Most people associate Spain with the smell of oranges, passionate flamenco, sultry beauties in scarlet skirts, and fabulous beaches reminiscent of paradise on Earth. When you get to know Spain personally, you will add some images to this list: quaint architecture, winding streets, picturesque nature and unforgettable taste of national dishes.
Many tourists planning a beach holiday in this country end up favouring Costa Dorada. It is hard to imagine a type of holiday that would be unavailable here: noisy parties, informative excursions, swimming in the sea, beach sports — every guest will find something they like. If you visit this popular Spanish resort in May, we recommend you take note of valuable tips from the Kidpassage editorial team.
Holidays in Costa Dorada in May: pros and cons
European tourists have long favoured the coast in the north-east of Spain. Once they have seen these fabulous places, many return here repeatedly. To make your holiday a success, choose the right time to visit. Reviews of holidays in Costa Dorada in May are not always positive because the beginning of the tourist season has both advantages and some significant disadvantages.
What are the most attractive destinations of the Costa Dorada in May? Let's name the main pros:
- Weather. At the end of spring, it is already warm outside. Although there are cloudy days, most of the time, the coast is flooded with bright sunshine.
- There are relatively few people in PortAventura Park. It is the best amusement park in southern Europe, but it isn't easy to get here in high season because of the massive queues. But in May the influx of visitors is not so significant.
- Excellent conditions for sightseeing.
- Few tourists. The last month of spring is the beginning of the tourist season, so holidaymakers in Costa Dorada will be fewer.
The main disadvantage of holidays in May can be considered the cold sea. You will probably be able to sunbathe, but only the most impatient dare to go swimming.
The weather in Costa Dorada in May
At the end of spring, Spain gradually begins to flood with tourists, which is understandable because the weather in the Costa Dorada in May-June is warm and sunny. At this time, rainy days are still possible, but their number is already minimal.
You can't say that the weather in early May is hot. It is already quite warm during the day, but a refreshing coolness descends on the coastal towns in the evenings.
It is not very comfortable to go out at night without a cardigan or windbreaker. The temperature in the Costa Daurada in the middle of May stably stays within +20-22°С. Cloudy and overcast days are becoming less and less. The weather in Costa Dorada at the end of May favours long walks. However, the Spanish sun is quite treacherous on the last days of the month. It seems as if it is not so hot outside, but you can get sunburned quickly.
Air and water temperature
The climate in the Costa Dorada is of the Mediterranean type. It is one of the most favourable climates, with long, warm summers and mild winters. The tourist season on the Balearic coast lasts from May to October.
Air temperature in Costa Dorada in May
The average daytime temperature in Costa Dorada in May is +21.7°C. It gets much colder at night, with the thermometer dropping to +15.2°C. You can't do without warm clothes during the evening or sea walks.
Sea temperature in Costa Dorada in May
The water temperature in the Balearic Sea in May is only +17.6°C. It's possible to swim in the sea at this time of year but it's generally a little too cool for most. The sea in this resort warms up perfectly only by mid-summer.
Precipitation
The average monthly rainfall is about 20.4 mm. According to meteorological reports, the resort has two rainy days in May. Umbrella is likely to be an extra in your luggage.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
There is plenty of sunshine in May, although cloudy days are also possible. The number of sunny days is 78% (24 days), cloudy days — 16%, and overcast days — 6%.
Beach Holidays
The good news is that all the beaches of the Costa Dorada are municipal, and admission is free. Although it is still uncomfortable to swim at this time due to the low water temperature, it is still worth walking along the coast, breathing in the sea air and admiring the beauty of the Balearic Sea.
.jpg)
Levante
One of Salou's best beaches is hidden in a quiet cove. The Levante is not very large (1.2 km by 70 metres) and is always crowded in season, but there is room for everyone in May. The beach is marked with the "blue flag" indicating excellent conditions and environmental safety. Well-developed infrastructure, children's playgrounds and clubs, cafes, and a beautiful promenade — all these visitors will find on the sandy beach of Salou.
La Pineda
About 15 kilometres from Salou is the cosy resort of La Pineda. The local beach will appeal to lovers of a secluded, quiet holiday and is perfect for children. The entrance to the sea is gentle; the water in shallow waters warms up well. The sandy coastline and crystal-clear water compensate the lack of well-developed infrastructure.
The Llosa Beach in Cambrils
The beaches of Cambrils are favoured by lovers of active holidays.
Tourists with children are best to go to Llosa, where kids can build sandcastles and splash in shallow waters (the depth here increases gradually; the entrance to the water is gentle).
The beach has umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, changing rooms and showers, and a cafe.
Tour Holidays
Your sightseeing programme will be pretty rich because, besides beach holidays, the resort promises many exciting things to do. In addition, the warm weather is perfect for walking. While swimming in the sea is not the main part of the programme, devote time to sightseeing.
Tarragona Cathedral
The cathedral is considered one of the most significant architectural sights of the city. The cathedral was first conceived as a fortress, so it was equipped with loopholes, battlements, towers and other attributes of fortifications. The cathedral took a long time to build, so its architecture combines several styles, making it unique.
Not only the exterior of the cathedral is impressive, but also its interior. If the weather is overcast at the beginning of May, you can hide under the cathedral roof and visit the church museum, treasury and cloister.
Poblet Abbey
The abbey is in Tarragona and part of the "Cisterian Triangle" (three similar monasteries). The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Several museums, a pantheon, and abbeys can be explored here. The Gothic bell tower and ancient sculptures deserve special attention. Tours of the Abbey of Poblet take place daily.
Sama Park
The weather is perfect for strolling through parks and squares at the end of May. Near Cambrils, there is a picturesque place called Sama Park. The founder of this natural attraction, Don Salvador Sama, wanted to recreate the atmosphere of the late colonial era, and he succeeded.
The park is located 90 metres above sea level and is surrounded by almond plantations with many olive, tangerine and peach trees. There is also a pond, a waterfall, an unusual shell fountain and monuments.
And if you come on holiday with children, we recommend finding time for the best family entertainment:
- PortAventura amusement park.
- Aquapark Aquopolis, La Pineda.
- House of Illusion in Salou.
- National Park in the delta of the Ebro River.
- Karting centre in Salou.
Holidays, events and festivals
Holidays in Spain are always fun and bright because the locals can't imagine life without incendiary dances, songs and entertainment. Festivals in the Costa Dorada in May, although few, are unforgettable.
On May 1, as in many other countries, Spain celebrates Labour Day. On the streets are rallies in defence of workers' rights. Demonstrators often gather in the squares. This day is an official day off.
On the first Sunday of May, Spaniards celebrate Mother's Day. The choice of date is not accidental — in Spain, May is considered the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Before the holiday, children prepare their gifts to please their mothers. Perfume, cosmetic, flower and confectionery shops are full of goods with the appropriate symbols.
In the middle of the month, Tarragona is home to the Tarraco Viva (Tarraco Alive) Festival. During the ten-day festival, the city seems to return in time: people dressed in togas, legionaries and gladiators can be seen walking the streets. As part of the festival, the Tarraco a Taula cookery competition is held, in which cooks from different parts of Spain participate. Guests and participants of the festival can taste dishes of ancient Roman cuisine.
Cost of vacation
A lot of people want to visit Spain for the May holidays. Although the tourist season has just begun, prices in Costa Dorada in May are already relatively high.
Package Tours
In May, travel agencies offer tours that are 19% cheaper compared to April prices. In June, however, prices will increase by 24%. Each summer month will cost more and more to holiday on the Balearic coast.
Airfares
A flight to Reus is cheaper in April than in May. At the end of spring, ticket prices will increase by 10-20%. In June, ticket prices will decrease by 22%.
Accommodations
Despite the opening of the season and the great travelling opportunities associated with the holiday weekend, Salou hotel room rates will be 52% less than in April. In June, the cost of accommodation will rise sharply. At the beginning of summer, there is a 57% increase in price. Thus, the average cost of a hotel room in April is 150 euros, in May — 72 euros, in June — 171 euros.
Food and Transport
Spanish cuisine will not leave even gourmets indifferent. For dinner in a Michelin restaurant, you will have to pay at least 100 euros per person. In a lower-class restaurant, visitors will leave 50 euros (wine is included in the price). Dinner in an inexpensive cafe costs about 15-20 euros, and a snack of street food can be even for 5 euros.
Buses run between the resort towns of the Costa Dorada; the fare within one fare zone is 2.5 euros.
T-10 card costing 12 euros allows you to make 10 bus ride in 1 zone. You can also travel between cities on mini-trains. The fare is 3-4 euros. Taxi services cost about 3.5 euros for boarding and 1.5 euros for each kilometre of travel.
It is possible to rent a car in the Costa Dorada. An economy car rented for a day will cost tourists about 60 euros. You can rent a bicycle for 12 euros per day (+100 euros mandatory deposit).
- What to Eat in Spain — 48 Spanish Foods You Must Try
- Spanish Fruit and Vegetables — A Seasonal Guide
What clothes to pack for Costa Dorada in May?
In May, holidaymakers will need different clothes. Take light clothes for day walks and warm clothes for night walks.
If it is comfortable during the day in a T-shirt and shorts, at night, even a long-sleeved jumper will not save you - it is better to put on a cardigan or windbreaker.
Even though the Balearic Sea is still cool, pack a swimming costume in your suitcase, as many hotels have swimming pools. Don't forget sun protection: a hat and sun cream are essential.
Tips for travellers with children
If your main goal for a May vacation is to improve your children's health at sea, it is worth considering other resorts. But in general, the beginning of the tourist season on the Costa Daurada is not bad for family holidays. The weather is warm and sunny, almost every town has a lot of entertainment, and most hotels are oriented to guests with children.
A visit to the world-famous amusement park PortAventura in May is a great idea. This park will be remembered for life by children of all ages and their parents, who will have a lot of fun here.
There is still no summer heat in May, so the Costa Daurada is a good holiday destination for kids. Although swimming in the sea is still not available, do not refuse to travel — sea air and warm sun benefit children's bodies.
Costa Dorada is not for nothing considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. The stunning sandy coast gently embraces the azure waves and will win your heart forever.
If you have yet to decide where to go on the May holidays, this place will be an excellent option. Also, when choosing a resort, look through Kidpassage's article "Spain in May". Whatever your requirements and wishes may be, fabulous Spain will fully satisfy them.
