La Pineda Holidays

The Spanish have been flocking to La Pineda on the Costa Dorada for their holidays since the Fifties, and now the international set is discovering its charms. A vast stretch of golden sand is the town’s biggest draw, with the high-octane Aquapolis waterpark coming a close second. As for tempo, La Pineda is still fairly quiet compared to its lively neighbour Salou, though it’s more vibrant than its little sister village of Cambrils.

La Pineda has a trio of beaches blending into one, in a golden 2.5-kilometre sweep. The sands are clean – they have a Blue Flag award to prove it – and shelve gently into calm waters. The stretch can get busy, especially at weekends, but the place is never lacking in umbrellas and sunloungers. A watersports centre on the beach sorts out the pedalos, jet-skis and windsurfing equipment.

Two of Spain’s biggest theme parks are on La Pineda’s doorstep. Aquapolis is a huge waterpark right on the seafront, complete with tube rides, in-the-dark slides and surfing simulators. Then just a 10-minute drive away, there’s the PortAventura park, with its dance shows, rides and restaurants.

Barcelona is only an hour’s drive away and standout sights include the gothic Church of Santa Maria del Mar and the Arc de Triomf, built in 1888. You could also visit the Picasso Museum, with over 3,500 pieces, stroll in one of the city’s 68 parks, or wander down Las Ramblas – the lively pedestrian street lined with tapas places and shops. Barceloneta Beach is also worth a visit.