Salou: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The Costa Daurada is one of the most popular holiday regions in Spain. It is located in Catalonia and stretches along the Mediterranean coast from Tarragona for 216 kilometers to the Ebro Delta. Picture-perfect beaches, wonderful weather, diverse leisure activities, and noteworthy cities await you on Spain's Gold Coast. One of the most beautiful holiday resorts is undoubtedly Salou.
Table of contents
Salou - Must-see attractions
PortAventura World
Not far from Barcelona, PortAventura World offers extraordinary vacation experiences. The diverse amusement park takes you to its country-themed areas, including China and Mexico. Dragon-shaped children's carousels, splashy water rides, and thrilling attractions at dizzying heights promise a variety of adventures. Additionally, PortAventura World delights with a Caribbean water park experience. Among green palm trees and white sandy beaches, you can enjoy various pools and winding water slides. Formula 1 fans can look forward to Ferrari Land, where all attractions are dedicated to the Italian sports car brand.
Old Tower
The Torre Vella was built around 1530 by the then Archbishop to protect the city from looters and pirates. Much of its historical facade is still preserved today. The coat of arms of Archbishop Pere de Cardona adorns it. Inside the Torre Vella, there is now an art gallery where visitors can mainly admire paintings by regional artists. The contemporary enamel museum has also found its place here and exhibits enamels by international artists.
Llevant Beach
A relaxed atmosphere awaits you at Playa Llevant. Barcelona's northernmost city beach was opened in 2006. During the high season, lifeguards are on site to monitor the gently sloping shore. Children love to play and splash in the shallow water. If you're in the mood for adventure, you can rent a jet ski on the beach and ride through the waves. Beach volleyball is also very popular among active visitors. At the Chiringuita bars, you can enjoy seafood, fish dishes, and many other delicacies.
Salou weekly market
The weekly market in Salou specializes in selling everyday household items and clothing. Farm products, on the other hand, can be found at the Mercadillo. You can visit the weekly market every Monday on the Promenade of October 30th with many individual stalls. At the stalls, you will find a lot of handmade clothing, but also stylish secondhand products. The household items mostly come from wholesale and are available here at a low price. Both locals and tourists visit the weekly market.
Ferrari Land
In Ferrari Land in the Spanish town of Vila-seca, the bright red Italian sports car manufacturer takes center stage. The absolute highlight is the Red Force – the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Europe. In just a few seconds, the cars accelerate to a rapid 180 km/h. Excitement is also promised by numerous round rides, colorful show programs, and the Flying Theatre. Aspiring Ferrari drivers can practice on thrilling racing simulators. Popular, especially in the height of summer, are the log flumes with their wet fun. Special enjoyment also awaits you in the horror mazes.
Bright Font
On Salou's promenade, the palm-framed Font Lluminosa is an eye-catcher. The fountain was built in 1973 by Carles Buïgas, who also designed the Montjuïc Fountain in Barcelona. When in operation, it can change its colors and shapes every 90 seconds. On weekends, visitors can enjoy the water and light shows in the evening, which can reach up to 210 combinations. To see them all, it would take 5 hours. However, the spectacle only lasts a few minutes. So, have your camera ready!
Salou - Secret spots
Turm Vella of Salou
The Torre Vella in Salou is a true gem. This imposing watchtower, built in the 16th century, once served as a defense against pirate attacks. Today, it houses an art gallery and offers a breathtaking view of the city. Interestingly, the Torre Vella is also a popular venue for weddings.
Away from Ronda
The hidden highlight Salou Camí de Ronda is a coastal path that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is less known that this picturesque trail was originally used by guards to protect the coast from pirates. Today, it is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
The Mussara
La Mussara, a small village near Salou, is a true gem. It is known for its mysterious mists and the feeling of being in another world. In fact, the village was abandoned in the 19th century and has since been known as a "ghost village."
Marc Vidal Museum for Vintage Cars
The Museu Cotxes d'Època Marc Vidal not far from Salou is a true treasure trove for car enthusiasts. Here, visitors can admire an impressive collection of vintage cars that have been carefully restored and maintained to preserve the splendor of bygone times. Each vehicle tells its own story and offers insight into the development of the automotive industry.
Salou - In 3 days
Day 1
Start your first day in Salou with a relaxing walk along the beautiful beach promenade. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea and be invigorated by the fresh sea breeze. Make a short stop at the Salou Lighthouse, a picturesque spot perfect for photos. After the walk, you can spend the morning at PortAventura World, one of the largest amusement parks in Europe. Here, exciting roller coasters, spectacular shows, and themed areas await you, offering an unforgettable experience for both children and adults. For lunch, we recommend trying fresh seafood at one of the many local restaurants. After eating, you can relax at Llevant Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Salou, known for its clear water and fine sand. In the evening, you should definitely visit the Font Lluminosa, an impressive light and water show that takes place daily. End the day with a cozy dinner featuring regional specialties and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the city.
Day 2
Today, you will visit the historic district of Vila Romana de Barenys. Here, you can view the remains of a Roman villa and learn more about the ancient history of the region. Afterwards, a detour to Torre Vella is recommended, an old watchtower from the 16th century, which is now used as an art gallery. After this cultural morning, you can look forward to an adventure on the water. Rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard and explore the coast of Salou from a new perspective. The calm waters and picturesque coves offer ideal conditions for water sports. For lunch, you should definitely visit one of the traditional tapas bars and sample the diverse small dishes. In the afternoon, you can take a walk in Parc Municipal de Salou, a green retreat with beautiful gardens and shady spots. End the day with a visit to the night market, where you can discover local handicrafts and souvenirs. Enjoy a relaxed dinner and conclude the day with a glass of regional wine.
Day 3
Start your third day in Salou with a relaxed breakfast at one of the charming cafes along the beach promenade. Afterwards, a visit to PortAventura World, one of Europe's largest amusement parks, is recommended. Here, exciting roller coasters, spectacular shows, and themed areas await you, offering fun for the whole family. After a morning full of adrenaline, you can cool off in the afternoon at Aquopolis Costa Dorada, a nearby water park. Enjoy the various water slides, wave pools, and relaxing lounging areas. For lunch, a picnic in the park is a great option to enjoy the sun and the relaxed atmosphere. In the late afternoon, you should take a walk along the Camí de Ronda, a picturesque coastal path that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. End your day with a visit to the Salou Lighthouse, where you can admire the sunset over the sea. Conclude the evening with a cozy dinner and a final glass of wine, reflecting on the experiences of your trip.
Salou - Climate
The climate in Salou on the Costa Daurada is Mediterranean with hot summer days and mild winters. In summer, there is virtually no rainfall, and even in winter, it rarely rains. The best time to travel for a beach holiday in Salou is from May to October. During this period, average temperatures range between 18 and 30 °C. The lowest average temperature is about 13 °C in January. Water temperatures range from 20 to 27 °C from May to September and are ideal for swimming during this time. In spring, the sea reaches a maximum of 14 °C, perfect for water sports enthusiasts.