What to do on the Costa Dorada? I 40x Fun Things to See and Do on the Costa Dorada with kids
Dive into the history of the Romans. Go snorkeling with tuna or cool off under one of the many waterfalls. The Costa Dorada is a great holiday destination for families with children. Both young and older children will certainly enjoy themselves at this diverse coastal strip in Spain.
The Costa Dorada, the Gold Coast of Spain
The Costa Dorada is also called the Gold Coast of Spain. This coastal strip covers the entire province of Tarragona and extends all the way to the special nature reserve of the Delta Ebro.
The Costa Dorada is perhaps one of the most diverse stretches of coastline in Spain. There are of course many beaches, but also mountains at a short distance from the sea and a lot of history, due to the Roman who were once strongly represented in this region.
So there is something for everyone, young and old, to do on the Costa Dorada.
40x Fun Things to See and Do on the Costa Dorada with Kids
What to do with children on the Costa Dorada? On holiday you always try to do fun things with the children and for the children, because happy children usually mean happy parents too.
Don't worry, this will be perfectly fine at the Costa Dorada, because there is everything for both young children and older children to experience and to see on the Costa Dorada.
We researched for you all there is to do on the Costa Dorada and made a list of 40 Fun Things to See and Do with Children on the Costa Dorada.
PortAventura is the most famous and most visited amusement park in Spain. As far as we are concerned, this amusement park is comparable to Disneyland. The furnishings and decorations immediately take you into a different world as soon as you enter this theme park. The cool shows and the parades complete this great vibe of this park
And of course there are many attractions. There is plenty to do in PortAventura for younger children, older children and for the parents themselves. It is a challenge to see the whole park in one day, but you will certainly not be bored during a day at PortAventura.
Address:Av. Pere Molas, Tarragona
Ferrari Land is part of PortAventura, but is seen as a separate theme park.
If you want to visit Ferrari Land, you also need extra tickets. Only your PortAventura World entrance tickets is not enough.
At Ferrari Land is all about speed and cars , as you might expect if you look at the name of this park. In Ferrari Land you will find one of the scariest and fastest roller coasters in Spain. But there are also plenty of activities for the little ones in the race theme.
Address:Av. Pere Molas, Tarragona
PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park is the water park that belongs to PortAventura, for which you also need separate tickets. This water park is the most beautiful water park on the Costa Dorada. Not only because of the many slides, but also the decoration and the atmosphere of this water park. There are all kinds of different slides at PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park. Nobody will be bored during a day cooling off in this water park.
Address:Av. Pere Molas, Tarragona
As we wrote above, the Costa Dorada is one of the most diverse coastal areas in Spain.
So within 30 minutes to an hour from the sea, you can already be high in the mountains. For the bigger kids it is a very nice activity to go into the mountains for a day of canyoning.
This unique activity will show you the secret spots of the mountains in Tarragona. It is a bit of a tough activity.
5. The Amfi Theater in Tarragona I Roman History on the Costa Dorada
Tarragona was once an important city for the Romans . You can therefore visit all kinds of sights in this city that show you the history of the Romans in Tarragona.
The main Roman attraction in Tarragona is the Amphitheatre. This impressive Amphitheater right on the sea was once one of the most important buildings in Tarragona, where bullfights, gladiatorial fights and shows were given. So there is an interesting history to this impressive structure, which will even impress children.
Tarragona is a great city to explore. For both young and old. In the old center you will find some beautiful sights, such as the Tarragona Cathedral, Pilons Street and the underground tunnels.
Unfortunately, children don't always feel like walking through all those sights. So to make a day exploring Tarragona more fun for kids, they came up with a scavenger hunt .
So while the children search for clues, the parents can look around in peace.
Montblanc is one of those nice mountain villages a short distance from the sea. Montblanc is a beautiful village, where you really go back to the Middle Ages. Discover the old castle walls, the castle itself and the streets where merchants used to sell their wares.
It is mainly the legend of Sant Jordi, the knight that defeated the dragon, which makes this village interesting even for children.
Above you already saw the water park of PortAventura passing by. A visit to this park is not cheap and it can get very busy here. An alternative to PortAventura water park is Aquopolis. This Water Park has many fun slides, but is slightly smaller and therefore a bit quieter. But you have such as much in this park, while enjoying the slides and the water.
Address:Passeig de Pau Casals, 65, 43480 Platja de la Pineda, Tarragona
And we will continue with the water parks on the Costa Dorada. Aqualeon is in fact another fun and small-scale water park in Tarragona. Here, too, there is more than enough slide fun and it's great when you need to cool down a bit in the hot summers of Tarragona.
Address:Finca les Basses, s/n, 43716, Tarragona
La Fontcalda is a hot spring in Els Ports Natural Park. Els Ports is located at the southern tip of the Costa Daurada, where you can see many great places. La Fontcalda is one of those spots.
It is called a hot spring, but with that term you might expect a bit too much from this place. The hot water section is a 1 meter wide bath.
But the gorge that belongs to this hot spring is a very beautiful place. The gorge is located between the rocks and really feels like a secret place. Children can enjoy swimming here. And even snorkeling in the clear mountain water. Bigger kids can jump off the rocks here. There are both high and small rocks to jump from.
La Fontcalda is one of our favorite places in Els Ports Natural Park.
Address: 43780 Prat de Comte, Tarragona
Karting is always fun. And especially when the sun is shining and you are in holiday mode, go-karting is fun for young and old. At Karting Salou there are two tracks. A track for the little kids and a track for the big kids and adults. Of course the children drive in smaller and slower karts. But because they can race against each other on a separate track, the karting experience is just as great for the little kids.
Address:C-14, km 0.196 , 43840 Salou, Tarragona
12. Siurana, through the mountains for spectacular views
Siurana may not be the ideal place of interest or attraction for children on the Costa Dorada.
But because our kids loved it so much, we decided to add it to this list. This village is one of the most impressive places on the Costa Dorada. The location, the view and the hike that you can do from this village are all WOW. And that's why we think that all children will be impressed by this place.
13. Eating pizza at sunset
One of our favorite activities on the Costa Dorada is actually very simple. Plus, you can do it anywhere. Pick up pizzas from your favorite pizzeria, in our case that was just the pizzeria at Camping Resort Sanguli Salou. And take them to the beach. Enjoy your towel with a takeaway pizza, while watching the sun go down; that is the ultimate holiday feeling.
14. Mont Caro, the highest point of the Costa Dorada
Mont Caro is the highest point of Els Ports Natural Park and therefore also the highest point of the Costa Dorado. From the city of Tortosa it is about a 30-40 minute drive to the highest point at an altitude of no less than 1447 meters. At the highest point, a viewpoint has been created from where you have a great view over the Costa Dorada and in particular the Delta Ebro Natural Park. It is said that with good weather you can even see Mallorca, but we have never seen that.
Bosc Aventura is a fun park for children just outside the center of Salou. In this park you can zipline between the trees of the Costa Dorada. There are different levels of difficulty. This way, both the really small children and the big children can enjoy themselves in this park.
Address: Carrer de Barbastre, 15, 43840 Salou, Tarragona
Get a breath of fresh air on a catamaran on the beautiful waters of the Costa Dorada. One of our favorite boat trips is a half day or a full day on the water with a catamaran.
Jump into the water and cool off on the hot days of the Costa Dorada.
Antoni Gaudi was a famous architect or maybe even more an artist in Spain. Especially in Barcelona, this architect left his mark on the city with his special buildings, which are still under development years after his death. The famous Sagrada Familia is one of his works.
The Gaudi Museum in Reus takes you on a journey and into the mind of Antoni Gaudi. Very nice to do, especially on lesser days.
Address:Plaça del Mercadal, 3 , 43201 Reus, Tarragona
Of course you don't immediately think of cycling when you go on holiday to the Costa Dorada. But there are cycle paths that are ideal for a nice bike ride with the children. So is the cycle path between Cambrils and Salou. Here you cycle along the beach to Cambrils or Salou. On the way you can stop at a beach or at one of the many playgrounds that you can find on these beaches. Moreover, Salou and Cambrils are both nice to visit.
This tip does depend on the drought in Spain. This is definitely one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Costa Dorada. However, when the years are very dry, this waterfall may be a bit smaller than you might hope. Another important fact. To take a refreshing dip at the foot of this waterfall, you first have to hike 3.2 kilometers. It is a fairly easy walk that you should definitely do with children, nevertheless it is a total of 6.4 kilometers there and back.
This waterfall is perhaps a bit more for the older children. Because it is a bit of climbing over the rocks to take a dip. For small children it might be just a bit too dangerous.
The walk starts at Mas de Fores.
Address :Diseminado la Torreta, 24, 43460, Tarragona
In the hot summers, we are all looking to cool down. Do you want something different than cooling off in the sea? Then this natural swimming pool in the mountains of Els Ports nature park is a nice alternative. This natural swimming pool is filled with wonderfully fresh water. The children can jump from low rocks here, while you can enjoy the sun lying on a rock. Beceite is also a nice village for a snack and a drink.
Address: 44588 Beceite, Teruel
Ruta del Parrizal is located right next to the Piscina Natural de Beceite. ruta del Parrizal is quite a walk, but quite a change hike. You walk on wooden paths that have been constructed over low pools, you walk through the woods and end in a large and impressive gorge.
Badia dels Alfacs is the largest natural bay in Europe. It is certainly not one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the Costa Dorada, but the natural bay makes it wonderfully quiet sailing.
From Sant Carles de la Rapita, where you can rent a boat, you can sail to the sandbank on the other side of this bay. Here you can jump into the cool water.
Badia dels Alfacs is ideal for a quiet afternoon sailing in the warm summers of the Costa Dorada.
Are you not afraid of fish and is snorkeling your thing. Then this Tuna Tour is really something for you.
This two-hour boat trip takes you to the deep sea, where you can jump into the water among hundreds of tuna, large tuna. They are not dolphins, but Tuna Tour Amettla is definitely a unique experience.
Jungle Trek Tarragona is somewhat similar to Bosc Aventura Salou. Here too you can climb between the trees and the big kids can zipline between the trees. Jungle Trek Tarragona has different activities for both older and smaller children.
It is also nice that the shadows of the trees provide a bit of cooling in the hot summers of the Costa Dorada.
Estrets d'Arnes are a great place to cool off a bit during the summer.
You will find this walking route in Els Ports Natural Park, at the southernmost tip of the Costa Dorada.
The walking route is simple and runs along a river its entire length, where you can cool off wonderfully. It is especially wonderful here for children. Catch fish in the shallow, cold mountain water or take a walk further and jump off the rocks into the deeper parts. Estrets d'Arnes is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful places on the Costa Dorada.
Address:43597, Tarragona< /p>
26. Les Olles I Swimming in the mountain waters of Tarragona
Les Olles is another great place in the mountains of Els Ports Natural Park. These natural swimming ponds are a wonderful place to cool off and have a picnic. Want a little more excitement? Then you can jump from the high rocks into the deep water of Les Olles. Be careful with that and listen to the locals, who do this more often. It also counts for the natural swimming ponds that you are somewhat dependent on the drought in Spain. In dry years the water will not be so high in these swimming pools.
Address: 43596, Tarragona
27. Calafell Toboggan run I Tobogganing in the sun of the Costa Dorada
Sledding is not exactly something you think of when you think of a holiday on the Costa Dorada.
Surprise, there really is a Toboggan run. This Toboggan run is definitely a fun and quick activity for kids when you are on holiday on the Costa Dorada.
Address:Ca la Manela, Camí de, 43820 Calafell, Tarragona
You can read it a bit in the title, this park is not located on the Costa Dorada. Jardin del Papagayo is just a bit further south, but we think it is well worth the trip. This interactive animal park which is mainly about birds and parrots state is super fun. Children also love this park. Although some children may be a little afraid of the birds at first, most children soon come around and don't want to leave.
We go here once a year and it is fun every time.
The nearby village of Peniscola is also one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and is definitely recommended if you are in the area.
Address:Camí de la Ratlla del Terme, 12580 Benicarló, Castelló
Caro La Barcina is a hike to the top from Tarragona. Just slightly below it officially, because the top belongs to Mont Caro. But the view you have at the end of this walk is certainly not disappointing. This is also a walk that is doable for children. And you might be lucky enough to see a mountain goat when you are hiking.
The Via Verde is a cycle path of more than 70 kilometers long, which runs from the sea to the mountains. There are many beautiful pieces to cycle about this Via Verde . The Via Verde in the Ebro Delta Natural Park is fairly flat and easy to cycle. On the other hand, the cycle path around Horta de Sant Joan is beautiful and takes you past some of the most beautiful places in the mountains of Els Ports Natural Park.
Parc DeltAventur is located in the Ebro Delta Natural Park in the south of Tarragona, at the very bottom of the Costa Dorada. There is a lot to see in this nature park. Parc DeltAventur is fun for the kids. They can climb and play here, while you can sit on the terrace and enjoy a drink.
Temps de Terra is a hidden gem in Tarragona. If you don't know this restaurant exists you would never be able to find it. This restaurant is hidden somewhere between the olive trees and orange trees.
On the large grounds of this restaurant you will find a lake, horses, a donkey, geese and a playground.
Combine that with good food and you have the perfect holiday afternoon.
The atmosphere of Temps de Terra is definitely that hippie Ibiza feeling. You pay a fixed price for a menu here and you can't choose what you eat. You get what you eat. One thing is certain is that the main course consists of a lot of meat and you will be absolutely stuffed when you leave here.
A menu costs around 30 euros. A children's menu around 10 euros.
This is one of the nicest places on the Costa Dorada for lunch.
Adres: Finca Temps de Terra Partida de l'ametller s/n, 43870 Amposta, Tarragona
In Salou you can do many water activities. For example, you can go on a banana boat or jet ski,
We think parasailing is the best of these water activities. From the beach of Salou you will be taken to a boat and you can admire Salou and its surroundings from above. Moreover, it is a wonderful fresh breeze.
This activity is obviously not for people with a fear of heights.
Adres:Playa de Levante S/N, 43480 Salou, Tarragona
34. Snorkeling in Ametlla de Mar I The beautiful underwater world of the Costa Dorada
Ametlla de Mar has perhaps the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Dorada. High rocks form beautiful bays with clear water here. Because of the rocks, Ametlla de Mar is also the best place for snorkeling on the Costa Dorada. So snorkeling something you enjoy doing with your kids, then Ametlla de Mar is the place to be. You can also do a tour with an experienced instructor who can show you the best places in Ametlla de Mar with the most beautiful and most fish.
Did you know that flamingos lived on the Costa Dorada? You can see these beautiful animals in the Ebro Delta Natural Park. They spread over this nature reserve, but there are some places where you can often see large groups. Like at Platja del Trabucador. Also the next item on our list 50x Fun Things to Do with Kids on the Costa Dorada.
Platja del Trabucador is a headland in the Ebro Delta Natural Park. On one side of this headland you will find the somewhat rougher sea and the other side borders the largest natural bay in Europe.
If your kids like waves, the rough side is the perfect place. But if you have small children, the side with the calm water is great. It is shallow here for a very long time, so that even small children can play peacefully in the water here.
The Ebro Delta is a beautiful natural park in the southernmost tip of Tarragona. It is the flattest piece of land you can find on this coastal strip and therefore a great place to horse riding. Walk between the rice fields and enjoy the special environment, which does not feel like Spain.
And horseback riding is always a bit magical, right?
The rocks that you find along the entire coastline of the Costa Dorado hide some beautiful gems. Kayaking is the best method to find these hidden places. You can rent a kayak yourself and go looking, but you can of course also go kayaking with an experienced guide, who will show you these hidden places
We are a bit unsure about this attraction on the Costa Dorada. Where we found this park a bit underwhelming, many people are very enthusiastic about this park. That is why we have put Parc Sama on our list. This botanical garden is different from other botanical gardens and you may not see as many tropical plants as you expect. And yet it is a special place. Children will also love it here. The free roaming animals, the space to run and play and the tranquility make this a great place for children.
Adres: Carretera de Vinyols, s/n, 43850 Cambrils, Tarragona
The Caves of L'Espluga are natural cavities that have been used by humans since the Paleolithic.
In the caves there is now a museum that takes you through large projections into the origin of these caves, but also in the discovery of these caves. These caves were only discovered in 2019 and are therefore a fairly recent discovery.
Adress :avda. Catalunya, S/N, 43440 Espluga De Francolí ( L'), Tarragona
The Costa Dorada is truly a wonderful destination for a family holiday.
There is plenty to do for both young and old children. And then we haven't even included all the beautiful beaches for playing and swimming on this list.
Are you going to the Costa Dorada soon? Then we wish you a very nice holiday.
