Hotel deals in Costa Dorada

The best hotel deals on the Costa Dorada from € 49

The Costa Dorada (also known as the Costa Daurada in Catalan) stretches some 80 kilometres between Cunit - just beyond the reach of Barcelona's urban sprawl - and the wetlands of the Ebro Delta in southern Catalonia. Its gentle, sweeping shores are popular with families, while culture vultures flock to Tarragona, a UNESCO World Heritage city with Roman ruins, medieval streets and world-class museums. Meanwhile, theme park lovers flock to PortAventura World near Salou. Wondering how to do all this without breaking the bank? With local knowledge and alliances with local operators, Jump2spain.com frequently publishes hotel deals from as little as € 49, so you can spend more time enjoying the region's golden sands and less energy worrying about costs.

Why Costa Dorada?

• Sandy beaches: Unlike the rocky coves of the Costa Brava, the Costa Dorada's wider, flatter expanses make for comfortable beach days - perfect for children or lazy sunbathing.
• Cultural treasures: Roman Tarragona, with its amphitheatre, circus, walls and aqueduct, offers a time-travelling experience.
• Family-friendly: Hotels in Salou, Cambrils and La Pineda pride themselves on water parks, kids' clubs and myriad hotel entertainment programmes.
• Easy access: A well-developed road and rail network links you to Barcelona or Reus airport, making your journey a minimum of fuss.
• Gastronomic flair: From calçots (grilled spring onions) to fresh seafood, local wines and cavas, the region's flavours are as bright as its beaches.

Ametlla de Mar, Tarragona, Costa Dorada

The 10 best towns and areas on the Costa Dorada

Think of the Costa Dorada as a patchwork of resorts, historic ports, fishing villages and nature reserves. Below we break it down, explaining each place's unique appeal, accommodation scene and typical business patterns.

1. Salou

• Why it's the popular resort centre: Touted as the tourist heart of the Costa Dorada, with long beaches, a lively promenade and a variety of water sports.
• PortAventura World: Spain's largest theme park, plus Ferrari Land and Caribe Aquatic Park. A magnet for families and thrill seekers alike.
• Nightlife: Bars, clubs, karaoke bars and open-air events dot the main streets, especially in summer.

2. Cambrils 

• Why it's a popular fishing village: A working harbour and a pedestrian-friendly promenade full of seafood taverns.
• Gastronomy: Celebrated for fresh fish, paella and a lively restaurant scene.
• Quieter vibe: Less boisterous than neighbouring Salou, appealing to families and older couples seeking quiet beaches.

3. La Pineda

• Why it's so popular Wide beach: Shallow waters, wide sands and a more laid-back scene, bridging the hustle and bustle of Salou with quieter surroundings.
• Aquopolis water park: Another big draw for families, with slides, dolphin shows and wave pools.
• Proximity to PortAventura: Just a short drive or bus ride away, so you can combine theme park fun with a quieter beach base.

4. Tarragona

• City Why It's Popular Roman Heritage: Amphitheatre, circus, city walls and a number of archaeological sites form a UNESCO ensemble.
• Mix city and sea: Enjoy tapas bars near the bustling Rambla Nova, then stroll down to the Balcones del Mediterráneo viewpoint.
• Festivals: The Santa Tecla fiestas (September) and the Tarragona International Fireworks in summer bring colour to the streets.

5. Vila-seca & PortAventura area

• Why it's popular Theme Park proximity: Stay close to PortAventura World, Ferrari Land and the water parks for maximum convenience.
• Emerging resort options: A few large resorts or hotels with direct access to the park.
• Close to Salou & Tarragona: Short bus or train journeys to beaches or historic sites.

6. Reus (Inland Gateway)

• Why it's popular Modernist architecture: Reus is famous for its Gaudí Centre and many modernist buildings.
• Shopping & Culture: Pedestrianised streets, lively squares and an artistic atmosphere characterise the city centre.
• Cheap access to the coast: Staying inland can reduce your accommodation costs, while the beach is only 10-15 minutes away by bus or car.ç

7. Miami Platja & L'Hospitalet de l'Infant

• Why they're popular Quieter beaches: The coves around Miami Platja are less crowded, making them ideal for tranquillity.
• Promenades by the sea: L'Hospitalet has a yacht club and a small harbour - a picturesque promenade.
• Local Feel: Many Spanish visitors frequent these towns, so the foreign tourist presence is smaller.

8. Ametlla de Mar & Ametlla

• Park Why It's Popular: A coastline filled with coves: A series of small coves dotted with pine trees and crystal clear waters - ideal for snorkelling or a quiet swim.
• Fishing tradition: The harbour is still active, providing restaurants with top-quality local seafood.
• Chill vibes: Not a party hotspot - if you're looking for quiet nights and scenic walks, this is the place.

9. Deltebre & Ebro Delta

• Why it's popular: Unique wetlands: Rice paddies, lagoons and abundant birdlife (including flamingos) create a natural paradise.
• Ecotourism: Bird watching, boat trips, cycling and photography tours are all available.
• Local cuisine: Rice grown in the delta forms the basis of excellent paellas, accompanied by local shellfish.

10. Sant Carles de la Ràpita & Alcanar

• Why it's a popular gateway to the south: Near the border where the Costa Dorada joins other Mediterranean coasts.
• Harbours & Beaches: Sant Carles de la Ràpita is known for its large bay, calm waters and fish auctions.
• Culinary options: Oyster farms, restaurants with sea views and a focus on local produce highlight the gastronomic scene.

Castell de Tamarit near Tarragona, Costa Dorada, Catalonia in Spain

When's the best time to visit the Costa Dorada?

• High season (July-August): Guaranteed hot weather, busiest beaches, highest prices and lively atmosphere.
• Low season (May-June, September): Warmer temperatures, fewer crowds, better deals and open attractions.
• Low season (October-April): Some coastal resorts quiet down, but you can still find cheap rooms, enjoy mild winter days and do some cultural tourism (especially in Tarragona).

Seasonal Insights

• Water Parks & PortAventura: Usually open from late spring to early autumn - check opening times if visiting off-peak.
• Local Fiestas: Salou and Tarragona host lively summer festivals that add a cultural dimension to your beach holiday. If you're into visiting Carnival destinations, Tarragona is know for its beautiful parade and, Salou hosts its very own Carnival know as "Cos Blanc", which is always the first Saturday in February. 
• Christmas and Easter: Some hotels offer special holiday deals or festive menus. The holiday atmosphere is different from the typical beach scene, but it's a quieter alternative.

Getting the most out of the Costa Dorada 

Now that we've covered the top destinations and logistics, let's take a closer look at how to combine the Costa Dorada's offerings into an unforgettable trip, whether you're looking for sunny beaches, cultural immersion, gastronomic delights or theme park thrills.

Embrace the beaches and watersports

• Salou's Llevant Beach: Perfect for families - shallow waters, lifeguard presence and snack bars.
• Cambrils beaches: Try water skiing, paddle boarding or kayaking in calmer seas.
• Kiteboarding and windsurfing: In the southern part, near the Ebro Delta or Sant Carles de la Ràpita, the conditions can be a bit windier.

Visit Roman Tarragona

• Roman Forum & Circus in Tarragona: Download an official app or pick up a guide to piece together the ancient layout of the city.
• Amphitheatre by the sea: A breathtaking view where ancient stones merge with the shimmering Mediterranean.
• Tapas in the old town: The port area of Serallo or Plaça de la Font are great places to go after a heritage tour.
• Museu Nacional Arqueològic: houses mosaics, statues and relics that reveal the city's Roman importance.

Get your adrenaline pumping at PortAventura World

• Six themed areas: Mediterranean, Polynesia, SesamoAventura (for children), Far West, Mexico and China - each with iconic rides.
• Ferrari Land: Europe's highest and fastest vertical accelerator, if speed is your thing.
• Caribe Aquatic Park: Water slides, lazy rivers, splash zones, usually open mid-May to early September.
• Time-saving tips: Consider an Express Pass or staying at a resort hotel for earlier ride access. Combined accommodation and park packages can reduce the overall cost.

Indulge in the Catalan coastal cuisine

• Arròs Negre (black rice): Infused with cuttlefish ink for a savoury essence of the sea.
• Fideuà: Like paella but with short pasta noodles, often served with allioli.
• Romesco sauce: Tarragona's famous roasted red pepper sauce, drizzled over calçots or grilled fish.
• Wines & Cavas: Montsant, Priorat or the local DO Tarragona wines pair beautifully with the region's cuisine. Some hotels offer wine tasting as part of a package or special event.

Explore the nature reserves and inland towns

• Ebro Delta: Hire a bike, spot flamingos or take a boat ride among rice paddies and watery canals.
• Prades Mountains: Pine forests, hiking trails and small stone villages for a day away from the beach.
• Siurana: A dramatic cliff-top town with panoramic views of the reservoir - legendary among rock climbers.
• Vil-la Romana de Barenys: For history buffs, a little-known archaeological site on the outskirts of Salou.

Soak up the local fiestas

• Santa Tecla (Tarragona, mid-September): Processions, human towers (castellers), fireworks, gastronomic fairs.
• San Juan (23 and 24 June): Bonfires on the beach, fireworks, midnight swimming in Salou or Cambrils.
• Santa Anna fires in L'Hospitalet: Local traditions, dancing, music and regional food stalls.
• PortAventura Halloween & Christmas: Seasonal changes in the park from the end of September to the beginning of January.

Sustainability & Ecotourism

• Responsible travel: Use public transport when possible, respect natural beaches, minimise single-use plastics.
• Local produce: Look for markets with cheeses, charcuterie, fruit and vegetables from local farmers - less packaging, more authenticity.
• Protected areas: Pay attention to signs in the wetlands of the Ebro Delta or in coastal reserves regarding bird nesting sites or restricted dune areas.

Delta del Ebro, Catalunya, Spain.