Camping in Costa Dorada

Why we love holidays in Costa Dorada

The ‘Golden Coast’ stretches for over 150 miles, and takes in world-class cities such as Barcelona and Tarragona, as well as perfect seaside resorts of Cambrils and Salou, and cosmopolitan hubs such as Sitges. Fun isn’t hard to find here - from Port Aventura’s thrill rides to water sports alongside the wonderful beaches. If you’re looking for a sun-drenched region of golden beaches, captivating cities, and thrilling adventures, Costa Dorada offers an ideal mix of cosmopolitan cities, family-friendly resorts, and mountain escapes.

From Gaudí's surreal architectural touches scattered throughout Barcelona to the Roman treasures of Tarragona's waterfront amphitheatre, thrills come thick and fast. Adventure seekers can explore everything from world-class theme parks and water sports along pristine beaches to mountain climbing and wine tasting in peaceful inland villages. Want it all next summer? You could do a lot worse than heading to the golden coast!

Your search has not returned any results. Please amend your search criteria or your party size

The essence of Costa Dorada

Glorious coast

Costa Dorada runs along Spain's eastern shores for 150 miles, offering an almost unbroken stretch of soft golden sands, lively resorts, and gentle Mediterranean waters.

Cultural buzz

From Gaudí's architectural masterpieces throughout Barcelona to Roman treasures in stunning Tarragona, the region offers cultural experiences spanning millennia.

Lofty mountains

Beyond the coastal attractions lies surprising mountain scenery, with the high-altitude Monestir de Montserrat serving as a pilgrimage destination since 1025.

Our favourite Costa Dorada beaches

Costa Dorada's ‘Golden Coast’ lives up to its name with over 150 miles of stunning beaches that offer something for every beach lover. La Pineda is one of the most family-friendly experiences, we’d definitely recommend it. Its warm, shallow waters and palm-lined promenade are perfect for leisurely strolls, all conveniently located near PortAventura World for easy theme park access. Salou's beaches combine excellent facilities with a really vibrant atmosphere, offering everything from water sports equipment rentals to beachfront bars, while the nearby Cala Llenguadets provides one of the region's most spectacular sunset viewing spots.

Cambrils offers a more authentic Spanish beach experience where traditional fishing boats still operate alongside modern resort amenities, creating a perfect blend of local culture and tourist comfort. Sitges features cosmopolitan beach culture with trendy beach clubs and sophisticated dining options, attracting a stylish international crowd to its well-maintained flat, expansive and sandy shores. What makes Costa Dorada's beaches truly exceptional is their consistent quality—most feature soft golden sand, gentle Mediterranean waters, and excellent infrastructure: everything you could possibly need is right at hand.

Our favourite things to do in Costa Dorada

Fun days out

Kids will love the thrills of PortAventura Theme Park in Tarragona, an epic creation divided into six unique worlds packed with rides and shows that create paradise for thrill-seekers of all ages. Visit Ferrari Land, Europe's only Ferrari-themed attraction featuring the continent's fastest rollercoaster, Red Force, alongside other adrenaline-pumping rides. Don’t miss the chance to visit the high-altitude Monestir de Montserrat, a spectacular mountain monastery that has attracted pilgrims and tourists since 1025, offering breathtaking views and spiritual significance, if that’s your thing.

Montblanc is one of our favourite Costa Dorada locations, a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage town with defensive walls, winding streets, and 13th-14th century buildings, including the legendary St Jordi gate where St George supposedly killed the dragon.

Getting Active

The clear Mediterranean waters and hot sunny days create ideal conditions for water sports including water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, and snorkeling, with Salou and Cambrils offering equipment rentals and lessons for beginners. Cambrils features over 20km of cycle paths, while mountain biking enthusiasts can head to specialized centres at Amer, Quart, or Castell d'Aro for more challenging terrain.

Tarragona offers some of Spain's best climbing, from bouldering at Mont-Roig to longer routes at Montsant, catering to climbers of every skill level. Adventure parks like Bosc Aventura in Salou provide excitement, with zip wires between trees, paintballing, and archery tag activities. Golfers will find exceptional courses in the region, taking advantage of the pleasant climate and stunning coastal and mountain backdrops. Green fees are reasonable: but it’s best to book ahead.

Cultural hotspots

Barcelona is one of Europe’s most enjoyable cities. You can enjoy Gaudí's architectural genius throughout the city, from the iconic Sagrada Familia to Park Güell, offering a journey through surreal and innovative design. Don’t miss the shopping in the Barrio Gothic quarter (or the food - it’s terrific).

Tarragona's Roman heritage comes alive in its waterfront amphitheatre and labyrinthine old town streets, providing glimpses into ancient Mediterranean civilization that remain remarkably intact. Sitges combines artistic sophistication with coastal charm, featuring excellent galleries, trendy seafront dining, and a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere that attracts art lovers and party-goers alike. Reus, the birthplace of Gaudí, offers charming plazas and elegant buildings including the Church of San Pedro, providing insight into the architect's early influences.

Our favourite things to see in Costa Dorada

Historic sites

Montblanc is a beautifully preserved medieval town well deserving of its cherished UNESCO World Heritage status, with defensive walls enclosing winding streets filled with 13th and 14th century buildings and the legendary St Jordi gate. Tarragona's Roman amphitheatre and old town create a remarkable journey through ancient history, with well-preserved structures telling the story of Roman Mediterranean civilization.

The Monestir de Montserrat cradles a thousand years of spiritual significance, perched dramatically in the mountains above Barcelona and offering both religious importance and spectacular natural beauty. It’s also a wonderful escape route from the frenzy of the coast too: and the air is so fresh and reviving it’s worth the effort to pay a personal pilgrimage here.

Cities and towns worth seeing

Barcelona, of course, is not to be missed. The Catalan capital combines world-class urban sophistication with Gaudí's architectural wonders, creating a city that blends historic charm with modern innovation. And the shopping is first rate (as is the Cava in the city’s beachfront bars). Salou is by far the Costa Dorada's liveliest resort, offering everything from beautiful beaches and water sports to vibrant nightlife that keeps the energy flowing from sunset to sunrise.

Sitges balances its fishing village heritage with contemporary cosmopolitan flair, featuring trendy restaurants, art galleries, and some of the region's best nightlife – it’s not the cheapest place though. Cambrils is authentic charm personified, with its marina lined with excellent restaurants showcasing Catalonian flavors, cycling networks, and a more relaxed alternative to busier coastal resorts. We love it.

Natural wonders

The mountainous interior is a delightful change of gears, with its olive groves, vineyards, and peaceful villages set in landscapes that seem unchanged by time, offering a dramatic contrast to the bustling coastal resorts. Miravet nestles beautifully in the middle of Terres de l'Ebre, surrounded by mountains, the River Ebro, and ancient forests that create hiking opportunities through pristine natural environments.

Tivissa sits beneath limestone cliffs as a peaceful spot between mountain, forest, and river, serving as the starting point for excellent hiking trails. The Priorat wine region combines natural beauty with agricultural heritage, featuring meandering roads between wineries, gentle mountains, and rushing rivers that create perfect conditions for both wine production and exploration. It’s easy to reach, too: and definitely worth a day trip or two.