Things to See and Do on the Costa Dorada

The Costa Dorada packs into just a few kilometers what other destinations spread out across an entire region: long beaches with fine sand and shallow waters, the largest leisure complex in southern Europe—PortAventura World with Ferrari Land—and seaside towns like Salou, Cambrils, and Tarragona. Here we’ve gathered all the tickets and guides you need to plan your trip without wasting half a day deciding.

EXPLORAR COSTA DORADA
On the Costa Dorada, the best plan isn't the longest one—it's the one that fits between a morning at the beach and dinner at the harbor.
— VenturPass Travel Guide

Experiencias destacadas en Costa Dorada

PortAventura World in a Day

How to make the most of the extra daylight, which areas to prioritize with kids, and when it’s worth buying a two-day pass or getting access to Ferrari Land.

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Beaches in Salou, Cambrils, and La Pineda

Quiet coves perfect for families with kids, seaside promenades for dinner by the ocean, and the liveliest beaches: a mental map of the coast before booking a hotel.

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Costa Dorada with the Family

Water parks, activities for the whole family, and half-day outings to enjoy between beach trips.

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Explore the Costa Dorada

The Costa Dorada is the coastline of the province of Tarragona, in Catalonia, famous for its golden-sand beaches and shallow waters—hence its name. Its main tourist hub is Salou, right next to PortAventura World; Cambrils boasts a fishing port and excellent cuisine, and La Pineda features wide beaches that are ideal for families.

Tarragona is less than half an hour away, with its Roman archaeological complex, a World Heritage Site: the amphitheater by the sea, the circus, and the Pont del Diable aqueduct.

DISCOVER TARRAGONA

The Must-Haves

If this is your first time, don't miss out on a full day at PortAventura World and one afternoon in Ferrari Land; a swim at the beaches of Salou and its coastal path; a seafood dinner at the Port of Cambrils; and the Roman Tarragona at sunset. By booking your tickets in advance, you can avoid the lines at the box office during peak season.

How to Get There

The airport in Reus It's about 15 minutes from Salou, and the one in Barcelona-El Prat just over an hour on the AP-7. By train, the stations at Salou-PortAventura and from Tarragona, there are connections to the Rodalies commuter rail and the high-speed rail at Camp de Tarragona. Many hotels in Salou and La Pineda are within walking distance of the beach and the entrance to PortAventura.

Destinos

Experiencias en Costa Dorada

Preguntas frecuentes

How many days do I need to see the Costa Dorada?

In three or four days, you can combine a full day at the theme parks (PortAventura and Ferrari Land), a couple of days at the beach in Salou or Cambrils, and a trip to historic Tarragona. For a quick getaway, a weekend is enough time to visit the parks and the beach.

Is the combined PortAventura and Ferrari Land ticket worth it?

If you're traveling with teenagers or enjoy thrill rides, then yes: Ferrari Land is smaller and can be seen in a couple of hours, so combining the two lets you make the most of your day. With young children, it's usually better to spend a second day at PortAventura.

Where to stay: Salou, Cambrils, or La Pineda?

Salou is the most convenient option if you're visiting the theme parks and want a lively atmosphere and amenities; Cambrils is quieter and known for its cuisine; La Pineda is ideal for families because of its wide beaches. All three are just a few minutes' drive away.

How do I get there from the airport?

From Reus (15 min), there are direct shuttles and taxis to Salou; from Barcelona-El Prat, it’s just over an hour via the AP-7 or by train to Camp de Tarragona or Tarragona, followed by a local connection.