4 Ways Costa Daurada Might Surprise You

Sun, sea and sand are probably the first things you associate with Costa Daurada – and that’s no bad thing. But the Golden Coast is so much more than bucket-and-spade fun…

Make no mistake, the beaches are a big draw here. The sun-soaked sands unfold for no less than 82 kilometres, offering plenty of opportunities to sprawl out and nurture that golden glow. If raising an icecold sangria to your lips is the most exertion you’re comfortable with, that’s fine by us. But Costa Daurada is far from a one-trick pony. Here, we take a look at a few things you might not expect from Spain’s north-eastern coast.

White-knuckle thrills on your doorstep

With Spain’s most popular theme park, PortAventura, in Salou’s backyard, Costa Daurada is the perfect choice for families. You’ll find fairground favourites like tea cups and dodgems for kids, while Furios Baco, the fastest rollercoaster in Europe, looks after serious thrill seekers. It shoots riders along at speeds of 83.9 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds – eek.

Michelin-star meals that won’t break the bank

For gourmet grub worthy of a Michelin star, head to Cambril’s Can Bosch or Rincon de Diego. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, washed down with wines from the region. The best bit? It won’t blow your holiday budget. Tasting menus start at the reasonable price of €38, and includes tapas and petit fours.

There’s a whole load of history

Costa Daurada has plenty for all you culture vultures out there with UNESCO’s World Heritge sites ready to discover. Tarragona was the capital of Spain during the Roman era – and you’ll find plenty of reminders today – it ‘s still the 2nd largest Roman heritage in Europe. Check out the massive seafront amphitheater, where gladiators would put their lives on the line in the 2nd century BC. The Monastery of Poblet is the biggest on the Cistercian route and is still home to monks who keep up appearances.

It has golf courses down to a tee

Costa Daurada is teeming with first-class golf courses and, thanks to the year-round sunshine, they’re open all day, every day. You can practise your swing on a coastal course, or head inland for palm-lined fairways and mountainous scenery. There are plenty of relaxed pitch-and-putt places for beginners, while golfing aficionados can try their hand at any of the 7 Golf courses in Costa Daurada.

Already packed your bags? Time to book it.