Salou is a municipality on the Costa Daurada of Tarragona in Catalonia. It is a popular beach and vacation spot with a string of beaches and the nearby PortAventura World theme park.

Understand

Used as a port by Greeks and Romans, Salou was the site of an important historic event in 1229 when the fleet of James I of Aragon departed from its port to conquer the Balearic islands, creating the Kingdom of Majorca. In 1286, Alfons III of Aragon also departed from this port to conquer Minorca, the last Muslim territory of the Balearic Islands.

Today, the city of 27,000 people (2018) is considered the capital and most popular destination of the Costa Daurada. Salou was famous for its permanent fairground at the end of the promenade and is used as the base for the Catalunyan round of the World Rally Championship.

Get in

By plane

The nearest airport is 1 Reus Airport (REU ^IATA), which is mainly served by charter flights and Ryanair.

Barcelona El Prat (BCN ^IATA) is the nearest major international airport, about 100 km away. Plana (+34 977 553 680) operates buses from the airport to Tarragona and onto Salou about five times a day.

By train

The railway station in Salou city centre was closed in January 2020. There is a new line between Tarragona and Amposta that has a stop at 2 Port Aventura.

By car

Salou is just south of the AP-7 (Autopista de la Mediterrània) and A-7 motorways. Take the exit for the C-14 to Salou. It is approximately 10 km from Tarragona and Reus and 112 km from Barcelona.

By bus

The E6 bus, operated by Plana (+34 977 553 680), connects Salou with Tarragona's central bus station via Vila-seca with 12 trips per day M-F, 7 trips on Saturday and 4 trips on Sunday.

By taxi or private transfer

From Barcelona, the journey typically takes approximately 90 minutes, during which you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery. It's worth noting that the cost of a taxi ride is usually around €180, so it's recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. If you prefer a more affordable option, private transfer services like Andy can be a great choice. Prices start at €130 when booking and payment are made online in advance, making it a hassle-free and budget-friendly way to travel to Salou.

Get around

• The public bus service (PLANA) and taxis service the town.
• To get outside Salou, and to get to the nearby Port Aventura theme park, use the train station which is up the promenade or you can use taxis and bus services, all are relatively cheap.

See

The Torre Vella tower and grounds

• 1 Santa Maria Del Mar Church, C. de l'Església, 26, ☏ +34 977 380 173. M-Th 9:30-12:30, Sa 18:30-20:00, Su 9:30-13:00. The oldest church in Salou, it was built in 1766 by the fishermen's guild with a single nave and Baroque bell tower. It was enlarged in the mid-20th century along with the distinctive paintings and murals. (updated Dec 2020)
• 2 Torre Vella, Via Aurèlia, 0, ☏ +34 977 383 323. M-Sa 18:00-20:30. The tower was built in the 16th century to protect the population from attack by pirates. It now holds art exhibitions and events. The adjoining country house was built in the 18th century. Free. (updated Dec 2020)
• Theatre (Teatre Auditori de Salou). The theatre plays local events and famous acts such as Sergio Dalma. (updated Dec 2020)

Salou Promenade (Passeig Jaume I)

The promenade is one of the most beautiful landmarks of Salou. Lined with palms, it runs along the coast adjacent to Llevant Beach, the biggest beach in the town. The beach is lined with many children's play areas and sculptures.

• 3 Cybernetic Fountains, Passeig de Jaume I & C. del Mar (western end of Passeig de Jaume I). A 1,000 jet fountain on the seaside walkway with light and music shows at night. The show usually operates from Easter through November after sunset. (updated Dec 2020)
• 4 Landmark Salou (Lletres Color Salou), Passeig de Jaume I & C. de Paris (near the anchor and Labyrinth Fountain). Public artwork with "Salou" spelt in bright colours. Perhaps a bit tacky but popular spot for photos with Llevant Beach and the Mediterranean in the background. (updated Dec 2020)
• 5 Jaume I Monument, Passeig de Jaume I, between C. de Madrid & C. de Girona. A monument that commemorates the departure of King Jaume I's fleet in Sept 1229 to conquer Majorca. (updated Dec 2020)
• 6 Font Lluminosa, Passeig de Jaume I & Avinguda del Principat d'Andorra (eastern end of Passeig de Jaume I). The original fountain on the promenade, built in 1973. It has 100 jets and, like the Cybernetic Fountains, is part of the evening light and music shows that run from Easter through November. (updated Dec 2020)

Do

Llevant Beach

• Beaches - The main beach is the Llevant Beach, although other beaches include Platja de Ponent, Platja dels Capellans, Platja Llarga and Cala Crancs.
• PortAventura Resort - Includes a theme park, aquatic park and four hotels. It has many rollercoasters, water rides , simulators and restaurants. You can access PortAventura via the train, bus and taxi.
• Golf Course - Lumine Golf Club, Salou (formerly known as PortAventura golf). There are three courses, which are north, south and central. North and central were designed by Greg Norman and the green project designed the south course. The facilities consist of two clubhouses, beach club, restaurants, pro shop, rental services and a golf school.
• Watersports - Banana boats, pedaloes, windsurfing, boat trips can be arranged on the main beach (Llevant Beach).
• Arcades - They are open across the whole town of Salou with pool tables, basketball and slot machines.
• Karting Salou - Attraction includes go-karting, bungee rocket and an arcade.
• Bosc Aventura - Attraction includes zip lines, a climbing wall and paintball.
• Tourist train. 2½-hour trip through Salou and surroundings. Very crowded. €4. (updated Oct 2016)

Buy

There are plenty of small souvenir shops in Salou, especially in the streets along the beach and in Barcelona street. You can find some upmarket boutiques further up the promenade, near the station and marina, this is accompanied by a few upmarket restaurants. There is more upmarket shopping in the old town which has a market every Monday. A shopping centre is in Vila-Seca across the road from PortAventura called Port Halley. Barcelona and Tarragona can be reached by using the many transport services for more extensive shopping.

Most shops and businesses take advantage of the lively night-time atmosphere and are open until quite late. Indeed, you can expect to see streets thronged with tourists shopping for souvenirs and gifts along with more practical items at 22:00 in the evening, even in April.

Eat

In Salou you can find a high variety of international restaurants, including many Mediterranean restaurants serving Paella as their main dish, although the standard of cuisine is of the "non-gourmet" type and therefore very casual. For more upmarket and quality cuisine, walk up the promenade towards the Marina where many good restaurants surround the area or close to the Spanish mansions along the seafront where there is an upmarket restaurant called Villa Alexander. For local cuisine there is a lovely restaurant called las Brasas.

The area also serves those wanting fast food such as McDonald's, Telepizza, Burger King, Pans&Company, and Subway.

The neighbouring town of Cambrils is famous throughout Spain for its seafood restaurants and therefore well worth taking a visit.

• The Guinness Tavern, Calle Alfonso V (around the corner from Christy's Irish bar), ☏ +34 650435791. 17:00-23:00. Has a lovely garden terrace where you can enjoy quality food, including prime fillet steaks, steak and Guinness pie and homemade fish cakes. Good service, too. 

Drink

Salou is a package holiday destination for many different age groups, and is mainly known for its nightlife during the summer time. There are many clubs and discos in Salou many of them crowded they include Snoepy's, Bus Stop, Tropical Salou and the famous nightclub chain called Pacha in the neighbouring resort of La Pineda. During these months, the number of foreigners is higher than the number of locals, which justifies the high number of international bars and pubs that you can find in Salou.

• The Rose & Crown. Great night with nightly bingo and quizzes during the summer. 
• Christys Irish bar. Great live music every night fantastic atmosphere a great night out for all. 
• Charlie Chaplin's. Fantastic disco bar with live entertainment every night. 
• Snoepy's Club Sound. Nightclub offering great music every night with a fantasic atmosphere and a great night out for all. 
• Flashback. Nightclub with brilliant music from yesteryear offering those who enjoy music from the past a guaranteed fun-filled night out. 

Sleep

Salou is a tourist resort and thus has many hotels and apartment blocks located there. Quality varies greatly and can be judged by the number of stars (i.e. 3-star, 4-star) displayed outside the premises. In the past decade the accommodation on offer has improved dramatically and is no longer relied upon cheap 1/2-star accommodation with major international chains such as H10 and Sol in Salou.

• Ohtels Belvedere, Calle Terrer, 7, ☏ +34 977 35 20 15. 
• Ohtels Playa de Oro Park, Calle Vendrell, 9, ☏ +34 977 35 39 78. 
• Ohtels Vil·la Romana, Avinguda dels Països Catalans, 9, ☏ +34 977 35 33 38. 4-star hotel in salou 
• Ohtels Villa Dorada, Calle Vendrell, 11, ☏ +34 977 38 55 11. 
• Hotel Negresco, C/ Replanells, 12-14 43840, ☏ +34 977 370 392. 
• Best Da Vinci Royal, C/ Mayor, 53-55 43840, ☏ +34 977 350 639. 
• Best Michelángelo, C/ Lleida, s/n 43840, ☏ +34 977 385 214. 
• Hotel Best San Francisco, C/ Amposta, 5 43840, ☏ +34 977 380 666. 
• Hotel Los Ángeles, C/ Falset, 9-17 43840, ☏ +34 977 381 462. 
• Hotel San Diego, C/ Penedés, 23-27 43840, ☏ +34 977 381 900. 
• Oasis Park Hotel, Avda. Carles Buigues, 46-48 43840, ☏ +34 977 381 983. 
• Hotel Best Mediterráneo, C/ Vendrell, 23 43840, ☏ +34 977 352 137. 
• Cap Salou Hotel, C/ Cala de la Font, 1 43840, ☏ +34 977 371 985. 
• Hotel Sol d'Or, Camí del Racó, s/n 43840ou, ☏ +34 977 371 000. 
• Sunclub. (updated Oct 2017)

Connect

There are many contact centres in and around Salou to connect to the Internet including many hotels and apartments, which have internet access in their reception area. There are also phone boxes up and down Salou if you want to contact home. Wi-Fi is also available in the resort of Salou in designated areas which are clearly marked.

Go next

Salou is a base for tourists, but is also used by young people and families as a place to relax and enjoy the sun and beach. For those who wish to see more of the surrounding Catalonia and Spain, consider these day trips.

• Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain and the capital of the region of Catalonia. The city won't disappoint, and has many shops, bars, restaurants and sights to see. You can take the train or bus (PLANA) to access Barcelona which around 2½ hours away.
• Tarragona, the nearby town, with beautiful plazas and old traditional cafés, worth a quick visit.
• Reus, the birthplace of Gaudi, with museums, shopping and cuisine tempting people to visit time and time again.
• La Pineda is home to the Aquopolis water park and the Pacha nightclub. This resort is much smaller than Salou but has bars, souvenir shops and also includes 4-star hotels and a 5-star hotel.
• Cambrils, a fishing village with a beautiful marina and many tempting seafood restaurants.
• Montserrat is a mountain near Barcelona, in Catalonia, in Spain. It is the site of a Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat, which hosts the Virgin of Montserrat sanctuary and which is identified by some with the location of the Holy Grail in Arthurian myth. It is a place of natural beauty, and is popular with both holiday group excursions and religious groups on pilgrimage. It has a cable car and mountain train for those who wish not to walk to parts of the mountain, although some areas such as the viewing point at the very top is only accessible by walking up relatively accessible paved paths.
• Aqualeon Costa Dorada, is a water and safari park combined to make an exciting day trip. Aqualeon is in Albinyana, Tarragona.