Introduction:
Salou is the capital of the Costa Dorada region. Inexpensive accommodation, clear blue sea and long sandy beaches are the reasons for its popularity.
Type of holidays:
Salou is the perfect destination for a lengthy holiday. It is a family-oriented region that can accommodate guests of all ages for a week or more.
Main holiday season:
Tourist season begins in the spring, when temperatures peak at around 64°F (18°C). This is an excellent time to be out and about on the many tours and excursions offered in the area.
Tourism picks up in the summer months, because the highs (between 68 and 79°F, or 20 and 26°C) are warm but never too hot for enjoying a day outside.
Summer months have up to 10 hours of sunshine per day.
Popular excursions:
Downhill Bikes provides a unique look at Salou. The half-day tour accomodates even novice riders. Photo CDs are available for purchase so there's no need to take a personal camera.
The Salou local guided tour provides personalised, informative tours, which will give visitors an idea of the best places to visit.
With Touchdown Tours tourists can decide their departure and return times as well as the specific things they would like to see. There are plenty of English-speaking tour guides.
Beyond Salou offers a wide variety of excursions: everything from Jeep outings to spa days can be arranged through this company. Day-trips to Barcelona, vineyards, and monasteries are also available.
Popular sports and activities:
House of Illusion proves that magic is not just for kids. Drinks are included in the price of your seat, and the performers frequently mingle with the guests after the show!
No matter what decade best defines you, you'll love Decades. Drinks are included in your ticket price here, too, and there's a children's entertainment room that keeps them happy for the length of the show filled with music from the 50s to the 00s.
The Dancing Fountain Show is an aquatic opera and light show that's a great way to end a day in Salou.
A stroll down Paseo Maritimo boardwalk is a must. From here you can watch the Dancing Fountain Show.
PortAventura Park is a theme park in the area. It is divided into several country-inspired parts, plus a children's area. It has a wide variety of large and small rides and several unique shows to make everyone happy.
There are several water parks in the area. One is PortAventura Aquatic Park.
Aquopolis is much larger and includes several pools and a dolphin show.
Tourists who like adventure should definitely visit Bosc Aventura. There, they will be harnessed into safety gear can try out a set of obstacle courses and zip lines. There is also a recently-added paintball area.
Beaches:
Llevant Beach is conveniently located near many shops and restaurants. It is large enough to accommodate big crowds, but it can still be very busy.
Ponent Beach is another beach which provides easy access to many bars, cafés and restaurants on its promenade.
Playa Larga is a gorgeous beach that has lots of water sports and beach rentals including chairs and umbrellas. There is a bus stop and parking nearby.
If you're looking for a more private beach, try the cove of Platja dels Campallans or Platja del Llenguadets.
Nightlife:
Live music and trivia in which winners are rewarded with shots are just a couple of the reasons Christy's Irish Bar has become a home away from home for repeat tourists in Salou, Spain. The same can be said for the Rose and Crown pub. Families are welcome, especially during the afternoon hours. At night, there are quizzes, televised sports, and live entertainment.
Charlie Chaplin's is a dance club that is well known for its stout drinks and varied entertainment, from the live music to hypnosis and fire breathing acts.
The Victoria bar and dance club doesn't even think of shutting the doors until the wee hours of the morning After midnight, the party really kicks off with karaoke and a disco.
In addition to the wonderful night time atmosphere at Danny Boy, the pub also has a great menu for lunch, dinner and drinks. The staff may also be able to get you a great deal at Lumine Golf Club.
La Cage dance club is great value for the money, with two drinks included in your admission. There are several rooms featuring different musical genres.
Most popular hotels/resorts:
If you're going to a beach resort, you'll probably want to stay on the beach. If immediate access to sandy shores is a priority for you, try Sol Costa Daurada, which is also near PortAventura Park. Half board here is a flexible, accommodating option.
Also on the beach is the Magnolia Hotel. It can make adults-only travelling to places such as Barcelona very convenient.
Guests at the Piramide Salou Hotel have the option of hitting the beach or taking advantage of the large sun terraces. Children will love the kids-only play area, too.
Hotel Calypso is a conveniently-located grown-up play area, with many of the city's best bars just one street away.
The Blaumar Hotel is situated right in the middle of town but is still on the beach as well.
Being on the beach may not be a priority for you, but getting a great deal probably is. The Villamarina Club Hotel is one place you can do that.
Another value for the money is the Vil-la Romana Hotel. Kids will love the huge pool and inflatable slide.
Another child-friendly hotel is the Dorada Palace, which has a kids' club that runs twice a day. They also run specials in conjunction with the nearby theme park without the park-resort price.