Salou is the kind of place that doesn’t let you get bored. Golden beaches, rollercoasters that make you scream, bars that don’t close until sunrise, and tapas at every corner. Just 90 minutes from Barcelona, this Costa Dorada hotspot is the definition of a holiday with no rules. Come for the sand, stay for the sangria, and leave wondering how you managed to fit so much fun into one trip.
Trip Notes Made Simple
Flying to Salou from the UK is super easy – flights to Reus Airport take just over 2 hours, and from there, it’s only about 20 minutes’ transfer to the resort. If you fly into Barcelona instead, expect around 90 minutes to Salou.
When it comes to booking, you’ve got options. TUI gives you full package deals, flights, hotels, and transfers all wrapped up, no stress. On the Beach is fab for flexible payments and a huge range of hotels, while easyJet Holidays mixes budget flights with beachside stays.
If you love comparing, icelolly.com lays out all the deals in one place, and if you just want to book flights only, Jet2 has you covered. Basically, whatever your style of booking, Salou is waiting.
Things to See and Do
The star of the show here is PortAventura World, Europe’s biggest theme park. Think sky-high rollercoasters, themed “worlds” from Mexico to China, and water rides that absolutely drench you. Right next door is Ferrari Land, where you can race on Europe’s fastest rollercoaster – not for the faint-hearted. Grab a ticket that includes access to both parks here.
Cool down at Aquopolis waterpark in nearby La Pineda. Giant slides, dolphin shows, and a lazy river that’s anything but lazy when your mates try to tip you in. For more adrenaline, head to Karting Salou, where the whole family can race go-karts.
If you want history with your sunshine, take a short trip to Tarragona. Roman amphitheatre by the sea? Check. Medieval old town? Check. Gorgeous cathedral? Double check. Or hop on the train or take a Day Tour to Barcelona in just 90 minutes. La Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, Las Ramblas, and the marina – it’s basically an excuse for two holidays in one.
Back in Salou, the Camí de Ronda coastal path is perfect for a chilled walk. It runs along pine-fringed cliffs and hidden coves, with plenty of photo stops. End the day in Salou’s old town centre, full of cafés, cocktail bars, and souvenir shops, or just grab a jug of sangria and watch the world go by.
Excursions You’ll Love
If you can drag yourself away from the beach (hard, I know), Salou has some fun day trips and activities that turn your holiday up a notch.
Set sail from nearby Cambrils on a Catamaran Cruise and live your best Mediterranean life. Choose from a chilled one-hour sail along the coast, or go all-in with a 3 or 5-hour cruise where you drop anchor, swim, snorkel, and sip cava in the sunshine.
Craving more adrenaline? Head to Bosc Aventura Salou where zip lines, Tibetan bridges, and spider nets are waiting. Start easy, then conquer the bigger, scarier course that ends with a 40-metre zip line. By the end, you’ll feel like a jungle pro.
If you want bragging rights, try paragliding over the mountains of Mussara. You’ll get kitted out, take off with your pilot, and soar like a bird for 20 minutes. The views are insane, and yes, you’ll probably want to film the whole thing to make everyone jealous!
Closer to town,, try a quad or buggy safari in Salou. You’ll be off-roading into the hills with a pro guide, stopping for photos, and swapping drivers if you’re sharing. Routes are designed for both beginners and daredevils, so it’s fun whether you’re here with mates, family, or your other half who insists they “drive better than you.”
Fancy something calmer but still a bit special? Head inland for a kayak trip along the Ebro River. Glide past castles, islands and wild greenery, with stops for a swim or snack. It’s peaceful, scenic, and full of little hidden stories from the region’s history.
If culture’s your thing, check out the Monastery of Poblet. This UNESCO treasure is loaded with history, and you can explore it with a free audio app. There’s even a 3D show that brings the past to life – surprisingly cool for a monastery.
For a day of history, scenery, and wine (yes, wine), book the Siurana and Montblanc tour. You’ll explore medieval streets, see Catalonia’s biggest walled town, taste wine at a modernist winery, and finish with epic clifftop views in Siurana.
Or go big with the Montserrat and Barcelona combo tour. First, you’ll visit the jaw-dropping Montserrat Monastery in the mountains – home of the famous Black Madonna – before heading to Barcelona for a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia, Gothic Quarter, and more. It’s a long day, but one you’ll never forget.
Beaches & Hidden Gems
Salou’s beaches are famous for a reason. Llevant Beach is the main event – 1,200 metres of golden sand, volleyball nets, playgrounds, and cafés. Always buzzing, always fun.
Right next door, Ponent Beach is a bit quieter, with shallow waters that are perfect for families. If you want something tucked away, head to Cala Font or Cala Crancs Cove, both smaller coves with crystal-clear water and fewer crowds.
For size, Playa Llarga does exactly what it says on the tin – it’s long, golden, and backed by pine trees. It also connects to the Camí de Ronda, so you can walk off your beach snacks.
Want a proper secret? Cala Penya Tallada is a hidden gem reached by steps. Just a small slice of sand framed by cliffs, no bars, no cafés, just nature and the sound of the sea.
Check out the Capellans Beach viewpoint at sunset. It’s small but the views across the bay are unreal.
Visit the quirky Illuminated Fountain of Salou, a water and light show right by the beach – free entertainment and surprisingly romantic.
If you fancy a day away from the coast, Reus is nearby, full of modernist buildings and funky shops. It’s also Gaudí’s birthplace, so expect a few arty surprises.
Nightlife & Food
Salou is party central. The main strip is packed with British pubs, karaoke bars, discos, and clubs that go until sunrise. Cheap shots, foam parties, and DJs – if you want quiet nights, maybe stick to Cambrils. For the hardcore, Pacha La Pineda is just down the road and one of Spain’s most famous clubs.
If you prefer chilled vibes, head to Cambrils marina, just 10 minutes away. Tapas, cocktails by the yachts, live music – it’s basically classy without being snobby.
Salou is in Catalonia, so you’ve got to try some local goodies. Fuet – a thin, cured sausage that’s a bit like salami but tastier. Botifarra amb mongetes – garlicky sausages with white beans, proper comfort food. And don’t leave without crema catalana, the original crème brûlée – thank me later.
Helpful Tips
Bring water shoes – some hidden coves have pebbles, and stubbed toes aren’t fun.
Book PortAventura tickets online – you’ll skip queues and sometimes save cash.
Stay hydrated – beer counts, but maybe throw in some actual water too.
Sundays are siesta-heavy – shops close, but bars are always open.
Try to learn a little Catalan – locals love it when you say “gràcies.”
The coastal path gets hot – pack a hat, suncream, and a cold drink.
Use ATMs wisely – avoid the tourist ones with sky-high fees.
Getting Around:
🚌 Buses – Reliable, cheap, air-conditioned, and perfect for day trips to Tarragona, Reus, or even PortAventura.
🚂 Trains – Easy rides to Barcelona or Valencia, with coastal views that are worth the ticket alone.
🚖 Taxis – Everywhere, just check the meter or agree on a price. Uber’s around too.
Salou is the full package: beaches, nightlife, history, and rollercoasters all rolled into one sunny escape. Whether you want lazy beach days or nights that last until sunrise, this Costa Dorada gem has you covered. Book it, pack your sandals, and get ready for the holiday you’ll brag about for years.
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