Here’s the ultimate list of things to do in Cambrils and its surroundings, following our recent family getaway with the kids. While not everything went smoothly on this trip, Cambrils is still an amazing destination to visit along the famous Costa Daurada in Catalonia.

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Top things to do in Cambrils for families

Where is Cambrils?

Cambrils is a coastal town in the province of Tarragona, located in the autonomous community of Catalonia, Spain. It lies along the Costa Daurada (or Golden Coast), known for its beautiful beaches and historical sites, such as the Roman ruins of Tarragona. Cambrils is approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Barcelona and about 10 kilometers from the popular tourist destination of Salou. Additionally, it is close to PortAventura, one of Spain’s largest theme parks, and is conveniently situated on the route between Barcelona and Valencia. The nearby city of Tarragona is a popular stop for Mediterranean cruises, so many travelers visit Cambrils on day trips.

What is Cambrils known for?

Cambrils is known as a popular family-friendly destination in Spain, as this small town offers everything one might seek for a family holiday in Spain – beautiful Mediterranean beaches, delicious cuisine with fresh seafood, interesting landmarks and activities, and proximity to PortAventura Park. While many of these attractions are not located directly within the town itself, they are easily accessible by car for day trips. The fact that Cambrils doesn’t host any of Spain’s iconic landmarks makes it a quieter, more relaxed spot, which is why it is so popular among the family travelers.

Is Cambrils worth visiting?

Cambrils is worth visiting, and I would recommend it as both a family-friendly destination and a base for exploring the entire region. I found it to be especially worthwhile if traveling by car, as Cambrils gives one an easy access to many interesting places, including the famous PortAventura Park and the touristy town of Salou, known for its variety of attractions. However, in Cambrils, you won’t be staying in the heart of the busy tourist area. So, for those planning to explore Spain with kids or embarking on a family road trip across Spain, Cambrils could be an excellent choice.

Where to stay in Cambrils

Our holiday rental was located at Plaça de la Creu de la Missió 3, but it´s currently unavailable on Booking.com. Nevertheless, Cambrils has lots of cute places to stay, like Villa Rosamar or Apartamentos La Torre. The most popular hotels in Cambrils are Hotel Rovira, Mas Gallau, and Sol Port Cambrils.

Parking in Cambrils

I loved how easy it was to park in Cambrils. We found a huge parking lot right in front of our rental, which was almost empty – though we were visiting Cambrils in October, which is considered the off-season. I imagine it might get busier in the summer, but I also felt like Cambrils never gets as crowded as nearby Salou. If I visit again, I would definitely return with a car. Also, since my parents joined us on this trip and arrived by train, I was pleasantly surprised that Cambrils has a budget-friendly train connection with Port Aventura and Salou. So, visiting Cambrils without a car is entirely doable – you can still see the most popular places, though you’ll need to miss the lesser-known gems of the region.

What we did not like in Cambrils

What we didn’t like about Cambrils wasn’t necessarily related to the town itself. Our family trip overlapped with the protests in Catalonia, and my parents almost missed their flight from Barcelona as the airport was blocked. Barcelona, as seen on the news, seemed like a melting pot of chaos. They also had a terrible experience at their hotel in Barcelona, surrounded by protests with banging pots and burning trash cans. Many travelers we met had their itineraries completely ruined due to the collapse of public transportation in Catalonia. While I respect the Catalan stance on independence and understand the deep-rooted conflict with the Spanish government (which has lasted since the Civil War), it seems unprofessional for a region that markets itself as a major destination in the Iberian Peninsula to block airports and disrupt travel. If you’re protesting the government, target political institutions, not travelers. The travel industry is crucial to Catalonia’s economy, and people who bring billions of euros into the region should not be affected by political tensions – they are not citizens of Spain and don’t vote in its elections. So, this has always been my biggest concern about any weekend breaks from Barcelona or Costa Brava – that you should keep an eye on the news before your visit, as the political situation might unexpectedly interfere with your plans. This is also one of the reasons I prefer Madrid to Barcelona. In my 15 years of nonstop travel across Spain, I’ve seen hundreds of protests, but none of them has ever interfered with my travel plans, except those of Catalonia.

Top Things to do in Cambrils

The port of Cambrils

The port is one of the most popular areas to visit in Cambrils. It offers a charming waterfront promenade lined with shops and restaurants. We really enjoyed fresh, local seafood dishes, though I must admit that everything was a bit overpriced compared to similar small towns in the Valencia region, like Peniscola or Benicassim. However, traveling with a baby and a toddler, it was wonderful to have a pleasant promenade to stroll along by the seaside. Don’t miss the charming old tower, Torre del Puerto.

Cambrils old city center by tourist train

A fantastic way to explore Cambrils city center with kids is by taking the Tourist Train. Tickets can be purchased at the nearest Tourist Office. While you’re in the area, be sure to visit highlights like Callejón de las Flores, Santa Maria Church, the Sanctuary of Madre de Déu del Camí, and Castell de Vilafortuny. Our children also loved spending time at a local park, Parque del Pinaret, which offers a great space for relaxation and play.

Beaches in Cambrils

Both local beaches we visited in Cambrils, such as Platja de la Llosa and Platja Prat de’n Forès in Cambrils, looked nice. Platja de la Llosa, known for its fine golden sand and clear waters, offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families and sunbathers. Platja Prat de’n Forès is a quieter spot, ideal for those seeking a more peaceful experience. Both beaches are well-maintained and easily accessible, making them popular choices for both locals and tourists. In addition to these, the surrounding area of Cambrils boasts several other beautiful beaches, such as Platja de Vilafortuny and Platja de l’Ardiaca. You can check out my full map of the best beaches in Spain here.

Unique experiences to book in Cambrils

• Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks (check availability)
• Costa Daurada Sail Catamaran Cruise (check availability)
• Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Drinks (check availability)

Unique things to see near Cambrils

Parc Sama

One of the most charming places to visit near Cambrils is Parc Samà, a beautiful botanical garden that was created in 1881. This stunning garden offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm, with its carefully designed landscapes, lush greenery, and elegant structures. Visitors will be captivated by its romantic Spanish atmosphere, which features a variety of plants, serene ponds, and picturesque paths. Parc Samà is widely regarded as one of the top charming gardens in Spain and is a must-see for nature lovers and those interested in history and architecture. To ensure a smooth visit, you can purchase your entrance tickets in advance here.

Port Aventura

Of course, the highlight of this trip for the kids was a visit to PortAventura Park. You car read more about our experience in this post.

Reus

One of the most famous Spaniards ever, Antoni Gaudí, was born in the town of Reus. While his success is closely tied to Barcelona – especially with iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Família – Gaudí’s creative journey has deep roots in Reus, making it a must-see destination for art lovers in Spain. The Gaudí Museum in Reus may also be of interest to older children, as it offers plenty of information about the architect’s unique style and techniques. Reus is only 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) by car from Cambrils, and the drive typically takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. You can check out more details in this post.

Salou

Salou is another popular family holiday destination in Spain, located just 7 km from Cambrils. It tends to be much busier with visitors than Cambrils, but the advantage of Salou is its wide range of activities. Most of the unique day tours in the region begin in Salou, as it serves as the main tourist hub.

• Priorat Wine-Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting (check availability)
• Off-Road Guided Quad Safari with Hotel Pickup (check availability)
• Scuba Diving for Beginners (check availability)
• Canyoning Day Trip (check availability)
• Half-Day Bike Tour from Salou (check availability)
• Hermitage Montroig Red Hills Tour (check availability)
• Salou Kids Buggy (check availability)
• Siurana Medieval Village Guided Tour (check availability)

Detebre

Deltebre, also called Ebro Delta Natural Park, is a perfect day trip from Cambrils for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This stunning wetland area, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, is known for its diverse ecosystems, including marshes, lagoons, and sand dunes, which provide a habitat for over 300 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors can explore the park’s unique landscapes by bike or boat, it is also a great destination for adventurous activities in Spain:

• Ebro Delta National Park: Guided Horseback Riding Tour (check availability)
• Ebro Delta: Guided Kayak Tour to Gracia Island (check availability)
• Flamingo-Birdwatching in the Ebro Delta at Sunset (check availability)
• Ebro Delta Cruise and Jeep Tour with Mussels Tasting (check availability)
• Ebro Delta National Park: Scenic Drive and Kayaking Tour (check availability)
• Scenic Drive and Kayaking Tour (check availability)

Tortosa

Tortosa is one of the lesser-known weekend destinations from Barcelona, but I absolutely loved it during my visit. Located just 62 kilometers (about 39 miles) from Cambrils, this small Catalan town is full of hidden historical landmarks. You can read more about things to do in Tortosa in this post.

More Cambrils day trip ideas

If you’re looking for more ideas on places to visit near Cambrils, check out my other posts: Tarragona Road Trip – Top Stops and Barcelona to Valencia Road Trip – Top Stops. Both articles cover the regions of Tarragona and Costa Daurada, offering plenty of choices for things to see and do in the area. If you’re a fan of Spain’s hidden gems, within just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Cambrils, you can find the Matarranya region (you can learn more about it in this post), as well as one of the most unique hikes in Spain – El Parrizal de Beceite.

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