Spectacularism, excitement, passion, values... The Concurs de Castells, the 'Castells World Championship' that is held every 2 years in the capital of Costa Daurada is all this and much more! The 3 events of the Concurs ─held in Torredembarra and the Tarraco Arena in Tarragona─ draw the attention of both locals and foreigners, who come from different countries so that they don't miss this incredible event due on the first Sunday of October on even years. And the final result simply wows everyone!
Would you like to discover the most mysterious and legendary Costa Daurada? Here’s 6 places with a very particular past you can find our more about… if your dare!
We start at the north of Costa Daurada, in Marmellar, in the comarca of Baix Penedès. This is an old town deserted these days that once had around 60 inhabitants and was the scene of a double murder, which still hasn’t been solved after 30 years. Today though, the place offers a well-indicated route that will allow you to reach the highest point in the comarca, which is equipped with a picnic spot in a forest and a parking area.
The natural environment of the region of Tarragonès is magical, with many areas waiting to be discovered and covered with the family: Modernism buildings, medieval castles, natural spaces with recreation areas, a church on top of a hill and a river mouth rich in flora and fauna. Want to join us on this stunning route round the Costa Daurada?
What do Mont-ral, Casafort, Bràfim, Vallmoll and Querol have in common? They all hide little spots that, once discovered, become true gifts for all the senses. Want to find out more?
Priorat is a land of extraordinary wines and olive oils, with mountains full of historical hermitages, a great paradise in Costa Daurada and a destination for pilgrims and climbing lovers. Want to find out more?
They say Rojals is the highest village in Costa Daurada. When you get there, fresh air caresses your skin, as it is located in the northeast end of Muntanyes de Prades, surrounded by spectacular woods and tracks that will melt your heart; the perfect place to live nature at its purest.
Rojals is actually part of Montblanc and its heart does also beat in this town’s old town. Right in the Carrer Major, find Església de Sant Miquel. On the inside, a unique polychromatic coffered ceiling, which shows mystical figures and some of the shields from the most powerful families during the Middle Ages. Have you ever seen them?
L’Hospitalet de l’Infant i La Vall de Llors is a small paradise in Costa Daurada where nature and culture merge to perfection. From the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, ideal for some diving, to the mountains that become a unique natural area, the perfect excuse to stop by the village: L’Hospitalet de l’Infant, a crossroad, for centuries, of pilgrims walking past Coll de Balaguer. Want to join us and find out all about it?
1. Surrounded by a sea of vineyards, the so-called “Catedral del Vi” in Nulles (literally, the Wine Cathedral) is a Modernist jewel of Costa Daurada by architect Cèsar Martinell. The existing parabolic arches stand out, which allowed for the correct ventilation of the brick wine jars: ideal for the fermentation process.
El Vendrell, in the north of Costa Daurada, is a town that is alive; where music, literature and cuisine have their own strong character. Want to find out more?
El Vendrell has both coastline and mountains, a unique binomial that will allow the whole family to live stunning experiences. Over the first few months of the year, just after the harvest is over, various restaurants in El Vendrell offer the so-called “Ruta del Xató”, a gastronomic event where a sauce made using almonds, hazelnuts, onions, “nyora”, red and green peppers, garlic and tomatoes macerated with extra virgin olive oil, covers escarole ─ a winter produce ─, cod and many other meals, such as meats or grilled fish. Finger-licking good!
And what goes really well with food? Great wines, of course! Did you know wines made in Baix Penedès are produced within DO Penedès? These are fresh, easy wines that carry the Mediterranean vibes in every sip. Check them out by visiting the wineries that surround the city centre.
Costa Daurada is a unique territory: the place where the Mediterranean caresses an exceptional piece of land. What about visiting the comarca of Alt Camp, where cuisine and culture have their own DNA? In fact, people from Valls are said to stare at the sky three times: one to observe the belltower; one to get excited with “castells”, and one to enjoy “calçotada”. Check out the following tips.
