Cambrils Holiday
Tucked in the far western corner of the Costa Dorada 25km south of Tarragona, Cambrils is a pretty Catalan fishing town with a fabulous sandy beach. Away from the beach, the lanes are lined with tempting shops. Come in early September if you want to experience the loud and colourful local fiestas. Universal's PortAventura theme park is great fun for all ages.
If you enjoy sightseeing, not far from Cambrils is Tarragona, an attractive and compact city that overlooks the sea. Its roots date back to Roman times and its many ancient monuments are a joy to discover. Why not explore the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre, once the site of gladiatorial fights, or take in the remains of the Roman Circus, where chariot races were held? While in Tarragona you may like to visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral which dominates the skyline of the historic quarter. Alternatively, you may prefer to wander through the intricate maze of narrow streets and enjoy a glass of sangria in one of the city's many chic bars or cafes that surround the main square.
Beaches
The soft, golden sands of Cambrils beach stretch for nine kilometres along the Costa Dorada. In high season, a variety of watersports are on offer.
Shopping
Cambrils holds a street market every Wednesday in the centre of the old town which draws crowds from nearby towns. Small, traditional shops dot the lanes of the historic quarter while a wider range is available in nearby Salou, from typical souvenir stalls to high-class boutiques, leather shops, perfumeries and supermarkets. Further along the coast, the city of Tarragona boasts excellent shopping facilities including a large mall.
Nightlife
Cambrils is a peaceful alternative to its busier neighbour, Salou, which boasts a large assortment of friendly British-style pubs and nightclubs. Nightlife in Cambrils is quite low-key with evenings out centred around restaurants and tapas bars - although there are a few disco bars where you can dance the night away.
Local Specialities
Cambrils is renowned as the place to sample fresh fish on the Costa Dorada. Every evening, small, brightly coloured fishing boats weigh anchor in the little working harbour and fishermen bring ashore their catch of day. Much of the fish makes its way to the nearby restaurants and is baked, grilled or turned into sumptuous seafood dishes such as suquet, a Catalan fish stew. There are also a number of tapas bars where you can enjoy various Spanish 'nibbles'. Nearby Salou offers a large range of British pubs, pizzerias and burger bars as well as a few very classy restaurants.