The Beaches of the Costa Dorada
Running along the entire coastline of the province of Tarragona, for some 211km (131 miles) from Cunit as far as Les Cases d'Alcanar, is a series of excellent beaches and impressive cliffs, along with beautiful pine-covered headlands. In the city of Tarragona itself is El Milagre beach, and a little farther north are the beaches of L'Arrabassade, Savinosa, dels Capellans, and Llarga. At the end of the latter stands La Punta de la Mora, which has a 16th-century watchtower. The small towns of Altafulla and Torredembarra, both complete with castles, stand next to these beaches and are the location of many hotels.
Farther north again are the two magnificent beaches of Comarruga and Sant Salvador. The first is particularly cosmopolitan; the second is more secluded. Last come the beaches of Calafell, Segur, and Cunit, all with modern tourist complexes. You'll also find the small towns of Creixell, Sant Vicenç de Calders, and Clarà, which are backed by wooded hills.
South of Tarragona, the coastline forms a wide arc that stretches for miles and includes La Piñeda beach. El Recó beach fronts the Cape of Salou where, among its coves, hills, and hidden-away corners, many hotels are located. The natural port of Salou is nowadays a center for international tourism.
Continuing south toward Valencia, you next come to Cambrils, a maritime town with an excellent beach and an important fishing port. In the background stand the impressive Colldejou and Llaberia mountains. Farther south are the beaches of Montroig and L'Hospitalet, as well as the small town of L'Ametlla de Mar with its small fishing port.
After passing the Balaguer massif, you eventually reach the delta of the River Ebro, a wide lowland area covering more than 483km (300 miles), opening like a fan into the sea. This is an area of rice fields crisscrossed by branches of the Ebro and by an enormous number of irrigation channels. There are also some lagoons that because of their immense size are ideal hunting and fishing grounds. Moreover, there are some beaches over several miles in length and others in small hidden estuaries. Two important towns in the region are Amposta, on the Ebro itself; and Sant Carles de la Ràpita, a 19th-century port town favored by King Carlos III.
The Costa Dorada extends to its most southwesterly point at the plain of Alcanar, a large area given over to the cultivation of oranges and other similar crops. Its beaches, along with the small hamlet of Les Cases d'Alcanar, mark the end of the Tarragona section of the Costa Dorada.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
