Costa Dorada
Costa Dorada is known as the Golden Coast, due to its vast beaches of fine sand and warm Spanish climate. The 20 or so towns and villages along this 120-mile (200km) stretch of Mediterranean coastline, south of Barcelona, have become built up with hundreds of hotels, camp sites and apartment blocks, catering mainly for family holidays. Entertainment consists largely of enjoying the shallow, transparent, gentle sea, ideal for the 'bucket and spade' brigade, and the large, thrilling theme and waterparks at the local resorts.
In addition to luxurious beach holidays in the sun, Costa Dorada also offers a variety of cultural and historical treasures worthy of exploration. Visitors can explore the main regional city of Tarragona, which was an important army base in Roman times and today boasts historical ruins and a variety of museums. Excursions inland, among vineyards, olive groves and almond plantations, take in the quaint medieval city of Montblanc with its fine Gothic church, and there are some interesting monastery ruins dating back to the 12th century at Poblet. Adding to the area's natural and historic attractions is the sunny, temperate climate.
