The best beaches and waterparks at the
Costa Dorada
From Torre Nova you have a wide choice when it comes to the beautiful sandy beaches of the Costa Dorada. In 30 minutes by car you are on the beach of Sitges and Vilanova i la Geltrú. Other beautiful beaches can be found in Coma Ruga and San Salvador (50 min) and in Tamarit, Altafulla and Torredembarra (60 min). And the beach of Barceloneta is also a pleasant snack during a visit to the city of Barcelona (50 min). Enjoy the sun, the Mediterranean Sea and nice beach bars ('Chiringuitos', where you can eat, drink or eat ice cream) and unforgettable sunsets. We have also listed a few water parks for you.
Tip: In the summer, instead of going to the beach at 10 am, it is an idea to go to the beach in the afternoon, from 4 pm Easier parking, it will then be quieter and less hot on the beach and (even) more pleasant. The cocktails are waiting for you during 'happy hour' and you can also have a delicious (and often earlier) dinner.
Below you will find all information about the different beaches, such as route and parking, suitability for children and other useful tips.
Beaches and waterparks
Sitges
30 minutes from Torre Nova is the famous seaside town of Sitges, also known as the 'St. Tropez' of Spain. Traditionally a fishing and artists' village, now known for its beautiful beaches, the boulevard, good food and drinks and going out.
When you arrive in Sitges, follow the road to 'Playa/Platja', you will then reach the boulevard. Paid parking on the boulevard is only possible close to the center. Better park in the parking at Avenida Sofia 25 (Google maps). If you turn right onto the boulevard and drive all the way to the end (until the large white hotel Terramar) parking is paid and, a bit further, free in the side streets. Please note that the beach at the end of the boulevard is very suitable for small children, because there are two sheltered bays where the beach is wide and the sea is often calmer.
More towards the center you will find a few beach clubs, ´Chitinguitos´ on the beach and on the boulevard you can also drink tasty cocktails and eat fine food. Sitges also has a nice old city center with a beautiful church (go up the stairs at the beginning of the boulevard) and a number of nice shopping streets with chic shops. Sitges is also known for its lively nightlife.
Tip: You can enjoy good food in Sitges at restaurant Num3ric at Carrer d'en Pau Barrabeig, 1, 08870 Sitges - Google maps.
Tip: Near to the church you will find the Museo Palau de Maricel en het Museo Cau Ferrat. All informatie to be found on www.museusdesitges.cat.
Vilanova i la Geltrú
Unlike the more touristy Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltrú is a more authentic and Spanish seaside town (30 minutes).
Via the C-15 When you arrive in Vilanova i la Geltrú follow the signs 'Playa/Platja', you will then reach the boulevard, pass the marina and after the roundabout you will find a parking lot on the beach on the left (busy at weekends) - Google maps. There is also a parking on the beach. Vilanova has a beautiful and wide sandy beach and is also suitable for small children because it slopes gently. On the boulevard you will find a number of nice restaurants where you can eat and drink something.
A visit to the beach can easily be combined with a visit to the old city center with its ´Rambla Principal´, where you can shop. All the well-known shops are located together in this street. Also visit the pleasant square Plaça de la Vila you find many restaurants and bars. The town starts to live especially after 7 pm. If you want to go to the center, park in parking SABA under the Plaça de Mercat (Google maps).
Tip: There is a daily market in the market building on the square above the parking garage. On Saturday morning until 2 pm there is a market outside on the square.
Coma Ruga, San Salvador and Cubelles
A little further away (50 min) you will find a number of quiet and long sandy beaches on the Costa Dorada.
For the beach of Coma Ruga (Google maps) take the C-15 and at Vilafranca del Penedès the N340 towards Tarragona. About 2 km further down the road is the even quieter beach of Sant Salvador (Google maps). Coma Ruga and Sant Salvador are sandy beaches where you will encounter few tourists. Along the beach you will find beach bars ('Chringuitos') and restaurants.
More touristic beaches are located in Calafell (Google maps) and Cunit (Google maps), beautiful and long sandy beaches and boulevards with restaurants.
Tip: Our favorite beach in this region is Sant Salvador.
Beaches near Tarragona
There are also beautiful beaches near Tarragona, an hour's drive from Torre Nova.
Tip: Combine a visit to the city of Tarragona (see the page 'Out and about in Catalonia') with one of the beautiful beaches in the area.
Our 4 recommendations:
Playa de Tamarit - Google maps
Playa de la Mora - Google maps
Playa de Altafulla - Google maps Playa de Altafulla
Cala de la Jovera - the beautiful little bay with a beautiful view at the castle of Tamarit - Google maps
Barceloneta
Playa de la Barceloneta (Google maps) is, together with the beach of San Sebastia, the oldest and most famous beach of the Barcelona. It is located in the La Barceloneta district. It is only 400 meters long with fine sand and you will find a lot of youngsters here (crowded on weekends). You will find trendy beach bars, playground equipment for kids and you can play beach volleyball.
Tip: Combine a visit to Barcelona with its many highlights with a cooling hour in the afternoon at the Barceloneta beach.
Waterparks_at_thee_Costa_Dorada
For kids, the pool is always a highlight at Torre Nova. And above we have also listed the most beautiful beaches for you. But if you need more action and adrenaline, we have selected three water parks with the most challenging slides and other water attractions on the Costa Dorada for you: PortAventura Waterpark, Aquopolis and Aqualeon.
Tip: bring water shoes and swimming goggles.
PortAventura Waterpark (1 h 10 min - Google maps)
Just past Tarragona, near Salou (1.5 hours), is PortAventura, one of the largest amusement parks in Europe. It includes Caribe Aquatic Park, which has numerous pools and even more waterslides, including Europe's highest free-fall waterslide that, when viewed from above, takes courage. Avinguda de l'Alcade Pere Molas, s/n, 43480 Vila-seca, Tarragona.
Next to the water park you will find PortAventura Park, an amusement park with numerous attractions, such as the Dragon Khan roller coaster of 1285 meters in length and 8 loops. Port Aventura is divided into six worlds, each with its own theme: Mediterranean, Polynesia, China, Mexico, the Wild West and Sesame Street for the little ones. The third park of PortAventura is Ferrarriland. There are several combination offers. See also the page 'Active and sporty fun'.
Aquopolis (1 u 15 min - Google maps)
Aquopolis water park can be found in la Pineda Platja near the famous seaside resort of Salou. Just like in PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park, there are many attractions including the Dark Hole, a slide in which you slide down in the dark. In addition to slides and swimming pools, there is also a Dolfinarium. You will find all information on Aquopolis. Passeig de Pau Casals, 65, 43480 Platja de la Pineda, Tarragona
Aqualeon (55 min - Google maps)
Closer to Torre Nova you will find the smaller AquaLeon Waterpark. Cheaper than PortAventura and Aquopolis but the same fun and fun for young and old. Open every day from 11am - 6.30pm. Here you will find the information: Aqualeon. Finca Les Basses without number, Albinyana, Tarragona.
