Salou, only 69 miles (110 km) from Barcelona, is one of the most popular resorts on the Costa Dorada. If you are planning to visit Salou in Spain, find below all you need to know, from what to do and where to go, to where to stay and more!
Best Tips for your Trip to Salou:
1. PortAventura Park Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket
2. Bus and Train Tickets: Book in advance here
Best Tours for your Trip to Salou:
1. Scuba Diving for Beginners
2. Ultimate Speedboat Experience
3. Coastline Catamaran Cruise with a Drink
4. Priorat Wine-Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting
5. Canyoning Day Trip
6. Bike Tour with Olive Oil Tasting
7. Half-Day Bike Tour in Salou
8. Off-Road Guided Quad Safari
Best Hotels in Salou:
1. PortAventura Lucy’s Mansion (5*)
2. Regente Aragón Gastronómico (4*)
3. Pierre & Vacances Salou (4*)
4. Terra Aurea Aparthotel (3*)
Here is a list of the 10 best things to do in Salou:
Salou in Spain: What to Do
1. Enjoy Fantastic Beaches
When visiting Salou, I spent my days relaxing in any of its beautiful beaches, such as Playa de Levante or Playa de Poniente. These are two of the most popular beaches in the area, offering crystalline waters and plenty of space to lay out and relax.
For those seeking more active pursuits, both beaches also offer a range of watersports. Additionally, Playa de Levante is known for its lively atmosphere, with plenty of beach bars and restaurants to keep visitors entertained all day long.
2. Embark on an Adventure at PortAventura World
Take a thrilling ride on one of the roller coasters or attractions at PortAventura World, one of Europe’s largest theme parks, and which attracts millions of visitors each year. Because there are over 40 rides and attractions spread across six different themed areas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
You will be thrilled whether you climb the impressive Shambahala hypercoaster or the inverted coaster Dragon Khan. Besides, one of the best things to do in Salou with kids is to take them to climb their own hypercoasters at Sesame Street among many other attractions.
Inside PortAventura you can also visit Ferrari Land which features the highest roller coaster in Europe (112 m) as well as the fastest (180 km/h). At this theme park you can learn everything about the Italian brand and its creator, Enzo Ferrari.
Book your PortAventura Park Skip-the-LineTickets in advance here
3. Enjoy Watersports
Salou in Spain is the perfect place for watersports enthusiasts. However, jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing are just a few of the exciting options available to visitors.
Scuba Diving for Beginners: Learn at your own pace with a professional guide. Most important, you don’t need any prior experience or swimming ability. It includes all necessary equipment, including wetsuits. Insurance, hotel pickup and drop-off. English, Spanish, French and Russian spoken. Not suitable for children until 8 years old.
Ultimate speed boat experience: A 2-hour thrilling ride on a speedboat on the Costa Dorada, where you can jump waves, tear through the sea, and perform speedboat spins. You’ll also have the chance to swim and snorkel in the Mediterranean Sea, all while enjoying an ice-cold beverage with your fellow thrill-seekers.
Coastline Catamaran Cruise with a Drink Premium 2-hour catamaran cruise departing every Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, and Sun at 10:00 AM. Includes drinks and a Balinese bed for the duration of the cruise. There is a swim stop with snorkeling gears.
4. Take a Bike Tour
To take a bike tour is a fun way to see the city from a unique perspective and one of the best things to do in Salou. Therefore, why not hop on a bike and choose any of these adventures
Half-Day Bike Tour in Salou You will be picked up from yor hotel and driven to the beautiful mountains of the Costa Dorada. Once you arrive the bikes are unloaded and then it’s downhill all the way! No effort is required as you freewheel down safe tarmac roads, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the area.
Bike Tour with Olive Oil Tasting Experience the real Catalonia with an 18 km bike trip in the Costa Dorada mountains. You will be guided to a typical Catalan village where not only will you learn about olive oil making process but also taste some of the world’s best olive oils. Enjoy a cold drink at a village bar. Hotel pickup, bikes, helmets, olive oil tasting, and water are included.
5. Experience Canyoning
Get another adrenaline-filled experience just an hour and a half from Salou, where you can embark on a canyoning adventure. Not only amazing mountains, but also great canyons and rock pools are waiting there for you.
Canyoning Day Trip One of the best things to do in Salou is this 6-hour thrilling adventure in the Catalonian mountains. First, you will hike over the mountains to a canyon and then jump into clear water. Swim in rock pools and later navigate down the river for 1.5 hours. This tour includes transport, wetsuit, helmet, insurance, picnic. However, it´s nor recommended for people with back problems.
6. Go on an Off-Road Guided Quad Safari
Experience an off-road Quad riding in Salou with a pro guide. Ideal for friends, family, and couples. Routes for all levels, guided in English, French, Russian, and Spanish for an unforgettable nature adventure. The routes are designed to accommodate both beginners and families, allowing you to enjoy every moment of your adventure.
7. Sample the Local Cuisine of Salou in Spain
Salou is a food lover’s paradise, with plenty of local specialties to try. Seafood is a must-eat, with the town’s proximity to the sea ensuring that everything is fresh and flavorful. Be sure to try some of Salou’s most famous dishes such as Suquet de pescado, a typical fishermen’s stew based on fish and clams.
Paella is also a classic dish to try, with many restaurants offering their own unique takes on the rice-based dish.
Indulge in the finest cuisine at Deliranto, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Taste the best tapas in town at the lovely La Teca Salou or try a great Paella at the Hollandaluz.
8. Take a Wine Tasting Tour
Salou’s prime location in Costa Daurada, surrounded by renowned wineries with diverse designations of origin, makes it perfect for indulging in top-notch wines and scenic wine routes with a Mediterranean charm.
One of the best things to do in Salou is to experience wine tasting by taking a tour that will take you to the best vineyards and cellars.
Book this Highly-Rated Wine Cellar and Wine Tasting Tour to experience the best wines of Priorat. You will enjoy a scenic journey through the mountains before visiting he cellars of Cornudella for a guided wine tasting. Then, after a relaxing break in the legendary village of Siurana you will be taken back to your hotel.
9. Enjoy the Buzzing Salou Nightlife Scene
Take a leisurely stroll through the promenade of Salou, which comes alive in the evenings.
You will find plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. So start your evening with a refreshing cocktail at one of the many beachside bars, or head to the town center for a more vibrant atmosphere.
The most popular are: The Victoria Pub Salou, The Butler, Coco Beach Salou and the Theatre Beach. If you are looking for an authentic Irish pub got to Danny Boy. To enjoy a beer while watching a football game choose Shooters.
Salou’s nightlife reminded me of that in Malaga in some ways. Both cities offer a party atmosphere for visitors, with beachfront bars and lively historic centers.
10. Stroll the Streets of Salou
Walk along the promenade that runs beside the sea. It is usually full of people, especially during local festivities such as Cós Blanc, celebrated on 3 February. On this occasion, there is a parade of carriages, and locals wearing costumes dance and enjoy food at the stalls installed there. Around 40,000 people attend this party every year.
In front of the promenade, in Passeig de Jaume Av. and near the sign with the word ‘Salou,’ there are beautiful old mansions, such as the Bonet House (see below). Close to them, you’ll find Barcelona Street, which is full of boutiques and coffee shops.
If you are fond of history, visit the Santa Maria del Mar Church. This 18th-century building is the only surviving example of Baroque architecture in the region.
The Torre Vella is a 16th-century watchtower that now functions as an art exhibition center. Admission is free, and it opens every day except Sundays from 16:00 to 20:00 h. You can climb to the top for stunning views of the area and to take great pictures.
By the way, you can learn in this post how to add Spanish captions to your Instagram photos.
Nearby Attractions
Located just 20 minutes south of Salou, Cambrils is a highly sought-after summer destination for both locals and foreigners. With its beautiful beaches and abundant activities, Cambrils makes a perfect day visit out of Salou.
Tarragona is only 16 minutes driving from Salou. There you can stroll along the Rambla Nova, a lively pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
An interesting landmark in Tarragona is the Roman Amphitheatre dating back to the 2nd century, which was used for gladiator games. Also, the Roman Walls, built to protect the city from invaders. Other historic site is the Tarragona Cathedral built in the 12th century.
Salou in Spain: Where to Stay
PortAventura Lucy’s Mansion (5*) is a Victorian-style mansion inside the theme park. Guests get free unlimited theme park access, plus a day at Ferrari Land. Rooms are spacious with classic decor, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The hotel has a pool, bar, and a Mediterranean restaurant with a terrace.
Regente Aragón Gastronómico (4*) is just 200 meters from Salou Beach. It offers a heated rooftop pool, gym, and terrace with port views. Soundproofed rooms are modern and air-conditioned. Dining options include a bar-café, a restaurant with a daily Mediterranean menu, and a Michelin-starred restaurant called Deliranto.
Pierre & Vacances Salou (4*) offers modern apartments with flat-screen TVs and kitchens. It has 2 outdoor pools and a children’s playground. The seafront promenade is 1 km away. There is on-site parking and pet-friendly options.
Terra Aurea Aparthotel (3*) is located 700 meters from Salou’s center. It provides a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, and some units have sea or garden views from a terrace or balcony. Guests can enjoy continental or American breakfast at the Mediterranean cuisine restaurant. The property is great for cycling and has a garden.
Salou in Spain: How to go
From Barcelona to Salou:
By bus: 2h 50m By train: 2h 31m By car: 1h 12m
From Valencia to Salou:
By bus: 3h 25m By train: 3h 43 m By car: 2h 22m
From Madrid to Salou:
By bus: 7h 35m By train: 4h 12m By car: 5h 20m
For your convenience it is recommendable to book your tickets in advance
Salou in Spain: Weather
Salou has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
The best time to visit is between June and August when you can enjoy hot, sunny days. July is the hottest month with an average daily max of 31°C and an average low of 21°C,
January is the coolest month with an average daily max of 15°C and an average low of 4°C.
In general, for beach lovers, sea temperatures averaging 23°C or above make June to October the best time to go. The driest month is January with 4mm of rainfall and 30 sunny days, and the wettest month is September with 26mm of rain over two days.
