Beach Special #2: Costa Daurada

The Costa Daurada stretches south from Sitges to beyond Tarragona, and is named after its golden sandy beaches. There are over 60 beaches along this 92-kilometre coastline, from secluded coves to huge expanses of sand. Many of the towns along this coast were built around castles or fortresses and still maintain a lot of their old charm despite the influx of tourists and the inevitable apartment blocks.

Sitges

A favourite for many locals, the beaches near the town centre can get very crowded, but if you’re willing to keep walking a little further, the crowds eventually thin out. The Sausalito beach, near the Terramar hotel has a great chiringuito and shallow water, ideal for young children. The nudist-friendly beach in Aiguadolç is another quieter alternative and is about a 20-minute walk from the station.

Torredembarra

Torredembarra is a busy little town that boasts a wide beach—Els Muntanyans—which forms part of a natural protected zone. It has fine white sand with shallow saltwater lagoons and semi-shifting sand dunes. All this makes it a great beach for families with young children.

Altafulla

Just before Tarragona, this long, wide beach with golden sand and clear water is considered by many to be the Costa Daurada’s finest beach. It’s certainly well worth the longer train ride. The town itself has a beautifully-preserved old quarter and the beach is overlooked by an impressive tower on the cliff at the far end.

Waikiki Beach

Cala Fonda (commonly known as Waikiki Beach) lies just a few kilometres from Tarragona but is one of the Costa Daurada’s most unspoiled beaches and offers wild charm. Surrounded by lush vegetation, you can reach this cove by walking along a path from Tarragona’s Platja Llarga beach. Don’t forget to pack some sandwiches as there’s no chiringuito here. Clothes are optional.