Spending a few days hiking along the Costa Dorada while enjoying dreamlike landscapes is always a great plan. At RRAT's Outdoor, we've prepared a blog so you don’t miss out on the best hiking routes on the Costa Dorada.
Interesting, right? Keep reading and discover incredible coastal trail routes on the Costa Dorada to explore this summer!
Great beaches and unspoiled coves from Tarragona to Punta de la Mora
If you're looking for an easy to moderate route to explore the coastal trail with sea views, the coastal trail from Tarragona to Punta de la Mora is perfect for you. You can start from Punta del Miracle, which is about 18 km (round trip), and you can shorten it a bit by starting from Playa de la Arrabassada.
This coastal route is one of the most impressive in the Catalan region, offering hikers stunning panoramic views of the sea, crystal-clear beaches, and lush Mediterranean vegetation.
As you progress, the trail takes you along cliffs and hidden coves, providing a tranquil retreat away from the urban bustle. One of the highlights is Platja Llarga, a long golden-sand beach ideal for resting and sunbathing. Heading north, the trail leads into the Bosque de la Marquesa, a nature reserve that hosts rich biodiversity and offers refreshing shade on hotter days.
Finally, the trail culminates at Punta de la Mora, a rocky promontory extending into the sea and offering spectacular views of the horizon. This spot is perfect for contemplation and relaxation, making it a must-visit destination for nature and hiking enthusiasts. The coastal trail from Tarragona to Punta de la Mora is an unforgettable experience that combines history, nature, and scenic beauty with every step.
A small and charming town: from Roda de Berà to Roc de Sant Gaietà
The route from Roda de Berà to Roc de Sant Gaietà combines the natural beauty of the Mediterranean with the historical and cultural richness of the region. Roda de Berà, known for its iconic Arco de Berà, a Roman triumphal arch declared a World Heritage Site, is the ideal starting point for this route.
The trail heads east, passing by small beaches with crystal-clear waters, such as Playa Llarga and Playa de la Punta del Guineu. The path also traverses areas of Mediterranean vegetation, with pines and aromatic shrubs, adding a fresh and green touch to the coastal landscape.
One of the highlights of the route is reaching Roc de Sant Gaietà, a picturesque seaside neighborhood known for its unique architecture. Roc de Sant Gaietà is a charming mix of architectural styles, with buildings that evoke the essence of Andalusian, medieval, and fishing village aesthetics.
In Roc de Sant Gaietà, visitors can stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets, enjoy local cuisine at its restaurants, and gaze at the sea from its viewpoints. Additionally, the marina offers a picturesque view of the moored boats, completing the experience with a nautical touch.
For this route, we recommend wearing your RRAT’s Minimal or RRAT’s Y-Gravel, mountain sandals suitable for all types of easy to moderate terrain. Their Vibram Claw sole allows you to walk over rocky areas, mud, water, and more without worrying!
Do you prefer to feel everything under your feet? Then the RRAT’s Y-Minimal or T-Minimal are the best options for you, thanks to their ultra-thin sole!
From Altafulla to Punta de la Mora: the shortest route
With just 8 km round trip, the route from Altafulla to Punta de la Mora becomes the perfect getaway for those looking to spend a day immersed in nature and the unparalleled views of the Mediterranean.
Altafulla, a picturesque coastal town with medieval charm, is the ideal starting point for this adventure. The journey begins in the town's historic center, where its cobblestone streets and traditional houses evoke a sense of the past.
As you leave Altafulla, the trail heads towards the coast. The first notable stop is Playa de Altafulla, perfect for a refreshing dip before continuing along the path. As you advance, the trail offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, with cliffs and rock formations. Continuing on the route, you'll enter the Tamarit-Punta de la Mora nature reserve, a protected area with rich biodiversity that includes pines, oaks, and a variety of local wildlife.
One of the highlights of this route is the Castle of Tamarit, a medieval fortress situated on a promontory overlooking the sea. The castle, surrounded by lush vegetation and cliffs, offers a perfect postcard view and is a must-stop for photographers.
Finally, the trail reaches Punta de la Mora, a rocky promontory extending into the sea and offering spectacular views of the horizon. This spot is ideal for resting, enjoying the scenery, and, if the weather allows, even having a picnic outdoors.
Discover the Salou coastline from Pilones
For those seeking a short and moderately difficult route, the coastal trail from Pilones to Salou is ideal for hiking and nature enthusiasts. This coastal path, part of an old network of trails used by fishermen, offers stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the natural beauty of the Costa Dorada.
The journey begins in Pilones, an area characterized by its rock formations emerging from the sea, creating a spectacular landscape. As you progress, you'll encounter numerous viewpoints offering impressive views of the coastline, especially at sunrise and sunset when the sunlight bathes the horizon in warm, vibrant colors.
The trail is well-marked and accessible to most hikers, although some sections may be a bit more challenging due to uneven terrain. Therefore, you should wear versatile footwear that can handle various terrains, making your RRAT’s Y-Gravel or T-Outdoor the best option if you want to protect your feet from rocky areas and walk without worrying about slipping.
One of the highlights of this route is Cala Morisca, a small cove with crystal-clear waters and golden sand, ideal for a rest and a refreshing swim in the sea. Continuing along the route, you'll reach Punta del Cavall, another exceptional viewpoint where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Salou and its surroundings.
To conclude the route, you'll arrive at Salou Lighthouse, an iconic place marking the end of this coastal journey. This lighthouse not only serves as a guide for navigators but also as a symbol of the region's rich maritime history.
The Coastal Trail of Salou is undoubtedly an adventure that combines exercise, nature, and spectacular views. Will you miss it?
Equip yourself properly for the coastal trail!
Once you’ve chosen which route you want to take, it’s time to think about your gear!
While it’s clear that you should always carry a backpack with water, isotonic drinks, and some food, it’s also important to choose the right footwear for your daily hikes.
For the coastal trail, since the routes are not extremely difficult, you don’t need highly technical footwear. We recommend wearing our sandals with Vibram Claw soles: Y-Gravel, Y-Minimal, T-Outdoor, or T-Minimal.
The Vibram Claw sole is specially designed for all types of non-technical terrains, so walking on the beach, in the mountains, or through rivers won’t be a problem for enjoying your new adventure.
Now that you know how to equip yourself and discover new routes, tell us, where are you planning to go this summer?