Costa Daurada, Spain’s Golden Coast, runs along the coast of Catalonia from Blanes in Girona to Barcelona and all the way south to Tarragona. Powdery beaches, beautiful mountain scenery and great resorts make it one of the most popular family holiday destinations in Spain.
Where
Salou, La Pineda or Cambrils are all home to wonderful family-friendly resorts. Salou is renowned for its easy-going atmosphere, gorgeous beaches and huge selection of restaurants. La Pineda is home to the Aquópolis Water Park and is a great area for family entertainment. The pretty fishing town of Cambrils is perfect for anyone looking for a more relaxing holiday by the seaside. A day at the world-famous PortAventura World in Salou is a must-do on any family break in this region.
Why
With its stunning vistas and sparkling blue waters, the Spanish Gold Coast also boasts a rich Catalonian culture. Traditional local customs like Sardana dancing, mushroom-hunting and festivals like Colles Castelleres take place alongside the sprawling coast.
Get there
Fly to Reus Airport in Barcelona from Dublin, Cork, or Shannon, with an approximate flight time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Stay
Estival Park Resort
This is perfect for anyone looking for a fun-packed holiday for all ages. Located in La Pineda, just to the north of Salou, the surrounding area offers gorgeous sandy beaches and lots of bars and restaurants. Guests of the hotel enjoy free and unlimited access to the nearby Aquópolis Water Park which is awash with daredevil chutes, lakes, kiddies’ play areas and entertainment. The hotel itself offers a choice of three swimming pools with multi-lane, tube and speed slides, a lazy river, wave pool and a whole lot more.
PortAventura Hotel Caribe
Just a stone’s throw from PortAventura World, this is the place to stay if you’ve got a family of water babies. Guests can avail of unlimited entrance to PortAventura Park and Costa Caribe Aquatic Park (subject to dates). Enjoy the adrenaline rush of Dragon Khan and take in some dazzling special effects in the Templo del Fuego. The resort also boasts three outdoor pools, a wellness centre, sauna, jacuzzi, spa and much more.
Golden Avenida Suites
Located in the easy-going resort of Salou, this beautiful hotel is just a five minute walk from the nearest shops, restaurants and bars. A ten-minute bus ride away from the hustle and bustle of PortaAventura, guest can relax around the huge swimming pool bordered by luxurious loungers and pine trees. A kids’ club offers an extensive programme of arts, crafts and games, while adults can enjoy aerobics, sports contest and loads more.
Eat
With value-for-money dining and just about every sort of cuisine you can imagine available along the coast, choose from Chinese, Indian, Mexican to fish n’ chips or traditional pub grub. Spanish bars and restaurants offer delicious regional specialities, including escudella, a broth-based soup with pasta or rice, and of course paella. Wines from Tarragona are extremely good, as are patatas bravas, Spain’s delicious spicy potato dish.
If you’re staying in Salou, Olivers Restaurant on Calle Amposta is a great child-friendly spot. A little bit off the beaten track, Olivers offers excellent value for money, a lively atmosphere and an extensive menu.
For the kids
Whatever you do on your trip to Costa Daurada, don’t miss out on PortAventura. Kids will have the time of their lives at this huge park of big rollers and sensational shows, which is split up into themed zones. Work your way around Polynesia, Imperial China, Aztec Mexico, the Wild West and the Med.
If the kids haven’t had their fill of water activities but you want to shake things up, head to Aquópolis Waterpark in Salou. With kamikaze slides, twisting flumes and chutes galore, this place is not for the faint-hearted. Little ones have their very own splashy pools and mini-waterslides.
If you’ve got a football fan in the family, try the world-famous Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona. Go pitch-side in the steps of Messi, take a look at the director’s seats and climb right into the gantry where the journalists sit.
The Magic Show at the Ticket House of Illusion is a brilliant evening of entertainment for all the family. With illusionists, hypnotists, top notch cabaret performers and more, kids (big and small) will love this place.
Do you have a favourite family spot in Spain? Let us know in the Facebook comments or join the conversation on Twitter @HerFamilydotie
