Costa Dorada
Flight time from UK: 2hrs 20mins (approx)

The Costa Dorada is lesser known, but no less beautiful than any of the main three Spanish costas. In fact many would say its long beaches of fine golden sand, shallow waters and mild Mediterranean climate easily rank it alongside, if not above, its more high profile counterparts. The busiest tourist resort in the region is Salou, a unique coastal city that boasts some of the best beaches around, excellent waterfront promenades and stunning cuisine. Salou merges with the neighbouring resorts of La Pineda to the east and Cambrils to the west, all of which benefit from wonderful clean sandy beaches and secluded rocky coves. Salou is also packed with plenty of attractions from watersports to an aqua park, go-karting and one of Europe's most thrilling theme parks, Universal's Port Aventura.

Must See
Salou offers a variety of watersports all year round, the majority of which are based out of the Salou-Canbrils-Mont-Roig/Miami Nautical Station, the focal point of virtually all sporting activities for the whole of the Costa Dorada. Easily and quickly reached by bus, Cap Salou is located at the northern tip of Salou and offers a more laid back atmosphere in contrast to the main tourist areas - perfect for a day of chilling out and taking it easy.

Shopping
Salou is packed with a wide variety of shops. Along with the usual holiday destination mix of souvenir shops in the centre of town, the weekly markets are also a worth a look, offering a variety of fantastic, locally produced goods - some priced and some open to a spot of haggling! Salou Old Town is where you'll find the most traditional of Spanish shops, which pride themselves on outstanding quality and service. It is also worth taking the short bus ride to explore the markets at La Pineda or Cambrils. Those who want to enjoy more extensive shopping can take the train to the renowned shopping mecca of Barcelona, just 40 minutes away.

After Dark
Salou's nightlife is incredibly varied, with a plethora of bars, pubs and clubs catering for a wide range of interests. From the young, lively atmosphere around the Murillo and Carles Buigas, streets known as the 'Slammers' due to the multitude of bars and nightclubs, to the more chilled out café terraces and ice cream parlours, offering a much more tranquil ambience. Eating out in Salou is a delectable experience, with over 200 restaurants and a vast array of flavours from all over the World, not forgetting superb Mediterranean eateries specialising in the very best local cuisine and wines. For those with less adventurous palates, there are also many British restaurants throughout the resort.