Visit Salou
Salou is one of the main resorts on Spain's popular Costa Dorada coast. It is in the Tarragona province in the Catalonia region of Spain.
Explore Salou
The Costa Dorado is known as the Gold Coast for its long sandy beaches. Salou is one of the key resorts on this stretch of the coast. Popular for its beaches, its proximity to PortAventura, one of the biggest theme parks in Europe, and to the small airport of Reus which is only 15 minutes away and has regular flights to and from London.
Salou is also only about an hour's drive away from Barcelona.
The main action in Salou is centered around the Passeig Jaume I, a long boulevard running along the edge of the main beach. The boulevard is edged with rows of palm trees and has a wide pedestrian path as well as a cycle path and the road.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from when you are looking for a break from a leisurely day on the beach.
The Jaume I promenade is also home to the fountains of Salou which incorporate 1000 jets and there are regular sound and light spectactles throughout the day and night. The fountains are spread out along the length of the promenade. Each set of fountains has its own timetable for its displays.
There are some historic sights to look out for in Salou including the Santa Maria del Mar church and the Torre Vella, a defensive tower built in 1530 to defend the town against pirates. There is also a lovely coastal path which is 6.5km long and runs between the Pilon area and the Salou lighthouse and passes various beaches and coves along the way.
Salou is not a luxury holiday resort. It is a fairly budget resort with lots of cheap eateries and bars around. The beaches are good, long strips of golden sand and the delights of Catalonia are at your fingertips.
There are two tourist trains to help you get the most out of your visit. The first includes various high points of the town including the Santa Maria church, the Modernist villas and the Jaume I boulevard. The second explores various pretty coves near to Salou and the Salou lighthouse.
There are plenty of opportunities for watersports, golf, karting or tennis. In fact really everything you need is at hand at this lively resort.
The main beach is the Platja Llevant though there are plenty more beaches as well as small sheltered coves. All in all there are 34 blue flag beaches in and around Salou and they are sheltered by Cape Salou.
Nightlife in Salou is lively with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. However if you are looking for something quiet or authentic this is not the spot for you.
Places to visit nearby
Near to Salou PortAventura is Europe's biggest theme park. If you want to see and do everything you can get 3 day passes. Port Aventura is famous for its Dragon Khan roller coaster which has 8 loop the loops and can be seen from afar. It also has the Furius Baco ride which is the fastest roller coaster in Europe. Many of Salou's visitors come specially to be close to the theme park.
Tired of the theme park? PortAventura also has an aqutic park with lots of slides.
The nearby town of Tarragona has a lovely medieval centre and is home to a well preserved Roman ampitheatre.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Tarragona guide and the Catalonia guide.
Map of Salou and places to visit
Salou places to visit
PortAventura
PortAventura is one of Europe's biggest theme parks. It is a great family attraction.
PortAventura guide
Tarragona
Tarragona's roman ruins are one of the World Heritage Sites in Catalonia. It also has a medieval old town.
Tarragona guide
Montblanc
Montblanc is a beautiful, walled town with a number of Romanesque and Gothic monuments to see.
Montblanc guide
Monestir de Poblet
The Monestir de Poblet is one of the most important in Spain and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Monestir de Poblet guide
Sitges
Sitges is a highlight of the coastal towns south of Barcelona. It has some excellent Modernist architecture.
Sitges guide
Lleida
Lleida has a large ruined fort, La Suda, and an outstanding cathedral, the Seu Vell
Lleida guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Catalonia
