The Costa Dorada 's wonderful beaches of golden sand stretch for almost 240 kilometres from Barcelona to Tarragona - it'll come as no surprise that the name means the 'golden coast'.

Wide curves of soft sands shelve gently into warm Mediterranean waters, making this the ideal choice for beach-lovers. Whether you want to do nothing more tiring than flick over the pages of a magazine or take advantage of a range of water sports, you'll be happy.

And, if sunbathing builds up your appetite, you'll find plenty of bars and cafés close at hand to refresh you with cold drinks and snacks during the day.

The safe, shallow waters and miles of sand found in Salou and Cambrils are the perfect playground for children.

The long palm-lined promenade that sweeps around the bay at Salou has recently been improved, and is now bedecked with colourful flowers and fountains to make those leisurely early evening strolls even more pleasant. Check out some of the local seafood and Catalan dishes, although if you prefer something more familiar you'll be spoilt for choice with everything from pizzas and fast food to Chinese restaurants. Nightlife is friendly and informal, with vibrant discos and clubs that keep up the pace all night. If it's an authentic Spanish atmosphere you're after try Cambrils , where you can sit on the quayside and observe the colourful fishing fleet head out to sea.

For an unforgettable day out, don't miss Universal Studios Port Aventura , Spain's premier theme park, boasting over thirty rides, including the Dragon Khan, the world's only eight-loop roller coaster! Barcelona too is a must.