Considering where to go for your summer vacation? Salou might just be the perfect choice! Things to do in Salou include enjoying beautiful beaches, a vibrant nightlife environment, and delicious food. In fact, Salou has something for everyone!

Recommended Hotels in Salou:

1. PortAventura Lucy’s Mansion (5*)
2. Blaumar Hotel (4*)
3. 4R Casablanca Playa (4*)
4. Hotel Best Da Vinci (4*)
5. Hotel Best San Diego (4*)
6. MedPlaya Hotel Calypso (4*)
7. H10 Vintage Salou Adults Only (4*)
8. Regente Aragón Gastronómico (4*)

Salou is only 68 miles (110 km) south of Barcelona, in Tarragona, the capital of the Costa Dorada. It’s a very popular holiday destination among Europeans, and in summer, its population of about 30,000 can easily multiply by five.

It not only attracts young people and couples but also families with kids. PortAventura Park, one of the most visited theme parks in Europe, attracts millions of visitors every year.

Things to Do in Salou

Find here all you need to know to get ready for an unforgettable summer holiday in Salou.

1. Stroll the Promenade

The first thing I did in Salou was walk along the Paseo Maritimo, known as Av Jaume I on the east side. It spans more than 1 km and runs along the beach. In summer, it’s packed with tourists, bustling with animation and joy.

The last time I was there was in February during the Carnival festival. Even though it wasn’t peak season, the streets were still bustling with people, especially on February 3 during the Cós Blanc festival. This festival resembles a carnival with carriage rides, costumed teams, and kiosks selling food and drinks. Around 40,000 people were expected to attend.

All of this gives me the impression that there’s almost always a festive atmosphere in Salou. However, it’s particularly lively in summer when the beaches and streets are packed with tourists, and the festive atmosphere is constant.

A big attraction is the fountains located in the promenade. They attract both adults and children and offer a wonderful show of light, water, and music.

The Promenade is lined with palm trees, which are quite impressive in number.

On the west side, it takes the name Paseo Miramar and runs right along the sea, in the direction of the next tourist town, Cambrils. This promenade is also bordered by palm trees.

2. Admire the Beauty of Old Mansions

Along Jaume I Avenue, you’ll encounter stunning old mansions. Among them is the Bonet House, one of the first built facing the beach in 1918. Designed by one of Antonio Gaudí’s disciples, it reflects late modernist art-nouveau style.

While unfortunately not open to visitors, you can still appreciate the splendor of this City Heritage site from the outside. Aesthetically, it’s fascinating.

Notable features include a ceramic sundial inscribed with “Take advantage of the time that passes and does not return.” Inside, the dining room ceiling boasts murals depicting King Jaume I’s departure from Salou’s beach on his journey to defeat the Moors in Mallorca.

Another example is Villa Enriqueta, blending early 20th-century modernism with modern and avant-garde design. Initially a restaurant, it was put up for sale in 2023.

3. Enjoy the Beautiful Salou Beaches

Next up, the renowned Salou beaches. Undoubtedly, they are the primary draw for thousands of tourists who flock to this picturesque city every summer.

Platja Llevant

Stretching along the promenade is Salou’s longest urban beach: Platja Llevant, spanning over one kilometer. Despite its popularity and large crowds, you can always count on its pristine waters and meticulous maintenance, evident by its 2023 Blue Flag Certification.

Stroll the promenade to discover various fountains, including the cybernetic, luminous, and a playful labyrinth of fountains, offering entertainment for both adults and kids.

As a Blue Flag beach, Platja Llevant is fully equipped with amenities for a fantastic beach day. Numerous restaurants, bars, shops, and outdoor terraces line the promenade, providing ample options for dining and relaxation.

Platja de Ponent

This beach, also known as Playa de Poniente, seamlessly continues from Platja Llevant towards the westernmost area of the town, leading to the neighboring town of Cambrils.

To access this beach, head towards the Nautical Club, where you’ll also find a charming palm tree forest. As I’ve mentioned before, the abundance of palm trees in Salou is truly remarkable, enhancing the environment with their lush greenery and beauty.

Similar to Platja Llevant, Platja de Ponent has been awarded the Blue Flag Certification for several years. Along its one-kilometer stretch, I stumbled upon delightful beach bars, known as “chiringuitos” in Spanish, serving local dishes and refreshing drinks, perfect for enjoying a cocktail while watching the sunset.

Capellans

Located adjacent to Platja Llevant but in the opposite direction, Capellans doesn’t lead towards Cambrils. It’s a charming golden sand beach spanning 200 meters, flanked by cliffs on both sides.

Situated just in front of tall buildings in the urban area, though these structures don’t necessarily enhance the beach’s beauty. Capellans tends to get very crowded in summer, but I’ve found it enjoyable during the off-season, especially with the abundance of nearby pine trees contributing to a tranquil atmosphere.

Notably, Capellans has also received a 2023 Blue Flag Certification, ensuring the quality of water, environment, and services available for your enjoyment.

Dels Llenguadets Beach

A mere 10-minute walk from Capellans lies Dels Llenguadets. This small cove measures only 40 meters wide and 60 meters long, nestled amidst cliffs with buildings dotting the landscape behind.

The waters here are shallow, and the sand is both golden and fine, complemented by surrounding vegetation.

Access to the cove is via stairs, making it less suitable for individuals with reduced mobility.

Platja Llarga

A 10-minute walk from Llenguadets will lead you to this semi-urban beach, spanning 650 meters in length and 35 meters in width, nestled close to a pine tree forest. It features calm waters and fine, golden sand.

During summer, the beach provides all necessary equipment, including boat rentals.

Penya Tallada Cove

This charming cove, only 60 meters in length, boasts fine sand and crystal-clear waters. One side is protected by a cliff, while the other side features an impressive vertical rock, from which the cove gets its name: Penya Tallada, meaning “cut rock.”

Nestled amidst striking vegetation and a pine tree forest, it’s mostly frequented by locals. Access is via stairs, so it’s not recommended for those with disabilities.

Cala Font and Cala Vinya

These two small urban coves are situated next to each other. They feature fine, golden sand and calm waters, surrounded by cliffs adorned with pine trees. Cala Font is 80 meters long and 40 meters wide.

Cala Font’s name, meaning “fountain” in Spanish, comes from an old fountain that used to exist there.

Although small, you’ll find a beach bar and other services. The calm waters allow for excellent visibility for snorkeling.

Cala Vinya, another charming cove, is only 35 meters long and also offers an ideal spot for snorkeling.

During the high season, the small size of Cala Vinya and the presence of large hotels in the surrounding area diminish some of its charm, as it tends to be very crowded. However, visiting in the low season offers a wonderful experience.

Cala Crancs

This is the final cove before reaching the Lighthouse, which marks the end of the Camino de Ronda in Salou. The native vegetation and abundance of pine trees enhance the beauty of this cove.

Snorkel enthusiasts adore this 90-meter-long cove for its clear waters and Posidonia meadows on the rocky bottom.

There is a shaded area near the beach and a playground for kids to enjoy.

4. Walk the Camino de Ronda

The Camino de Ronda is a network of coastal paths that span over 20 kilometers or more along the Costa Dorada in the Catalonia region.

The Camino de Ronda in Salou begins at the eastern end of Llevant Beach (Playa Llevant) in Pilons and extends to Replanells. This is a very nice neighborhood, once a fishing town in the past. It’s well known for a monument representing a sail facing the wind.

The second part of the Camino goes from Replanels to the Lighthouse of Salou. It’s rougher than the first one but perhaps more natural. This part extends for 4.5 kilometers.

Along the way, you will pass through Capellans, Llenguadets, Platja Llarga, the cove of Penya Tallada, the Cove of La Font, La Vinya, and Crancs.

The final point is the Lighthouse, which has lit the Gulf of San Jordi since the middle of the 19th century. In the past, its light was powered by olive oil and could be seen from nearly 15 miles away.

Around the lighthouse, there are three viewpoints from which you can watch the magnificent view of the Costa Dorada. I recommend the southern viewpoint, which offers stunning views of the mountains. It’s also a recommended spot for birdwatchers due to the variety of seabird species that can be observed from this point.

5. Visit PortAventura

One of the best things to do in Salou is to visit PortAventura, a fantastic theme park that attracts tourists from all over Europe. A trip to Salou with kids is incomplete without exploring Sesame Street Aventura, a park designed specifically for them within the expansive PortAventura complex. Here they will find their favorite Sesame Street characters.

Just a 5-minute drive from Salou, you can enjoy this fantastic amusement park. Explore all the worlds it offers: China, the Far West, Mexico, Polynesia, the Mediterranean, and Sesame Aventura.

Other parks in the complex include the Caribe Aquatic Park and Ferrari Land. In total, there are more than 40 attractions and a good assortment of restaurants.

6. Enjoy the Nightlife in Salou

Salou is well known among tourists from other European countries such as the British, Dutch, and French who arrive seeking its vibrant nightlife.

During summer, Salou’s nightlife is lively. Young people in their twenties fill the “slammers” as the pub areas are called. This extend along Carlos Buigas street, full of clubs and bars. The party starts at sunset, and the venues stay open until dawn.

Koko Beach Club is a nice bar located in front of the sea. The Victoria Pub Salou is a great pub with good music. The Rose and Crown is an authentic British Pub and highly recommended. Danny Boy is an Irish pub with good music. And Shooters is great if you want to watch football while having a drink.

Where to Stay in Salou

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Salou, you’re in luck! Salou offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels located right on the seafront, providing stunning views and easy access to the beach.

The area around Llevant Beach and Ponent Beach is particularly popular for those seeking seaside accommodations. Here, you’ll find a range of hotels catering to different budgets and preferences, from luxurious resorts to cozy boutique hotels. Plus, staying in this area means you’ll be close to various restaurants, shops, and attractions, making it a convenient base for exploring Salou.

Blaumar Hotel (4*), in front of Llevant Beach is a very good option, featuring everything to assure a good stay: 2 swimming pools, a spa, a gym and two excelent restaurants. Families with kids will be offered full-day entertainment for them. PortAventura Park is just a 5-minute drive away.

4R Casablanca Playa (4*), in front of Ponent Beach features rooms with balconies and an outdoor pool. An excellent restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and a varied buffet. Nearby bus stops have routes to PortAventura Park, Cambrils and Tarragona.

If you opt for a more quiet area but still in Salou’s center and just a few minute walking to the beach you can choose among H10 Vintage Salou-Adults Only and Regente Aragón Gastronómico.

Other Mid-Range hotels (4*) such as Hotel Best Da Vinci, Hotel Best San Diego and MedPlaya Hotel Calypso are also some good options.

PortAventura Lucy’s Mansion (5*), set in a mansion inside the theme park, is a great choice for families with kids. You will get free unlimited theme park access and enjoy the amenities of a first-class hotel.

How to Get to Salou

1. How to Get to Salou from Barcelona Airport

By Train:

To reach Salou from Barcelona Airport by train, you’ll first need to take the R2 Nord train to Estació Sants in Barcelona city center. If you arrive at Terminal 1, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus to the train station, located 4km away.

At Sant Station, you’ll transfer to a train heading to Salou. There are various options, including regional and national trains, with differing journey times and stops.

The train service is operated by RENFE, with operating hours from 08:30 to 20:30. Trains run with a frequency ranging from every 3 minutes to every 2 hours, and the journey typically takes around an hour and a half.

Ticket prices range from €8.80 to €19.90 for regular trains.

By Bus:

Plana, a bus company, provides direct links between Barcelona City Centre and Salou. You can catch the bus at Passeig de Gràcia, near the Metro Station, conveniently located right in front of Casa Batlló.

The bus operates from 07:15 to 23:30, with a frequency of 1 to 2 hours. From Salou to Barcelona, buses depart every hour between 03:35 and 11:00. Additionally, there’s another bus departing from Salou between 13:55 and 18:10.

Please note that timetables may vary on weekends and depending on the season. You can check them here.

By Taxi

This is a costly choice due to the considerable distance of 105 kilometers. Taxi fare: 220.00 Euros.

2. How to Get to Salou from Cambrils

By Bus:

Plana Buses depart hourly from the Av. Diputació – Club Nautic roundabout stop and arrive at Salou – Monument Jaume I. While there are some transfer stops along the way, it’s mostly a direct trip.

The trip takes about 16 minutes and costs 2 Euros. With multiple bus stops in both Cambrils and Salou, you can pick the most convenient one for your journey.

By Taxi:

The quickest way to get from Cambrils to Salou is by taxi, which costs €13-€16 and takes approximately 10 minutes.