Latest news with #CostaDorada
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
WIN! A couples beach holiday at a relaxing, adults-only resort in the Costa Dorada
Need an escape from the noise and stress of everyday life? Want to soak in the tranquil sea views, picture-perfect beach and relaxing amenities at the four-star Golden Costa Salou resort in Costa Dorada (known locally as Costa Daurada) instead? We've partnered with Jet2holidays, who are giving one lucky couple the chance to win a seven-night break at this stunning hotel, which is part of their Adults Only range. Expect peaceful sunbathing and swimming at the choice of two outdoor pools, or uninterrupted lounging at the indoor pool. You can also enjoy even more R&R at the resort's spa, making the most of unwinding in the sauna and steam room ahead of your massage or treatment. Delight in daily entertainment or chill out, cocktail in hand, at one of Golden Costa Salou's bars. If you want to add a touch of adventure to the calm, the hotel isn't far from the almost 4km stretch of Vila-seca, la Pineda Platja beach, perfect for romantic strolls, and visiting an array of restaurants, cafés and bars – catering for every taste. Costa Dorada has 50 miles of beaches (including 26 Blue Flag beaches) with golden sands and calm waters, as well as great watersports from kayaking and paddleboarding to snorkelling and scuba diving on offer. When you've had your fill of action, head back to recuperate in your stylish Premium Room. For your chance to win a seven-night stay at Golden Costa Salou, for two adults on a bed and breakfast board basis, fill in your details in the form below. Terms and conditions*: Competition closes 23.59pm BST 7 July. A seven-night holiday for up to two adults in a premium room on a bed and breakfast basis at the 4* Golden Costa Salou in La Pineda, Costa Dorada. This prize includes return flights for up to two people from any UK Airport from which flies to Reus (Barcelona South) Airport (REU) and allows for the duration of the holiday advertised, transfers to and from the overseas airport and the hotel and one free item of checked baggage of up to 22kg per person. This prize must be booked by 20 July 2025 and must be completed between one of the following bands subject to availability (including all return travel): 28/07/2025 - 04/08/2025 03/09/2025 - 16/10/2025 20/04/2026 - 21/05/2026 01/06/2026 - 17/07/2026 27/07/2026 - 03/08/2026 01/09/2026 - 22/10/2026 Find out more about Jet2holidays packages – including 22kg baggage per person and return transfers** and your choice of two to five-star hotels – online at Jet2holidays. Right now, myJet2 members can also save £100 per person† in The Big Jet2 Sale too (correct at original publish date). *T&Cs apply, see for more details **Unless otherwise stated †£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. If you can't see the form, please click here
The Independent
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
Take a culinary tour of the Costa Dorada: from traditional eats to haute cuisine
Stretching along the Mediterranean, the Costa Dorada (locally known as Costa Daurada) is not only beautiful but has a reputation for seriously delicious cuisine. Thanks to its proximity to the water, seafood is a highlight. But its mountainous inland terrain also offers up a wide variety of meat and vegetables, as well as a wonderful terroir for a wealth of wine varieties. 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 plan your next culinary adventure. 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, as well as the 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage, and return transfers† that are included. Look out for Free Child Places***, and infants under two go free‡. From great eateries and foodie experiences to the best local dishes to try, here's what you can look forward to on your gastronomic travels… Delicious traditional dishes Begin your travels with a journey around some of the region's most delicious traditional dishes. Like xató; originating from Tarragona, it's made with escarole (similar to an endive), tomato and salt cod or tuna, and served with a sauce made from almonds and ñoras (dried peppers).Another popular fish-based dish is suquet de peix, a tasty stew which features a variety of seafood and vegetables. Meanwhile, many menus also offer the likes of arròs caldós, a soupy rice dish, rossejat, a seafood pasta dish, and mar i muntanya, which combines seafood and meat, reflecting the region's 'sea and mountain' cuisine. You'll find all these, and more, in local restaurants in some of the region's most charming locations, all around Costa Dorada, or look out for them on the menu at one of the restaurant options at your Jet2holidays hotel. Fabulous foodie experiences Time your visit for a calçotada, a festive Catalan gathering held between November and April, where people celebrate the harvest of calçots (a type of large, sweet onion). It's usually served grilled with romesco, sauce, accompanied by meat and wine. For a truly authentic experience, head to Valls, the birthplace of the tradition. Olive oil is also a revered ingredient in the Costa Dorada; going back to ancient times, olive cultivation is a key part of the region's Mediterranean heritage. Centres, museums and historical mills offer tours combined with tastings, walks among olive groves and gastronomic menus with lashings of olive oil. Head to the Olive Oil Interpretation Centre in Vandellòs, located in an old olive mill, where you'll observe everything about the production process, from harvesting to bottling. Or follow the Priorat olive oil route, which offers 26 different experiences aimed at discovering and tasting the finest extra virgin oil. There's even an olive oil cycling route, which meanders through the region of Baix Camp, just 20 minutes from Tarragona. It produces one of Catalonia's most famous olive oils under the DOP Siurana. Finally, don't miss a trip to the nearby village of Riudecanyes, dotted with many olive trees that are over 100 years old. The world of wine (and vermouth) The Costa Dorada promotes enogastronomy, the art of pairing wine with food, so you'll always have something delicious to drink alongside your meal. The whole area, particularly the DOQ (Denominació d'Origen Qualificada) Priorat region, is known for great wine, especially robust reds. But you'll also find fabulous red, white and rosé wines from the Designations of Origin Montsant, Tarragona, Conca de Barberà, and Penedès. Embark on a wine trail through Priorat, to discover grape varieties such as Carignan, Grenache and Grenache blanc. Take tours through vineyards, learn about the wine-making process and, most importantly, enjoy tastings. Close to Priorat area, Conca de Barberà, produces light red and fruity rosés; while closer to the coast, Penedés is famous for its sparkling Cava. Moreover, the Costa Dorada – particularly the elegant city of Reus, birthplace of legendary architect Antoni Gaudí – is also known for vermouth, a sweet, aromatic fortified wine flavoured with botanicals, herbs and spices. Find out more at the city's Vermouth Museum, dedicated to the culture of this unique drink with a collection of over 6,500 items related to it. Then set out on the Reus Vermouth Route. This features dozens of establishments which either serve it or are connected to its history, including its incredible modernist architecture. Eateries for everyone The Costa Dorada brims with producers and professionals who pride themselves on showcasing the region's gastronomy. Many also make sure they only offer local products – known as the 'Slow food kilometre zero' initiative. You'll also find plenty of fantastic restaurants which serve locally-sourced dishes which prioritise local and organic farming and use seasonal ingredients. This way, you're connected to tradition and authenticity by what's on your plate. If you're looking for even more elevated cuisine, head to Cambrils – known as the gastronomic capital of the Costa Dorada, with two Michelin-starred restaurants alone. Or you could venture to Salou or Cornudella de Montsant for some out-of-this-world fine dining. At your Jet2holidays hotel, make sure you delve into the diverse cuisines and speciality dishes on offer, as well as the ever-changing live chef stations and in-house pop-ups. And if you're planning to take a taste of the Costa Dorada back home, make sure you visit local producers for excellent sweets, jams, rice, vinegar, hazelnuts and more. There's also a wealth of great places for families to eat out. Head to Salou for fab ice cream parlours, ideal for hot, sunny days, or to Cambrils for buffet-style eateries, where every family member can choose exactly what they want. Reus has a selection of brilliant local markets, such as the Mercat Central and the Mercat del Carrilet, where you can purchase traditional produce, from meats and cheeses to delicious bread, to take to the beach for the perfect picnic. With Jet2holidays, you can book your trip to the Costa Dorada with lots of package perks thrown into make getting away even easier. From a low £60 per person deposit*, 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 Sale (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 for further details. †Unless otherwisestated. ‡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.
The Independent
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Wild wanders and breathtaking vistas: Go off-grid amid the Costa Dorada's incredible nature
The Costa Dorada, the 'Golden Coast' of Catalonia known locally as Costa Daurada, is renowned for its calm, blue, Mediterranean waters and 50 miles of sandy beaches, perfect for families and sun-seekers. But beyond the vibrant seaside towns and shimmering shores the area is famous for, adventurers will discover wild landscapes, dramatic mountain ranges and rich biodiversity. 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 easier than ever to reach this Mediterranean jewel. Jet2holidays is always giving you more, to help make planning and booking your break as smooth as possible. That goes for the PayPal Pay in 3 interest-free payments** option, 22kg baggage for all your hiking gear, and return transfers† included. Plus, there are Free Child Places***, and infants under two go free‡. Here, let us lead you off the beaten path to discover some of the region's wonderful delights. From parks designed to make the most of its natural beauty, to rugged trails through the mountains for the most spectacular views under stunning skies, get ready to go off-grid and immerse yourself in these wild wonders… A wild adventure in the heart of the mountains Just over an hour's drive from the coast, in the Prades Mountains, is a 21-hectare haven for hikers and nature-lovers of all ages. Serra de Montsant Natural Park boasts Catalonia's most striking natural scenery, from sheer cliffs to deep gorges. Hiking trails wind their way from the foothill villages up through rugged peaks promising panoramic views of the valleys below and hidden delights such as grottoes and ruins. More adventurous explorers will want to join the climbers scaling the dramatic rockfaces of the Montsant mountain range. For a thrilling challenge for families with older children and teens, start at the village of La Morera de Montsant and head for the Grau de Salfores path, under a mile away. Following red paint marks through the rocky bushes, you'll come across Via Ferrata Montsant – an equipped rope walk through the rocky range using a lifeline, for which you'll need a helmet, harness and Via Ferrata lanyard. However you get there, take some time to be still, soak up the tranquillity of this idyllic location and look out for some of the park's huge array of wildlife – perhaps a griffon vulture soaring high above the valleys, or even the often-elusive red deer below. For another must-visit trail in Costa Dorada, head to Mont-roig del Camp. Here you can explore the lush woodlands and striking red rock formation on a hike to the Ermita Mare de Déu de la Roca, a hermitage where you can visit two chapels and enjoy panoramic views across the stunning countryside below. Stargazing in Parc Astronòmic Muntanyes de Prades Inland of Costa Dorada is the Parc Astronòmic of Muntanyes de Prades, an observatory with a high altitude and low light pollution. So it promises perhaps the most pristine view of the night sky in all of Europe. Whether you're an enthusiastic novice or seasoned stargazer, the park hosts regular sessions where you can peer into the cosmos through its powerful telescopes. Under the expert guidance of the park's astronomers, you can spot far-away stars, planets and galaxies with breathtaking clarity. Coastal wetlands and romantic garden retreats Back to the coast, and the Costa Dorada's many family-friendly cycling paths lead you to yet more natural delights, such as the Sèquia Major – a 17-hectare coastal wetland by Vila-seca, la Pineda Platja. Access to the marshlands is regulated, though there are guided tours from August, when the many birds are no longer nesting. Footprints, feathers and foot traces indicate the wild array of wildlife within the park. Lucky visitors may even spot the endangered Iberian toothcarp fish, or the European pond turtle. You'll find another natural paradise in Cambrils' Parc Samà, a 19th-century botanical garden that feels like something out of a fairytale. Founded by Salvador Samà i Torrens, Marquis of Marianao, and heir to a Catalan family established in Cuba, the park was designed by Josep Fontserè, with Gaudí's assistance. The elegant design reflects Catalan and Cuban history, with modernist touches peppered between winding paths and romantic vistas. Botanists will love unearthing the many rare species of fauna, including the palms in the tropical greenhouse, built on the site of the founder's old riding school. There's plenty for animal-lovers of all ages, with a delightful assortment of birds and animals from Central America as well as native to Catalonia. So make time to visit the aviary, parrot pavilion and the donkey shelter. Bring a picnic too – there's plenty of play and rest areas to enjoy. And when evening calls, the Michelin-starred delights of Cambrils town are just a ten-minute drive away. With Jet2holidays, you can book your next off-grid adventure in the Costa Dorada simply and easily. 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 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.
The Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
WIN! A luxury beach holiday for the family to the Costa Dorada
Get ready for the perfect mix of beachfront bliss and family fun at the four-star Estival El Dorado Resort on the sun-kissed Costa Dorada (known locally as Costa Daurada) coast. We've teamed up with Jet2holidays to offer you a chance to win a seven-night, all-inclusive-plus stay for two adults and two children at this Luxe Collection property. The hotel has everything you need for the perfect family holiday. You can have fun with the kids at the on-site splash park. Or hire sports equipment to go kayaking and windsurfing. Or enjoy more laidback days lounging around one of the three outdoor pools or relaxing in the spa while your little ones enjoy activities at the children's club. Estival El Dorado Resort truly ticks all the boxes. Tuck into delicious buffet breakfasts and lunch and dinner dishes that showcase global flavours to suit every palate, while enjoying entertainment to excite every age. If you do decide to venture away from the comfortable, modern rooms and stunning surroundings of Estival El Dorado Resort, get even more thrills at nearby PortAventura World theme park or explore the history and pretty cobbled streets of Cambrils, a culinary hotspot packed with family-friendly eateries. Costa Dorada has 50 miles of long, sandy beaches (including 26 Blue Flag beaches), with shallow waters, perfect for families, as well as great watersports from kayaking and paddleboarding to snorkelling and scuba diving on offer. Nearby La Llosa Beach and L'Ardiaca are highlights. For your chance to win this fantastic seven-night stay at Estival El Dorado Resort, for a family of four (that's two adults, two children), fill in the form below. Terms and conditions*: Competition closes 23.59pm BST 24 June. A seven-night holiday for up to two adults, two children (up to the age of 12 on the date of return) (can also be claimed by solely 2 adults) in a Junior Suite on an all-inclusive plus basis at the 4* Estival El Dorado Resort in Cambrils, Costa Dorada. This prize includes return flights for up to four people (two adults, two children – up to the age of 12 on the date of return) from any UK Airport from which flies to Reus (Barcelona South) Airport (REU) and allows for the duration of the holiday advertised, transfers to and from the overseas airport and the hotel and one free item of checked baggage of up to 22kg per person. This prize must be booked by 6 July 2025 and must be completed between one of the following bands subject to availability (including all return travel): 06/07/2025 - 17/07/2025 28/07/2025 - 11/08/2025 03/09/2025 - 16/10/2025 20/04/2026 - 21/05/2026 01/06/2026 - 17/07/2026 27/07/2026 - 10/08/2026 01/09/2026 - 22/10/2026 Find out more about Jet2holidays packages – including 22kg baggage per person and return transfers** and your choice of two to five-star hotels – online at Jet2holidays. Right now, myJet2 members can also save £400 per family of four† in The Big Jet2 Price Drop too (correct at original publish date). *T&Cs apply, see for more details **Unless otherwise stated †£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.
The Independent
26-05-2025
- The Independent
Costa Dorada culture trip: A journey from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to modernist architecture
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 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.
