Old towns and ancient ruins: discover the secrets of the Costa Dorada

The stunning beaches of the Costa Dorada are a gateway to some incredible pockets of history and culture, from Roman ruins so abundant that the town of Tarragona has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Reus, the birthplace of much cherished architect Antoni Gaudi.

To help you find that secret gem of a holiday this summer, travel experts Jet2holidays offer great value breaks in more than 50 amazing destinations, including six in the Costa Dorada: Salou, Cambrils, Cap Salou, Tarragona, Reus, and Vila-seca, La Pineda.

Jet2holidays flies to the Costa Dorada from 10 UK airports via Reus Airport: Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle and London Stansted. Flights from Liverpool will begin in May 2025, bringing the total to 11.

With just a £60pp deposit*, 22kg baggage and transfers included, infants under two travelling for free and flexible monthly payments** to help spread the cost of your well-deserved holiday, it’s never been easier to get that dreamy Mediterranean getaway booked.

Here’s our pick of the top culture spots in the Costa Dorada….

Tarragona

The capital of the Costa Dorada and once the Roman Capital of the Iberian Peninsula is just a 15-20 minute drive from Salou or Cap Salou and makes a wonderful day trip. ‘Tarraco’ as it was called by the Romans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the dense concentration of ruins from the era, its city wall, the Roman circus and the amphitheatre, still in excellent condition. Head out of the city centre for the Devil’s Bridge aqueduct to see some spectacular Roman engineering and learn all about its history. More modern is the Gothic Catedral de Santa Tecla de Tarragona but the intricate architecture and design is equally worth visiting.

Vila-Seca, La Pineda

Steeped in ancient, medieval and modern history, Villa-Seca, La Pineda offers a well-marked walking route through its historic centre. Be sure to stop by the Castell de Vila-Seca (or the Vila-Seca Castle) to see a mix of architecture from bygone and contemporary eras due to its modernisation, with parts originating from Roman times. Other sites of interest include the 17th-century neo-classical Church of Sant Esteve, the 14th-century Portal of Sant Antoni and the Novecentista Winery which dates back to 1919. Look out for sculptures along the route…