Cambrils, Spain: travel guide to the Costa Daurada fishing port, the Torre del Port and its golden beaches

Cambrils is a lively seaside town in the province of Tarragona, in Catalonia, set on the Costa Daurada south of Barcelona. Once a humble fishing village, it has grown into one of the most popular family resorts on the Catalan coast while keeping a working harbour and an authentic Mediterranean character.

For travellers searching for Cambrils Costa Daurada, beaches near Tarragona, the Torre del Port or where to eat seafood in Catalonia, Cambrils stands out for its nine kilometres of coastline, its old town and its reputation as the culinary capital of the Costa Daurada.

History and the old town

The heart of Cambrils is its old quarter, the Nucli Antic, where narrow streets wind between stone buildings, many dating from the 17th century when defensive walls protected the settlement against pirate raids. The town's emblem is the Torre del Port, also known as the Moors' Tower, a 17th-century coastal watchtower that once kept lookout for approaching pirates; today it is listed as a Cultural Asset of National Interest and forms part of the Cambrils History Museum.

Beaches and the port

Cambrils has nine kilometres of mostly golden, gentle beaches divided among several distinct stretches, four of which hold the Blue Flag for quality and environmental standards. The fishing port remains the soul of the town: trawlers head out daily and return for an afternoon fish auction that supplies the local restaurants with the freshest catch. A palm-lined seafront promenade links Cambrils with neighbouring Salou.

Gastronomy and nearby attractions

Cambrils is renowned for its cuisine, with a large concentration of restaurants including establishments awarded Michelin stars, built on the daily catch and Catalan tradition. The PortAventura World theme park lies only about ten kilometres away, and the Roman heritage of the city of Tarragona is a short trip along the coast, making Cambrils an excellent base for a varied holiday.