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Costa Daurada Sun, sand and sea? The Costa Daurada has it all, plus a few surprises in store. Here are 10 reasons to spend your next villa holiday on Spain’s ‘Golden Coast’. 1-Framed by the hills of Catalonia, stretching for 200 kms, the Costa Daurada beckons with endless ribbons of sand, quaint fishing villages and colourful towns. At the heart of it all, the popular palm-lined resort of Salou claims eight beaches and coves, some quiet, others bustling with watersports. Yachts gleam in the marina and catamarans and glass-bottom boats invite you to sail in search of cool sea breezes and fabulous views. 2-Salou boasts the largest theme park in Spain, Port Aventura, currently celebrating its 10th anniversary. Packed with fantastic rides and shows, it takes you through five continents and makes a great day out for the family. Attractions include the world’s only 8-loop coaster and loads of water fun. 3-Tarragona, the provincial capital, is well worth a visit. In a maze of twisting lanes and hidden squares, the old town meanders up to the hilltop cathedral while down on the Rambla, the new district relaxes in the shade, among fountains and flower stalls. The Roman remains are listed World Heritage Site, the beach glistens like gold and the harbourside restaurants are a heavenly treat. 4-From tapas and paella to mussels, goat’s cheese or tasty Catalan desserts, it’s temptation all the way. Out in the country, you find orange and olive groves, almonds, hazelnuts, sun-dried tomatoes and vineyards rolling across hills and plains to produce quality wines for every palate. Look out for the striking Wine Cathedrals, the vast cellars built in modernist style. 5-Gaudi, architect of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, was born in Reus, a town famous for its boutiques and as you would expect, its Art Nouveau buildings. The Golden Coast has long drawn artists at the cutting edge, including Picasso who developed the Cubist style in Horta d’Ebre. 6-Visit the Picasso Centre then follow the river Ebre down to the Nature Park of the Delta, a wonderful world of lagoons, dunes and islands rich in fauna and flora. Rice fields shimmer emerald green and great flocks of flamingos skim the water in the setting sun. There are visitors’ centres, cycle and canoe rides and hides where you can watch some of the 350 species of birds. 7-Take time to explore the inland towns and villages, Miravet and its castle mirrored in the river, Valls, birthplace of the famous ‘human pyramids’, Tortosa and its Renaissance Royal College, Montblanc, a medieval gem where, according to legend, St George defeated the dragon. The views from the hillock are superb. 8-On the nearby monastery route, Poblet is a must-see. Red roofs and yellow sandstone glowing among the vines, it’s an impressive place where Catalan kings and queens were laid to rest in the basilica, monks shuffle in the cloisters and little disturbs the peace but birds twittering in scented gardens. The buildings are austere but the estate produces some of the best wine around. 9-Ramble through the craggy range of Montsant or the forested slopes of Prades and on the ancient hermit trail, you will discover waterfalls, caves and over 100 gurgling springs. You can picnic by the Margalef lake, swim in crystalline pools or gaze in wonder at the Abellera hermitage nestling in the rocks. 10-The Costa Daurada loves a good fiesta, with traditional giants paraded through the streets, fireworks, candle-lit processions, bangers and bonfires and endless hours of merry-making. It happens year round. Getting there: Ryanair fly to Reus from Stansted, Luton and Liverpool . Visit www.ryanair.com More info: www.costadaurada.org

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