I have been longing for a good holiday, in the sun, with nothing to do. I need a rest…
The other day, an old school friend suggested something to me about trying out some campsites on the Costa Dorada. "What? Are you crazy?" I exclaimed.
But then she told me about the eternal sun of Spain, the Mediterranean sea breeze, the sunbeds under the pines, and the salads overflowing with tomatoes, black olives and fresh cheese.
Her children spent the day scampering through the woods, her father played dominoes with other gentlemen, and she finally found some time to read a beautiful novel by Baricco that had been on her bedside table for quite some time. Also, to savour the intense pleasure of doing nothing, without haste, without interruptions.
She said all this was between Salou, Cambrils and Vila-Seca la Pineda, places with a unique charm.
Tarragona coastline
Ahh this is the life...
The absence of a clock, dad's smoking barbecue, the children laughing, the swimmers in the sea, the cards that are shuffled on the rug, the blanket on the shoulders at nightfall, and a nice glass of wine before going to sleep.
Although I love holidaying in the UK, this year, I'm going to give it a twist, and I'm going to run away from the grey sky of home. So pack the suitcases and take the children's hands, we are leaving for Costa Dorada...
La Pineda is a clean, neat site north of Salou, just 1.5 km. from an aquapark and 2.5 km. from Port Aventura, to which there is an hourly bus service from outside the site entrance. There is some noise from the road. The site has two swimming pools; the smaller is heated. A colourful themed paddling pool and outdoor spa are also here, behind tall hedges close to the entrance. A large terrace has sun loungers, and various entertainment aimed at young people is provided in season. The 250 flat pitches for touring units (all with 5A electricity) are shaded by mature trees in attractive gardens. A further 82 are available for tents and 84 are occupied by mobile homes for rent. La Pineda is a cut above other city sites.
This is a smart, well kept site with a canopy of mature shading trees, 300 m. from the beach across a busy road. There are 420 small (60 or 80 sq.m) touring pitches on flat ground, divided by hedges, all with 5A electricity. There are many permanent pitches and a quarter of the site is given up to chalet-style accommodation, which is generally separate from the touring pitches. Large units are placed in a dedicated area where the trees are higher. The very pleasant pool complex includes a smart glassed restaurant and bar with a distinct Spanish flavour reflected in the menu and tapas available throughout the day.
Camping Resort Sangulí Salou is a superb site boasting excellent pools and entertainment. Owned, developed and managed by a local Spanish family, it has something for all the family with everything open when the site is open. There are 976 pitches of varying sizes (75-120 sq.m) all with electricity (7.5-10A). Mobile homes occupy 58 pitches and there are fully equipped bungalows on 147. A wonderful selection of trees, palms and shrubs provide natural shade and an ideal space for children to play. The good sandy beach is little more than 50 metres across the coast road and a small railway crossing. Although large, Sangulí has a pleasant, open feel and maintains a quality family atmosphere due to the efforts of the very keen and efficient staff.
Camping Alannia Costa Dorada is located in the centre of the Costa Dorada and is surrounded by sea and mountains. The campsite is not far from the long sandy beach of L'Hospitalet de l'Infant. Over the past fifty years, the campsite has developed into a comfortable and quiet family site covering an area of some 10 ha.At Camping Alannia Costa Dorada, you have a choice of 264 touring pitches. The larger pitches measure 75m2 and are equipped with an electricity connection (6A).
Camping Joan is a very friendly, family run site to the south of the popular village of Cambrils and with direct access to a fine sandy beach. There are 193 touring pitches, most between 50-70 sq.m. and all with 5A electrical connections. There is good shade. Access can be a little tight and large outfits are not accepted. There are 119 accommodations to rent and separate areas are devoted to seasonal caravans. This is a lively site in high season with a varied and comprehensive programme of entertainment and activities for adults and children. The Palmera bar/restaurant serves authentic Spanish food including tapas and ‘platos combinados’. A second bar/restaurant (Xiringuito Restaurant del Mar) with amazing sea views serves similar fare, and alongside is a well stocked shop.
Every year our team of expert assessors visit hundreds of campsites throughout Europe, in search of the best.
Alan Rogers started with the specific aim of providing people with the necessary information to make an informed decision about their holiday destination. Today we still do that.
The information we provide now takes many forms, not just printed guides. One element that has not changed is our expertise.
When you are planning your next road trip, there is one place that is the perfect contender, and that's Spain. Spain is a country that has it all. Beautiful sunshine and hot weather, culture, architecture and a fascinating history too. Even if you are looking for a little winter sun to drive away those winter blues, Spain is the place to go.
Life is a little different right now, and going on holiday might seem difficult for the time being. But that doesn't stop you from planning your next trip.
