0:00:00 > 0:00:01Hello, welcome to Getaways,
0:00:01 > 0:00:04the show where we go where you want us to go.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08This week, we're in Salou on the Costa Daurada in Spain,
0:00:08 > 0:00:12famous for its miles of sandy beaches and good-value package holidays.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17On our website, we asked you for your top tips on what to do here
0:00:17 > 0:00:19and what to avoid.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21We've taken on board your recommendations
0:00:21 > 0:00:24and we're going to try them out for ourselves and for you at home.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28Coming up, we visit the mountains
0:00:28 > 0:00:32and villages that are just a short hop from the beach,
0:00:32 > 0:00:36splash out at one of the largest theme parks in Spain,
0:00:36 > 0:00:40and I take a short getaway closer to home, in County Wexford.
0:00:40 > 0:00:41Bull's-eye!
0:00:46 > 0:00:48To get to the Costa Daurada, there are regular flights from Dublin
0:00:48 > 0:00:52and Belfast to Reus, the nearest airport to Salou.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57Salou has got appeal for all budgets and ages.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Padraig McKeogh from Sligo and Ruth Miller from Ballymena
0:01:00 > 0:01:03were among many of you who told us it was a great place for a holiday.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06Costa Daurada is in Catalonia
0:01:06 > 0:01:09on the Mediterranean coast of north-east Spain.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Costa Daurada means the Gold Coast,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15so-called for its long, sandy beaches.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18And this is what attracts over three million holidaymakers every year.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25It is less developed than its northern neighbour, the Costa Brava,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28but it's still a well-established tourist destination.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Salou is the largest resort in the Costa Daurada
0:01:31 > 0:01:33and its biggest attractions are the beaches,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37the PortAventura theme park with over 30 rides, and an aqua park,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40making it an ideal destination for a family holiday.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45Costa Daurada is part of the region of Catalonia,
0:01:45 > 0:01:49which has its own history and culture dating back to the Middle Ages.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Many Catalan people feel that they are a separate nation to the rest of Spain
0:01:52 > 0:01:56and they have their own regional government, language and flag.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59You'll hear Catalan spoken mainly inland off the coast
0:01:59 > 0:02:01and the road signs are in Spanish and Catalan as well.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03But don't worry because in the resorts,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06most people speak English too.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09The story of the Catalan flag goes back centuries.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12The first Count of Barcelona, Guifre el Pilos,
0:02:12 > 0:02:15otherwise known as Wilfred the Hairy to friend and foe alike,
0:02:15 > 0:02:17was mortally wounded in battle.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19Charles the Bald, another well-named man,
0:02:19 > 0:02:23wanted to honour his bravery on the battlefield so he took his hairy,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26and indeed bloodied, hand and wiped it down on his golden shield.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Hence we have the four red bars on a yellow background.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31It's a nice wee story, isn't it?
0:02:32 > 0:02:35And in Spain, there's a flag system on the beach to tell bathers
0:02:35 > 0:02:39when it's safe to go into the sea. On the day we visited,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42there was a yellow flag flying which means 'enter with caution'.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45You're best to wait for a day with a green flag,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48which means it's perfectly calm and safe to go in.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53We visited at the end of May when the temperature was around 18 degrees,
0:02:53 > 0:02:58so not too hot, but in the height of summer it can reach the high 20s.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02The sand is lovely, the water looks perfect, but you warned us
0:03:02 > 0:03:05that in July and August the main beaches can get very crowded
0:03:05 > 0:03:07and the currents can be deceptively strong.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09If you have small children,
0:03:09 > 0:03:12you might want to go to one of the smaller coves instead.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18There are several miles of sea front here, stretching from Salou
0:03:18 > 0:03:21to its smaller sister town, Cambrils.
0:03:21 > 0:03:22And we wanted to explore this coastline.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25Now, you can walk from Salou to Cambrils, but we're going to take
0:03:25 > 0:03:28the ferry that leaves from Salou throughout the day.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34The boats depart every hour from the port here at Salou
0:03:34 > 0:03:37and cost nine euros one-way or 12 euros for a round-trip.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Wednesdays are market days at Cambrils and, look,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51it's grand for a browse but if you are self-catering,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54it's probably a good place to stock up on fruit and veg.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58Quiero un medio kilo de cerezas, cherries?
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- Si.- Apparently the cherries are in season at the moment.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Mm. Oh, my God, that's gorgeous.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10This is churro, a traditional Spanish delicacy.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- It's a bit like a doughnut, very sweet and deep-fried.- Sounds good.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- I'm going to get one. Would you like one?- No, I'm watching the figure.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19- Where does she put it?!- Una churros.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Joe, I think you're going to have to help me with this anyway.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26Don't spoil your tea. I'll try anything once.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30Mm.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- Can I have two portions of this? - Oh, my God.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37That reminds me of hot Ready Brek in the morning when you're a kid.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39OK, I'm not sharing any more.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41You shouldn't be eating them, come here!
0:04:43 > 0:04:47Cambrils considers itself a bit more upmarket than Salou.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50It's a small resort and has retained more of its Spanish character.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55There are lots of lovely boutiques and tourist shops in the old town.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58To be honest, the bargains are few and far between,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01but if you are looking for a souvenir of your holiday, you could do worse
0:05:01 > 0:05:03than get some of the local leatherware or Catalan ceramics.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13Although Cambrils is a resort town, it is still a fishing port.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Now, these are the fishing boats. On the back you see these lamps.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19They're used to attract bluefish. They go out at night,
0:05:19 > 0:05:21shine those down and up they come.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Unfortunately, you won't be able to see them in action
0:05:23 > 0:05:27because at night, they're out to sea, but it is very handy
0:05:27 > 0:05:31if you arrive here by day, you need space to park up the yacht.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Cambrils is actually considered the culinary
0:05:34 > 0:05:35capital of the Costa Daurada.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38There are two Michelin-starred restaurants here,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40which is impressive considering the size of the place.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43But if you don't want to batter your bank account that much,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45you will find eateries to suit any pocket.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50Now, if you want to try some local delicacies,
0:05:50 > 0:05:53probably the best way to do it is to go for tapas.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56You get a little bit of everything and there are tapas bars everywhere.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59I love eating like this. I think it's great to share the food,
0:05:59 > 0:06:01try out all the titbits and just enjoy it with a drink.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04You know what, I'm not sold on tapas. I'm really not.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08I don't feel I'm getting a meal, you're just taking little bits of everybody else's food.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11I disagree, Joe. It can work out the same price as a main meal
0:06:11 > 0:06:13but I love grazing, getting to try everything.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- It's relaxed, you're not in a rush and you're sharing your food. I think it's lovely.- Fair enough.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- You know where the words tapas comes from?- No.- It means lid.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22So when they used to give you a glass of beer or cava,
0:06:22 > 0:06:24they'd put a little plate on top
0:06:24 > 0:06:27with a wee nibbly-dibbly to accompany it, like a little lid.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28There you go.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36Look at this, sausage on bread. Superb sausage.
0:06:36 > 0:06:42Fresh bread, gorgeous meat, delicious cheese. Just yum.
0:06:42 > 0:06:43- Salud!- Salud!
0:06:43 > 0:06:45And even early in the season,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48the place has a great appeal for families.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50And I caught up with some young holidaymakers.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53So, girls, how long have you been on holiday here?
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- We've been here since last Tuesday. - And are you having a good time?- Yeah.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- What's been the best part about it? - The beaches.- The swimming pool.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02OK, the beaches and the swimming pool.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Is it for more your age group or someone older like me?
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- Do you think I would enjoy it as well?- It's for families.- Family, OK.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Well, that's a good explanation. What about Cambrils now?
0:07:10 > 0:07:13This little town that we're in, what's so good about it?
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- I like going on walks around here. - Why do you like walking around?
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- Because I like strolling. - You're brilliant! You're brilliant to take on holidays!
0:07:19 > 0:07:21You can do your own travel programme!
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Would you recommend that all of your friends' families come here?
0:07:24 > 0:07:26It's a nice spot, isn't it? Excellent.
0:07:26 > 0:07:27Thank you very much, girls.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34For most people who come to Salou on holiday,
0:07:34 > 0:07:38this is what it's all about. Lying on the beach, soaking up the rays.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39And who can blame them?
0:07:39 > 0:07:43If you can bear to drag yourself off the beach, the Costa Daurada has
0:07:43 > 0:07:45so much else to offer and you'd be missing a trick
0:07:45 > 0:07:47if you didn't get out of Salou and explore the area.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Ten minutes away it's a completely different world.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Freddie Small from Belfast recommended we travel inland
0:07:53 > 0:07:55to the mountains of Prades, to explore the monasteries,
0:07:55 > 0:07:57churches and small villages.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02On Getaways, we like to bring you
0:08:02 > 0:08:05somewhere a bit different and unexpected.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09We're taking you away from the beach and to somewhere rather special.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12With its high peaks, forests and remote villages,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15the Prades Mountains couldn't be more different to the coast.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Once virtually inaccessible,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21nowadays 30 minutes' drive will take you into the heart of this region.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28The Mountains of Prades are an absolute mecca for rock climbers
0:08:28 > 0:08:30but it's not for beginners. It is very difficult.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32You have to be extremely experienced
0:08:32 > 0:08:36and there isn't enough money in the world to make me do it. I'm away kayaking.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46With its calm waters and fantastic scenery,
0:08:46 > 0:08:51the reservoir at Siurana is ideal if you've never tried kayaking before.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55You can hire kayaks and canoes from about 11 euros per hour
0:08:55 > 0:08:59or spend half a day with an instructor for 25 euros.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01It's all about the surroundings here.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05You look at these mountains, beautiful, still lake. Brilliant.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Do you know what, the choice of lying on a beach,
0:09:12 > 0:09:16having to listen to other people's music and chat, and screaming kids,
0:09:16 > 0:09:17or this?
0:09:27 > 0:09:31Graceful as ever. Graceful. Graceful exit.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35Ha-ha, that was brilliant.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37I highly recommend that.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45The Prades Mountains are popular for hiking holidays.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48You can get route maps from any of the tourist information offices
0:09:48 > 0:09:50in any of the small towns along the way
0:09:50 > 0:09:52but it's also really well signposted as well.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Even if you'd like an hour-long stroll
0:09:54 > 0:09:58instead of a full day expedition, this is the place to come.
0:10:00 > 0:10:01And in the mountains,
0:10:01 > 0:10:05I found an oasis away from the everyday tourist trail.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08Now, I know what you're thinking.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11You've seen one monastery, you've seen them all. Well, think again.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Poblet is basically a medieval fortress.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17It is the best-preserved Cistercian monastery in all of Europe
0:10:17 > 0:10:19and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28Founded in 1151, this was once the great monastery of Catalonia.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31The kings of Catalonia and Aragon poured money into this place
0:10:31 > 0:10:34and wanted to be buried in this chapel.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37This was a place of great wealth and power but during the dissolution
0:10:37 > 0:10:41of the monasteries in 1835, it was ransacked and completely destroyed.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45It lay derelict until the 1940s, when a group of Italian Cistercian
0:10:45 > 0:10:48monks moved in and there are still 31 monks living here today.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04This is a working monastery,
0:11:04 > 0:11:07so check opening times before you arrive
0:11:07 > 0:11:11as the chapel is closed for prayers at intervals throughout the day.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16I really highly recommend you visit here.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19Such a stunning piece of history that you can actually visit.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22And did you know the quadrangle at the front was kind of a playground
0:11:22 > 0:11:25to the great architect, Gaudi, when he was a child?
0:11:25 > 0:11:28He said that this building informed his future work.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31If you get a chance to visit Barcelona, you'll see how that worked out for him.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38You told us we had to check out the scenery here
0:11:38 > 0:11:40and one of the best places to get a view
0:11:40 > 0:11:42is from the medieval village of La Siurana.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Walking around Siurana today,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51it's hard to imagine that it wasn't always this quiet.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58Located precariously at the top of sheer cliffs,
0:11:58 > 0:12:01the village was thought to be impregnable.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04It took centuries before anyone was able to conquer it.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07In fact, it was the last Muslim stronghold in Catalonia
0:12:07 > 0:12:10and was subjected to sieges and fierce fighting
0:12:10 > 0:12:13between the Moors and Christians for centuries.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Legend has it that the last Moorish Queen, Abd-el-Azia,
0:12:19 > 0:12:21threw herself and her white stallion off this cliff
0:12:21 > 0:12:24rather than be captured by the Christian forces.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27And apparently you can see the mark in the rocks where the horse
0:12:27 > 0:12:30tried but failed to stop itself from falling into the abyss.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37So, Joe, was it worth it to get away from the beach for a while?
0:12:37 > 0:12:39Absolutely. I'm not a beach person, to be honest.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43And if you have all this at your disposal, you really owe it to yourself to see it.
0:12:43 > 0:12:44It is a bit of a drive
0:12:44 > 0:12:47but I think the walks round here are just amazing and the views!
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- I'm so surprised. - Absolutely incredible.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01But you don't have to go abroad to go on holidays.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Here's a short break closer to home.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10I'm in Wexford on the sunny south-east coast. With its mountains
0:13:10 > 0:13:14and beaches and holiday resorts, it is the perfect tourist destination.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22My first stop is a hidden gem. Wells House and Gardens.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25It's only been open to the public about a year and a half
0:13:25 > 0:13:28so it's a relative newcomer in terms of grand Irish houses.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Wells House boasts a fascinating history,
0:13:34 > 0:13:37encompassing Cromwell, rebellion and the famine.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40It's located in Ballyedmond, an hour and a half's drive from Dublin
0:13:40 > 0:13:43and was built in the late 1600s.
0:13:45 > 0:13:4850 years ago, the house was bought by a wealthy German
0:13:48 > 0:13:52industrialist, and his son and daughter-in-law now run the house.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Let me introduce you to the lady of the house, Sabine.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58Thank you for having us in here first of all.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00Why did you decide to open it to the public?
0:14:00 > 0:14:03We inherited the house two years ago and we have extensive gardens
0:14:03 > 0:14:07and extensive grounds, so how do you keep a house this size
0:14:07 > 0:14:09and keep the gardens and everything mowed?
0:14:09 > 0:14:11So we decided to open it to the public.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15We spent about a year researching the history of the house,
0:14:15 > 0:14:19and with that, we built up the story of the house and gardens.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23The house tour takes 45 minutes, and you're immersed in the history
0:14:23 > 0:14:27of both the inhabitants of Wells and the surrounding area.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30You're also introduced to the stunning Gothic Tudor interiors
0:14:30 > 0:14:35designed by Daniel Roberson, famed for the gardens of Powers Court.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38What I love about this, it doesn't have that museum approach,
0:14:38 > 0:14:41that kind of hands-off thing. You can come in, you can lift things up,
0:14:41 > 0:14:43you can touch them. It's very tactile.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45It makes you feel like you're part of the house.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Once you've had a look round the magnificent house,
0:14:51 > 0:14:54you can come out and take a stroll around the gardens
0:14:54 > 0:14:56which have been restored back to their original design.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59I think I'll take myself a wee dander.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12And when I'm here, I'm getting a lesson in the noble sport of archery.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- I'd say that was a bull's-eye. - It's a bull's-eye?
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Very close to it, yeah.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22So trained up and tooled up,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25there's something unique I just couldn't miss.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Once you get your practice down on the target board,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34you can go off into the woods and take down some 3-D animals,
0:15:34 > 0:15:36like foxes, tigers and bears.
0:15:36 > 0:15:37Oh, my.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40Here we go.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43Only winged him.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45He'll feel it in the morning, though.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53And there's other fun stuff to get your "claws" into,
0:15:53 > 0:15:55including the adventure playground,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58for kids...of all sizes.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Here you go, kids, you can have your... Just testing that for you.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05And I've got another historic destination in Wexford.
0:16:05 > 0:16:0840 minutes away from Wells House is a park that brings you
0:16:08 > 0:16:10even further back into the past.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18If you're looking for somewhere unusual to stay in this area,
0:16:18 > 0:16:22the Irish National Heritage Park caught my attention.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28The 35-acre Heritage Park aims to show how people lived in Ireland
0:16:28 > 0:16:30for over 9,000 years.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34The park takes you through all the ages, from Stone Age to Bronze Age,
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Celtic and early Christian ages
0:16:36 > 0:16:39and the invasions of the Vikings and Normans.
0:16:39 > 0:16:40Basically, it's a one-stop shop
0:16:40 > 0:16:43in relation to the early history of Ireland.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48And in these parts, they take their history very seriously.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49THEY SHOUT
0:16:49 > 0:16:52There are various activities you can try around the park,
0:16:52 > 0:16:53including spear throwing.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Shot, sir!
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Oh, rubbish. Bow and arrows worked out a lot better.
0:17:06 > 0:17:07Ho-ho-ho!
0:17:07 > 0:17:09Bull's-eye!
0:17:11 > 0:17:15Another activity you can do here is coracle rowing and Damian's going to tell me all about it.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17What were they originally made of?
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Traditionally, say 1,500 years ago, it would have a hazel frame
0:17:20 > 0:17:22and we stretch a cow skin on the outside of that.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25So it's very rough and ready, but all the materials
0:17:25 > 0:17:27were available in the woodland or farmland around you.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Ours are fibreglass ones today, but when you get into it,
0:17:29 > 0:17:31you'll be glad of the fibreglass.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- HE LAUGHS - My only concern is, Damian, they look rather small.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37All right, here we go. Let's take it like a Viking.
0:17:37 > 0:17:38HE GIGGLES
0:17:38 > 0:17:40Alrighty, here we go.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42It's like a weird dodgem car.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44I'm just literally going round in circles.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48Once you get the hang of it, you get the right punt on, like.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51That's me now, I think.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54Hang out in forts, throwing spears, rowing a coracle -
0:17:54 > 0:17:57who wouldn't be into this?
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Land ho.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05You can actually stay here and get a wee taste
0:18:05 > 0:18:08of what life was like for our ancestors 1,500 years ago
0:18:08 > 0:18:10in medieval five-star accommodation.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13I wonder what the room service is like.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Look at this - this is brilliant.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23You can come in, sleep on furs. This would be like sleeping in Valhalla.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29This really is a unique overnight experience.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32Cooking is over an open fire in the centre of the house
0:18:32 > 0:18:35and there's also a fridge hidden away
0:18:35 > 0:18:37at the back to keep your mead chilled.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39So if you're looking for somewhere really special
0:18:39 > 0:18:42to stay in Wexford, it's going to cost you 300 euros
0:18:42 > 0:18:45for up to six people to stay overnight in the Ring Fort.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Back in Spain, we're exploring the Costa Daurada.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53We've checked out the best beaches,
0:18:53 > 0:18:55seen some hair-raising hill climbing
0:18:55 > 0:18:58and chilled out in a medieval village.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07And now I'm taking a trip to see one of the Costa Daurada's finest towns.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11Just 15 minutes from Salou is the historic capital of this region,
0:19:11 > 0:19:12Tarragona.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Once the most important Roman town in Spain,
0:19:16 > 0:19:20Tarragona has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Tarragona's Roman heritage can be seen all across the city.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27At one stage, it was Rome's western Mediterranean capital
0:19:27 > 0:19:30and one of the richest cities in Europe.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Julius Caesar lived here for a while and, apparently,
0:19:32 > 0:19:34Pontius Pilate was born here.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40This area is called "the balcony of the Mediterranean"
0:19:40 > 0:19:43and on a day like today, you can see why.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54You said if there's one thing we must do in Tarragona,
0:19:54 > 0:19:57that's come and see the Roman amphitheatre.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00This Roman amphitheatre was built in the second century
0:20:00 > 0:20:02and could hold up to 14,000 spectators,
0:20:02 > 0:20:06and they sat right here to watch the gruesome gladiator contests
0:20:06 > 0:20:08and to watch the Christian martyrs being put to death.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11This area below me would have been completely clear
0:20:11 > 0:20:12as part of the Roman amphitheatre,
0:20:12 > 0:20:15but the remains that you can see are of a church built
0:20:15 > 0:20:17hundreds of years later to commemorate the Christians
0:20:17 > 0:20:19that were burned alive in the third century.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24This amphitheatre gives you a real sense of how sophisticated
0:20:24 > 0:20:26the Romans were in their architecture
0:20:26 > 0:20:29and now the audience is filled with school children and tourists,
0:20:29 > 0:20:32but imagine what it must have felt like with 14,000 people
0:20:32 > 0:20:34screaming at you and waiting for you to die.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36Not quite the entertainment that we have today.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Now, the old town is small enough that you could walk around it,
0:20:45 > 0:20:47but I'm going to rent an electric bike for the afternoon.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53For 25 euros, you can hire a bike, a guide and two hours' free parking.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59Tarragona is a surprising gem of a town
0:20:59 > 0:21:02and feels very different to Cambrils and Salou.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04It's full of character and both the old quarter
0:21:04 > 0:21:07and new town have wonderful squares and plazas.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11You can understand why this has been a favourite resort
0:21:11 > 0:21:12since Roman times.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18I'm really glad I have the electric bike cos there are some steep hills here,
0:21:18 > 0:21:21but this is one of the prettiest towns that I have ever seen.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26I kept my bike ride to quiet, pedestrianised areas,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29but if you do go onto busier roads, then you should hire a helmet.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36But now, located on the outskirts of Salou,
0:21:36 > 0:21:38the main attraction.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41This is what most of you come here to see.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45Claire Devine from Strabane told us this was her holiday highlight.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49Spread over 119 hectares, PortAventura is a theme park
0:21:49 > 0:21:52with loads of rides, restaurants and shows.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54It is the biggest attraction in the area,
0:21:54 > 0:21:56and if you really want your children to love you,
0:21:56 > 0:21:57you have to bring them here.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03PortAventura is split into six themed areas,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06including the Far West, China, Mexico
0:22:06 > 0:22:09and one for the nippers based on the characters from Sesame Street.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14But, without doubt, the park's main attraction are its rollercoasters -
0:22:14 > 0:22:18Shambhala, which is the tallest rollercoaster
0:22:18 > 0:22:20with the longest fall in Europe...
0:22:20 > 0:22:23And if you can hold down your dinner, there's also
0:22:23 > 0:22:25the Hurakan Condor,
0:22:25 > 0:22:29a falling tower ride which is 100 metres high.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31And this is the Dragon Khan ride, and Shane Galvin from Cork,
0:22:31 > 0:22:34I could absolutely kill you for recommending it,
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- cos now we have to try it. Ready?- Thanks, Shane(!)
0:22:41 > 0:22:44THEY SCREAM
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Is that all you got, Shane? Is that all you got?
0:23:09 > 0:23:12In fairness, he did scream like a child the whole way through.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- Not like a child! - It was a good laugh, though.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- I liked that one, it was good. - It wasn't like a child!
0:23:18 > 0:23:22There's no getting around just how big this park is.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24There's lots of walking involved.
0:23:24 > 0:23:25If you have youngsters,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28we advise taking the train straight to the Sesame Street area,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31where there are lots of gentle rides for the little one.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35If you're staying at one of the on-site hotels, like we were,
0:23:35 > 0:23:39you get unlimited entrance to the theme park and water park.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42There's free transport between the resort hotels and the park,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45which run every 15 minutes throughout the day.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50It can be expensive.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Day tickets start at 39 euros.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56Better value is a three-day ticket for 79 euros,
0:23:56 > 0:23:57which includes the aqua park.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04Express tickets are available if you want to avoid the queues.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07But we like the advice from Helen Bullock from County Cork.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11She said, "Come in the evening when it's cheaper, cooler and quieter."
0:24:14 > 0:24:16If you need to cool down after all that excitement,
0:24:16 > 0:24:19you can stroll just next door into the aqua park.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21It's just been extended with loads of new rides,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24and it's now got the highest freefall slide in Europe.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28You've got to have nerves of steel for this one.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Oh, that must hurt!
0:24:32 > 0:24:34But scaredy-cats aren't going to miss out.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36There are slides to suit everybody.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43I probably should have gone with waterproof mascara.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45The water could have been a lot warmer.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48One-day tickets to the Costa Caribe Aquatic Park
0:24:48 > 0:24:50are priced from 22 euros for children.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54That was a fun way to spend the day.
0:24:54 > 0:24:55Yeah, and you will find it difficult,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58between the two parks, to cram that much fun into one day.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Yeah, it's a great place for teenagers
0:25:00 > 0:25:02but you don't have to be a young person to enjoy it.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05- I'm wrecked after the day here. - Yeah, I could do with a wee nap.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14Salou has one of the liveliest nightlife scenes on the Costa Daurada,
0:25:14 > 0:25:17with its fair share of English clubs and Irish pubs.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20But if clubbing is not your bag,
0:25:20 > 0:25:22there are plenty of other things to do.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31Karen Morgan from Rathfriland told us
0:25:31 > 0:25:35that a good family alternative to the usual evening entertainment
0:25:35 > 0:25:37is the illuminated fountains on the promenade.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41So what did you think about the light show just there?
0:25:41 > 0:25:43It was really beautiful and really special.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45- We're delighted we came down. - How did you hear about it?
0:25:45 > 0:25:47We found out at the hotel and we heard a lot of people
0:25:47 > 0:25:50talking about it was well, so we said we'd come down to see it.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52- And it's great for the kids. - Really enjoyed it.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- They want to come tomorrow night. - Lovely!
0:25:55 > 0:25:57- And have you enjoyed your holiday so far?- It's lovely.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01It's so pretty and clean and tidy and just really nice for families.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05And the beach is very safe. There's playgrounds down by the beach and they really enjoy it.
0:26:08 > 0:26:13That is so incredibly cheesy but the kids just loved it. It's brilliant.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Most of the accommodation in Costa Daurada is made up
0:26:20 > 0:26:25of reasonably priced two and three-star hotels and apartments.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27We stayed at the Hotel Caribe,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30one of four hotels at the PortAventura theme park.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43This is a really family-centred hotel.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46There's a pool with a sandy beach, there are playgrounds
0:26:46 > 0:26:48and games rooms for the kids too.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51The International II Apartments are three-star option
0:26:51 > 0:26:53popular with Irish and British tourists.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57As far as self-catering goes, this is dead-on.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59It has everything you need -
0:26:59 > 0:27:01a little kitchenette, fridge, microwave.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03It is very clean and it sleeps up to four people,
0:27:03 > 0:27:07but the real beauty of this is the location, cos right outside the door
0:27:07 > 0:27:09you've got all the bars, restaurants, nightclubs
0:27:09 > 0:27:11and beach you could possibly want.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25The four-star H10 Salauris Palace is a 15-minute walk from the sea front,
0:27:25 > 0:27:27and close to the PortAventura theme park.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40We booked our hotel and flights with Jet2holidays.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42For more information on all our holidays, please visit:
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- So, Aoibhinn, what did you make of Salou?- Look, it's still a resort,
0:27:52 > 0:27:55but it's far nicer than I thought it would be. The beaches are lovely.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57My favourite, though, was getting into the mountains
0:27:57 > 0:28:00and the hiking trails and the gorgeous little towns that were there.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03Yeah, there are tacky sides to this, like any resort,
0:28:03 > 0:28:06but, as you say, the landscape lends itself to the activities.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08I loved going out kayaking across that lake.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10I also loved the visit to the monastery.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13That was absolutely stunning, and I would say unmissable.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15On top of all that, you've got all the adventure parks,
0:28:15 > 0:28:18so I think it's the perfect place for a family holiday.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Absolutely, it is. We will see you next time on Getaways.