South of Barcelona, on Spain’s East coast, lies the Costa Dorada (Golden Coast). Famed for its beautiful beaches with clean sand and transparent shallow waters, the area is also beautiful away from the coast. In between the sea and mountains are wide areas filled with peaceful towns and farmlands, where vineyards, olive groves, carobs and hazel and almond trees grow.
Costa Dorada is situated within the county of Tarragonés, with the city of Tarragona its capital. Tarragona is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also found in the area is the Delta del Ebro with its 320km of wetland and the Ebro river. The area is full of medieval history and picturesque landscapes, meaning there’s plenty to keep families busy.
The beautiful beaches are an obvious lure for families, with no shortage of places to enjoy the sun and surf. Good family beaches include Cambrils Beach, Llevant Beach in Salou and Playa de la Pineda. For another way to explore the sea, why not take a glass bottomed boat ride in Cambrils?
For an action packed day out, visit Port Aventura, Spain’s first theme park. You’ll find six themed lands, a water park and a man made beach, and there are rides to suit both little and big kids. Or try Aquopolis Water Park with lots of rides and play areas, as well as dolphin and sea lion shows. There’s also Bosc Aventura Salou – a fantastic activity park complete with zip lines, bridges, paintballing, a climbing wall and mini golf.
Little ones will love the Choo-Choo train – a Noddy train that runs around Salou, and is a great way to get out of the heat. Whilst you’re in Salou, do try out the ice cream at one of the gelatarias.
The Costa Dorada is full of castles and medieval ruins but for something even older, visit the Roman ruins in Tarragona. Built in the 2nd century you can see the remains of the amphitheatre with its amazing sea views. Nearby are the excavated vaults of the 1st century Circus Maximus, where spectators gathered to watch chariot races.
Almost every type of water sports is available up and down the coast from banana boats to windsurfing. And if that’s not your sort of thing, why not hire a fishing rod and see what you can catch?
The easiest way to get to the Costa Dorada is to fly to Reus. Cheap flights are available with airlines such as Ryanair, Monarch, Jet2 and Thomson.
Family friendly campsites
Ametlla Del Mar, Ametlla
Close to the beautiful coastline of L'Ametlla de Mar, Camping Ametlla campsite has direct access to two quiet coves that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. On site there's a lovely swimming pool with separate children's pool and a large terrace to relax on. You can hire a bike to explore the local area or even take diving lessons! During high season there's a children's club and teenagers' club, as well as parties for teenagers.
Creixell de Mar, Gavina
Camping Gavina is set directly on a stunning beach, where you can soak up the sun, enjoy a cooling dip, or try your hand at windsurfing or snorkelling. There's an outdoor pool on site, along with a tennis court, jacuzzi, table tennis, boules and areas for football and basketball. The restaurant is a must visit - set right on the beach and during high season there's a children's club, parties for teenagers and shows and live music.
Tarragona, Creixell Beach Resort
Close to the beautiful ancient city of Tarragona is Camping Creixell Beach Resort campsite. The site is just 200 metres from a lovely quiet beach - perfect for swimming and relaxing on. There is a wonderful pool complex on site with outdoor pool, water slides and a separate children's pool. For a more lively activity, why not play a game of tennis on the court or hire a bike to explore the local area?
Cambrils, Cambrils Park
Camping Cambrils Park campsite is beautifully presented, with palm trees dotted around the site and is only a short walk from a lovely beach. The stunning pool complex has a large pool with a swim-up bar and water slides for the kids. There's also a separate children's pool with a dragon water slide and life-sized elephants squirting water! There are excellent facilities including a playground, trampoline, tennis and badminton courts, mini golf course and a spa with jacuzzi. The on site restaurant serves Spanish specialities and there's plenty of family-oriented entertainment.
Mont Roig Del Camp, Playa Montroig
With direct access to one of the Costa Dorada's beautiful sandy beaches, Playa Montroig is set in a lush environment and is only 6 miles from the bustling town of Cambrils. The site has a wonderful pool complex, complete with lagoon pools and water slides. In high season there's both a children's club and teenagers' club, leaving adults free to relax on a sun terrace. The site has lots of facilities, including a playground, boules, mini golf course, table tennis, a tennis court and a games room. The restaurant serves authentic Mediterranean dishes and there's also a takeaway and pizzeria on site.
Tarragona, Park Playa Bara
Camping Park Playa Bara is a lively site with direct access through palm trees and colourful flowers to a beautiful sandy beach. The attractive pool complex includes an outdoor pool, children's pool, water slides and a jacuzzi. At night the site comes alive with lively entertainment in the open air amphitheatre and an underground disco. The site also has a lovely restaurant, bar and pizzeria.
Cambrils, Playa Cambrils Don Camilo
Just 200 metres from the beautiful Esquirol beach, with its long golden sands, lies Camping Playa Cambrils Don Camilo campsite. Located between the popular seaside resorts of Cambrils and Salou, the site is set in a green, natural setting with a relaxed family atmosphere. On site there's a lovely outdoor pool and separate children's pool, as well as a playground, tennis court, table tennis, boules and a bike trail. And there are a variety of water sports available at the beach. During high season there's a children's club, theme parties, shows and live music on offer.
Vilanova I la Geltrú, Vilanova Park
Vilanova Park sits just 2.5 miles from the golden coastline of the Costa Dorada and is a large campsite with plenty to keep the family entertained. The pretty pool complex has a large pool, water slides and two toddler pools for the little ones. There's also an indoor pool and jacuzzi, along with a sauna and steam room. During high season there's an on site children's club, parties for teenagers as well as shows and theme nights.