The hue of the fine sand on the wide, wonderful beaches of
Spain's Costa Dorada (Golden Coast) has given this popular holiday
region its name. The 20 or so towns and villages along this
120-mile (200km) stretch of Mediterranean coastline, south of
Barcelona, have become built up with hundreds of hotels, camp sites
and apartment blocks, catering mainly for family holidays.
Entertainment consists largely of enjoying the shallow,
transparent, gentle sea, ideal for the 'bucket and spade' brigade,
and the large, thrilling theme and waterparks at the local
resorts.
Visitors who enjoy soaking up some local culture and history
find the Costa Dorada has plenty to show, particularly the main
regional city of Tarragona, which was an important army base in
Roman times and today boasts historical ruins and a variety of
museums. Excursions inland, among vineyards, olive groves and
almond plantations, take in the quaint medieval city of Montblanc
with its fine Gothic church, and there are some interesting
monastery ruins dating back to the 12th century at Poblet. Adding
to the area's natural and historic attractions is the sunny,
temperate climate.
