Travel Magazine 2013 - The Travel House

Spanish
Escape
Kelly Hill tells us in her own words about her recent family
getaway to Costa Dorada where she experienced three
destinations in one holiday
Words:
Kelly Hill
The Travel House
Head Office
Costa Dorada is the perfect
destination for a family holiday,
golden beaches, endless
entertainment and an array
of theme and water parks not
to mention a short flight from
the UK.
I am quite new to family holidays
but as with many holidaymakers,
once you have a family your holiday
requirements change. Gone are the
days of young and lively holidays
with 24 hour bars and night flights
to Ibiza or Malia. You now require
day flights from local airports, short
transfers and good entertainment
close to the beach. Costa Dorada can
provide all of this and more.
I travelled to Salou with my partner
and one year old son for a two week
holiday in September. We booked a
late deal with Thomson holidays to
stay at the Salauris Palace a 4* hotel
in central Salou. Salou is suitable for
families with children of all ages.
You are able to walk to all points of
interest including Port Aventura, a
huge complex with 2 parks, allowing
you to discover new and wonderful
experiences.
There are 6 worlds to explore in the
theme park which boast a large
range of rides, shows, restaurants
and shops. A fun alternative for
sightseeing is the tourist train which
will take you around the resort and
promenade.
The beaches stretch for miles with a
wealth of water sports on offer and
you will always be guaranteed a spot
to sunbathe and relax.
Cambrills is based around 5 miles
from Salou. Here you will find a
lovely marina with boutique shops
and roadside seafood and Italian
restaurants, the perfect place to sit
and relax with a drink and watch the
world go by. The beaches are quieter
here and there is plenty of free
parking if you have a hire car.
During our holiday we also wanted
to incorporate a city break. Salou
offers you easy access to Barcelona
and Valencia.
The journey to Barcelona will take
around 90 minutes from Salou by
car. There is also an option to take
the coach, this is a great alternative
as all roads leading into Spanish
cities are subject to toll booths which
can be quite expensive.
Barcelona is a beautiful city with
amazing sights such as the famous
Las Ramblas, which is a hive of
activity. Las Ramblas leads from the
cruise port terminal to the Placa de
Catalunya. Here you will find human
statues, street artists and many bars
and restaurants to experience.
Barcelona Zoo is also a major
attraction. The zoo is located in the
heart of the city in Ciutadella Park
and is a fantastic attraction for
families. Here you will see lions,
tigers and bears….oh my! Plus many
more fun activities such as pony
rides and an interactive farmyard for
smaller children. A great way to
discover the zoo is to hire a safari
buggy and to drive around in style.
Dolphin and sea lion shows can
also be attended at select times
throughout the day.
Gone are the days of young and lively
holidays with 24 hour bars and night
flights to Ibiza or Malia.