Costa Dorada culture trip: A journey from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to modernist architecture

Independent

26-05-2025

Beyond the sun-kissed Mediterranean magic of the Costa Dorada – Catalonia's 'Golden Coast', known locally as Costa Daurada – visitors of all ages will find a cultural treasure trove spanning centuries, from Roman ruins to modernist architecture.
What's more, with Jet2holidays flying to the Costa Dorada from 12 UK airports and a range of two to five-star accommodation, it's easy to reach this Mediterranean jewel. Jet2holidays is always giving you more, to help make planning and booking as smooth as possible. That goes for the PayPal Pay in 3 interest-free payments** option, 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage, and return transfers† that are included. Look out for Free Child Places***, and infants under two go free‡.
Here we delve into just some of the region's fascinating sites and experiences, so you can map out a truly enriching trip…
Tarragona: Roman relics and panoramic sea-views
Once a vital outpost of the Roman Empire, the city of Tarragona is a stunning blend of ancient ruins and walls, grand vistas and bustling contemporary culture. Every corner promises a glimpse of its rich past nestled between residential streets or office blocks.
Start with the Tarragona Amphitheatre and Roman Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. History fans of all ages will love stepping into the seafront amphitheatre, imagining the gladiator battles of centuries before. From here it's a short walk to the forum – the once-vast square which was the epicentre of Roman life here. Nearby, at the 1st-century Roman circus, climb the tower (or cheat and take the lift) to visualise the chariot and horse races which once thundered around this site.
For some more air-conditioned historical insights, head to the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona. Packed with Roman artefacts, the museum also offers an immersive taste of life in Roman Tarraco, complete with dress up: fab fun for young historians.
After the midday heat has peaked, a walk to the highest point of the city rewards with the breathtaking 14th-century Primatial Cathedral. Built on the site of an old Roman temple, bridging the Romanesque and Gothic periods, it's packed with medieval art and dazzling stained glass. In the summer, the cathedral offers night-time concerts featuring the 16th-century church organ.
Reus: Modernist marvels
Head inland to the town of Reus, the birthplace of Catalonia's most famous son – the influential architect Antoni Gaudí, known for his quirky and spectacular designs. The whole town is infused with this modernist spirit, promising elegant façades adorned with intricate designs, whimsical wrought-iron details, and colourful ceramic tiles.
Couples and families with older children can enjoy a self-guided walking tour of this vibrant city, with 26 stops marked on a map from the tourist information office. Highlights include the Gaudí Centre, a museum dedicated to Gaudí's life and works, which offers an in-depth look at his architectural innovations – how did he pull off those towering walkways? Even the youngest visitors will be in awe of the hands-on exhibits including a special effects room that immerses you in Gaudí's creative world.
Other must-sees include the Casa Navàs (pictured above), a remarkable modernist mansion that beautifully showcases the decorative arts of the period. Astonishingly ornate, tit was designed by another great Catalonian architect, Lluís Domènech i Muntaner. It sits proudly in Plaça del Mercadal, Reus' market square, which is packed with people and cultural events throughout the summer.
Poblet: archaeological and geological delights
A 40-minute drive to the foot of the Prades mountains reveals the Monastery of Santa Maria in Poblet, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond its impressive Gothic exterior lies the Royal Pantheon; young historians will be delighted to learn it houses the tombs of notable figures like King James I.
Venture into the nearby village of Espluga de Francoli to explore the Museum of the Cova de Font Major, one of the longest caves in the world at 3.5km, and home to an enchanting underground river system. An immersive exhibit takes visitors back far beyond Roman times in a recreation of Paleolithic life.
Castells: A towering tradition
In the Costa Dorada, summer means one unique tradition in particular: the Castells, or human tower. Originating in Valls in the 18 th century, Castells are performed at town festivals and on weekends between April and November.
An exhilarating display of strength, balance and unity, Castells involve teams working together to create pyramids several stories high. Due to the skill and precision involved, UNESCO has designated Castells as among the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
From sites and experiences to thrilling traditions, the Costa Dorada is a place where past and present collide in unexpected and captivating ways, leaving a lasting impression on you. Every stone, every building, and every human tower tells a story centuries in the making.
With Jet2holidays, you can book your trip to the Costa Dorada with lots of package perks thrown in to make getting away even easier. From a low £60 per person deposit* to PayPal Pay in 3 interest-free payments**, 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage per person to return transfers†, it's all included. Families can make the most of Free Child Places***, while infants under two go free‡. And with flights included and the choice of two to five-star hotels, Jet2holidays is always giving you more. For more Costa Dorada travel inspiration, and to find and book your ultimate holiday, visit Jet2holidays. Plus, right now, myJet2 members can save £100 per person§ in The Big Jet2 Price Drop (correct at original publish date).
*On bookings made ten weeks or more before departure. Full payment required by balance due date. **Spread the cost over three interest-free payments. Available when booked online, for holidays under £2,000, departing within ten weeks. ***One free child place per two paying passengers. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply, please see www.jet2holidays.com/promotions#FCP2025 for further details. †Unless otherwise stated. ‡Applicable for all infants under the age of two years on the date of return. Infants are not entitled to a flight seat (they must be seated with a parent or guardian) or a 22kg baggage allowance. §£100 per person off holidays for myJet2 members departing until 15 November 2026. myJet2 members will need to be logged into their account at the time of booking for the discount to automatically apply. Book online, via our app, through our call centre or with your travel agent. Please note the discount is not applied to children travelling on a free child place. Terms and conditions apply, please see for details.