Take in the thrills at one of the largest theme parks in Europe and sunbathe on a choice of three golden-sand beaches opposite the main town of Salou.
Salou is a bustling beach resort on the Costa Dorada (or Costa Daurada), just a short drive away from the sights of Barcelona and Tarragona, and offers a great spot for a honeymoon.
Discover a series of Blue Flag golden-sand beaches that sit between clean turquoise waters and a broad promenade crowded with bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels.
To the east lies Cap Salou, a picturesque craggy promontory indented with secluded coves of golden sand surrounded by pine-covered cliffs.
The best beaches in Salou, include the following…
Pick your own spot to sunbathe on this broad, 1.2km-long, golden-sand beach that lies between a wide palm-fringed promenade and a clean Blue Flag-awarded turquoise bay with perfect conditions for swimming.
Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire, a gym, children’s play areas, showers, toilets, volleyball courts, ramps for people with disabilities, lifeguards, regular police patrols, a range of water sports and a choice of beach bars and cafes close by.
Unwind on this long golden-sand beach that is a quiet alternative to the Playa de Levante, which sits just a short walk away to the east.
Facilities on this popular beach include parasols and sun loungers for hire, children’s play areas, showers, toilets, ramps for people with disabilities, lifeguards, regular police patrols and a range of water sports.
The palm-fringed beach is lined with bars and cafes and merges into Playa Cambrils in the neighbouring resort of Cambrils.
Relax on this less crowded 250m-long golden-sand beach that is fringed by a grove of pine trees and nestles between low cliffs crowded with hotels and apartments.
Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire, ramps for people with disabilities, lifeguards, regular police patrols and a few beach bars and cafes.
Escape the more crowded main beaches fronting Salou town for this quiet golden-sand beach that sits beneath Punta de Porroig (Porroig Point), facing a small cove.
Playa Llenguadets is easily accessed by descending stairs from De la Torrassa Street or from a cliff-side path that separates the beach from Platja Llarga to the east.
There are no facilities on this beach except lifeguards, so it’s probably best to take your own food and beverages. Although there are houses sitting atop cliffs overlooking the beach, this is a charming spot to sunbathe and swim.
Pick your own spot to sunbathe and swim on this 600m stretch of fine golden sand that sits beneath a pine forest, promenade and low cliffs on picturesque Cap Salou (Salou's Cape).
The beach is accessible by stairs on both sides. There are no facilities on this beach except lifeguards, so it’s probably best to bring your own food and drink. The Hotel Negresco Princes sits on a headland overlooking the beach.
Find some solitude on this quiet golden-sand beach that faces a tiny turquoise cove on Cap Salou and is fringed by the ‘Penya Tallada’ (Sculptured Rock), which juts into the sea.
There are no facilities on this beach except for lifeguards, so it’s probably best to take your own food and drinks.
Sunbathe on this tiny golden-sand beach that lies beneath dramatic cliffs covered in lush vegetation and pine trees.
Swim and snorkel in the warm turquoise waters beneath three nature-sculpted caves then go for a stroll along the scenic coastal track to discover more secluded coves on this picturesque side of Cap Salou, which was once a favourite staging ground for local pirates.
There are no facilities on this beach except for lifeguards, so it’s probably best to take your own food and drinks.
This tiny, 70m-long golden-sand beach nestles between cliffs topped with pine trees and villas. The beach is accessed down a steep asphalt pathway that leads from Carrer Pins del Cintet (Pins del Cintet Street).
Swim in the clear water and snorkel beneath the impressive cliffs. There are no facilities on this beach except lifeguards, so it’s probably best to take your own food and drinks.
Take in the thrills at one of the largest theme parks in Europe and sunbathe on a choice of three golden-sand beaches opposite the main town.
Or relax on one of several secluded coves surrounded by pine-fringed cliffs and luxury villas on nearby Cap (Cape) Salou.
Away from the beach, discover rides at the Salou fun fair, the illuminated ‘dancing' fountains on the promenade, and Torre Vella, a 16th century watchtower that hosts modern art exhibitions.
For some of the best thrills, head to the Port Aventura Amusement Park, one of Europe's largest theme parks, crammed with a series of fantastic rides and an excellent water park, the Costa Caribe.
Watch the dolphin show and try the water chutes at Aquopolis Water Park in the neighbouring resort of La Pineda. Or stroll amid impressive Roman ruins and monuments at nearby Tarragona.
To the south lie the lagoons and marshes of the Delta de l'Ebre, a 32,000ha riverine wetland – the perfect locale for a day cruise; try to spot some of the 320-odd species of birdlife that migrate through this region.
After dark, discover a huge choice of music bars, discos, English-style pubs and nightclubs such as La Cage nightclub or Pacha in nearby La Pineda – perfect for party-going honeymoon couples.
Top attractions in Salou, include…
Port Aventura Amusement Park – You’ll need at least two days to try all the rides at this massive 810ha theme park boasting five themed ‘worlds’, including China, Mexico and the Wild West.
The ‘worlds’ incorporate a number of death-defying rides such as the Sea Odyssey underwater adventure, the Grand Canyon Rapids water ride and the thrilling Dragon Khan ride – a legendary white-knuckle mega roller coaster.
Meet Universal Studios characters and remember to take in the entertaining multi-media evening show – the 'Fiesta Aventura' – which features nightly fireworks, fountains and floats.
Cambrils – If Salou is too crowded for your tastes, escape to the quiet resort of Cambrils, offering great golden-sand beaches and beachfront restaurants and hotels, with local fishing boats out to sea.
For great sea views visit the Museu Torre del Port, a 17th century circular watchtower now converted into a maritime museum.
Tarragona – Discover the outstanding medieval and Roman ruins that dot this historic town.
Stroll the Passeig Arqueològic Muralles, which fringes ancient Roman ramparts dating to the 3rd century BC, as well as British and Spanish fortifications erected in the 18th century.
Meander along a maze of narrow streets lined with tall picturesque houses in the medieval walled upper town known as La Part Alta.
Visit the impressive 12th century cathedral, with its soaring Gothic portal framed by Romanesque doors, and wander among well-preserved Roman remains including the 2nd BC century amphitheatre.
Visit the Roman Praetorium (said to be the birthplace of Pontius Pilate) and see a collection of Roman statuary and relics including ceramics, mosaics and coins at the Museu Nacional Arqueològic.
Just out of town, stroll across one of the greatest Roman structures still standing in Spain – the 217m-long Pont del Diable (Devil's Bridge) aqueduct. Tarragona is located 110km south of Barcelona.
Salou offers a wide range of honeymoon accommodation including 4-star hotels such as the California Palace Hotel Salou, located close to the beach, and the Hotel El Paso Salou, which boasts a huge range of facilities and sits next door to Port Aventura.
The best time to visit Salou for a beach holiday is during summer from mid-June through August, at a time when the weather is hot and sunny with little or no rain.
However, anytime from late-May to early-October is good for a range of outdoor activities.
Salou enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, sunny summers and relatively mild winters.
More information about Salou Weather…
Salou is located on the Costa Dorada on the east coast of Spain, around 10km (6.2mi) south of Tarragona and 112km (69mi) southwest of Barcelona.
The most convenient route to Salou is by air to Reus Airport (REU) located about 12km (7.4mi) northwest of Salou.
Reus Airport is mainly served by low cost airlines from British and Irish destinations as a gateway to the Costa Dorada during the summer holiday season.
An alternate option is to fly into the much larger Barcelona–El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN), which receives daily international direct flights from around the world.
Barcelona–El Prat Airport is located around 97km (60mi) from Salou, taking around 1 hour by taxi and 1 hour 47 minutes by bus or train.
More information about How to get to Salou…
Latest update: How to get to Salou: 4 August, 2022
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