Cambrils, for example, is a 15-minute drive away and offers a calmer vibe for those seeking something quieter during their Spanish stay.
Whether it’s a short break or a full family fortnight, travellers can’t go wrong with Hotel Best Cambrils.
The four-star spot is next to the promenade and a stone’s throw from the beach, but with a luxury-sized pool (and handy poolside bar), you don’t have to go far for much.
Cambrils
The central property also boasts a wide range of activities, such as evening shows and entertainment, but is mostly recommended as it is literally 15 minutes away (at most) from all the top tourist attractions.
For quicker access to the Costa Daurada, it’s recommended to fly into Reus Airport, which is located close to the golden beaches and is only around 8km from Tarragona’s city centre.
It’s a lot smaller than Barcelona’s main and more well-known El Prat Airport, and is a focal point for travellers heading to Cambrils or Salou.
The list of to-dos and must-sees on the Costa Daurada is extensive, but it all comes down to individual interests and personal preferences. The Belfast Telegraph has listed below some of the top and most diverse ports of call to help you plan your trip.
PortAventura World
For thrill-seekers, old and young, PortAventura World is a must-visit, and be sure to dedicate at least one day to the theme park, which is one of the largest in Europe.
The site also has Ferrari Land, which opens and closes later for the adrenaline addicts, and has Europe’s largest and fastest rollercoaster.
For those who fancy more aquatic adventures or relaxing in the pool, there is an entirely separate water park at Portaventura.
A big tip, where possible, would be to book express premium tickets, which start at from €65 (£56) per day at the Portaventura Park.
It means quicker access to rides (which can have lengthy queues in the summer months) and preferential seating for theatres and events, with its ‘Divas’ performance previously winning awards for being the best theme park show in the continent.
The Shambhala rollercoaster is Portaventura World’s biggest attraction
House of Illusions
If you don’t believe in magic, the House of Illusion in Salou may make you reconsider, and again it’s a show that can be enjoyed by all the family.
Set in a candlelit theatre, there’s plenty of all-inclusive wine, beer and sangria flowing, plus the option of a three-course dinner.
Glenn Bonnar, who also conducts a pre-show performance depending on your ticket type, is the wholesome star of the show and has completed well over 4,000 nights at the spellbinding spot.
Glenn Bonnar performing at House Of Illusions
Tarragona
For history buffs and culture fans, Tarragona is the perfect picturesque location for walking tours, photo opportunities and a variety of food.
It is enveloped in ancient ruins from when it was the Roman colony of Tarraco and is one of the oldest towns on the shores of the Mediterranean. Its standout features include the Amphitheatre, where gladiatorial fights would have taken place in front of around 15,000 spectators over 2,000 years ago.
Walking tours are a must here to take in everything that the region has to offer, and for lunch or dinner afterwards, El Llagut is highly recommended for its traditional and exquisite seafood.
The Amphitheatre at Tarragona
Reus
Reus is one of Catalonia’s most culturally rich towns. It’s the birthplace of Gaudi, one of Europe’s most distinctive architects and artists, known for his individualistic style that can still be seen across Barcelona.
He was heavily inspired by nature and neo-horbic styles, which makes Reus a particularly interesting area to wander around, and of course, there is the Gaudi Centre for those that want to learn more about his life and work.
His main and most popular design is the church of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
Inside Casa Navas, Reus
Gaudi died in 1926 while on his way to the church for his daily confession. Aged 73, he was hit by a tram, and many passers-by did not recognise him or try to help him, as they thought he was a beggar.
The Route of Modernism is another walking tour that will signpost you to the area’s most unique modernist facades, and to finish your architectural visit, there’s no better place to stop than Casa Navas; the only Art Nouveau building in Europe that has preserved its original interior.
It was built between 1902 and 1908, and is located in the centre of the city, meaning easy access for walkers, and also, all food and drink spots are close by for refreshments afterwards.
Casa Navas
Infinitum
If luxury, lounging, golf and gardens pique your interest, Infinitum Golf Course and Living is the ideal place.
Anyone planning on hunting for a holiday home should also check out their exclusive new-builds on site with stunning sea views. The resort is security-protected, with direct private access to a beach and three golf courses.
The golf facilities have even been voted the best in Europe at a recent World Golf Awards, and for a meal with the best view, one can’t go too wrong with The Terrace at Hills restaurant.
Some of the seafood on offer at The Terrace at Hills restaurant, Infinitum
Parc Sama
Nature nerds and wildlife wanderers may look no further than the beautiful botanic garden of Parc Sama, which offers 14 hectares in the open air, where more than 1,500 species of flora and fauna live.
Just 5km away from Cambrils, it’s another location for all the family and is full of exotic birds, turtles, hedgehogs and more.
There are waterfalls, canals, plenty of viewpoints and even an ancient monkey house.
Parc Sama
Nautic Parc
Water lovers should be sure to book in with Nautic Parc, which offers diving and snorkelling options, boat rentals and nautical excursions. A great way to take in all the area around you is by jumping on one of their calming one-hour Ocean Fly catamaran cruises, starting from €10.
Acuamar
This restaurant, which is situated on the promenade of Cambrils, received a Travellers’ Choice award from TripAdvisor last year. After a catamaran cruise, it’s recommended to stop in for a hearty evening meal, and this journalist personally recommends the black rice with squid.
Salou
Salou
The busy resort town of Salou will literally have everything you and your travelling partners need, with no shortage of shopping resorts, nightlife and leisure activities.
The coastal path is a particular point of interest and there are lots of Salou sculptures for photo opportunities too.
The tourist train is probably the best way to see all the main monuments and will give you the best inspiration for places to visit.
Starting from €6, the route will allow you to find out more about places such as the Jaume I Monument, the Ornamental Fountains, the Captaincy, the Modernist Villas and the Monument to the Fisherman, as well as the start of the Coastal Path, the Masia Catalana, the City Park, the Torre Vella and the Church of Santa Maria del Mar.
May to October is usually the prime holiday time for Salou and the Costa Daurada, and with return flights for a week starting from as low as £140 from Dublin to Reus with Ryanair next May, there’s no better time than the present to book for now or 2024.