Salou has been a Brit favourite for years, thanks to its handy location on the "Gold Coast" of Spain, the Costa Daurada. This popular resort is also near the fun-loving Catalonian city of Barcelona to the north, whilst the Roman city of Tarragona is to the south.
Salou is affordable, familiar and the beaches are lovely and safe, many of them marked with Blue Flags, so it's great for families - even more so given one of Europe's biggest and best theme parks, Port Aventura, is on the doorstep.
Used as a port by both the Greeks and the Romans, there's history in Salou too, with generations of Aragons leaving here to conquer the Balearic Islands - it was then a hotbed for pirates, hence Torre Vella, a defence tower built by the Archbishop of Tarragona in 1530.
Salou is affordable, familiar and the beaches are lovely and safe, many of them marked with Blue Flags, so it's great for families - even more so given one of Europe's biggest and best theme parks, Port Aventura, is on the doorstep.
Used as a port by both the Greeks and the Romans, there's history in Salou too, with generations of Aragons leaving here to conquer the Balearic Islands - it was then a hotbed for pirates, hence Torre Vella, a defence tower built by the Archbishop of Tarragona in 1530.
Beaches in Salou
Salou's main beach, Platja Llevant, made up of fine, golden sand, is one of the best on the Costa Daurada's 160-or-so miles of coast. It's clean, shelves gently into the Med and has all the beachside bits and bobs you need.
It does get crowded in high season, so try Ponent next door, another fine beach. Or sample little Platja dels Capellans, which consistently earns itself the symbol of beach success - the EU's Blue Flag. Out of town, Platja Larga runs alongside the Salou-Tarragona coast road.
If you fancy something quiet, head along to Cambrils - just south of Tarragona, it's a cross between a fishing village and seaside resort and boasts beautiful beach action.
Nearby La Pineda is another sleepy choice with a wide sweep of beach.Sightseeing in Salou
The pretty flower-decked, fountain and palm-lined Paseo Maritimo is a highlight of the town and the lovely promenade is perfect for strolls day or night.
In Salou, there are plenty of watersports to try as well as golf, parasailing, tennis and horse riding all nearby.
Head the few miles east to Tarragona to see the Roman amphitheatre and the remains of the Roman Circus. Make a photo stop at the magnificent Gothic cathedral dominating the skyline of the old quarter.
Salou's main beach, Platja Llevant, made up of fine, golden sand, is one of the best on the Costa Daurada's 160-or-so miles of coast. It's clean, shelves gently into the Med and has all the beachside bits and bobs you need.
It does get crowded in high season, so try Ponent next door, another fine beach. Or sample little Platja dels Capellans, which consistently earns itself the symbol of beach success - the EU's Blue Flag. Out of town, Platja Larga runs alongside the Salou-Tarragona coast road.
If you fancy something quiet, head along to Cambrils - just south of Tarragona, it's a cross between a fishing village and seaside resort and boasts beautiful beach action.
Nearby La Pineda is another sleepy choice with a wide sweep of beach.Sightseeing in Salou
The pretty flower-decked, fountain and palm-lined Paseo Maritimo is a highlight of the town and the lovely promenade is perfect for strolls day or night.
In Salou, there are plenty of watersports to try as well as golf, parasailing, tennis and horse riding all nearby.
Head the few miles east to Tarragona to see the Roman amphitheatre and the remains of the Roman Circus. Make a photo stop at the magnificent Gothic cathedral dominating the skyline of the old quarter.
Family attractions in Salou
The key attraction is Port Aventura, a huge and excellent theme park with five 'lands' - Far West, China, Mediterranean, Polynesia and Mexico - as well as the Caribe Aquatic Park, hotels and many restaurants. Hotel guests can spend lazy days at the excellent Beach Club.
Brand new is the fastest roller coaster in Europe, Furios Baco, which opened this summer and can reach 83.9mph in just 3.5 seconds... The most famous rollercoaster is still Dragon Khan and its eight terrifying loop-the-loops can be seen from miles around.
There's a cute little road train that goes from Port Aventura to La Pineda, a lovely little resort and home to Aquopolis, with fun rides and slides as well as a dolphin show.
At Aqualeon, kids can see wildlife shows, go on 'safari' or just mess about in the large water park with rides and slides like Super Slalom and the Black Hole… Regular buses run to the park from Salou.
The key attraction is Port Aventura, a huge and excellent theme park with five 'lands' - Far West, China, Mediterranean, Polynesia and Mexico - as well as the Caribe Aquatic Park, hotels and many restaurants. Hotel guests can spend lazy days at the excellent Beach Club.
Brand new is the fastest roller coaster in Europe, Furios Baco, which opened this summer and can reach 83.9mph in just 3.5 seconds... The most famous rollercoaster is still Dragon Khan and its eight terrifying loop-the-loops can be seen from miles around.
There's a cute little road train that goes from Port Aventura to La Pineda, a lovely little resort and home to Aquopolis, with fun rides and slides as well as a dolphin show.
At Aqualeon, kids can see wildlife shows, go on 'safari' or just mess about in the large water park with rides and slides like Super Slalom and the Black Hole… Regular buses run to the park from Salou.
Day trips in Salou
One of the most fun and vibrant cities in Spain, Barcelona, is only an hour and a half away by car. From the famous unfinished Sagrada Familia church, to other crazy Gaudi architecture, the city has a kooky, bohemian edge to it. There's a Picasso museum for culture vultures, or helicopter trips over the city if you want to show off. Kids will love the human 'statues' up and down Las Ramblas; parents will love the pavement cafes.
Visit the striking Benedictine monastery at Montserrat, perched high up on a mountain amidst weird rock formations.
One of the most fun and vibrant cities in Spain, Barcelona, is only an hour and a half away by car. From the famous unfinished Sagrada Familia church, to other crazy Gaudi architecture, the city has a kooky, bohemian edge to it. There's a Picasso museum for culture vultures, or helicopter trips over the city if you want to show off. Kids will love the human 'statues' up and down Las Ramblas; parents will love the pavement cafes.
Visit the striking Benedictine monastery at Montserrat, perched high up on a mountain amidst weird rock formations.
Restaurants in Salou
Salou caters well to its predominantly British holidaymakers from fast food, to pizzerias; 'British' pubs to Chinese restaurants.
There are plenty of traditional Spanish restaurants too, serving typical Catalan dishes such as rossejat (fish soup), suquet (fish stew) and dishes served with local sauces like romesco and picada.
For an authentic night out, head to quieter Cambrils for dinner - it's known on the Costa Daurada for its delicious fresh fish.
Salou caters well to its predominantly British holidaymakers from fast food, to pizzerias; 'British' pubs to Chinese restaurants.
There are plenty of traditional Spanish restaurants too, serving typical Catalan dishes such as rossejat (fish soup), suquet (fish stew) and dishes served with local sauces like romesco and picada.
For an authentic night out, head to quieter Cambrils for dinner - it's known on the Costa Daurada for its delicious fresh fish.
Nightlife in Salou
If you're still in Port Aventura in the evening, the park puts on a grand multi-media show, called the Fiesta Aventura, with fireworks, fountains and parades. Kids will also love the little nightly funfair at the end of the Jaime I seafront promenade in Salou.
If you like to party, Salou has lots of lively pubs, bars and clubs - anything from foam parties to karaoke; Irish bars to quiz nights at the Rovers Return (yes, really).
But there are plenty of options if you're not into a raucous night out - there are flamenco nights or performances of Sardana, a famous Catalonian dance.
If you're still in Port Aventura in the evening, the park puts on a grand multi-media show, called the Fiesta Aventura, with fireworks, fountains and parades. Kids will also love the little nightly funfair at the end of the Jaime I seafront promenade in Salou.
If you like to party, Salou has lots of lively pubs, bars and clubs - anything from foam parties to karaoke; Irish bars to quiz nights at the Rovers Return (yes, really).
But there are plenty of options if you're not into a raucous night out - there are flamenco nights or performances of Sardana, a famous Catalonian dance.
Shopping in Salou
There are endless shops in Salou, as well as a popular street market every Monday along Via Roma.
If you miss that, Cambrils' street market is every Wednesday in the centre of the old town.
Check out the big-name brand stores and designer malls of Tarragona or Barcelona for serious retail therapy.
There are endless shops in Salou, as well as a popular street market every Monday along Via Roma.
If you miss that, Cambrils' street market is every Wednesday in the centre of the old town.
Check out the big-name brand stores and designer malls of Tarragona or Barcelona for serious retail therapy.
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