THIS POST IS FROM A PRESS TRIP WITH JET2 & THE COSTA DORADA TOURIST BOARD BUT ALL VIEWS AND IMAGES ARE MY OWN.

 

When you think of Costa Dorada, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s long stretches of golden sandy beaches (Costa Dorada is translated to the Golden Coast after all) along with clear blue water and sunshine. Well, you’re not wrong! But after my recent jam-packed trip to Costa Dorada, there is so much more to explore. The most amazing thing is that flights from Manchester airport to Costa Dorada with Jet2 take just over two hours. Imagine, in a few hours, you could be eating the freshest calamari, looking out over the bright blue Med Sea after visiting some incredible Roman ruins. Sounds amazing, right?

Costa Dorada is a beautiful destination for luxury holidays but if you’re looking for that sweet photo spot to add to your photo album, or make your colleagues at work that little bit envious, then I’ve got you covered. Costa Dorada offers everything from mountains to coastal sea views, but here are the most Instagrammable places you need to add to your itinery.

Casa Navàs

Starting with somewhere very unexpected but so photogenic! Casa Navàs based in Reus, and is the only Art Nouveau building in Europe that still has its original interior.  Casa Navàs in Reus is photogenic for several reasons. Firstly, its architectural design is stunning. Designed by Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, it’s full of intricate floral motifs, ornate balconies, pastel-coloured mosaics and it homes over 200 meters of stunning stained glass. It really is beautiful!

If you’re heading here to take pictures, you’ll need to wear shoe covers which are provided and it’s best to stay at the back of the group to get the crowd-free shots. You might not be allowed to take pictures in all rooms of the house, so make sure you respect the rules. Casa Navàs is located in the picturesque Plaza del Mercadal which is also an excellent backdrop for photographs.

Parc Samà

Based in Cambrils and built in 1881, Parc Samà is a mix of Botanical Gardens, awesome architecture, epic water features and wildlife. Seeing the roaming peacocks open up their incredible feathers was an Instagrammable moment in itself. That’s before we even started on the 14 hectares of land to explore which is almost as big as 34 football pitches! It’s a pretty romantic place if you’re heading there around dusk. It’s quiet, serene and perfect for some quality time together if you’re visiting as a couple. There’s free parking or it’s only 3 miles from the centre of Cabrils so getting a taxi shouldn’t be an issue.

My tip is to head to Parc Samà a couple of hours before it closes. The lighting is really pretty and it’s when the park is at it’s quietest. There’s something really serene and relaxing about these stunning gardens, so don’t forget to remember the way out.

Siurana village

You can’t beat a pretty village for giving you an endless supply of Instaworthy content and Siurana does just that. I’m talking cobbled paths, legendary cliffs with mountain views and historic stone houses. Siurana is nestled in the mountains and legend has it that Abdelazia, the Moorish queen, decided to jump down the cliff with her horse rather than being captured, leaving the horse’s footprint left in stone behind them. Is it true? We’ll never know! But the story adds to the fairytale feel of Siurnana.

There are only a couple of dozen people who live in the pretty village, but it’s very popular for climbers and hikers. With its high up location and panoramic views, Siurana offers so many photo opps. But remember to put the camera down and take in the magic too. It’s a lovely little place to explore.

 

Escaladei Carthusian

Escaladei Carthusian is located in the Priorat region of Catalonia. Yes, it’s true, a derelict monastery is one of the most Instagrammable places in Costa Dorada. Founded in the 12th century, the ruins of the monastery include impressive stone buildings against the stunning mountain backdrop. It’s full of history and you can learn so much about Catalonia and its past, But, it also provides some amazing Instaworthy moments too.

You’ll find pretty rose gardens next to the Monks’ cells, to the architecture that has managed to be preserved. You can even explore what the Monks living quarters would have looked like, which oddly enough seemed rather lovely and serene! There’s plenty of history about how the peasants had enough of paying taxes to the monks and they had to flee this monastery. So much to see and find out. A must-add to your Costa Dorada trip.

Coastal Path of Salou

Yes, the golden beaches in Costa Dorada are photogenic. But, if you’re looking for the creme de la crème of Instagrammable locations, then you have to walk the Coastal path of Salou. It’s just over 5 miles long, so you don’t have to do it all. But, if you walk between the Lighthouse (built in 1858 and still lived in!) to Platja Llarga beach, you’ll reach the best viewpoints of the path. Overlooking the clear water, sandy coves, views over the Mediterranean sea and walking past some super pretty Spanish apartments, you’ll be snapping away constantly.

You’ll cover stoney ground, boardwalks and secret archways. Take your time and stop for lunch or dip your toes in the water as you go so you can really take in the incredible views. This really would be my number one recommendation if you’re looking for fab photogenic places in Costa Dorada because you’ll see every type of terrain on the walk. Just talking about it makes me wish I was back there!

Montsant

Montsant is based in the Priorat region, in the centre of Costa Dorada. It’s a treasure trove for Instagram-worthy snapshots! Its rugged cliffs, picturesque vineyards, and ancient villages create a backdrop that’s both dramatic and charming. The region is famous for its vineyards, which produce exceptional wines (We might have tried one or three!). Rows of grapevines against the backdrop of Montsant’s rocky terrain make for a striking contrast and a perfect photo opportunity. Don’t forget to stop off for some wine tasting and you can visit various hermitages in the mountains. I’d recommend stopping at St Joan Codolar Hermitage, it’s still lived in and the owner is always grateful when people stop by. The views are stunning! For the perfect wine tasting tour, Celler Cooperatiu de Cornudella de Montsant is very welcoming. Plus, it’s the perfect backdrop for those great photos!

 

There you have it, the most Instgrammable places in Costa Dorada, Spain. Add them to your itinerary and you’ll make some amazing memories and content at the same time. Follow me over at HolliePlus on Instagram for more Costa Dorada content. Enjoy!