Salou, located on Spain’s stunning Costa Dorada, is the perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday. Imagine golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of exciting activities—that’s Salou.
When to Visit?
- Spring (March to May): Pleasant weather, perfect for exploring without the crowds.
- Summer (June to September): Peak season with hot temperatures and lively beaches—don’t forget your sunscreen!
- Autumn & Winter: Quieter but still charming, ideal for relaxing or visiting theme parks.
How to Get There?
Getting to Salou is simple.
- From Madrid: Around 550 km. By car, the journey takes 5 to 6 hours. By train, the AVE high-speed train reaches Camp de Tarragona station in about 2 hours 45 minutes, just a short distance from Salou.
- From Barcelona: About 110 km away. You can travel by car or train, with regular services taking between 1h and 1h30.
What to Do?
Once you arrive, head straight to the beach! Playa de Llevant is the main beach, with fine sand and shallow waters, perfect for families. It has a wide and beautiful promenade, where some of the city’s main attractions are located, making it the best area to stay.
Want something less crowded? Playa de Ponent is right next to the central beach, and you can walk between them via a pathway over the rocks and sea, offering one of the best sunset walks. And if you’re looking to relax, Cala Crancs is a hidden cove that will win you over.
But Salou isn’t just about beaches. There’s plenty to do outdoors—hiking trails, cycle paths, and water sports like jet skiing, paddleboarding, and diving. And when night falls, the city buzzes with bars, nightclubs, and pubs for all tastes, from live music to international DJs.
What to Eat?
And what about the food? Salou has fantastic restaurants, ranging from beachfront kiosks to various restaurants and bars spread throughout the city centre.
As a Mediterranean coastal town, its highlight is, of course, fish and seafood. Don’t miss the chance to try Suquet de Pescado and Caracoles a la Llauna.
Fun & Entertainment
Now, the main highlight: PortAventura and Ferrari Land.
PortAventura is a massive theme park with six themed areas – Mediterrània, Polynesia, China, Mexico, Far West, and SésamoAventura. If you love roller coasters, don’t miss Shambhala, the tallest in Europe, Dragon Khan, with its eight loops, and Furious Baco, insanely fast and thrilling. For kids, SésamoAventura offers pure fun with Sesame Street characters.
💡 Personal tip: The Uncharted roller coaster was recently inaugurated, but I’d only recommend it if the queue is really short. The line is deceptive, leading you from one waiting area to another, making it feel never-ending. The estimated wait time at the entrance was 50 minutes, but we ended up waiting almost 2 hours. The ride itself, though fun, lasts only 90 seconds, without major thrills.
Right next door is Ferrari Land, entirely dedicated to the famous Italian brand. The park’s biggest attraction is Red Force, Europe’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, reaching 180 km/h in just 5 seconds!. There are also F1 simulators and interactive experiences, making it a fantastic place, especially for Ferrari enthusiasts. However, the park has fewer rides, which is why it only opens in the late afternoon—making it a great combo with PortAventura, which closes early.
Salou is the perfect destination with a bit of everything. Whether you love adventure, beaches, or great food, Salou will surprise you. So, pack your bags and come discover everything this incredible coastal city has to offer!
