If you are looking for gardens where you can stroll in peace and quiet and disconnect from the urban centres on Costa Dorada, we recommend, without a doubt, Parc Samà in Cambrils. It is an oasis of natural beauty that offers visitors a unique experience. If you visit Costa Brava, Costa Dorada or Barcelona you cannot miss this wonderful garden. You can visit it travelling with Shuttle2Sun‘s private transfer services and shared transfer services to move in a low-cost and sustainable way from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Parc Samà, located in the picturesque town of Cambrils and just 15 minutes from Reus airport, is a botanical garden with 14 open-air hectares where around 1,500 species of flora and fauna characteristic of Costa Dorada and the Mediterranean live. This wonderful park combines exquisite botanical elements with a touch of history and culture, creating an enchanting place to explore and relax. With its magnificent gardens, serene ponds and stunning architecture, Parc Samà is a hidden gem on Costa Dorada that captivates all who visit.
History and culture
The name Samà comes from a wealthy American family who offered their support and influence to their host town, Cambrils. The park was created in the 19th century by Salvador Samà i Torrens, a Catalan aristocrat who sought to recreate the beauty of Mediterranean gardens on his own estate. During his youth, Salvador travelled extensively in Europe, where he became acquainted with the most outstanding gardens and parks of the time. Inspired by these beautiful spaces, he decided to turn his estate into an exceptionally charming place.
The construction of Parc Samà began in the 1850s and continued for several years. Samà, supported by a team of gardeners and landscape architects, transformed the property into a botanical paradise with a variety of exotic species brought from different parts of the world. His vision was to create a place where natural beauty and architecture would merge in perfect harmony.
Flora and fauna
Parc Samà’s main attraction is undoubtedly its impressive collection of flora. With over 1,500 species of trees and plants from different parts of the world, the park contains a display of colours and fragrances that delight the senses. Meandering paths through the gardens lead to beautiful nooks and crannies filled with exotic flowers and majestic trees. Nature lovers can lose themselves among the magnificent olive trees, palms, magnolias and rose bushes that adorn the landscape, creating a magical and serene atmosphere.
This Botanical Garden is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) in the category of Historic Garden and is a member of the European Itinerary of Historic Gardens. This enclosure has some incredible elements that you can’t miss.
The first of these is a new 350 m2 greenhouse that houses more than 75 species of palms and other tropical trees. The garden once had another greenhouse, but it was destroyed in the Spanish Civil War, so this new one offers visitors a restored and modernised immersion into a tropical environment.
On the other hand, from late spring to late summer you can visit and get lost in the Ods Labyrinth. If you want to have some fun, you can enter the labyrinth and try to get out of it with the help of signs, questions and clues scattered throughout the installation.
Just strolling through Parc Samà you are likely to come across peacocks, guinea fowl and squirrels sharing the environment with you. The park is divided into 8 zones where you can find different types of animals depending on the setting of the natural space. One of the most popular and most attractive areas is the fallow deer forest. The fallow deer is a medium-sized deer native to the Middle East, Asia Minor and Southern Europe. You will be able to see them up close and appreciate their fur and horns.
Architecture
Parc Samà de Cambrils is a place where nature and architecture intertwine in perfect harmony. As visitors walk through the park, they will marvel at a variety of impressive architectural structures that add a touch of beauty and charm to the experience.
If you plan on arriving on Costa Dorada using the AVE Camp de Tarragona train station, you can easily visit this garden as it is only a 25-minute drive away.
A notable feature is the Lake Bridge, a picturesque structure that crosses a tranquil pond. The bridge features an elegant design with wrought iron railings and arches that perfectly complement the surrounding natural environment. Walking across this bridge offers a spectacular view of the lake and its surroundings. Around the park there are several suspension bridges that you can discover as you explore the area.
Another popular piece of architecture is the Marquisate Residence. It is a large building with a floor plan of about 1,100 m2, with ornamental details and a French garden at the back of the palace.
You cannot miss these architectural works if you are planning to spend a few days in the towns near Cambrils, such as Tarragona, Salou, La Pineda, Valls or Reus.
Activities
Parc Samà has a wide range of activities to enjoy in the open air. Visitors can take relaxing walks along the shady paths, discover picturesque corners by bike or simply relax on the benches while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The little ones will have fun in the playground, while animal lovers can visit the farm where children can interact with goats, ponies and other friendly animals.
You can’t miss all these unique and original activities if you plan to spend a few days in the towns near Cambrils such as Tarragona, Salou, La Pineda, Valls or Reus. We recommend that you visit their website to check their ticket prices and the opening hours when you can visit this marvellous park.
Do you feel like visiting every corner of Parc Samà in Cambrils? Don’t wait any longer and make your transfer to this town on Costa Dorada travel with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport or the AVE Camp de Tarragona train station.
