Autumn holidays in Vila-seca, la Pineda Platja
The Costa Daurada has tonnes of things to do for unforgettable holidays during any season of the year. Vila-seca, although it is indeed a coastal town, has a complete range of proposals for leisure, entertainment, cultural facilities, natural spaces, wineries, wellness centres… Haven’t you been here yet?
Day 1: The marshlands of the Costa Daurada
Start your holidays in this unique natural setting, Séquia Major. These are the most important marshlands between the Llobregat Delta and the Ebre Delta. The space has been protected under the Government of Catalonia’s Plan for Lands with Natural Interest (PEIN) since 1992, and is home to important plant and animal communities, some of which—like the Iberian toothcarp and European pond turtle—are endangered.
The land has great ecological value and guided tours are only available from August to February, the period in which the birds are not nesting. Book your visit by ringing 977 39 03 62… and the tours are free!
In the afternoon, Vila-seca awaits for you to take a turn around its historic town centre. Via this route that you can do at your own pace, you will discover all landmarks of Vila-seca by using the QR code containing information in different languages. Start your route on Raval de la Mar road, which you can reach by car, on foot or bike, to do one of the most popular routes within the municipality. From there, take a look at the twelfth-century Creu de la Beguda (the last remaining boundary marker cross). Continue on your way by visiting the Neo-mediaeval castle; the church of Sant Esteve; the Celler Noucentista; the Portal de Sant Antoni (14th century); the Torre de la Tuies del Cafè (16th century); and the watchtowers of Abadia, Ardiaca, Delme and Homenatge (12th century).
And in the late afternoon, why not go to the Josep Carreras Auditorium, one of the best venues in the region, to attend one of the concerts being offered? Take a look at the programming!
Day 2: Sea breezes
Who told you that you can only go to the beach in the summer? Take advantage of the year-round warm temperatures on the Costa Daurada to take a stroll along the seaside in the spring or autumn. Wander over to Pinar de Perruquet Park and have a look at the large-scale sculptural pieces Marca d’Aigua (Watermark) and Pineda (Pine Grove), walking alongside the gorgeous and absolutely scenic beach—as certified by its Blue Flag for quality—on the three kilometre seaside promenade.
Continuing at a leisurely pace, you will reach the two wellness centres in La Pineda. Both the 4000m2 plus Aquum Spa & Wellness and Spalas Spa & Wellness have treatments, hydro-massage tubs, saunas, swimming pools, waterfalls and jets… to get away from it all and connect with yourself again.
Day 3: Adrenaline and thrills with the family
You cannot leave Vila-seca, la Pineda Platja without visiting PortAventura World. Explore its six theme-based areas and the Ferrari Land theme park and adrenaline and thrills are guaranteed for the whole family. If vertigo-inducing rides are not your thing, there are also tamer rides, as well as a wide variety of shows and performances. There are also many restaurants and shops and multiple services that will make your stay a real pleasure.
Day 4: Bicycle ride and vineyards
Now that you’ve been in Vila-seca la Pineda Platja for a few days, it is time to jump on bicycles and see the municipality from a whole new perspective. This will let you get a bit of exercise while enjoying the nature and heritage of Vila-seca.
Both La Pineda and Vila-seca have well-signposted bike lanes to ensure complete safety. We suggest that you start off in Torre d’en Dolça Park, a 37 hectare park filled with plants and sculptures and fountains. The park is full of trails and paths that you can do both on foot and by bicycle, so that you can discover all its hidden corners. The Torre d’en Dolça will greet you, a sixteenth-century defence tower, as well as a horse racetrack that hosts professional races during the town’s Major Winter Festival.
In mid-morning, jump on your bikes again to head back to Vila-seca along the Raval de la Mar road to see the sights and cultural heritage in the historic town centre. The most important landmarks are identified with a QR code that has information in different languages. On the Raval de la Mar, you’ll see the twelfth-century Creu de la Beguda, the last standing boundary marker cross. Continue on your way by visiting the Neo-mediaeval castle; the church of Sant Esteve; the Celler Noucentista; the chapel of Mare de Déu de La Pineda; the Portal de Sant Antoni (14th century); the Torre de la Tuies del Cafè (16th century); and the watchtowers of Abadia, Delme and Homenatge (12th century).
And in the afternoon, after your morning of exercise and sightseeing, we’ve got a relaxing plan for you to enjoy another of our regional treasures: wine. Our lands are lands of vineyards and wineries. Vila-seca is home to the family-run wineries of Clos Barenys and Vinyes del Terrer. Both offer guided tours and tastings to learn firsthand about the world of wine and the varieties produced in this region.
Days 5…6…7…
As you can see, it would be very hard to get bored in Vila-seca and its La Pineda Platja, as there are so many things to do and enjoy on your holidays! However, if you are ready for more, the Costa Daurada has a tonne of proposals for you and your family. Why not head into the nearby city of Tarragona to see its first-century Roman legacy; follow the Modernist route in Reus; visit the mountains of the Costa Daurada; visit other neighbouring coastal towns like Salou and Cambrils; head to the Priorat or the surreally beautiful landscapes of the Ebre Delta and… whenever you want, come back to Vila-seca, where we will be waiting for you with open arms.
