Costa Dorada, with more than 80 kilometres of coastline bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, is the ideal destination for an unforgettable holiday with your loved ones. This paradise is known for its golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and a wide range of activities for all ages.
In towns such as Cambrils, Salou, La Pineda and Tarragona, you’ll find endless options for fun-filled days on the beach, enjoying the sun and the sea. And if you’re looking for something different, lesser-known places like Torredembarra, Tamarit, Miami Playa and L’Ametlla de Mar will surprise you with their special charm, combining nature, culture, gastronomy and entertainment.
Therefore, in this post we are going to give you some tips and ideas on how to fully enjoy your day at the beach. You must consider that Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, so you can move to Costa Dorada, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station. Remember that you can book your transfer up to 24 hours in advance.
Tips for enjoying the beach
To make sure your day at the beach is perfect, here are some safety tips that you can easily apply. First of all, it is essential to always follow the instructions of the lifeguards and local authorities, as well as the flag colour that indicates the state of the beach.
If you are accompanied by children, don’t let them out of your sight; if they can’t swim, make sure they are wearing a swimming waistcoat or sleeves. On windy days, don’t use inflatable mattresses or floats.
Finally, to protect yourself from the sun, use umbrellas, hats, T-shirts and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. And, above all, stay hydrated by drinking water frequently.
The best beaches on Costa Dorada
Costa Dorada is full of spectacular beaches, perfect for a day in the sun. We start with Tamarit beach, located next to the medieval castle of the same name, offering a stunning natural setting with crystal clear waters and golden sands.
We continue with Cristall beach, in Miami Playa, known for its fine sand and clean waters, as well as having a wide range of beach bars and activities. If you want to discover other beaches and coves that stand out in the municipality, we recommend read our post “Miami Playa and its beaches, a dream destination“.
On the other hand, if you prefer to enjoy a cosier place, Cala Calafató, in L’Ametlla de Mar, is ideal. It is a small cove surrounded by vegetation and with turquoise waters, perfect for snorkelling and peace and quiet.
In Salou, Llevant beach is the largest and most popular. More than a kilometre long, it has all the necessary services, as well as a long promenade where you can enjoy a good walk. According to a study carried out by Florida Panhandle, published in 2023 by Hosteltur magazine, this beach is the second busiest in the world.
Finally, Arrabassada beach, in Tarragona, the Llosa beach, in Cambrils, La Pineda beach, in Vila-seca, and La Paella beach, in Torredembarra, all of them, with blue flag, are ideal for families, with shallow waters and a large number of services, as well as beach bars where you can enjoy the rich Mediterranean gastronomy.
Remember that Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Water activities and sports
These beaches offer a wide range of water activities that will make your day an unforgettable experience. If you like to discover the richness of the seabed, you can snorkel or scuba dive in any cove in the area, either on your own or with professionals who will guide you to the best spots. If you prefer to be on the water, kayaking and paddle surfing are perfect to enjoy in a group, while exploring the coastline.
But if water sports aren’t your thing, don’t worry. You can enjoy the coast by taking a stroll along one of the promenades, such as the one in Salou or Calafell, which is the longest in Catalonia. Whether on foot, by bike or on inline skates, these promenades offer a relaxing way to enjoy the surroundings.
In addition, you can walk the Coastal Path Route of Salou and the Camí de Ronda del Roc de Sant Gaietà, two impressive paths that wind along the coast, offering incredible views of the sea and revealing small coves hidden among nature.
Entertainment and fun for the little ones
On Costa Dorada, fun is guaranteed for everyone, especially for children. On Salou beach, you’ll find play areas with slides, swings and pirate ships that they’ll love. In addition, on the same beach, the ornamental fountains offer impressive light shows in the water that will leave them amazed. For example, the Labyrinth Fountain, with its jets of water coming out of the ground, is perfect for cooling off while they play.
The fine sand of the beaches is ideal for letting your imagination run wild building sand castles with buckets and shovels. If you’re looking for a little more excitement, many of the beaches also offer pedal boat rentals with slides, providing hours of entertainment.
Beach gastronomy: Mediterranean delicacies
No day at the beach is complete without enjoying the delicious local cuisine. Try an authentic paella or a hearty plate of fresh seafood at the local chiringuitos (beach bars). Tapas are another fantastic option; from calamari a la romana to homemade croquettes, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget ice cream for dessert. Artisan ice cream parlours offer a wide range of flavours that will refresh your day and leave a sweet memory of your visit.
This summer, relax and have fun with your family on the beaches of Costa Dorada. Remember that Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, to reach any destination in the area, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station. Remember that you can book your transfer up to 24 hours in advance.
