Salou Holidays

From high-octane days out at theme parks to arty afternoons in nearby Barcelona, there are plenty of ways to fill your days in Salou and its surrounding areas. Here are our top 5 picks:

• Thrilling theme parks: With PortAventura Park, Ferrari Land and the PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park on your doorstep, you’ll have to pencil in a few days to tick off all the rides at PortAventura World. There’s everything from white-knuckle rollercoasters and acrobatics shows, to high-speed waterpark slides and racing-themed restaurants to keep you on your toes.
• Font Lluminosa: Get Las Vegas vibes at Salou’s Fort Lluminosa, where every night after sunset you’ll be treated to a dazzling light and sound performance by 100 fountain jets.
• Shopping: The marble-paved promenade of Avenida Jaume I is the liveliest part of the resort. Lined with shops, it’s the best place to pick up a memento or 2. Keep an eye out for the monument to James I the Conqueror.
• Exciting events: Salou is home to a variety of unique events. August sees the annual celebration of Nits Daurades with a procession through the town alongside concerts, dance shows and a spectacular fireworks display. Meanwhile, the biennial Concurs de Castells competition in nearby Tarragona is the place to go for the unique Catalan tradition of the human towers. It has to be seen to be believed.
• Cultural days out: Take a day trip from Salou to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Hop on a train from Salou-PortAventura and, in just 90 minutes, you’ll be among some of the most famous sights in the world – from the magnificent Sagrada Familia, to the Gaudi-infused Park Güell.

Underneath its beach body exterior, Salou has a long, fascinating history filled with intriguing tales and traditions.

• Torre Vella watchtower: While it used to protect Salou from pirates, today, this 16th-century stone structure houses a Contemporary Enamel Art Museum with works by local artists. Have a wander around the gardens here too – you won’t regret it.
• Masia Catalana: Step back in time at Masia Catalana, a detailed re-creation of what a Spanish farmhouse would have looked like hundreds of years ago. Dig deep into the region’s history by checking out its collection of age-old farming equipment or have a nose around the crafts markets held there throughout the summer.
• Chalet Bonet: Gaudi fan? Then you’ll love Chalet Bonet, an Art Nouveau villa created by one of Gaudi’s students, Domenec Sugranyes i Gras. This century-old structure provides a window into historic Spanish architecture.
• Ancient flora: Despite not having many museums, one of the best displays in Salou is its millennia-old olive trees, a natural history museum unto themselves. You can check out the 16 ancient trees on the Passeig de la Segregacio, in the town centre.
• Roman history: Once one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire, nearby Tarragona still has remnants of its bygone rule. Discover Roman ruins, forums, towers and amphitheatres, alongside a mosaic-packed museum and towering cathedral on a day trip to this seaside settlement.

With its beachfront setting, wealth of restaurants and delicious local produce, Salou has all the ingredients for a great meal out.

• Market meals: Planning a day out at the beach? Head to the Municipal Market beforehand to pick up tasty tidbits for a seaside picnic. Popular with locals, vendors sell everything from charcuterie to cheese and cakes.
• Fine dining: Foodies can’t miss a chance to eat at Michelin-starred Deliranto, a contemporary fine-dining restaurant on the Carrer del Mar. The multi-course menus are themed around classic tales and stories and the theatrical décor only adds to the experience. But with only 6 tables, you’ll have to book well in advance.
• Traditional eats: A trip to Spain isn’t complete without a big plate of paella, and there’s no better place to have it than at La Goleta. As well as incredible sea views and moreish rice dishes, this beachfront joint serves fresh seafood, lobster and fish from the Lonja de Tarragona.
• Basque favourites: Tuck into homemade croquettes, salads, seafood and steaks at Carbonic, a stylish restaurant that cooks on a traditional Basque grill or over charcoal to create distinct and flavoursome dishes.
• Tapas treats: From pan con tomate to patatas bravas and Andalusian fried fish, it’s hard to beat a good tapas. And luckily for you, at Panorama Tapas & Lounge Bar, tapas is their hallmark. For fussy eaters, they also have burgers and pizzas.

Each Spanish region has its own delicacies and Catalonia is no exception. From stews to silky desserts, be sure to try some of Salou’s mouth-watering specialities.

• Arròs negre: A paella-like rice dish, arròs negre is made with cuttlefish or squid with black rice dyed with squid ink. A stone’s throw away from the rice fields at the Delta of the River Ebro, rice is a staple of the local diet.
• Botifarra: Forget about chorizo, the Catalans are all about botifarra – pork sausage infused with peppers, chilli and garlic. While many places will serve it with chips, it’s traditionally paired with ‘mongetes’, a Catalan white bean.
• Capipota: Good food doesn’t always have to be fancy, as proven with Capipota. This rustic, warming dish contains stewed veal head and hocks, served with white bread for dipping.
• Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts are the pride and joy of Tarragona, and with almost 90% of Spain’s hazelnut production based there, it’s easy to see why. Look out for all the different varieties of hazelnut in the local shops and supermarkets and see if you can taste the difference.
• Creme Catalana: Need something sweet to finish off a meal? You can’t go wrong with a Creme Catalana. This classic dessert is made from eggs and milk flavoured with cinnamon and lemon peel, and is served chilled with a crust of caramelised sugar.

Unwind on swathes of sandy bays and rocky coves, or try your hand at paddleboarding or jet skiing.

• Llevant Beach: The longest stretch of sand in Salou, this Blue Flag beach is dotted with sun loungers, hammocks and water sports providers hiring out kayaks and jet skis. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it’s best to claim your spot early.
• Cap de Salou: Craggy limestone spurs and Aleppo pine trees encase the Coves of Cap de Salou. Located on the most eastern point of Salou, these 5 beaches boast shallow depths and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling.
• Capellans Beach: Keep things low-key at Capellans Beach, a small bay with calm, shallow waters but bags of atmosphere. Secure a sun lounger in the morning before spending the afternoon paddling in the wake and topping up your tan.
• Llenguadets Beach: Escape the crowds at Llenguadets Beach. A 20-minute walk from Salou, this back-to-basics beach is known for its soft sands for having the best sunset views in town.
• Ponent Beach: A popular fishing spot for locals, Ponent Beach is great for families thanks to its huge children’s play area, shady palm trees and restaurants and bars on the sand.

Paint the town red on a night out in Salou. Carles Buïgas (known locally as Slammers), is the resort’s liveliest street that parties until dawn.

• Home-style pubs: Thanks to Salou’s international crowd, you’ll find a number of British and Irish pubs and bars pouring familiar beers, stouts and ales, and pumping out sing-along chart toppers.
• Nightclubs: Pull an all-nighter at Kiss, a hip-hop club with thumping beats that stays open until way past sunrise.
• Live music: In the mood for live music? Head to Danny Boy, an Irish pub-come-sports bar that serves up a mean pint of Guinness.
• Evening performances: Chaplins is the home of live entertainment in Salou. Kid-friendly shows fill the schedule during the day, but come evening you can expect tribute acts, cabaret and classic musical hits.
• Dinner shows: Get ready for a night of magic, mind-reading, suspense and surprise at the House of Illusion. This dinner-show destination includes a candlelit dinner, free-flowing drinks and endless laughter. Oh, and the kids are welcome too.

With theme parks, water sports and beaches galore, you can relax knowing there’s plenty to keep your family entertained in Salou.

• Free-wheeling: For an adrenaline-pumping activity, head to Karting Salou – a go-kart track where kids and grown-ups of all ages can race around the circuit. With different kart sizes available, even young children can have a turn behind the wheel under the watchful eye of the instructors.
• Fresh-air fun: Parque Municipal is a beautiful green space located in the heart of Salou. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas and walking trails, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are also a variety of events and activities held in the park throughout the year, ensuring that there's always something to do.
• Water sports: You’ve heard of surfing, but what about jetboarding? With Surf Salou, thrill-loving teens can test their balance as they whizz around the idyllic coves of Salou atop an electric surfboard.
• Waterparks: Carve out a full day to experience the wet and wild waters of Caribe Aquatic Park. Splash about in the Sesame Street-themed pirate ship, slow things down at Bahama Beach or tackle the treacherous waters of El Torrente, a rafting ride reserved for only the bravest of families.
• Adventure activities: Back on land, energetic kids as young as three can brave new heights on ziplines, or test their skills with archery and minigolf at Bosc Aventura Salou.

Spending quality time together is easy when there are heaps of romantic things to do in Salou.

• Wine tasting: Share a bottle of sparkling wine in the Tarragona wine region, otherwise known as cava country. On a trip into the mountains beyond Salou, you can learn about the wine-making process and enjoy a tutored tasting in the cellar.
• Water activities: Hire a couple of paddleboards from Stand up Salou and head out on the water for a relaxing float. Want to feel extra zen? Book a SUP Yoga class.
• Quiet beaches: Escape the hubbub and crowds of families by basing yourselves at one of the quieter beaches for the day. One of our favourites is the secluded Cala Crancs, where you can splash about in the wake and cuddle up on the sand.
• Spa days: Treat yourselves to a pamper day at one of Salou’s hotel spas. You'll be able to unwind in balmy indoor pools, get a sweat on in saunas and Turkish baths, and indulge in a range of massages and facials.
• Seaside strolls: Embark on a scenic walk along Salou's coastal path, which stretches from Llevant Beach to Pilons Beach. The well-maintained trail offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and passes by secluded coves and rocky outcrops. Stop at viewpoints to take photos and enjoy the romantic setting.