Exploring Costa Dorada on foot is an unbeatable way to connect with its natural wealth and ancient history. Beyond its golden beaches, this region offers trails that wind through Mediterranean forests, rugged cliffs, medieval castles and viewpoints overlooking the sea. Walking through these landscapes is not only a pleasure for the senses, but also an opportunity to discover a territory full of contrasts and surprises.
Along the coastline and inland, numerous towns invite you to go hiking with options for all levels. From coastal walks with views of the Mediterranean to mountain routes between charming villages, the range of options is wide and diverse. Tarragona, Tamarit, Salou, La Pineda, Capafonts and Prades are some of the destinations that offer some of the most recommended routes for nature and outdoor lovers.
This tour of six essential routes will allow us to discover unique settings and corners steeped in history, while enjoying the scenic heritage of Costa Dorada. You can reach your favourite destination with the shared transfer services and private transfer services offered by Shuttle2Sun, which are low-cost and sustainable, from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Route of Enigmas: from Tarragona to Tamarit, between history and mystery
This coastal route, known as the Route of Enigmas, connects the historic centre of Tarragona with the medieval town of Tamarit, offering beautiful scenery and a very special cultural and symbolic component.
The trail runs largely along the old coastal path, skirting quiet coves and wooded areas, and enters little-travelled corners that still retain the spirit of times gone by.
Along the way, walkers will encounter points of interest that go far beyond the landscape: the Fortí de la Reina, at Punta del Miracle; the Bosc de la Marquesa; Cala Fonda (also known as Waikiki); Cala Jovera; and, finally, Tamarit Castle, an imposing fortress by the sea that marks the end of the route.
The name ‘Route of Enigmas’ is no coincidence: along the itinerary, various cultural and tourist initiatives have proposed small challenges, historical clues and symbolic elements for walkers to discover details of the region’s past.
You will find, for example, the Preventori de la Sabinosa, whose abandoned facilities were used as a hospital for tuberculosis patients and, later, as an orphanage during the 20th century.
Route of the Pont del Diable and the walls of Tarragona
This route links two of the most impressive emblems of Tarragona‘s Roman past: the majestic Pont del Diable (Les Ferreres aqueduct) and the ancient walls that surrounded the old Tarraco. The itinerary starts at the Parc Ecohistòric del Pont del Diable, a natural area surrounding the aqueduct where you can observe this jewel of Roman engineering in a well-preserved environment of great ecological value. From there, the trail heads towards the city centre until it reaches the Passeig Arqueològic, where the best-preserved walls in Hispania stand. Along the way, travellers can stop at key points such as the Camp de Mart gardens and the defensive towers integrated into the walled layout.
To help you get the most out of these hiking trails, Shuttle2Sun offers low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Séquia Major de La Pineda: nature among wetlands
The Séquia Major route, in the vicinity of La Pineda (Vila-seca), is one of the most unique on the Costa Dorada coastline, allowing visitors to enter a protected natural area of great ecological value. This wetland, declared a Nature Reserve of National Interest, is one of the few remaining on the Tarragona coast and is an essential refuge for water birds and other species typical of Mediterranean wetlands.
The route is easy and is especially designed to be enjoyed with the family or at a leisurely pace. The path runs parallel to the canal that gives the area its name – the old main irrigation channel that carried water to the marshes – among native vegetation and observation points from which it is possible to see many species, such as the fartet (aphanius iberus) and the European pond turtle.
Coastal Path of Salou: nature, history and panoramic sea views
The Coastal Path of Salou is an iconic route that runs for more than 6 km from Pilons to the Salou lighthouse. This recently remodelled route offers a gentle walk suitable for families, couples or sports enthusiasts, combining footbridges, sections over rocks and paths between cliffs.
Along the way, you will pass through areas of great scenic and historical interest. From the remains of the old llatzeret on Capellans beach (used in the 19th century to inspect boats) to Civil War bunkers in Cala Llenguadets.
In addition, the experience has recently been complemented by the Viewpoint Route: a succession of 25 panoramic platforms along the trail, such as the Mar i Pins Viewpoint, the Punta Prima Viewpoint and the Les Ànimes Viewpoint, which offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the Salou coastline.
Inland routes: Capafonts and Prades
Beyond the coastline, the interior of Costa Dorada offers landscapes of great natural beauty, ideal for those seeking tranquillity, fresh air and a connection with the mountains. One of the best-known routes in the Prades Mountains starts in Capafonts and leads to La Foradada, an impressive natural cavity carved into the rock.
Prades is also the starting point for several circular routes that explore the heart of the mountain range. Highlights include the trails that connect with sites such as the Mare de Déu de l’Abellera chapel, the Motllats cliffs and the summit of Tossal de la Baltasana, the highest point in the region.
Whether by the sea or in the mountains, the hiking trails around Costa Dorada invite you to discover unique landscapes, places steeped in history and the most authentic essence of this privileged land. A destination where nature and heritage go hand in hand.
Don’t think twice and come and discover the most hidden corners of Costa Dorada! Shuttle2Sun offers shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
