GOING AL FRESCO ON THE COSTA DORADA

THE Costa Dorada has long been a popular destination for holiday-makers from the UK.

And it's hardly a surprise given the plentiful supply of sun, sea and sand.

There really is something for everyone in an area where the Mediterranean Sea shoreline is scattered with small rocky coves and long, flat, stunning beaches.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

For the young - and the young at heart - you've got the world-famous PortAventura theme park, a short distance from the bustling resort of Salou.

For something a bit more up-market there's the city of Sitges which is renowned for its film festival and carnival.

And if that's not enough you've got the 'small' matter of Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain.

Not surprisingly Thomson Al Fresco was quick to add this beautiful region to its wide-ranging offering with three parcs to choose from.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sanguli in Salou and Cambrils Park are near neighbours, while further up the coast, midway between Salou and Barcelona, is Vilanova Park.

All are fantastic destinations in their own right with Vilanova Park ideal for those looking for a more laid-back break.

It's located within easy travelling distance of Barcelona and Salou and the parc is situated on the outskirts of Vilanova i la Geltru, a city with a colourful history which was originally a fishing port.

The 40-hectare parc is set in the wooded estate of a former Catalan farmhouse and has all you need for a memorable holiday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If you're the sort of person who likes to stay within the confines of the parc you will certainly not be disappointed.

Three large swimming pools - two outdoor with adjoining children's pools and the other indoor with a spa facility - ensure a quick dip is never far away.

If you'd prefer a sandy beach the nearest one is only a couple of miles and a short bus ride away.

For the children there's a variety of activities on offer, many of them organised, but then you would expect no less given Thomson's reputation for picking parcs to cater for all needs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

You taste buds won't be disappointed with the food on offer at the Mas Roquer restaurant and bar, complemented by the usual offering of take-away food and snack bars.

Entertainment is really top notch with nightly shows, including discos for the kids and teens. In fact the shows are so good you're biggest problem will be getting close up to the stage such is the demand for seats.

A large multi-sports area is always packed with young football talent - who knows given the ability of some of these kids you might even spot the next Lionel Messi.

There are also regular cinema screenings and even a zoological garden if you fancy a relaxing stroll.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Of course, when you're holidaying with Thomson Al Fresco you know you'll be putting the great into the great outdoors.

The mobiles really are home-from-home with the Rossini and Vivaldi available at Vilanova. Both are perfect for larger families with sleeping space for six.

Loungers and reclining chairs make the sun lotion essential, while you can enjoy the al fresco lifestyle with the dining and drinks tables and parasol perfect for those who love nothing more than lighting up the barbecue.

The mobile homes are fitted with all the mod-cons you could wish for with a modern, stylish, open-plan kitchen and dining area and shower room, while the patio doors lead to your decking area.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Vilanova Park is around 25 miles from both Barcelona and Reus airports. It is within an hour's reach by public transport of both Barcelona and Salou and is a short distance from Sitges.

Getting there is easy, leaving will be much more difficult, unless of course you've decided to split you holiday between two sites - and that's where Sanguli comes in.

Sanguli is located directly across the road from the sun-kissed, sandy beach at Salou and within walking distance of the bustling town centre.

Like Vilanova there's everything you need on site for a perfect holiday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A swimming pool with waterslides, a large pool with adjacent children's pool and a smaller heated pool are very attractive alternatives to the beach.

A sports area, including a crazy golf course, and children's playground will keep the little ones occupied. And when they feel a little tired you can settle down to watch a movie in the cinema.

After all that you'll understandably be feeling a little peckish and the on-site Catalan restaurant is well worth a visit, while if time is of the essence you've got a take-away and snack bars.

Entertainment is provided in an enormous, centrally-located, Roman style amphitheatre, a superb location for relaxing and enjoying a memorable evening under the star-lit sky.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thomson Al Fresco accommodation at Sanguli includes the Rossini and Vivaldi mobiles homes, plus the Puccini which sleeps up to five people.

Salou is within a few miles of the airport of Reus, although you can also fly to Barcelona which is around 60 miles up the coast and is a not-to-be-missed day-trip destination for holiday-makers.

From the parc a short bus ride will take you into Salou town centre or, in the opposite direction, to the beautiful fishing town of Cambrils with its stunning promenade and busy harbour.

For those who prefer to stretch their legs it is possible to walk to Salou along the gorgeous beachfront and there is no shortage of shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy when you get there.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Of course, no visit to the area would be complete without a visit to the nearby PortAventura theme park, which is within a short bus journey of Sanguli.

As far as family entertainment goes PortAventura is second-to-none and once you enjoy its thrills and spills you'll be desperate to return.

From the white-knuckle rides of Dragon Khan and Furius Baco to the more sedate proceedings of the infants' play area, there is something for everyone at PortAventura.

Regular shows in each of the park's five areas - Mediterrania, Polynesia, China, Mexico and the Far West - are well worth resting your weary legs for. And not surprisingly there are food and drink outlets and restaurants to cater for all tastes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The late night firework displays cap a truly magical experience and once you've visited PortAventura the one guarantee is that you will return.

If you're not the type of person who is happy to laze on the beach all day you're also sorted - because beside PortAventura is the brilliant Costa Caribe water park, which includes Europe's largest wave pool.

So it's easy to see that a holiday at Sanguli, whether in-parc or outside, will be a fun-filled experience.

Although if you're no stranger to Thomson Al Fresco that will come as no surprise as an enjoyable and memorable holiday experience is a recurring theme no matter which parc or parcs you choose.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

So why not pop along to your nearest travel agent and pick up a copy of the latest brochure or visit www.thomsonalfresco.co.uk

And if you do plump for a holiday in the Costa Dorada you definitely won't be disappointed.

Related topics: