Travel guide for the Costa Daurada

Honestly: I could go to Spain every summer for the rest of my life and I would never get bored. Anyway, I could actually eat tapas every evening, but besides that, Spain is just a very beautiful country with all kinds of coasts, areas, and regions that I don't know at all yet. For example, the Costa Daurada: I had never heard of it before. But I have been there and I can tell you that this is just another really beautiful piece of Spain.

The Costa Daurada is located between Barcelona and Valencia, by the Mediterranean Sea. The most famous and largest city is Tarragona, but there are many smaller Spanish villages around it that are worth visiting. The most famous of those villages might not be one that excites you, because that is... Salou. Don't let the bad reputation of that party town hold you back: the Costa Daurada is definitely worth a visit. Without or - you can hardly believe it - with Salou.

The child in me was incredibly excited about the gigantic amusement park Port Aventura, which is located in Salou. If you are also a fan of amusement parks like Six Flags, with lots of roller coasters and thrilling attractions, you are in the right place here. They have three parks in total: the amusement park, a water park, and Ferrari Land. The latter also has the scariest roller coaster I have ever seen, but it is definitely a must-try for thrill-seekers. Very nice: they have three water attractions where you are guaranteed to get wet, which is no punishment if you are walking around there all summer day.

The Costa Daurada has a lot to offer for the true Spain lover: beautiful beaches, lovely nature, and delicious food. There are several vineyards in the region, such as the Acústic Celler, where you can do wine tastings. This one caught my attention because their Grenache was declared the best in the world by the famous English magazine Decanter. As a big wine lover, I definitely wanted to try it myself, and although I still need to do some more field research to come to a conclusion, it was indeed very tasty. But the other five wines I tasted were also very good, by the way. It's also very nice to see how the wines are made there, and the view over the vineyards is beautiful. A considerable contrast with the busy Salou and the crowded amusement park, but that's just nice, that variety.

Because vacation for me actually means good food and just doing whatever you feel like. In the Costa Daurada, that meant taking boat rides, horseback riding, wine tastings, road trips, parasailing, and of course lying by the pool or at the beach. And of course, last but certainly not least: dining out. Where you can best do that is read below. And come on, I’ll also add some hotel tips and some general tips, like which villages you definitely shouldn't miss. If you like going to Michelin-starred restaurants: in the village of Cambrils, you will find two. And yes, they are very affordable. This region has three Michelin-starred restaurants in total and the third one is... in Salou. Yes, really. I already said that Salou might surprise you.

Restaurants in Costa Daurada

L’Indret Restaurant
Different-than-usual tapas, but oh so delicious. Don't expect standard albondigas here, this gastronomic restaurant takes a very different approach. The absolute highlight here is their dish with truffle, potato, and egg served in a huge paella-style dish. I can't describe it, it's that good. The service here was also incredibly friendly and the wine tasted good. Ultimate recommendation, this.
Carrer Josep Iglesias, 40, 43850 Cambrils

Infinitum Beach
In the category ‘Salou will surprise you’, I present to you: the most beautiful beach club I have been to in ages. They have several pools (two of which are infinity pools), but you can also walk down to the sea. The food in the restaurant is really exceptionally good; from authentic tapas to bao buns with pulled beef. And you absolutely must order their signature cocktail. I really left here feeling stuffed, but I found it too delicious to leave behind.
Pla de Maset s/n (access Infinitum Beach), 43840 Salou

Arcs Restaurant
I love this interior. Very cozy, a lot of stone (thank god with air conditioning) with white linen tablecloths. Absolutely not modern, but it fits perfectly here. And the food... You really want to go here if you want to have an extensive dinner. With Mediterranean food and lots of wine.
Carrer de Misser Sitges, 13, 43003 de, Tarragona

Restaurant Can Bosch*
This is one of the two restaurants in Cambrils that has a Michelin star. You can order à la carte or one of the menus — and the cheapest is €48. WHUT? That is really bizarrely cheap for a restaurant awarded a Michelin star. And if you want to splurge on the most extensive menu, it costs €110 per person, which I honestly still find quite reasonable for a restaurant of this level.
Rambla de Jaume I, 19, 43850 Cambrils

Restaurante Rincón de Diego*
Let's move on to Michelin star number two, and that is this restaurant. It is a bit more gastronomic than the one above, so perhaps a bit more for the daredevils in terms of food. Each plate is presented like a work of art and the prices are very reasonable. For example, you have a menu for €150 for two people, but that includes a bottle of wine (for two), water, and coffee. Very reasonable, right?
Carrer de les Drassanes, 19, 43850 Cambrils

Deliranto*
Yes, just going straight for number three. Around the corner from the partying youth drinking beer for a euro, you will find this high-end restaurant. And believe me: you won't notice that party noise at all. Well, except that the food here is also a bit of a party. A bit on the pricey side (the cheapest menu is €120 per person), but hey, it's vacation so it’s allowed. In fact, just book a room in the hotel that this restaurant belongs to. Rolling and utterly satisfied to bed.
Carrer de Llevant, 7, 43840 Salou

El Terrat Restaurant
A lovely place to eat in Tarragona; just a bit fancier than a standard restaurant, but still accessible. Especially if you are a fan of fish and shellfish, you will be very happy here. The menu includes, for example, tartare of langoustine and prawns with caviar. But no worries: the jamón Iberico is also just available here.
Carrer Pons d’Icart, 19, 43004 Tarragona

Alvocat Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant
To be honest: as a vegan or vegetarian, you don't always have it easy in Spain. Vegetarian dishes are simply not very common on the menu, and if they are, they are often a bit uninspired. That's why it's extra nice that this restaurant exists; everything is vegan or vegetarian and also very tasty.
Carrer de la Nau, 6, 43003 Tarragona

La Mossegada
Of course, I have to end with the best tapas in Tarragona, and you can find them here. Just drop by or call to make a reservation: they don't have a website. And as annoying as I often find that, in Spain I often see it as a sign that they really serve authentic Spanish tapas. It is always busy there: all those people who manage to find it without the internet. And word-of-mouth is always the best.
Carrer d’Armanyà, 5, 43004 Tarragona

Hotels in Costa Daurada

Hotel Gran Palas
In terms of location, this hotel is ideal: you can reach most highlights within half an hour's drive. And because I also enjoy a day by the pool or sea, I find this one top-notch. The restaurant has a complete beach resort attached, and that is just delightful. If you prefer to go to the beach, that's no problem either: it's within walking distance. In fact, you can easily see the sea from your hotel room. Crawling distance is actually a better word.
Carrer de la Sèquia Major, 5, 43480 Platja de la Pineda, Tarragona

La Boella
If you prefer to stay in the big city (in this case, Tarragona), this boutique hotel is a must-visit. The rooms are beautiful and it has a lovely restaurant. The hotel is just outside the center, so you can easily drive there and at the same time enjoy the peace and quiet. Additionally, there are many vineyards nearby to visit.
T-11, Salida 12, 43110, Tarragona

Palas Pineda Hotel
If you are with kids, this hotel is really a recommendation. Drinks and food during the day are included, and the animation team is busy every day entertaining all those kids. So that's great, you can lie by the pool and get a tan. And order something at the bar in between.
Carrer dels Muntanyals, 5, 43481 Platja de la Pineda, Tarragona

General tips

• Renting a car (or driving there yourself) is advisable. The surroundings are so beautiful and it's really a shame if you only visit one village or town.
• If you are looking for culture, definitely visit the Santa Maria d’Escaladei monastery in Priorat. It is located among the mountains, which gives a very special view. 
• Also in the context of culture: visit the amphitheater in Tarragona. It is the largest in Europe after Rome. You definitely want to see that, right?
• The Costa Daurada is ideal for activities like horseback riding (through the mountains), or water activities (parasailing, jet skiing, or boating).
• Costa Daurada is located between Barcelona and Valencia, a bit more towards Barcelona. So definitely combine it with a few days in the city and then go enjoy the coast. Or drive from Barcelona to Valencia, even more fun.