If you’ve never been to Spain’s Costa Dorada you’re in for a treat. This stunning region of the country is only about 100km to the south of Barcelona but you might just feel like you’ve taken a sharp left turn to Paradise!
Cambrils: The Perfect Base on the Costa Dorada
For those looking for a suitable base from which to explore the area (or maybe just kick back and stay put on the beach!), the town of Cambrils is an ideal choice. While it’s quite a popular place in terms of tourism, its slower pace and delightful ambience ensure you don’t ever feel rushed or overwhelmed. On the other hand, you certainly won’t be short of ways to immerse in the culture, nature and fun of this lovely town.
Cambrils Beach
Not many people come to Spain to stay away from the sun, sea and sand, and Platja Prat d’En Fores y Regueral (aka Cambrils Beach) offers ample opportunity to get your fill (and then some) of all three! The long stretch of golden sand is lapped by the warm, clear waters and there’s a delightful promenade with restaurants and bars when you tire of relaxing in the sun. Renowned as one of the best on the Costa Dorada, this lovely beach should be your first port of call as soon as you arrive.
Tower of Port
For those looking to delve into a little bit of history, a visit to the seventeenth-century Tower of Port should be high on the wish list. While there’s no sign these days of the pirates it was originally built to defend against, the location and architecture of the tower makes it one of the most visited local landmarks – and the views from the top are spectacular.
Top Tip: History buffs should take advantage of a visit to the Museum of the History of Cambrils, which is housed within the tower.
The Agricultural Museum
Tucked away inside a former wine cellar, the Museu Agricola offers an authentic insight into the traditional production of wines and olive oil in this particular region of Spain. Along with the exhibits of machinery used in times gone by, you can visit the onsite shop to purchase some award-winning local olive oil to take home with you.
Churches
As is normal all over Spain, the town is home to multiple churches built in a variety of architectural styles. For those with an interest in learning more about the region’s heritage, visiting these places of worship can reveal a great deal about the religious culture.
La Mare de Deu de Vilafortuny is the most modern of them, only dating back to the 1960s, but it’s a lovely place to see nonetheless. The eighteenth-century La Mare de Deu del Cami Hermitage is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is home to the annual Feast of Saint Mary, while the oldest church in the town is the beautiful Renaissance Mas d’en Bosch, which was constructed in 1575 from the ruins of two other churches.
La Llosa Roman Village
As archaeological sites go, this one offers a lot to discover and enjoy. Only unearthed in the 1980s, La Lossa Roman Village contains ruins that date back to between the 1st Century BC and the 4th Century AD. It makes for a fascinating experience to wander around the site taking in the crumbling ruins and imagining their former glory.
The Sama Park
A very different experience, but no less enjoyable and significant, a visit to the Sama Park provides a wonderful escape into nature. The lush botanical gardens provide a unique environment that displays a blend of architectural styles and cultural influences. Along with a vast range of botanical species, you can enjoy the different buildings and monuments dotted around the park’s walking trails.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, education or cultural exploration, Cambrils offers a little of everything in one delightful package.
Where to Stay
Hotel Marinada: Walking distance from the beach and offering cool, air-conditioned rooms, Hotel Marinada is also within 100m of the gorgeous Old Town of Cambrils. You’ll enjoy free Wi-Fi, a daily continental breakfast and use of the onsite bar, and some of the airy, spacious rooms even have their own terrace or balcony.
L’Hotelet: Set just outside the town, L’Hotelet offers a truly relaxing place to stay, with individually decorated rooms that offer a lovely ambience. Providing all the comforts of home including Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, you’ll be able to enjoy a continental breakfast before setting out for your day’s sightseeing. There’s also a tour desk to help you plan an itinerary.
How to Get There
It’s simple and stress-free to get from the UK to Barcelona Airport, with numerous airlines offering direct flights. With more than 200 flights a week, you’ll have no problem getting one to suit and the short two hour time frame means even a spontaneous weekend away is feasible.
Once you land at the airport, rather than pay for expensive local taxis or fight with public transport, I highly recommend getting a pre-booked private transfer with Shuttle Direct. A friendly driver will be there to meet you and give you a door-to-door service from Barcelona Airport to Cambrils in about an hour and a half. It couldn’t be easier.
Overview
- UK to BCN Flight Time: 2 hours
- BCN to Cambrils Distance: 111 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
When you book with Shuttle Direct you’re booking with the best in the business. Our range of shared and private transfer services are second to none and we make organising your holiday easy. Make an easy online booking before you leave home and when you land a professional, friendly driver will be there to take you wherever you need to go. Wherever you choose a holiday and whatever your budget, we’ve got a service to suit.
