Salou is a popular resort located 110 km southwest of Barcelona. Enjoying Salou beaches is one of the many exciting things to do in Salou. Visitors are drawn not only to the beauty of Salou beaches but also to the lively atmosphere of the town.
Here, I am listing the best of these beaches, how to get to each of them, and the most recommended hotels to stay in.
Recommended Hotels in Salou:
1. PortAventura Lucy’s Mansion (5*)
2. Hotel Cala Font (4*)
3. Blaumar Hotel (4*)
4. Golden Costa Salou-Adults Only (4* Sup)
5. 4R Casablanca Playa (4*)
6. Regente Aragon Gastronomico (4*)
7. Ohtels Villa Dorada (3*)
8. Hotel Best Sol D’Or (3*)
9. Hotel Jaime I (3*)
10. Hotel Marinada (3*)
1. Levante Beach
This is the most important and longest urban beach in Salou, situated just in front of the town’s center. With golden sand, it extends for 1.2 km and is 80 meters wide along the promenade known as Passeig Jaume I, the name of a Spanish king. It has received the 2023 Blue Flag Award.
The beach is fully equipped with rental of hammocks and umbrellas, toilets, showers, lifeguards, and services for the disabled. It also features sports facilities, a gym, children’s play areas, and points to rent equipment for various water sports.
During the high season, this beach is usually very crowded, particularly with the influx of young foreign tourists. Throughout the year, it remains a favorite spot for music shows, fairs, and various exhibitions.
Along the promenade, there is a large number of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops.
How to Get to Levante Beach:
Since it’s an urban beach, it is easily accessible by foot as well as by car via the Salou-Tarragona road. However, during the high season, it may be difficult to find parking.
2. Poniente Beach
This urban beach is located next to the Nautical Club of Salou. With its golden sand stretching for 1 km and averaging 20 meters in width, the water is shallow and crystal-clear, making it ideal for families with kids.
Situated very close to the well-known boulevard known as Passeig Jaume 1, this is one of the most popular beaches in Salou. Particularly in summer, this area becomes quite crowded with an influx of tourists.
Poniente Beach offers all facilities such as rental of sun loungers, parasols, disabled access, and a lifeguard service. There are also several playgrounds for kids.
Along the beach, visitors can find a good number of beach bars known as “chiringuitos” in Spanish.
How to Get to Poniente Beach:
The beach is easily reached on foot. If you have a car take the Salou-Tarragona road. There is a paid parking area. The easiest way is to go by bus, as there are several stops along the beach. It’s also accessible by boat.
3. Cala Llenguadets
As I have already mentioned, Poniente and Levante Beach are the most popular beaches in Salou during the high season. The influx of locals and foreigners usually makes them very crowded. Many young people enjoy this effervescent and noisy atmosphere. However, if you are looking for a more relaxed space, consider visiting Cala Llenguadets.
This beautiful cove, about 60 meters long, is still somewhat of a hidden gem. The sand is fine and golden, the water is shallow, and there is vegetation around.
There is a beach bar and a rental service for umbrellas. However, there are no facilities for disabled visitors.
How to Get to Cala Llenguadets:
It’s easy to arrive by foot, only 20 minutes from the center of Salou.The access is from the Torrassa street. The cove can also be reached by following the Camino de Ronda (a 9 km path that crosses Salou) and then descending some stairs.
4. Capellans Beach
This beach is located next to Levante Beach to the north. Like most beaches in Salou, this 200-meter beach also features fine golden sand and calm waters. Surrounded by pine trees, the cliffs on both sides of the beach protect it from the wind.
An awarded 2023 Blue Flag Certification beach, Capellans is fully equipped with everything needed for a nice day. Although there are some steps to descend, it is very much worth a visit. It is highly recommended for visitors who want to escape from the noise and chaos of some tourists on the other urban beaches.
There are rentals for sun loungers, as well as a beach bar and restaurants. Additionally, there is a restaurant right on the beach, La Goleta, highly recommended for its excellent seafood dishes and nice beach environment. The bar of the Koko Beach Club, situated on a little hill with a view of the beach, is an amazing place to enjoy the sunset.
How to Get to Capellans Beach:
You can easily arrive on foot, directly from Port de la Gavina Street to the sand. The Salou-Tarragona bus line also drops you off nearby.
5. Playa Llarga
This large 700-meter sandy cove, with crystal-clear waters and surrounded by a pine forest, is considered by many visitors as the best beach in Salou.
There are beach bars, food stalls, and rental facilities available for practicing several sports such as pedal boats and jet skis.
Its natural environment, with the pine forest transmitting a sense of isolation, as well as its proximity to the town, make it a very good choice for a calm beach day.
How to Get to Playa Llarga:
You can reach it after only a 20-minute walk from the center of Salou. The access is from Replanells street.
6. Cala Crancs
This cove is only 90 meters long and is situated next to the Salou Lighthouse, about 6 km away from the center. With sand and small pebbles and crystal-clear waters, it offers a tranquil environment, or at least is less busy than the usually crowded Salou beaches in summer.
The rocky bottoms with Posidonia meadows and the good visibility because of the crystalline waters invite the practice of snorkeling.
The beach is equipped with every service, such as rental of hammocks and sun lounges.
How to Get to Cala Crancs:
By foot, following the coastal path of Camino de Ronda. If you arrive early by car (via the Salou-Tarragona road) you can find a parking space about 150 meters from the beach. There is also a bus reaching this beach.
7. Penya Tallada
This lovely 60-meter-long cove in Cape Salou is not well-known by outsiders to Salou and is also not heavily visited due to its rather difficult access.
With golden sand and calm waters, it offers a picturesque landscape surrounded by pine forests and cliffs.
There are no services available at Penya Tallada, and its isolation is what attracts those who know about this almost hidden cove. However, just a few minutes away, you will find restaurants and shops in Cape Salou.
How to Get to Penya Tallada:
If you want to reach it on foot, there is about a one-hour walk along the coast from Salou. The access is from the Penya Tallada street. You can also take a bus from Salou. The access is not easy since you have to descend a series of steps until you reach the sand.
8. Cala Font and Cala Vinya
These urban coves are situated in Cape Salou, one next to the other. They are made of fine golden sand and tranquil waters. Additionally, they have cliffs covered by pine trees.
Cala Font is 80 m long and 40 m wide, while Cala Vinya is only 35 m long.
The coves are ideal for practicing snorkeling since the waters are transparent, making the seabed with colorful fish easily seen.
Each of the coves offers rentals of umbrellas and sea lounges, as well as a beach bar serving drinks and seafood dishes.
How to Get to Cala Font and Cala Vinya:
You can reach Cala Font on foot from Les Dunes street in Cape Salou. By car, you will arrive at Cala Vinya via the Salou-Tarragona road.
Where to Stay in Salou: Recommended Hotels
Salou is a popular destination with lots of tourists. To make sure you get the hotel you want, it’s best to book early. Hotels fill up quickly here, so reserving in advance ensures you have a great stay with the dates and features you prefer.
Choose among the following hotels according to your budget:
1. Superior Hotel (5*)
PortAventura Lucy’s Mansion is situated within PortAventura Theme Park in a Victorian-style mansion. It offers free unlimited access to the theme park and one-day access to Ferrari Land per person per stay. The rooms are spacious, and the hotel features a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. Additionally, all guests receive special discounts on tickets to PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park.
Book here your stay at PortAventura Lucy’s Mansion
2. Mid-Range Beachfront Hotels (4*)
Hotel Cala Font
This hotel is situated 4 km from the center of Salou, and offers a picturesque view of the sea. It features an outdoor pool, a gym, and a waterfall. The hotel boasts 2 restaurants: the buffet restaurant serves local and international dishes, while the poolside bar offers snacks and ice creams. Additionally, the PortAventura theme park is conveniently located 4 km away.
Book here your stay at the Hotel Cala Font in Salou
Blaumar Hotel
This beautiful and modern establishment overlooks Levante Beach. It boasts 2 swimming pools, a gym, and a spa with saunas and Turkish baths. The Blaumar restaurant offers authentic Spanish cuisine and themed nights, while the Arena restaurant serves à la carte options. Additionally, there is full-day entertainment for kids. PortAventura Park is conveniently located just a 5-minute drive away.
Book here your stay at Blaumar Hotel
Golden Costa Salou-Adults Only 4* Sup
This hotel offers rooms with balconies facing the beach. It boasts 3 swimming pools, a fitness center, a spa, and a bar and restaurant serving a wonderful breakfast. Private parking is available on site. Additionally, the hotel is conveniently located close to Cala Crancs, La Pineda Beach, and Aquopolis La Pineda.
Book here your stay at Golden Costa Salou-Adults Only
4R Casablanca Playa
This hotel is located in front of Poniente Beach. It features an outdoor pool and rooms with balconies. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and offers a varied buffet in the summer months. Guests can enjoy tapas and cocktails at the Casablanca Terrace. Nearby bus stops have routes to Cambrils, Tarragona, and PortAventura Park. Private parking is available.
Book here your stay at 4R Casablanca Playa
Regente Aragon Gastronomico
This design hotel is located close to the beach and the sailing club. It features 2 restaurants, including the Michelin-starred restaurant Deliranto. The terrace offers great views of the port, while the gym overlooks Salou. The hotel is conveniently situated next to the city’s main shopping area and Salou train and bus stations. Private parking is available onsite. Additionally, PortAventura is within a 15-minute drive.
Book here your stay at Regente Aragon Gastronomico
3. Budget Hotels
Ohtels Villa Dorada
This is a highly recommended budget hotel. Located close to Capellans Beach, it’s just a 5-minute walk from the center of Salou. The hotel features 3 swimming pools, a restaurant serving a daily buffet breakfast, a bar, and a fitness center. Additionally, it offers family rooms, facilities for disabled guests, and private parking.
Book here your stay at Ohtels Villa Dorada
Hotel Best Sol D’Or
This hotel is located close to the beach. It boasts 2 outdoor pools, a sauna, a buffet restaurant, and a bar. Additionally, there is a children’s playground, and the hotel offers day and evening entertainment programs for both children and adults. On-site parking is available for an extra charge. The city center is less than 2 km away, and there are buses conveniently located near the hotel.
Book here your stay at Hotel Best Sol D’Or
Hotel Jaime I
The hotel is conveniently located a 5-minute walk from Levante Beach. It features 2 outdoor pools and rooms with private balconies. The hotel’s restaurant serves international cuisine, and guests can also enjoy drinks at several bars on the premises. Additionally, there is a fitness center, mini golf course, children’s playground, and sauna available for a surcharge. PortAventura Theme Park is just a 5-minute drive away.
Book here your stay at Hotel Jaime I
Hotel Marinada
The hotel offers rooms with a terrace and features 2 swimming pools, a mini-golf course, a gym, and a sauna. Guests can dine at the excellent restaurant, relax at the café, or enjoy drinks at the bar. Additionally, there is a kids’ club available for children. In the evening, the hotel offers live music, shows, and discos. Salou’s shops and lively bars are only a 10-minute walk away, while PortAventura Theme Park is a 10-minute drive away.
