The clue is helpfully contained in the name: the Coast of the Sun.

Situated on Spain's northeastern Mediterranean coast, south of Barcelona, the Costa Dorada – or Costa Daurada in Catalan – combines classic beach holidays with considerably more variety than you might expect.

The beaches are the obvious attraction.

Long stretches of golden sand and generally shallow Mediterranean waters have helped establish the region as a firm favourite for families.

But move away from your sunlounger and you'll discover Roman history in Tarragona, attractive fishing towns, excellent local food and easy opportunities for exploring Catalonia.

Then there's PortAventura World, which puts the Costa Dorada firmly on the map for families looking for more than seven days beside the swimming pool.

It's the combination that works so well.

You can have a proper Spanish beach holiday without feeling as though you're confined to a resort.

Salou – the Costa Dorada's holiday favourite

If you've heard of one resort on the Costa Dorada, it's probably Salou.

This lively seaside town has been welcoming holidaymakers for generations and remains one of the most popular choices for family holidays on the Costa Dorada.

Its main attraction is the beach. Llevant Beach provides a long sweep of sand backed by the palm-lined promenade, with restaurants, shops and holiday facilities close at hand.

There are also smaller beaches and coves to discover around the coastline.

After dark, Salou has plenty happening, with restaurants, bars and entertainment creating a lively summer atmosphere.

For families wanting a resort where everything is convenient – and where finding something to keep the children entertained isn't particularly difficult – Salou is hard to overlook.

PortAventura World – a big reason families choose the Costa Dorada

For many families, the words Costa Dorada and PortAventura go hand in hand.

Located close to Salou, PortAventura World is one of Europe's best-known theme park resorts and can easily become one of the highlights of a family holiday.

Rollercoasters, family rides, shows and themed areas provide plenty for different ages, while neighbouring attractions add even more possibilities.

Staying on the Costa Dorada means you don't necessarily need to choose between a beach holiday and a theme park holiday.

You can spend one day tackling rollercoasters and the next recovering beside the Mediterranean.

For children – and quite a few adults – that's a fairly compelling combination.

La Pineda – a quieter alternative for families

If you like the convenience of Salou but would prefer somewhere a little more relaxed, take a look at La Pineda.

This purpose-built seaside resort has a broad sandy beach and a calmer feel, making it particularly attractive to families with younger children and couples looking for an easy-going beach break.

You're still well placed for PortAventura and the attractions of the surrounding area, but you can return afterwards to somewhere that generally feels less hectic than neighbouring Salou.

Sometimes that's exactly what a family holiday needs.

Cambrils – for food, beaches and a more relaxed pace

A short journey along the coast brings you to Cambrils, and the mood changes.

Originally a fishing town, Cambrils has retained more of its traditional character while developing into an excellent holiday destination.

The harbour remains at the heart of the town, and food is a serious attraction here.

This is somewhere to arrive hungry.

Seafood and Mediterranean cooking feature prominently, and an evening wandering around the harbour before settling down to dinner is one of those simple holiday pleasures that doesn't require an itinerary.

Cambrils also has plenty of beaches, making it a particularly good option for couples and families who want a quieter Costa Dorada holiday without being too far from Salou and PortAventura.

Tarragona – Roman history beside the Mediterranean

One of the joys of the Costa Dorada is that a day away from the beach can feel completely different.

Tarragona is the perfect example.

This historic city was once an important Roman settlement, and its extraordinary collection of Roman remains has earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

The most memorable sight is perhaps the Roman amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean – a setting dramatic enough to make even reluctant sightseers reach for their camera.

But Tarragona isn't simply somewhere to tick off historic monuments.

Its old streets, restaurants, squares and Mediterranean setting make it enjoyable to explore at a leisurely pace.

For couples or families with older children, Tarragona adds genuine culture and history to a Costa Dorada beach holiday.

Sitges – stylish seaside Spain

At the northern end of the wider Costa Dorada area, Sitges offers another take on the Mediterranean holiday.

Known for its attractive old town, beaches, restaurants and lively cultural scene, Sitges feels more sophisticated than the larger family resorts further south.

Narrow streets tumble towards the sea, waterfront restaurants invite long lunches and the town has an energy that lasts well beyond sunset.

It's particularly appealing for couples and travellers who want a Spanish beach holiday with plenty of atmosphere, while its proximity to Barcelona makes it an attractive option for combining coast and city.