By Hoyt Walicki
 80km west of Barcelona lies sun-soaked Salou. This popular resort sits in the heart of the Costa Dorada and attracts families looking for hassle-free fun in the sun from all over Europe. Together with neighbouring resorts La Pineda and Cambrils, it shares several miles of pristine, clean golden beaches. Plus inland there are mountains to climb and theme parks to visit.
Families will love this place. Hotels cater well to children will numerous kids'' clubs offering all kinds of activities from sailing to painting. Adults too will be amused for hour''s windsurfing, banana boating or go-karting. There is also an aqua park, which is fun for everyone.
However, for the ultimate in family fun, you can''t beat Port Aventura Park. Taking the lead from Busch Gardens in Florida, this massive theme park, one of the biggest in Europe, has five themed worlds. These include the Far West, Mediterrania, Mexico, China and Polynesia. The most popular attractions include the Sea Odyssey underwater adventure, the Stampida roller coaster and the Grand Canyon rapids. You will need longer than a day here. Four day passes are
around ?66 for children and ?83 for adults.
The spectacular Catalunyan Mountains skirt the coast and are well worth exploring. Montsant is a picturesque region not too far from Salou filled with rugged mountains, plunging waterfalls and hidden emerald green rock pools. It is also just happens to be one of Spain''s best wine-growing regions, with plenty of vineyards where you can pick up a bottle for the evening.
The Costa Dorada''s main city is Tarragona. The centre is medieval, but the city can trace its roots back to 218 BC when it was founded by the Romans who used it as a military base for legionnaires.
Gothic paintings, sculptures and tapestries are show at the Diocesan Museum and the centre of Tarragona is medieval so charming for an evening stroll. The city also boasts the best beach on the Catalonian coast, Playa Llarga.
Seeing as you aren''t far from one of Europe''s greatest cities, it would be rude not to pay Barcelona a visit. It even has a beach if you can''t bear a day away from one.
The city is famed for its architecture, most notably that from Spanish architect, Gaudi. However, the Gothic quarter, full of bars and tapas restaurants is also beautiful as are the modern glass structures at the Olympic port development.
Hoyt Walicki is a freelance writer with over 5 years travel experience. They recommend Octopus Travel for Salou hotels.
Hotel Renovation |
|
|
