Salou (Spain): attractions, photos and reviews of tourists. Rating of the best hotels in Salou. What to see in Salou and surroundings? Holidays in salou spain attractions
Salou is the tourist capital of the Costa Dorada, otherwise known as the "Gold Coast", it is located in an area that stretches from Cunit to Alcanar, south of the main city of Catalonia - Barcelona. Salou is located in the province of Tarragona. This resort town is famous for its stunning beaches and has a growing reputation as the perfect family holiday destination.
There are several places in Salou where you should definitely visit when you come here on vacation. And we will tell you about these places in order to coordinate you a little.
1. The beaches of Salou
Let's face it, the beaches of Salou are not much different from the well-maintained beaches of all of Spain, but it is the beaches that attract tourists here. Because there is a large amount of golden sand, rocky coves, and all beaches are equipped with walking sidewalks for walking along the sea.
Llevant Beach is considered the main beach of Salou and is the longest beach, with a length of 1.2 km. It is located right in front of the city, Llevant is washed by the waters of Jaume. And nearby is a walking path, paved with tiles, which runs along the entire embankment. As the most popular beach, it has many amenities to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
There is access to toys to keep your children content and happy, to keep them busy; on the beach there are all kinds of beach and water sports; you can go jet-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing and sailing.
If you are more inclined towards relaxation, then the beaches offer sun loungers and umbrellas, pedal boats and a beach bar. The beach is also equipped with showers, toilets, as well as a lifeguard station, who are always on the alert.
Llevant beach on one side of the harbor ends with signs that the coast of the neighboring resort town of Cambrils, which is located west of Salou, begins here. The beach has a huge amount of golden sand, shallow water, which makes it an ideal place for children to play, because here even those who cannot swim are unlikely to drown.
To the east are the beaches of Capellans and Cala Liengvadets. Capellans is a 220 meter beach surrounded by natural cliffs, which can be reached if desired. Cala Liengvadets is a bay with fine sand and shallow water that can only be reached on foot.
Use either the Cami de path that runs along the coast or the Carrier de Torrassa path to get to the beach. These beaches, although small, still have very good facilities available to visitors.
If you're looking for a secluded beach, then you might want to head to Llarga Beach. Compared to other beaches in Salou, this is the quietest and least crowded. The beach is lined with pine groves and the fastest way to get to it is via the Carrer de Replanels road.
2. Port Aventura Amusement Park
If you are traveling with the whole family and you have children, then Salou is the best choice. You will, of course, need a rich program of entertainment. PortAventura Theme Park should definitely be on your list of must-visit places.
Thematically ambitious and intriguing, the park aims to take you on a journey through six different areas, including the Mediterranean, Polynesia, Mexico, the Wild West and the most recently opened area, Sesame Street.
The Mediterranean recreates the fishing village, using picturesque moments borrowed from the neighboring resort coasts - the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada. Despite this calm environment, the main attraction here is the amusement zone: the slides fly at a maximum speed of 135 km/h.
In Polynesia, you can survive a tropical storm on a catamaran or take a canoe and sail it through the jungle, while in China you will meet Dragon Kahn: this is a huge bright red slide that inspires fear and awe. The slide consists of eight vertical loops, the maximum speed of the attraction is 110 km/h.
Mexico has a Condor ride; it's a 330-foot free-fall tower. You can also travel around the Mayan temple in search of treasure. This part of the park is made in the style of the American Wild West era. The landscapes, the architecture of the buildings, the type of attractions are saturated with the cowboy spirit.
You can feel like a real cowboy in Shooting Gallery, equipped inside a cowboy saloon. There you can choose a target for every taste and shoot from pistols.
This is just a small list of what is in the Port Aventura amusement park. The park has many restaurants and shops in every area, so you can buy something to remember.
During the summer months of June to August, a one-day ticket costs 44€ for adults and 38€ for children respectively. A two-day ticket to the park costs 54 € for adults and 44 € for children. The park is open from 10 am to midnight throughout the summer.
3. Water parks
Port Aventura is also home to a water park. There are corkscrew water slides, a crazy river that rages, water tunnels that you can ride with your friends, and you can also ride the waves in the pools. There are also activities more suitable for younger children, and there are plenty of indoor playgrounds too. The water park is open from 10:30 to 19:00 during the summer.
If you want to travel, then there is another water park not far from La Pineda, it is called Aquapolis. It offers a wide range of water slides, ring rapids and themed pools, as well as trampolines and a sports pool.
In addition to these activities, there are also daily dolphin and sea lion shows. It is even possible to book an interactive game session with sea lions under the supervision of an experienced trainer, but such activities are very limited.
One day ticket for children costs around £16 for children aged 0-8 and £20 for children over 9 and all other adults.
4. Karting Park in Salou
Go-karting is great fun for the whole family, so head out to the Karting Park and ride to your heart's content. Prices for small children (4-8 years old) start from 10 €; tickets for children aged 9-13 start from 12 € and prices for adults start from 18 €.
If karting doesn't provide you with enough adrenaline, just jump into the Bungee Rocket - this is the kind of thing that shoots you 90 meters into the air. A ticket for two to this attraction costs 27€ and another 8€ to get a DVD of your flight.
The park is located on the road from Salou to Tarragona, there is even a free bus that you can take to and get to the karting center. For more information and timetables, please visit the Salu Karting Park website.
5 Illuminated fountain
The illuminating fountain is located at the very beginning of the Jaume promenade. The fountain was created in 1973 by the engineer Carlos Buiges, and it has become a distinctive feature that symbolizes part of life in Salou. After sunset, beautiful fountains turn into impressive spectacles, there is a continuous play of light, water and music.
More recently, Cybernetic Fountains have been installed at the opposite end of the waterfront, much to the delight of tourists and locals alike.
These are just some of the must-see places in Salou and we hope you have a great time in this resort!
In fact, Salou is more of a resort town, so it cannot boast of particularly valuable historical sights. To a greater extent, here you can enjoy beautiful landscapes, the sea and magnificent nature. But there are several very interesting places to see and visit both in the city of Salou and in its environs.
First of all, it is worth taking a walk along the boulevard named after King Jaime I. This is a great place for morning jogging, promenades and just admiring the surrounding beauties. The entire alley along its entire length is decorated with state heraldry made of mosaic tiles. The decoration of the boulevard is rightfully considered a monument to the King of Spain, Jaime I. It was from the seaport of this city that the king set off to conquer Mallorca.
The statue of the king stands on the prow of the gilded boat, as if ready to sail. In addition to the monument, the alley is also decorated with graceful benches and exotic palm trees, which are located along the entire length of the boulevard. Well, of course, one cannot but admire the magnificent villas made in the Art Nouveau style. A student of the famous Gaudi took part in the development of the architectural project of one of them - the Bonet house.
When you reach the end of the boulevard, near the port itself you can see the monument to the Fisherman, which is very popular in the city. It was installed there in 1990 and is located near a nineteenth-century pier that served as a mooring for fishing boats. The author of this sculpture is a native of the neighboring town, who just wanted to remind the locals where the city actually began.
Also pay attention to the watchtower built in the sixteenth century - the fortress of Torre Velha. It is located near the railway station and was built at that time as a defensive structure against pirate invasions. To date, inside the tower there is a museum of Enamel - a very fragile material. In addition, various exhibitions are often held here. Take a stroll through the picturesque garden surrounding the tower, where you can see a wide variety of sculptures.
And there are an incredible number of fountains in Salou. The most popular of course is "Singing". No less famous are the Glowing Fountain and the Cracker, which is very popular with children. True, the fountains work mainly in the summer, and the spectacular show in the Glowing Fountain is naturally best viewed in the evenings.
The most interesting place in the vicinity of Salou is Port Aventroy. Getting there from the city is easy - in time it will take about 15 minutes. This is a very interesting theme amusement park, where visitors come from almost all over Europe. For starters, it's best to take a ride on a small train that will take you throughout the park. The park is divided into several parts dedicated to different countries and different parts of our planet. Roller coasters are considered a decoration of the park. It will take you almost a whole day to visit the park.
You can also visit the Catalan estate Masia Catalana. Built in 1974, the architectural complex is essentially a theme park where you can get acquainted with how Catalan peasant farmers lived in ancient times. The creators of the park tried to build their ancient settlements in the most reliable way. By visiting this complex, you will get to know their way of life, traditions, look at the kitchen utensils, the tools used by peasants many centuries ago. By the way, the entrance to the complex is completely free.
You can also visit the Church of Santa Maria del Mar for free. This is perhaps the most famous cathedral in Salou. Back in the eighteenth century, there was a small chapel for sailors, fishermen and their families on this very spot. Since then, the temple has been completed and rebuilt many times, and only by the middle of the twentieth century all the work was finally completed and the church acquired its current appearance. The church is amazingly beautiful, both inside and out.
Salou is a tourist seaside resort located in the center of Cotalonia, 100 km from Barcelona. To date, the resort of Salou is considered the tourist center of Spain. The city of Salou is also called the "beach of Europe" for the presence of large sandy beaches, for quarters in which many pubs, bars, high-rise hotels, and other entertainment facilities are concentrated, for the possibility of outdoor activities and various sports. The resort areas of Salou are located along the coast. In the south they end with an old fishing village called Cambrils, and in the north with the picturesque cape of La Pineda. Salou is famous for its picturesque bays, beautiful beaches, green parks, and amusement parks, among which the most famous is PortAventura.
Geography
Salou is a resort town in Spain, spread over the Costa Dorada (the "golden" Mediterranean coast, washed by the waters of the Balearic Sea). The famous tourist center of Catalonia - an autonomous community - is part of the province of Tarragona. Salou covers an area of 15.1 sq. km., 27016 people live here (data for 2010). A green city with an inspiring name, located just over 92 km from Barcelona and 10 km from Tarragona, is a municipality - a self-governing administrative-territorial unit. Time zone: UTC+1 (November to March), UTC+2 (April-October). Daylight Saving Time takes place on the last Sunday in March. Geographic coordinates: 41°04′27″ s. sh. and 1°08′20″ in. e. This is a great place for a family vacation. It is very clean and tidy here - the beaches are marked with blue flags (European Blue Flags). This is an international award that says that rest is safe for health, and water quality meets high standards. To enjoy a serene beach holiday, nature, pure Spanish air, you need to come to Salou and see everything with your own eyes. Picturesque bays, numerous parks and amazing landscapes, drowning in raging greenery, will not leave you indifferent - you will certainly want to come back here more than once.
Climate
Salou has a typical Mediterranean climate, like any other Spanish resort. In early spring, the weather is restless - sometimes wind gusts reach 4.4 m/s. The tourist season starts in June and ends in October. Splashing in the sea in May is still cold, but it is better to wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun. It rains from time to time, but they are short-term and do not spoil the rest. It is warm and sunny here in summer and rainy in winter. If you want to get to fun summer parties with noisy youth - come at the height of the summer period. Velvet season starts from the second half of September. The sun is not so hot anymore, the beaches are becoming more free from noisy tourists - this is the best time to come to Salou. During this period, mainly families rest here. The maximum precipitation falls at the end of the swimming season - sometimes the rains do not subside for 4 days in a row. In winter, lovers of mild weather should come here. The streets are almost summer-like warm, the air temperature fluctuates between + 13-14.7, sometimes a slight wind blows. The water in the sea cools down, so those who want to swim and enjoy water activities go to water parks and indoor pools.
Story
The convenient location has attracted settlers here since ancient times and determined the entire history of the city. It is believed that the city of Salou was founded by the ancient Greeks in the 6th century BC. e. From this time begins the era of the birth of Spain. The city survived the domination of the Romans, barbarians, Moors, Visigoths and Spanish pirates. "Salaurio" in translation from ancient Greek - "the best city". So Salou was named by the Romans, for whom the city was an important strategic and economic center. When the Moors poured in, Salou, like the whole territory of modern Spain, became the scene of fierce hostilities, after which an economic recession began here. The disappointing situation continued until the end of the 12th century. The second birth of the port city was during the reign of the Bishop of Tarragona, who made the city an important military center of the Kingdom of Aragon and Castile. First, Iberian settlements lived on the territory of the mystical "Salauris", then the Romans. The city was provincial for a long time, until in the 13th century King Jaime the First of Aragon cast a glance at it. It was from here that in 1229 his fleet set off to conquer the Balearic Islands, which belonged to the Muslims, after which the Kingdom of Mallorca was formed on the territory of Salou.
In 1286, Alphonse 3rd of Aragon set out from the city on a military campaign. His goal was the capture of Minorca. In the Middle Ages, pirates operated in Salou. To protect the port city from sea robbers, at the beginning of the 16th century they built the citadel of Torre Velha - or the fortress of King Carlos 5th (today it houses the Museum of Modern Art). Salou flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries. From the second half of the 19th century, the city began to develop in the tourist direction - in 1865 a railway was built here, which contributed to the influx of travelers. Since the middle of the 20th century, Salou has been a prestigious resort town with a developed tourist infrastructure.
Attractions Salou
- Among the sights of the resort town, it is worth noting the tower-fortress "Torre Velha", which was built in 1530 specifically to protect civilians from sea robbers. Currently, the tower-fortress is a cultural center - exhibitions of various types of art are held here. Not far from the tower there is a park with a sculpture of Aldom Puig in the form of three girls dancing a sardana. The sculpture was created in 1990 (it was at this time that the city of Salou was called the "city of the Sardana").
- Torre Velha also has a city museum of modern enamel - here is a wide collection of decorative products made from enamel in various stylistic directions.
- Salou's attractions also include the Masia Catalana estate, built in the style of traditional houses of peasants who cultivated the land. This estate has all the necessary household items - agricultural supplies, working tools, there are even pets, which are an integral part of the architectural and historical ensemble. During the summer period, a fair of handicrafts works on the territory of Masia Catalana. At Christmas, traditional holidays are held on the estate.
- It is worth paying attention to King Jaime I Boulevard, located along the entire Llevant beach - its length is about a kilometer. The boulevard is planted with flowers and palm trees. There are dance and sports grounds, a medical center and car parking. Pedestrian alleys of the boulevard are lined with mosaics - here are the family coats of arms of aristocrats who were accompanied by King Jaime I on a sea voyage to Mallorca.
- In the center of the boulevard is a monument to King Jaime I - it was built in 1965 by the sculptor Saumels. At the very end of the boulevard is a luminous fountain designed by the architect Carlos Buigase.
- One of the main attractions of Salou is "Port Aventura" - one of the largest amusement parks in Europe. The area of this park is about 117 hectares. Port Aventura is a huge gaming metropolis, which consists of 6 thematic zones: Polynesia, Mediterranean, Mexico, China, Sesame Children's Country and Wild West. In the amusement park you are provided with a wide range of performances, performances, attractions for children and adults.
- The city of Salou is also popular for its beaches, which are located along the promenades and promenades. A wide strip of white sand beaches is marked with the "Blue Flag" - it is a quality mark that is awarded annually to the resort by the European Union. Salou has 8 main beaches, among which it is worth noting such as Ponent, Llevant, Capellans and Cala de la Font. The largest is Llevant Beach. Its length is 1,200 m, its width is about 140 m. This beach borders on the sports port, whose name is Club Nautic Salou. In addition, the resort town has a large number of bays, the most popular of which is Lenguadetes Bay. It is located between Long Beach and Capellanes Bay.
Events and festivals
Throughout the year in Salou, many vibrant festivals replace each other, attracting tourists from all over the world.
- In the spring, you can have a great time here by visiting the sights. Easter week is a particularly solemn time. Good Friday is a public holiday in Salou.
- In mid-June, the Motor Star festival takes place, which is known throughout the world. At this time, both ultra-modern and rare vintage car brands gather here for a car parade. A similar event takes place in October. Sports races that start in Salou and end in the Costa Dorada gather spectators from all over the city and beyond.
- August 8-15 in Salou celebrate "Golden Nights" - a wonderful festival, which is accompanied by street performances, theatrical shows, fireworks. They also choose the most beautiful couple in the city. Once on this action, no one will remain indifferent - fun, dancing, treats are provided by hospitable residents absolutely free of charge. And the festival ends with a pyrotechnic show "The Big Fiery Castle".
- In general, every summer evening ends in a special way. Salou is the city of fountains. When the water begins to glow with lights and dance to the music, it creates an amazing atmosphere.
- If you are lucky enough to come to Salou in autumn, don't miss the Independence Day celebrations. This is a magnificent sight - the Catalans give their soul to the holiday.
- From September 3 to 10, a theatrical procession and a reenactment regatta dedicated to King Jaime the 1st take place here. Participants of the event follow the route of the Royal Navy to Mallorca.
- In November, you can appreciate the gastronomic subtleties of cooking seafood at the Octopus Festival.
- In December there is a ballroom dancing tournament.
- When you arrive in Salou in January, don't miss the theatrical procession through the city called the Cavalcade of the Three Kings. It is dedicated to the Magi who greeted the newborn Jesus. In the last days of January - early February, the costume carnival Coso Blanco takes place. Concerts, noisy parties, incendiary dances - everything you need to have a fun vacation.
- In February, the people of Salou celebrate the "Winter Festival" (lasts two weeks).
Restaurants and cafes
There are many places in Salou where you can eat deliciously: cafes, pizzerias, pubs, bakeries, restaurants. On any street you will find a couple of places that are ready to offer Spanish or cuisine from other countries. The city is famous for its wines - try to find your favorite variety among them. Wine brands are known far outside of Spain:
- Alella
- Ampurdan
- Costa Brava
- Montsant
- Terra Alta
Salou's best restaurants include:
- La morera (Calle Berenguer de Palou, 10) is a Michelin-starred establishment
- La Goleta Restaurant Salou (Carrer de la Gavina 2)
- Deliranto (Llevant, 7)
- Restaurante Castillo de Javier (Carles Buigas, 29)
Paella is the must-try dish in Spain. It is made from rice and seafood with the addition of fragrant spices. Maybe with meat and vegetables - there are many options. Fideua is no less popular - almost the same as paella, but rice is replaced with pasta. Among the local delicacies is jamon. This is a specially prepared cured meat. Pork ham is being prepared. A culinary delight is necessarily marked with a tag, which indicates information about the pasture, the method of fattening the pig, the salting method and the weight before cooking. Tapas is a famous Spanish snack that you can try in any pub. Traditionally, it is served as a buffet (a skewer is stuck in the middle of the treat for convenience). In Salou, you also need to taste sangria - a medium-strength alcoholic drink made from red wine, spices, pieces of berries and fruits. You can have a cheap snack, drink tea or coffee in:
- Coffee Break (Berenguer de Palou, 5)
- Farggi Cafe (Passeig de Jaume I, 20)
- Beach Point (Avinguda Diputacio, 11)
- Pastis&Xocolata (Carrer Ciutat de Reus, 3)
shopping
It is not worth going to Salou for the purpose of shopping - Barcelona is more suitable for this. But, of course, you need to buy interesting souvenirs as a keepsake of this extraordinary city. All shops and supermarkets are concentrated along the promenade and work until late. However, be careful - many of them are aimed at tourists, so prices can be inflated, and the quality does not always meet expectations. Among the most famous shopping places worth paying attention to:
- Mercadona department store (Placa de Sant Jordi, 1). Here the prices are lower than in other stores, there are branded goods, hot baguettes of their own baking.
- Monday market (Placa de la Segregaciounstarred) is popular with tourists. This market is held on Mondays. You can buy anything on it: from bags, shoes, clothes to pleasant things, jewelry and other knick-knacks.
- Candy (Barcelona, 9) - a shoe store where you can buy an original pair of Ecco, Fluchos, Pikolinos, Clarks, Timberland.
To surprise your loved ones, bring home local delicacies: a bottle or two of delicious local wine and dried ham - jamon. Since Salou is a resort town, a lot of “beach paraphernalia” is sold here: flip-flops, shorts, tops, swimwear, T-shirts, hats. If you want a fridge magnet, you need to check out the souvenir shops. Figurines (the most common in the form of a pissing boy or a bull - after all, Spain), key rings, unusual cups and other pleasant trinkets bought in Salou will evoke pleasant emotions upon returning home.
How to get to Salou?
The city can be reached by air and land transport. Moscow and Salou are separated by about 3,700 km, so traveling such a distance by bus or train is very tiring. There is no airport in the city itself, you need to fly through international ones - Reus Salou or El Prat. Barcelona is well connected by bus to all of Spain, making it easy to get to Salou. This will take about 1.5 hours. It takes almost 4 hours to fly to the Spanish pearl from Moscow by plane. Direct flights to Barcelona are offered by the following airlines:
- "Ural Airlines"
- "Vueling"
- Aeroflot
There are charter flights, the cost of which differs depending on the season. If you're lucky, you can snatch tickets for cheap low-cost airlines and get to Barcelona for ridiculous money. Direct flights from Northern Palmyra are carried out by:
- "Vueling"
- Iberia
- "Russia"
You can get there by rail through Paris, Nice, Milan, Zurich, Marseille. International buses arrive at Barcelona North Station. It can be reached from Paris, Toulouse, Cologne, London, Brussels, Amsterdam and other European cities. Transport services are offered by the international company Megabus. With their own car, fans of large-scale road trips can drive to Salou on their own. The best freeway is P7, some of the roads are tolled, so you need to carefully plan the route before the trip. To travel, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa.
Transport
Salou is a cozy little town, its main sights can be seen if you walk. Cycling is also common among tourists. The most popular Bikeiberia rental. The rental price is 10 euros per day. To use the service, you need to provide a passport and a deposit of 100 euros. Public transport is worth using if, in addition to Salou, you plan to visit other tourist centers in Spain. BUS PLANA buses run along the Costa Dorada. For those who are tired of walking around the city, there is a hop-on hop-off tourist train. It runs from Plaza de l'Europe via Port Aventura to the remote bay of Cap Salou - just 14 stops. A daily ticket will cost 4 euros for children and teenagers under 13 years old and pensioners over 65. The rest need to pay 7 euros. Also in the city you can "catch" a taxi - the cars of the taxi company are white, at the free car on the roof the scoreboard is lit in green. The cost of a trip around the city will be an average of 10 euros. Renting a car doesn't really make sense. But if you want, the international companies Sixt and Europcar are at your service. There are also local rentals Ifrent and Olimpia - here the staff speaks Russian, the daily rental price is from 40 euros. You can travel from Salou to Barcelona or Valencia by train. Ticket price 8 euros.
Accommodation
Housing prices in Salou depend on the season (in high - the cost is maximum). The infrastructure of the city is well developed, so here every guest will find something that is closer to him in terms of level and price. In Salou, you can stay in hotels:
- family type
- economy class
Accommodation in a hostel will be inexpensive - about 25-60 euros per day. For a hotel with two stars, you will have to pay 40-70 euros, a three-star one costs 45-80 euros, and for services corresponding to the level of 4 stars, you need to pay 60-260 euros. There are an incredible number of hotels - more than a hundred. There are plenty to choose from: for a more relaxing family holiday, take a closer look at hotels located near the beaches. Young people will be more comfortable staying in the city center. Among the best hotels with 4 stars, it is worth highlighting:
- Sol Costa Daurada (Avenida Paisos Catalans s/n) - amenities include free internet, buffet breakfast, swimming pool.
- PortAventura Hotel (Avenida Alcalde Pere Molas, s/n) - free parking, restaurant, internet.
- PortAventura Hotel Gold River (Avenida Alcalde Pere Molas s/n) - beautiful rooms, swimming pool, Wi-Fi.
Hostels offer good services:
- Hostal Tahiti (Avda. Carles Buigas, 9);
- Hostal Portomar (Calle Cambrils, 15);
- Hostal Salou (Aragon 2);
- Hostal La Cabana (Valencia, 46).
Connection
Until 1994, in Spain, the only company that provided communication services was Telefonica. Today, mobile communications are carried out through operators:
- Vodafone
- Movistar
- Orange
For local calls and abroad, it is more profitable to purchase a SIM card from one of these mobile operators - they are sold at every step in the city. There are also smaller companies Yoigo, Lebara, Happy Movil, Simyo, but they are less popular. Tariffs are divided into two types - prepaid communication and contract. It is more profitable to choose the first type and replenish the account via the Internet or at payment points. Free Wi-Fi services are available in many hotels, cafes, restaurants.
1. There are two airports not far from Salou - Barcelona Airport and Reus Airport. There is also a developed transport infrastructure and in most settlements there is a public transport network.
2. The most popular way to get around the resort is on foot, since Salou is a small town, and while walking you can admire the light fountain, palm trees, look into the shops and, of course, stop your eyes on the seascape. Another popular way to get around Salou is by bike. There are about 5 km of bicycle paths here.
3. Nightlife in the resort is quite diverse - here you can visit a flamenco bar, a Mexican restaurant, discos, pubs, karaoke. Most clubs are free to enter.
4. For shopping, it is best to go to Reus (it is here that many branded stores are located) or to Tarragona, where there is a large multi-storey shopping center called "Parc Central". In Salou, the shops are quite expensive and when choosing a souvenir, look at the prices first, because in the resort the price does not always correspond to the quality.
5. Your vacation in the wonderful resort of Salou can be combined with a rich selection of walks and excursions in the surroundings of this city. Entertaining and educational excursions to Tarragona, Barcelona, Andorra, visits to the Cistercian monasteries, the ancient castle of Tordera, Torres wine cellars, Aquapolis and Aqualeon water parks will make your vacation unique and most interesting.
Salou on the map, panorama
Salou is a small Spanish resort on the Costa Dorada. It is known for its endless beaches, coves, picturesque lawns and rocky caves.
Salou beaches
Levante is the main beach in Salou. Its purest sandy shore stretches for 1200 m. Due to its convenient location and the alley passing nearby, it is the most popular among tourists. The beach is equipped with showers, toilets, sports grounds, play areas for children, as well as parking spaces. In its northern part you can see the Luminos Fountain, and in the southern part there is the Sports Port.
Capellanes is a small and cozy city beach 200 m long, surrounded by rocky cliffs that gradually go into the sea. Due to its modest size, many infrastructure facilities are located on the coast, right next to the sand. The depth in the sea increases gradually, which makes Capellanes attractive for families with children.
Another Salou beach - Larga, or, as it is otherwise called, the Long Beach - stretches for 600 m. It is remote from the main resort areas of the city, surrounded by a pine forest, and is great for those looking for peace and solitude.
Natural monuments of Salou
One of the attractions of Salou is the City Park, designed by the famous architect Antonio Bonet Castellano. Previously, in its place was the Camping Salou, one of the first tourist facilities in the city. Today, the park will be able to please vacationers with an abundance of flowers and green plants, as well as artificially created reservoirs.
The most beautiful place of Cape Salou is the bay of Penha Tallada. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that as a result of the impact of water and wind on a rock crashing into the sea, the latter turned into a kind of wall that cuts off the bay from the outside world.
Architectural monuments of Salou
Jaime I Boulevard is considered the best place for walking in Salou. It is surrounded by numerous flower beds and palm trees, and the pavement is decorated with the coats of arms of the nobles who accompanied the king on the campaign to Mallorca. In addition, tourists can admire the villas surrounding the boulevard, take a look at the monument to Jaime I located in its center, and in the evening immerse themselves in the romantic atmosphere created by the luminous fountains.
Not far from Bonet Square, there are several villas made in the Catalan Art Nouveau style. The most beautiful villa is Voramar, built in 1918. It is decorated with mosaics, bright tiles, carvings, and on the main facade there is a sundial with the inscription "Use the time, because it goes away forever." From the inside, the room is decorated with frescoes, which depict scenes of events significant for the history of Spain.
One of Salou's most famous attractions is PortAventura, the most visited amusement park in all of Spain. The entire territory of the park is divided into six thematic zones: "Mexico", "Mediterranean", "Wild West", "Polynesia", "China" and Sesame Aventura - "country of children". Each reproduces the features inherent in the corresponding culture.
Museums in Salou
The old tower is one of the architectural heritage of Salou. It was erected in the era of raids on the city by Sardinian and Saracen pirates. During its existence, its appearance has not changed at all: it is still the same impregnable fortress of rough masonry with small windows. There is a beautiful garden around it.
Inside, the building has been restored and converted into a cultural center, so it looks more modern. Today, the tower welcomes tourists with art exhibitions and the Museum of Modern Art. Some of the rooms were left in their original form, which allows you to look at the interior, typical of the XVI century.
The Catalan manor, or, as it is otherwise called, Masia Catalana, was built in 1974. It is a theme park illustrating the events of the Nativity of Christ. On the territory occupied by the estate, you can see a large number of different scenes from the Bible, as well as the dwellings of Spanish peasants with characteristic interiors, kitchen gardens, gardens, implements and animals.
Cafes and restaurants Salou
As you know, lovers of Spanish cuisine especially appreciate local wines. Many establishments in Salou have their own wine cellars and a rich wine list. One such place is the La Palmera restaurant. In addition, it offers visitors a very varied menu, including national dishes, such as grilled seafood, as well as vegetarian dishes.
The Villa Alexander restaurant, designed in Catalan Art Nouveau style, is located on Jaime I Boulevard. The menu here consists of very refined dishes, most of which are made from seafood. The terraces of the restaurant offer stunning sea views. In the evening, Spanish musicians perform here and flamenco shows are arranged.
Nightlife Salou
One of the most famous clubs in Salou is the Tropical Club. In the evenings, Spanish guitar music sounds on the terrace, at night - house music. On Thursdays, a flamenco fiesta is held here, and on Sundays - Russian parties.
The Flash Back Club occupies a huge territory and includes a large dance floor, a VIP area, a restaurant, 8 bars and a lounge terrace in the garden. Most of the time, trendy dance music plays here, but theme parties are occasionally organized. Among them are discos of the 70s, 80s, 90s; contests for the title of Miss and Mr. Flash Back; bathing in champagne; foam parties and more.
Salou is one of the largest coastal resorts on the Costa Dorada. In addition to the sun-drenched beaches and the warm sea, the city has many places that are attractive from the point of view of tourists. Near especially significant sights there are information stands, where information is provided in 8 languages with a description of a particular place, as well as a detailed map. Based on this information, you can create your own unique itinerary around Salou.
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Port Aventura
Port Aventura is by no means a marine facility, but a huge amusement park in Salou (one of the largest in Southern Europe - the park area is 118 hectares).
The park is divided into several sectors, each of which has its own theme: "Mexico", "Polynesia", "China", "Wild West", "Mediterranean" and "Sesame Country" - in one single day you can make a real trip around the world. Each sector has its own set of attractions and entertainment for adults and children. By the way, all attractions are made in the style of the part of the world they represent.
Throughout the day, about 80 colorful entertainment shows for every age are played in the park.
In addition, the park has its own water park, 4 hotels for guests, golf courses, beach clubs, restaurants and cafes.
The address: Avinguda de l'Alcalde Pere Molas, Salou
Working mode: from 10 am to 8 pm (during the summer season - from 10 am to 10 pm) daily, from March to the end of October.
Price: an adult ticket for all attractions will cost 45 euros (for 1 day), and a children's ticket will cost 39 euros. An entrance ticket to the water park costs 28 and 22 euros, respectively. Tickets can be purchased both at the box office of the park and on the official website in the Cashier section.
This fountain is also called Cybernetic. It is installed at the very end of Jaime Boulevard. Every Friday and Saturday at 9 pm people gather around the fountain, because it is at this time that the light and music show with laser elements begins. Jets of water flash to the music in a variety of colors.
At the height of the tourist season, a light show near the fountain is given daily (at 22:00).
The address
Working mode: from 21:00 to 22:00 (in summer - until 24:00).
Price: for free.
This sculpture seems to pay tribute to the time when Salou was a busy seaport. The sculpture is visible from almost anywhere on the beach. The author of the monument is Ramond Fernand, the famous Spanish sculptor. The monument was erected in 1990 on the embankment, in the place where the narrow pier begins.
The monument depicts the figure of a tired fisherman pulling his nets from the sea. On the nets you can see a distinct inscription in Spanish, which means "with the strength of all the people."
The address: Costa Dorada beach, Salou.
Working mode: sightseeing is available around the clock.
Price: for free.
In the center of one of the main streets of the city - Jaime Boulevard, there is a sculpture of King Jaime the First, the first king of Aragon. According to sources, it was from this place in 1229 that the king began his conquest march on Mallorca.
The monument is a figure of Jaime, made of stone, and a horse's head, the decoration of which is made of gold foil. The authors of the sculpture are Salvador Ripoy and Luis Maria Saumeis.
The grand opening of the monument to the king took place in 1965 (November 28), which was attended by government officials and famous citizens.
The address: Salou, Passeig de Jaume I ‘el Conqueridor
Working mode: any time of the day.
Price: for free.
The nondescript building dates back to the middle of the 16th century (1530). The square squat building is connected by a covered passage with another building of the same time (but the passage itself was built already in the 20th century). In the 16th century, the tower served as a defensive fortress that protected the city from the invasion of pirates.
In the 20th century, the building was restored inside, and the outside remained exactly the same as it was at the time of its construction. Today, the premises of Torre Vella are the city's cultural center, where various exhibitions and cultural events are organized. In one of the halls of the Tower there is a collection of paintings by artists of the 20th century. In the courtyard of the building there is a garden sculptural composition "Dance of Gratitude" (author - Artur Aldom Puich).
The address: Torre Vella, Salou (Tarragona), Arquebisbe Pere Cardona, 1
Telephone: +34 932726490
Working mode: from 10 am to 5 pm, in the summer from 10 am to 10 pm.
Price: visiting the museum and the fortress itself - free of charge; the cost of tickets for exhibitions and cultural events is determined separately.
This architectural landmark is located in Salou City Park. Once this estate was the most ordinary house of the Catalan inhabitants - the same houses are still found in rural Catalonia. The estate clearly tells about the way of life of the Catalans, their way of life and beliefs. In the park there are dwellings of peasants, courtyard buildings, various scenes with the participation of Mary and the baby are depicted.
In the summer season (which usually coincides with the main tourist season), a real crafts fair unfolds in the park near the estate - here you can buy jewelry, ceramics and souvenirs made by local craftsmen. The fair is open only in the evenings: from 19 to 23 hours.
The address: Salou, Avinguda de Carles Buigas, 50
Working mode: during the day.
Price: the entrance is free.
The oldest church in the city was built in 1776 for the sailors, who at that time made up the bulk of the population of Salou (the city at that time was a major port). This is reminiscent today of the coat of arms of the guild of sailors, located above the entrance.
Initially, the church had a modest size - just a chapel with one bell tower. Over time, the church was destroyed, and by the 20th century it had a very deplorable appearance. In the middle of the century, it was decided to carry out the restoration of the church, while the structure was noticeably expanded. In the same years, church paintings appeared on the walls, painted by Luis Maria Guia.
The address: Salou, Carrer de l'Esglesia, 26
Working mode: every day (summer), from 10.00 to 20.00.
Price: visiting is free.
The promenade, also known as King Jaime the First Boulevard, stretches along the entire coast and Llevant beach, starting from the Salou railway station. The embankment separates the main, business part of the city from its resort part.
The boulevard, stretching along the city for almost 1 kilometer, is a favorite vacation spot for both tourists and the citizens themselves. Entertainment complexes, cafes and restaurants are concentrated here. The design of the boulevard is no less original - the pavement is tiled, depicting a number of family coats of arms of representatives of the local elite, and the main decoration of the boulevard is the sculptural composition of Jaime the First.
There is also a whole complex of unusual fountains on the boulevard - the Glowing Fountain, the Singing (Cybernetic) Fountain. They start working in the evenings - from 21 o'clock.
By the way, if you walk along the Embankment for a long, long time, you can walk to the neighboring city of Cambrils.
The address: Carrer de Colón, 43840 Salou
Working mode: around the clock
Price: for free.
Walking around the city, you can not only soak up the atmosphere that reigns in Salou, but also get a lot of fun looking at the architectural sights.
You may also be interested in looking at the pages about the places of interest in Italy. For example: or .