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Salou isn't your typical Spanish holiday destination. Yes, it has more sun, sand, siestas and sangria than you can shake a cocktail umbrella at, but that’s just one side of the resort. Away from the all-inclusive hotels and tourist hotspots lies an altogether different destination, one that’s quieter and more traditional.
The resort town is one of the key destinations on Catalonia’s Costa Dorada, otherwise known as the Golden Coast. True to its name, you’ll find plenty of sandy beaches here, and lots of sunshine too. Llevant Beach is the main sandy stretch in town and it’s extremely family-friendly with plenty of watersports and activities for all ages. If you’re after a more tranquil experience, quietude can be found at one of the pine-ensconced, off-the-radar coves.
Beaches aside, there's another reason why travellers flock to Salou: theme parks. The sprawling PortAventura resort is home to some of Europe’s most rollicking rollercoasters, including the loop-the-looping Dragon Khan. Also part of the complex is the Caribe Aquatic Park, where fun-seekers can splash in pools and slip down waterslides. Have a need for more speed? The recently opened Ferrari Land, themed on the supercar brand, has adrenaline-fuelled attractions.
History buff? There’s enough in Salou to get you up and away from your sun-lounger. This includes the Torre Vella (old tower), a traditional 16th-century tower that is still in extremely good nick – and repurposed to host art and cultural events – and the Catalan Farmhouse, which gives a glimpse of what life was once like here.
If you want to explore more of the Costa Dorada’s past, as well as visit its other beaches, you’re well-placed. The coastal city of Tarragona, known for its spectacular Roman ruins, and Reus, a lively town filled with modernist architecture, are both a short drive from Salou.
Hotel California Garden
3.8
Good
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H10 Vintage Salou
4.5
Excellent
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Apartamentos Albatros Family
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Frugal travellers are in luck in Salou, with plenty of budget accommodation available in the town centre, including cheap B&Bs and self-contained apartments. Some apartment complexes have facilities such as swimming pools and kitchens – the latter is great if you want to save a little more money by cooking ‘at home’. Stay here and you’ll also be within a few minutes’ walk of the beach. Your euros will go even further staying at one of the campsites in town. Choose from a bungalow or mobile home, or pitch your own tent at La Siesta Salou Resort & Camping.
Calypso
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Golden Donaire Beach
4.4
Excellent
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Ponient Piramide Salou by PortAventura World
4
Good
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If you and the kids can’t wait to turn your knuckles white, PortAventura has six on-site hotels and an area for campervans. You can stay in a five-star Victorian-style mansion or in themed areas including a picturesque fishing village or Caribbean resort. Each area has several restaurants serving international cuisine. Alternatively, at Camping & Resort Sangulí Salou, a 15-minute walk west of the town centre, you can spend the night glamping in a safari-style tent in the ‘Africa’ area or choose a Bali bungalow in ‘Polynesia’. There are swimming pools, restaurants and sports facilities on site.
Sunclub
4.2
Very Good
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Blaumar Hotel
4.6
Excellent
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Ancora La Siesta Apartments
4.5
Excellent
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2 hrs 10 mins (to Reus)
(from London)
Euro (€)
Spanish