wild cats, ferrets and falcons. Anyone who loves sleeping under the stars can choose from a wide selection of excellent campgrounds.

The more historically inclined can visit prehistoric caves (L'Espluga de Francolí) monasteries, quaint villages and museums dedicated to rural life and winemaking, a long tradition in this part of Catalonia.  The Route of Cistercian Monasteries includes historical places like Poblet, Santes Creus and Vallbona de les Monges, whereas the village of Montblanc - a perfectly preserved example of medieval architecture - is like taking a trip back in time. In fact, Montblanc has dedicated an entire week in April to celebrating its medieval past. Many of the other villages still celebrate their traditional festivals - called fiestas mayores - which bring together locals and visitors  for several days of dancing, parades, games, fire and light shows, traditional cuisine and wonderful Catalan customs, such as the Sardana dance and the famous castells (human towers)