Costa Dorada beach © Provincial Government of Tarragona Tourism Board

The hue of the fine sand on the wide, wonderful beaches of Spain's Costa Dorada (Golden Coast) has given this popular holiday region its name. The 20 or so towns and villages along this 120-mile (200km) stretch of Mediterranean coastline, south of Barcelona, have become built up with hundreds of hotels, camp sites and apartment blocks, catering mainly for family vacationers. Entertainment consists largely of enjoying the shallow, transparent, gentle sea, ideal for the 'bucket and spade' brigade, and the large, thrilling theme and waterparks at the local resorts.

Visitors who enjoy soaking up some local culture and history find the Costa Dorada has plenty to show, particularly the main regional city of Tarragona, which was an important army base in Roman times and today boasts historical ruins and a variety of museums. Excursions inland, among vineyards, olive groves and almond plantations, take in the quaint medieval city of Montblanc with its fine Gothic church, and at Poblet there are some interesting ruins of former monasteries dating back to the 12th century. Adding to the area's natural and historic attractions is its sunny, temperate climate.