Getaway to Cambrils: A peaceful gastronomic paradise

The day’s return of the fishing boats to the quay is a sight that's famous in Cambrils, and of course it’s free! Every evening after a long day at sea, the boats return home accompanied by hungry gulls calling for their supper. The sight demonstrates how this fishing town maintains its traditions while embracing tourism, and visitors are welcome to chat with fishermen, who are happy to show children the many different types of fish in their catch.

Your second day begins with a ride on the tourist train, which takes you around the town’s most interesting sights, through its narrow streets overlooked by flower-filled balconies and flapping laundry. As you pass the medieval walls and the hermitage, you can hear the town’s history and information about each feature. Be aware, though, that the train only runs until October, when it stops for its winter holidays.

If you have time before a late lunch, you can visit the fascinating Molino de las Tres Eres museum, housed in an old water-driven flour mill, where you can view its two permanent exhibitions, 'Cambrils: The origins', dedicated to its archaeology, and 'The Mill of the Three Ages: A Living Witness to the Past', which explains the original purpose of the building. The mill will be activated while you're there, which is always a great curiosity, especially for children.

And now your appetite is whetted, you face the difficult choice of where to eat, with so many delicious options. Cambrils is known as the gastronomic capital of the Costa Daurada, due to its chefs who prepare traditional recipes handed down through the generations, and to the top-quality produce from the sea and the local harvests. Always recommended, though, is the local 'suquet de pescado con salsa romesco', a traditional seafood dish in sauce, 'fideos rubios', which is similar to thin spaghetti, or the local black rice.

And after lunch, there's nothing better than a gentle stroll around the port area, where you can enjoy its shops and peaceful streets.

You can't leave Cambrils without seeing the Torre del Port (Port Tower), an old defence watchtower from the 17th century, now classified as a Cultural Site of National Interest. Its location makes it the perfect viewpoint over the whole port, and after admiring the view, you can wander along the seafront to admire the beach, or hire bikes and explore the town’s 30 kilometres of cycling routes.

If you're in Cambrils between October 14 and 16, the town’s sixth wine and gastronomy exhibition, 'Cambrils: the Door to Wine Country', will be held in the Parc del Pescador, with tastings of 'denominación de origen' wine from all over Catalonia, guided tastings, gastronomic tastings from the best restaurants, plenty of local produce for sale, children’s activities and live music. Make sure to mark the dates on your calendar.

You can find details of opening hours and how to reserve your space for the above activities at the Cambrils tourist office. Call 97 779 23 07.