3 family routes for this autumn on the Costa Dorada
Autumn is one of the best times of the year to enjoy an unforgettable camping experience. With milder temperatures and nature in full transformation, Camping & Resort Sangulí Salou becomes the perfect destination for a getaway.
Route 1: Discovering the Old Town of Tarragona
The old town of Tarragona offers a perfect combination of history and a great atmosphere throughout the year, but in autumn, in addition to enjoying the Roman remains, you can experience events such as the Santa Tecla Festival, held in late September. These festivities fill the streets with music, parades, and Castells, allowing you to enjoy Catalonia's traditions with your family.
This route is ideal for the whole family, allowing you to learn about the history of ancient Tarraco while combining it with the lively cultural life that characterizes the city at this time of year.
Touring the Roman History of Tarraco
Start your visit to Tarragona's old town by exploring the Roman wall, one of the first testimonies of the Roman presence in the city. This wall, dating back to the 2nd century BC, will take you to the heights of the city, offering spectacular panoramic views and letting you imagine how Tarraco was protected in ancient times.
From here, descend to the imposing provincial forum, the former administrative and religious center of the city, where important decisions were made for the entire province of Hispania Citerior. This area was surrounded by impressive buildings, and today you can still admire the remains of some of its structures.
Next, head to the Roman circus, an impressive racetrack that hosted chariot races. Although much of its original structure is hidden beneath the modern city, some areas have been excavated and can be visited, allowing you to see the internal vaults that supported the stands.
This tour is ideal for children and adults to immerse themselves in history while enjoying a stroll through alleyways full of legends.
Must-see visits: the amphitheater and Tarragona Cathedral
The tour continues with two of Tarragona's most iconic monuments: the Roman amphitheater and Tarragona Cathedral.
Start by visiting the amphitheater, an impressive remnant of Roman Tarraco. Built in the 2nd century AD, this seaside amphitheater was the setting for gladiatorial battles, shows, and public executions for more than 30,000 spectators, offering today's visitors a unique contrast between history and the natural beauty of the sea.
The highlight of the visit is its location, offering a contrast between the ancient ruins and views of the Mediterranean, creating a unique atmosphere.
After exploring the amphitheater, climb up to Tarragona Cathedral, located at the highest point of the city, right over what was the Temple of Augustus during Roman times. This cathedral combines Romanesque and Gothic styles, and its majestic facade and cloister are a must-see. Inside, you can also see remains of the ancient Roman temple connected to the later construction.
This route will take you from Roman times to the medieval era, discovering how Tarragona's history has evolved over the centuries.
Activities for children: workshops and games in museums
Tarragona is not only a historical destination but also an ideal place for children to enjoy learning. Many of the city's museums offer interactive workshops and activities designed for children, allowing them to learn about Roman history in a fun way.
The National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona (MNAT) organizes workshops where children can participate in historical recreations, such as learning how to build mosaics or becoming little archaeologists. Additionally, the museum offers tours adapted for younger visitors, with specialized guides who make the history more accessible and entertaining.
Another option is the Roman Circus Interpretation Center, where children can participate in games simulating the famous chariot races, experiencing how the ancient Romans lived and competed, making the history come to life in a fun and unforgettable way.
Route 3: Adventures in the Prades Forests
The Prades forests offer a perfect getaway to enjoy nature with the family during autumn. With its mountainous landscape and autumn colors, this area is ideal for hiking, mushroom picking, and outdoor activities. Located just a few kilometers from the Costa Dorada, it is a natural paradise that invites you to disconnect and enjoy adventure.
Autumn trails: spectacular colors and landscapes
The Prades forests transform into a spectacle during autumn when the trees are filled with warm shades of red, orange, and yellow. There are multiple hiking routes suitable for the whole family, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
One of the most recommended routes is the Camí dels Cingles, a moderately difficult trail that offers panoramic views of the Prades mountains and valley. Another option is the route to Tossal de la Baltasana, the highest point in the Prades Mountains, from where you can admire stunning views of the Costa Dorada and the inland mountains.
Mushroom picking: a fun and educational activity
Autumn is the ideal season for mushroom picking in the Prades forests, an activity that is not only fun but also educational for children. These forests are rich in various species of mushrooms, such as the prized rovellón or saffron milk cap, which grows abundantly in the pine forests.
However, it is essential to follow certain basic rules to protect both the environment and your own safety.
Some key recommendations include:
- Respect the ecosystem: use wicker or natural material baskets, which allow spores to disperse as you walk, helping mushrooms regenerate. Avoid plastic bags, which damage mushrooms and do not allow ventilation.
- Pick only mushrooms you know well: if you are not sure about a species, it is better not to pick it, as some mushrooms can be toxic. It is advisable to carry a mushroom guide or join one of the guided tours organized in the area.
- Do not disturb the soil or use invasive tools: mushrooms should be cut with a knife at the base, without uprooting the entire mycelium, so they can grow again in the future.
- Do not harm mushrooms you do not pick: keep in mind that even if they are not edible, all mushrooms play an important role in the ecosystem, such as decomposing organic matter and nourishing the soil.
At the end of the day, the family can enjoy cooking the harvested mushrooms, concluding the adventure with a local gastronomic touch.
Adventure parks: fun for all ages
For the more adventurous, the adventure parks in the Prades forests offer an exciting way to enjoy nature. These parks are perfect for the whole family, with zipline circuits, hanging bridges, and other outdoor activities adapted for different ages and difficulty levels.
One of the most popular is Bosc Aventura nearby, which features multiple courses among the trees, designed for both children and adults. In addition to ziplines, there are areas for archery and climbing in a safe and controlled environment.
These activities not only offer fun but also an opportunity to connect with nature in an active and healthy way, enjoying the autumn landscapes and fresh mountain air.
Wine fairs and festivals on the Costa Dorada
Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy the wine fairs and festivals on the Costa Dorada. With the grape harvest in full swing, many towns celebrate the fruit of their land with events that combine tastings, gastronomy, and cultural activities. These festivities are not only an opportunity to learn about the region's wines but also to experience Mediterranean tradition in a festive atmosphere.
Cambrils Wine Fair
The Cambrils Wine Fair is one of the most anticipated autumn events on the Costa Dorada. Usually held in October, this event offers the opportunity to taste a wide variety of local wines, especially those from nearby denominations of origin, such as DO Tarragona and DO Montsant. In addition to tastings, the fair includes activities for the whole family, such as workshops, wine pairings with local products, and musical performances.
The atmosphere in Cambrils, with its bustling harbor and streets, creates the perfect setting to enjoy wine while strolling through the fair. It is undoubtedly a great occasion for wine tourism lovers and those who want to learn more about the region's wines.
Open days at DO Tarragona wineries
During autumn, many wineries in the Denomination of Origin Tarragona open their doors to the public, offering guided tours and free or reduced-price tastings. These open days allow visitors to learn about the local winemaking process, from the vineyards to the bottling, while enjoying tastings of young wines and high-quality reserves⬤
