7 Day Costa Dorada Itinerary
The Costa Dorada suits almost any type of holiday you have in mind. History lovers can walk through 2,000 years of Roman ruins in Tarragona. Thrill-seekers head straight for the rollercoasters near Salou. Meanwhile, foodies chase fresh seafood in Cambrils, and creative types fall for the artsy charm of Sitges. Wine fans will also enjoy a detour inland to the Penedès vineyards. This 7 day Costa Dorada itinerary links all of it into one easy route. You’ll move gradually along the coast, so you won’t waste time doubling back. Bring comfortable shoes, sun cream and an appetite for good local food.
Day 1: Arrive in Tarragona
Begin your trip in Tarragona, a UNESCO World Heritage city built on Roman foundations. Most travellers fly into Reus Airport, just twenty minutes away by road. You can also arrive by train from Barcelona in around an hour. Check connections If you plan to explore at your own pace, collect a hire car on arrival. Hire a Car
Roman Amphitheatre of Tarragona
First, visit the dramatic amphitheatre, perched right above the sea. Gladiators once fought here for a crowd of 15,000 spectators. Today, you can walk the arena floor and explore the underground passages below. The Roman Amphitheatre forms part of a combined pass, so buy tickets early to save queuing. Buy Tickets Get directions
Pont del Diable Aqueduct
Next, drive just outside the city to see the Pont del Diable, also called Les Ferreres Aqueduct. This two-tiered Roman bridge once carried fresh water fifteen kilometres into Tarragona. Walk beneath the arches first, then climb the path for a view along the full structure. Get directions
Where to Stay in Tarragona
Tarragona offers plenty of comfortable options close to the old town.
Hotel SB Ciutat de Tarragona is known for its central position and rooftop pool; it rates around 4.4 on Google, and reviewers regularly mention the friendly staff and great breakfast.
Hotel Plaça de la Font, right in the old town, is known for its lively square location, rating around 4.2, with guests often praising the good-value rooms and nearby tapas bars.
Hotel Lauria sits on the Rambla Nova and is known for its sea-view terrace, rating around 4.0, and visitors mention the handy location and spacious rooms.
AC Hotel Tarragona is known for its modern design and pool, rating around 4.3, with reviewers highlighting the comfortable beds and helpful reception.
Hotel Astari, near the beach, is known for its outdoor pool and sea views, rating around 4.1, and guests often note the relaxed atmosphere and easy parking. Book Accommodation
Day 2: Tarragona Old Town to Salou
Spend the morning finishing your tour of Tarragona, then head south to the beach resorts. Buses run regularly between Tarragona and Salou throughout the day. Buy Tickets
Tarragona Cathedral
Climb Tarragona’s highest point to reach its striking cathedral, built where a Roman temple once stood. Inside, you’ll find a peaceful Gothic cloister and an impressive collection of medieval art. Construction spanned Romanesque and Gothic styles, so the architecture shifts as you move through. Get directions
Balcó del Mediterrani
Afterwards, stroll down Rambla Nova to the Balcó del Mediterrani, a clifftop viewpoint above the harbour. From here, you’ll see the amphitheatre, the port and the open sea all at once. It’s a lovely spot to pause for a coffee before continuing your journey. Get directions
Where to Stay in Salou
Salou gives you easy access to beaches, nightlife and the theme parks nearby.
Hotel Regente Aragón is known for its central seafront position; it rates around 4.4 on Google, and reviewers regularly mention the spacious rooms and rooftop pool.
Hotel Best Negresco is known for its beachfront pool and family facilities, rating around 4.2, with guests often praising the buffet breakfast and friendly service.
H10 DelfÃn is known for its direct beach access, rating around 4.3, and visitors mention the well-kept gardens and comfortable rooms.
Hotel Salou Beach by Pierre & Vacances is known for its self-catering apartments, rating around 4.1, with reviewers highlighting the great location and helpful staff.
Hotel Blue Sea Al Sol is known for its lively pool area, rating around 4.0, and guests often note the good value and central spot near the promenade.
Day 3: PortAventura World
Dedicate today entirely to Spain’s most popular theme park resort. It’s an easy ten-minute drive or short train ride from central Salou.
PortAventura World
Race through six themed worlds packed with rollercoasters, live shows and family rides. Highlights include Shambhala, one of Europe’s tallest coasters, and the Ferrari Land zone next door. The PortAventura World resort also includes a water park, ideal for cooling off in the afternoon heat. Booking online in advance saves time and often money too. Buy Tickets Get directions
Day 4: Salou Beaches to Cambrils
Slow the pace down today with beach time and a move to a quieter fishing town. Cambrils sits just fifteen minutes along the coast from Salou.
Platja Llarga, Salou
Before leaving, enjoy a final morning on Platja Llarga, Salou’s longest and quietest beach. Fine golden sand stretches for nearly three kilometres, backed by low dunes and pine trees. It’s a great spot for a relaxed swim before the drive south. Get directions
Cambrils Fishing Port
Arrive in Cambrils in time to watch the afternoon fish auction at the working harbour. Fishing boats return most days around 5pm, unloading catches destined for local restaurants. Afterwards, wander the old town’s narrow streets, lined with seafood bars and small shops. Get directions
Where to Stay in Cambrils
Cambrils suits travellers who want a quieter base with strong seafood options nearby.
Hotel Rovira, right by the port, is known for its friendly, family-run feel; it rates around 4.3 on Google, and reviewers regularly mention the excellent breakfast and helpful owners.
Hotel Rocamar is known for its seafront terrace, rating around 4.2, with guests often praising the sea views and comfortable rooms.
Hotel Best Cambrils is known for its large pool and gardens, rating around 4.0, and visitors mention the relaxed grounds and good facilities for families.
Hotel Mónica is known for its beachfront pool, rating around 4.1, with reviewers highlighting the friendly staff and tidy rooms.
NM Suites Hotel is known for its modern rooms near the marina, rating around 4.4, and guests often note the stylish design and convenient location.
Day 5: Cambrils to Sitges
Today involves a longer drive up the coast to Sitges, a town famous for its beaches and Modernist architecture. Trains connect the two towns via Tarragona, though a hire car is quicker. Check connections
Museu Cau Ferrat
Once settled in Sitges, visit the former home and studio of artist Santiago Rusiñol. Rooms display his personal collection of wrought iron, ceramics and paintings, including works by Picasso. The Museu Cau Ferrat sits right beside the church, overlooking the sea. Buy Tickets Get directions
Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla
Just next door, this baroque church sits dramatically on a small headland above the beach. Its whitewashed walls and bell towers appear in almost every photo of Sitges. Walk around the terrace for lovely views along the promenade in both directions. Get directions
Where to Stay in Sitges
Sitges offers stylish stays close to the old town and beaches.
Hotel Liberty is known for its rooftop pool and central position; it rates around 4.5 on Google, and reviewers regularly mention the boutique feel and attentive staff.
Hotel La Pinta is known for its central old-town location, rating around 4.2, with guests often praising the charming rooms and quiet courtyard.
Hotel Subur, right on the beachfront, is known for its sea views, rating around 4.1, and visitors mention the spacious balconies and easy beach access.
Hotel Platjador is known for its central promenade spot, rating around 4.0, with reviewers highlighting the friendly service and handy location.
Hotel Sitges Park is known for its garden and pool, rating around 4.3, and guests often note the peaceful setting a short walk from the centre.
Day 6: Vilanova i la Geltrú and Calafell
Take a day trip west to explore two contrasting towns, then return to Sitges for your final night there.
Biblioteca Museu VÃctor Balaguer
In Vilanova i la Geltrú, visit this striking neoclassical museum, filled with paintings, sculpture and archaeology. Founder VÃctor Balaguer donated his personal art collection to the town in the 19th century. Afterwards, wander down to the harbour for fresh seafood at the marina. Get directions
Poblat Ibèric de Calafell
Continue to Calafell to see a reconstructed Iberian village, built on real archaeological foundations. Wooden huts and defensive walls recreate life here from over 2,000 years ago. It’s a hands-on stop that works well for families travelling with children. Buy Tickets Get directions
Day 7: Vilafranca del Penedès and Departure
Finish your trip inland, among the vineyards that supply much of Catalonia’s wine and cava.
VINSEUM Wine Museum
Housed in a former royal palace, VINSEUM traces the region’s winemaking story back centuries. Interactive displays explain how cava is made, followed by a tasting in the museum’s tavern. The VINSEUM Wine Museum makes a relaxed, flavourful final stop before heading home. Buy Tickets Get directions
From Vilafranca, it’s a short drive to Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport for your flight home, or back to Reus if that suits your route better. Either way, return your hire car in good time before check-in. Hire a Car
This itinerary blends Roman history, thrill rides, seafood towns and vineyard culture into one smooth route. Adjust the pace as you like, and you’ll still see the very best the Costa Dorada offers.