The Costa Dorada, or "Golden Coast", of Catalonia, Spain, is probably the most apt description for this brilliant part of the country, which refers to a 200 km span of Mediterranean shoreline south of Barcelona.

A popular holiday retreat area for locals and tourists alike, the coast is replete with villages and resorts that make the most of their proximity to the sea. The Costa Dorada is far from just a pretty stretch of sand however. Rich in Catalan culture and history, both in evidence in towns from Tarragona to Sitges, the region is more than just a collection of pristine beaches and family-centric amusement parks.

One of the most popular resort centers in Spain, the seaside town of Salou offers beautiful beaches, a quaint promenade and a colossal theme park in PortAventura.

With UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Roman ruins of Tarraco, a fine museum of archaeology and ancient aqueducts, the town of Tarragona is a great juxtaposition from the sun and sand of nearby resorts.

The birthplace of Antoni Gaudí in 1852, the charismatic little town of Reus is inordinately laden with tourist eye candy. Eminently popular in the hot summer months, Reus is a fine producer of wine and spirits and contains several terrific museums and monuments.

As the most ample river in Spain, the Ebro plays a vital part in the country's geography. The wetland area of the Ebro Delta is second in size in the western Mediterranean. The important agricultural area of 320 km² contains a wealth of fauna and flora. Boat and bicycle tours of the Ebro Delta are available.

About 35 km south of Barcelona, the town of Sitges draws scores of visitors to historic landmarks, beaches and lively nightclubs. Municipal leaders made a commitment to convert the town into a first class tourist destination decades ago. As a result, more than a third of the populace hails from outside of Spain.

Between the months of February and March, much of the Costa Dorada is in party mode. This is Carnival time after all and the period from Fat Thursday to Ash Wednesday is especially festive in towns like Tarragona and Sitges.

The International Film Festival held in Sitges every October is one of the best in Europe. A primary showcase for genre films, the festival has been a staple on the Costa Dorada since 1967.

The annual Tarraco Viva festival recreates the world of the Roman Empire for ten days in May in Tarragona.

Tarragona hosts one of the most important fireworks competitions in Europe the first week of July.

The Costa Dorada lives up to the name "Golden Coast" with ideal conditions for much of the year, quite typical of a temperate Mediterranean climate.

• Winter (December to February) 5-15°C

• Spring (March to May) 8-22°C

• Summer (June to September) 17-29°C

• Fall (October to November) 9-22°C