'For sun-drenched family fun, La Pineda really hits the spot.'
La Pineda is one of the most family-friendly resorts on the Costa Dorada. And considering the whole coastline is speckled with gently sloped beaches - of the softest sand with shallow, warm water – that's really saying something.
But La Pineda is something special. Undoubtedly its best attraction is its wide expanse of silver sand. It stretches the length of the front and is lined with a parade of interesting shops, bars and locally-run bistros. It's the perfect place to unwind. Cue long days of lounging in the sun - with the children as happy as sand boys playing I'm the king of the sandcastle.
The fun doesn't stop at the water's edge either – there's a full menu of water sports for the energetic and away from the sand there are some great family attractions. The Aquopolis, for example, is the town's own water-park and promises a cascade of water-filled fun for all ages.
And if you're adventurous types then a day at Portaventura is a definite must-do. The thrills begin with the Dragon Khan; a fire-breathing, white-knuckle roller coaster ride – the largest in Europe.
Then there are the themed sections, inviting you to explore the Wild West or the Aztecs. Not to mention cabaret shows, street parades and oooh-worthy firework spectaculars. There's even a brand new Universal water park next door with its own wild and wet water rides. If you want to make a splash, it has to be La Pineda.
La Pineda is perfectly placed if you want to get and about. The resort enjoys a close proximity to Universal's Port Aventura where you can take a ride one of Europe's largest white-knuckle roller coasters, the Dragon Khan...if you dare! Port Aventura is divided up into themed sections which explore different parts of the world including the Wild West and Aztec Mexico. Throughout the day Port Aventura stages lively cabaret shows and colourful street parades as well as spectacular firework displays. Recently Universal have opened up a waterpark with an assortment of wet rides called Costa Caribe, right next door to Port Aventura. Both parks make for great days out.
Find the cheapest late deals to La Pineda leaving in the next six weeks.
Our hotels and apartments in La Pineda include Hotel Golden Donaire Beach.
Looking for holidays in Costa Dorada? Our Costa Dorada holiday destinations include Cambrils, Cap Salou, La Pineda, Portaventura, Salou and Sitges.
Backed by a decked promenade, La Pineda offers a long, wide stretch of sandy beach which shelves gently into the sea, making it an ideal choice for families. There are also dozens of small rocky isolated coves along the coastal road between Salou and La Pineda. The resort also enjoys a wide range of watersports during high season.
La Pineda has a few cafes and restaurants - most of which are located around the resort centre, set back from the beach promenade. Whether its hearty British fare, fast food or traditional Spanish dishes that you're after, there's something to suit everyone's tastes. Cambrils, only a few kilometres south, is well-known for its fishing harbour and so speciality seafood dishes such as paella and fideua feature on many menus.
After a day on the beach, there's plenty to do in La Pineda once the sun goes down. During high season, the resort's celebrated 'strip' comes to life and boasts an array of vibrant salsa and disco bars. Towards the outskirts of the town there is a large nightclub where both holidaymakers and locals dance the night away. Close by, the resort of Salou offers a multitude of pubs and discos which stay open until the early hours of the morning while the nearby city of Tarragona is home to a cluster of bars and clubs around the port area which have a distinct Latin flavour about them.
There are a limited number of shops in the resort centre, including souvenir stalls and supermarkets, which sell holiday essentials. The nearby city of Tarragona is a short bus journey from La Pineda and boasts a pretty main shopping street, La Rambla Nova, which is dotted with exclusive Spanish boutiques. On the outskirts of Tarragona there is a large shopping mall which houses everything from clothes shops to electrical stores under one roof.
Don't miss a trip out to the tax-free mountain principality of Andorra in the heart of the Pyrenees where you can indulge in a spot of shopping and enjoy the spectacular alpine scenery. No holiday to the Costa Dorada would be complete without a visit to the exciting city of Barcelona with its Art-Nouveau style buildings and trendy stores, not to mention the Camp Nou football stadium - home to mighty Barcelona FC!
1km northeast of Salou
45 minutes to 1 hour