Costa Dorada

Stretching from Calafell, before Tarragona, the old Roman city, down to the tranquil Delta de l'Ebro, the Сosta Dorada runs along the Mediterranean coast of Catalonia in north-eastern Spain. It's a varied region encompassing beautiful beaches, interesting history, nature reserves, and some of Spain's best vineyards.

The most important town of the region is Tarragona, capital of the providence of the same name. It was one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire, and you can walk along the ancient defense walls, visit the amphitheatre or explore underneath the Roman Circus.

If it's sun and sand you're after, head to Salou, a flashy, modern resort town, or nearby Cambrils, which is quieter and has managed to keep the feel of the fishing village it once was. A bit farther north, La Pineda is a family resort and also has nice beaches.

At the region's southern border is the Natural Park of the Ebro River Delta, where you'll find beautiful marine habitats where water fowl congregate. There are no big towns or much activity, and a visit to the area makes for a peaceful getaway from the glamour of resorts up the coast.

The interior is hilly and much of it is covered with vineyards that sit along terraces carved into the slate rock of the hillsides. The view is more than picturesque, but it's the result of backbreaking manual labour. You can visit several wineries in the Priorat, Montsant or Terra Alta denominations of origin.

If you like wandering cobblestone streets and peering into old stone churches, explore towns like Falset, Tivissa and Miravet. Tortosa, which like Miravet sits on the Ebro River, has a large historic centre and is worth a stroll too. A visit to the area's Cistercian monasteries is a must: Poblet, still a working monastery, Santes Creus, and Montblanc are magical places with beautiful medieval architecture and important cultural influence.

Activities Costa Dorada

Without a doubt, beach-laying and water sports are the prime activities along the coast. Boating (there is an excellent port in Cambrils) is popular here, and you can hire sailboats, motorboats or jet skis.

If you're water-logged and sand-clogged, there are plenty of other things to keep busy. Inland, you can walk around the vineyards of the Priorat; there are some good, though hilly, biking trails here too. Closer to the water, the flat delta of the Ebro river is an excellent place for long-distance biking past water fowl, rice fields and bogs. Kids may want to head to one of the area water parks or to Port Aventura, a popular theme park run by Universal Studios, and adults can hit one of the golf courses near the coast. For something more adventuresome, you can explore the small mountain range just inland, the Sierra de Prades. The limestone cliffs here offer thrilling climbing.