Things to do in Costa Dorada

Experience Portaventura

Portaventura is home to Spain’s biggest theme park which comes in three different parts: PortAventura World, Ferrari Land and the Caribe Aquatic Park. Among these three parks there is something for all ages and all levels of thrill seeking. Portaventura park has over 40 incredible rides, fun and interactive shows and a vast selection of restaurants and cafes. Meanwhile, Ferrari Land has fewer rides with 16 attractions but is home to Red Force which happens to be an 880m ride reaching 112 metres high at 180 km/h – in just 5 seconds! 

If water rides are more your thing then head to Caribe Aquatic park where you’ll find a variety of water slides, shoots and flumes ideal for everyone. A waterpark is a great way to keep everyone happy and cool – and tire out the kids!

Shopping heaven

There’s a market for every day of the week in Costa Dorada. You can start off with Salou’s Monday morning street market, take in Cambrils’ market on Wednesday and stop off at La Pineda on Friday. They’ll all keep you stocked up with fresh local produce and bags full of gifts and souvenirs for those back home. The biggest market, however, is saved for the end of the week. On a Sunday, people flock to Bonavista, 20 minutes from Salou, to hunt and haggle for ceramics, lace, tablecloths, handbags, shoes, clothing, music, toys and many other bargains.

Alternatively, for the latest fashions, Barcelona and Tarragona have everything from exclusive Spanish fashion boutiques and designer shops to big malls packed with your favourite high street names. Sitges and Salou have major chains as well as individual boutiques where you can buy something no one else will have. In Salou, tourist-centred shops open up on the promenade during the summer season as well. Some of the smaller, year-round shops do stick to siesta time, when they shut between 2pm and 5pm.

Aquopolis Water Park

Aquopolis is the largest waterpark in Costa Dorada and has been for thirty years! With 4 swimming pools and over 20 fun attractions, it’s one of the best things to do with kids in Costa Dorada – no matter how big or small they might be. The rides vary across different thrill levels so there is something for everyone, plus there’s a huge open air relaxation and spa area, so you can send the big kids off and just lay your towel out. You can bring your own packed lunch or there are a few restaurants to choose between with delicious meals available.

Bosc Aventura Salou

Another fun day to be had in Costa Dorada is the multi adventure park Bosc Aventura, in Salou. Your day will certainly be filled with adventure here, you’ll be flying between trees on a zipline, hitting targets with a bow and arrow, potting holes on mini golf and even getting some target practise with each other – AKA, paintballing. This adventure park is set within beautiful natural surroundings so you’ve got the best combination of fun and nature.  

Venture to Barcelona

One of the best things to do when you’re on holiday in Costa Dorada is to venture over to the city of Barcelona to experience all it has to offer. There’s more to Barcelona than gothic architecture as some might think. You can see imaginative street performers on the main tourist street La Rambla, visit Barcelona Aquarium – the largest of its kind in Europe – or hit the shops, which range from high street to high end. If you visit in the evening, the restaurants and tapas bars of this gastronomic centre are sure to tempt you. Don’t miss the mesmerising music and light fountain display on the edge of Park Guell once the sun sets.

The Magical House of Illusion

Head to the Magical House of Illusion in Salou for a night to remember. You will be transported to a world of magic, illusion, amazement and of course, suspense. All of this is also accompanied with free flowing wine, sangria, beer and soft drinks too. The show is carried out by incredibly talented performers, with different elements throughout that will really leave you lost for words. What’s more, there’s a stylish rooftop bar and terrace (Houdini’s Attic) that overlooks the sea where you can enjoy a few drinks, brunch or even a three course dinner. 

Sightseeing in Tarragona

The city of Tarragona, 15 minutes from La Pineda, sits on a hill 160 metres high, offering beautiful views across the Mediterranean. It has more Roman remains than anywhere else in Spain due to its long and fascinating history. This includes an amphitheatre that used to hold 15,000 spectators and a very impressive two-storey Roman aqueduct, also known as the Devil’s Bridge. 

In the city centre you can take a walk along the Passeig Arqueologic, which follows the top of the old city walls and looks down on a maze of charming mediaeval streets. It makes for an ideal day strip to stroll around at your own pace and take in all the fascinating surroundings.

Carnival fun

The Spaniards know how to party and their carnival season starts in February at the beginning of Lent and carries on right through the summer. On the last day of the Sitges carnival you’ll see some of the best drag shows Europe has to offer.

The Nit del Foc or Fire Night is celebrated on 23rd June with huge firework displays and satirical cardboard sculptures of famous figures. The big event in Cambrils is the San Pedro festival, also at the end of June, which celebrates Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. These are the prelude to a series of summer events which include parties, firework displays and authentic dancing.