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Hotels in Salou

A family resort on the Costa Dorada by PortAventura

Salou

LanguageSpanish
CurrencyEUR
TimezoneEurope/Madrid
Temperature12-32 °C
Dial Code+34
Population47.6M
Area505,990 km²
SocketsType C / Type F
Tap waterDrinkable

Discover Salou

Salou is a seaside resort on the Costa Dorada in Catalonia, lying about a hundred kilometres south of Barcelona. It became famous thanks to the PortAventura World theme park, the largest in southern Europe, with thrill rides, Ferrari Land and a water park. Salou has two sandy beaches with shallow, clean sea, a wide promenade with hotels and restaurants and a pedestrian zone where music plays in the evening. It is an ideal choice for families with children and the young, but also for those who want to combine beach with trips to Tarragona or Barcelona. The season runs from May to October; in summer it is around thirty degrees and the sea twenty-four. The nearest airport is Reus, fifteen minutes by car, with flights from Prague in season. Barcelona is a hundred kilometres away and from the Czech Republic it is about two thousand kilometres by car. You pay in euros and Spanish and Catalan are spoken.

What to see

The places worth your time in Salou, and what to expect at each

PortAventura World

PortAventura World

5 km from Salou

The largest entertainment complex in southern Europe, which includes the PortAventura theme park with roller coasters, Ferrari Land with the fastest rides and the Caribe Aquatic Park water park. There are six themed zones and thousands of attractions. The park is just five minutes from Salou.

Tip: Buy tickets in advance online, as they are cheaper. Arrive at opening and preferably outside holidays. Ferrari Land and PortAventura are two separate parks.

Admission:
about €55 (day)
Time needed:
full day
Platja Llarga Beach

Platja Llarga Beach

centre

A long sandy beach in the centre of Salou with shallow sea, loungers, bars and water sports. It is popular with families and full in season. Golden sand and clean water make it one of the best on the Costa Dorada.

Tip: Loungers and umbrellas cost about ten euros a day. In the morning it is calmer; in the afternoon it is often full.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
half a day
Capellans Beach

Capellans Beach

Salou

A small sandy cove among rocks with crystal water, good for snorkelling and for families. It is sheltered from wind and has a gradual entry. Reached by steps and from the promenade.

Tip: It is small, so come early. Bring a snorkel, as there are plenty of fish.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
half a day

The Promenade and Pedestrian Zone

centre

A wide promenade along the beach with palms, cafés and restaurants. In the evening concerts and a market are held. It is the centre of social life and strolling.

Tip: The promenade is liveliest in the evening; restaurant prices are lower a street away. Beware of sellers on the beach.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
1–2 hrs

The Jaume I Fountain

centre

A light and music fountain by the harbour and promenade that puts on a show of colours and music in the evening. It is a favourite place for families. The surroundings are full of restaurants.

Tip: The show begins after dark and lasts fifteen minutes. Come early for a good spot; it is free.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
30 min

Tarragona

15 km from Salou

A Roman city on the UNESCO list, fifteen kilometres from Salou, with an amphitheatre by the sea, the Les Ferreres aqueduct and a cathedral. It is one of the best Roman monuments in Spain. The old town has lanes with cafés.

Tip: From Salou a bus or train runs in twenty minutes. Come in the morning, as the afternoon is hot. Buy an amphitheatre ticket in advance.

Admission:
about €5
Time needed:
half a day

Reus and Gaudí's Birthplace

10 km from Salou

A city about ten kilometres from Salou, the birthplace of the architect Antoni Gaudí, with Modernist buildings and the Gaudí Centre. It has a historic centre with a square and vermouth. The airport is nearby.

Tip: Combine the visit with the journey from the airport. On Sunday it is closed.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
half a day

Cambrils

10 km from Salou

A fishing town with a harbour and fish restaurants just ten kilometres south of Salou. It is calmer and more authentic than Salou. Its seafood is famous.

Tip: Go to the harbour for lunch with fresh fish. The price is lower than in Salou. In the evening the promenade is romantic.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
half a day
Barcelona

Barcelona

100 km from Salou

The capital of Catalonia, a hundred kilometres from Salou, with the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and the Gothic Quarter. From Salou you go by train in an hour and a half or by car. The trip takes a full day.

Tip: A train runs from Salou to Barcelona Sants. It is best to go in the morning and return in the evening. For the Sagrada Família book tickets in advance.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
full day

Photos: PortAventura World — Carlitos0802 (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Platja Llarga Beach — Ferran Llorens (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Capellans Beach — Jorge Franganillo (CC BY 2.0) · Barcelona — Thomas Ledl (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where to stay

Areas and districts, matched to the kind of trip you are taking

Centre and Platja Llarga

Best for: beach and promenade

The area around the main beach with hotels, restaurants and shops. It is lively and everything is close. Best for a first visit.

Cala Crancs and PortAventura

Best for: near the theme park

A district by PortAventura with all-inclusive hotels and pools. It is calm and close to the park. A good choice for families.

Capellans and La Pineda

Best for: calm and coves

Coves and beaches in the east and west, with smaller hotels and apartments. It is calmer. Suits couples.

Vilafortuny and Cambrils

Best for: authenticity and calm

Neighbouring towns with a fishing atmosphere and lower prices. Salou is reached by bus. Suits those who want calm.

Search hotels →

Getting around

From the airport

The nearest airport is Reus (REU), ten kilometres from Salou, with a summer route from Prague. Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) is a hundred kilometres away and from it a train and bus run in an hour and a half. By car from the Czech Republic it is about two thousand kilometres through Germany and France. From Reus airport a bus and taxi run to Salou in twenty minutes.

Reus Airport (REU) · 10 km

  • Taxi to Salou· 15 min· €25
  • Bus to Salou· 25 min· €3
  • Car rental· at the airport· €35

Barcelona El Prat (BCN) · 100 km

  • Train to Salou· 1 hr 30 min· €15
  • Transfer to Salou· 1 hr 15 min· €90

Around town

Salou can be walked and a little train runs along the promenade. Buses run to PortAventura, Tarragona and Cambrils. Bikes are rented. For trips a train or car is handy.

On footThe centre is small.
BusTo PortAventura and Tarragona. · €2
TrainTo Tarragona and Barcelona. · €3
TaxiAround town. · €10

Useful apps: Google Maps, Renfe, Bolt, Moovit

When to go

Salou has a Mediterranean climate with a hot summer and a mild winter. In July it is around thirty degrees and the sea twenty-four. The best time is May to September. In July and August it is full.

Best time

June to September

What to avoid

January and February (cool)

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day14°15°17°19°23°27°30°30°27°23°18°15°
Night3°4°6°8°12°16°19°19°16°12°7°4°
Rainy days303035454530154070704535
Sea13°13°13°14°17°21°24°25°24°20°16°14°

Food & drink

Catalan cooking is Mediterranean: fish, tapas, rice and fresh vegetables. A main dish costs ten to twenty euros and a menu del día twelve to eighteen euros. People drink cava, wine and beer.

What to try

Paella

Rice with vegetables, chicken, rabbit or seafood, cooked in a pan. Best in a restaurant where it is cooked for two.

Pa amb tomàquet

Bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil, the basis of Catalan cooking. Served with tapas.

Fideuà

Noodles with seafood cooked like paella. A typical dish of the coast.

Calçots

Roasted spring onions with romesco sauce, a traditional winter dish. Eaten with the hands.

Crema catalana

A vanilla cream with a caramel crust, a Catalan dessert. Similar to crème brûlée.

Tapas and croquetas

Small dishes: fried croquettes, ham, cheese and olives. For tasting.

Cava

Catalan sparkling wine from the Penedès region. Drunk at celebrations.

What it costs

Espresso

€1.5–2.5

Menu del día

€12–18

Paella for two

€30–45

A beer

€3–4.5

PortAventura (day)

€55

Lounger (day)

€10

3★ hotel (night)

€80–200

Train to Barcelona

€15

Indicative prices that change over time — treat them as a guide, not a price list.

Practical information

SocketsCEuroplug, two round pinsFSchuko
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Tap waterTap water is drinkable — Tap water in Spain is drinkable, but tastes salty; most tourists drink bottled. Bottled water is cheap.
TippingTipping is not obligatory; rounding up or leaving a few euros suffices.
Driving on theright
SafetySalou is safe. Watch for pickpockets in crowds and on beaches; do not leave belongings unattended. The emergency number is 112.
Opening hoursShops are open from nine to eight, with a siesta at midday. Restaurants serve lunch from one and dinner from nine. In season it is open daily.
Customs & etiquetteSpaniards dine late. On the beach do not sunbathe topless except in designated places. In restaurants do not go in swimwear.
A few local wordsGood morning — Buenos díasThank you — GraciasPlease — Por favorHow much is it? — ¿Cuánto cuesta?Cheers — ¡Salud!The bill, please — La cuenta, por favorWhere is the toilet? — ¿Dónde están los servicios?

How to plan your days

1 day

A day by the sea

  1. 1Morning Platja Llarga beach.
  2. 2Lunch with paella.
  3. 3Afternoon the promenade.
  4. 4Evening the fountain.
  5. 5Dinner by the sea.

2 days

Two days: Salou and PortAventura

  1. 1Day one as above.
  2. 2Day two a full day at PortAventura.
  3. 3Evening swimming.
  4. 4Dinner by the promenade.

3 days

Three days: Salou and Tarragona

  1. 1Days one and two as above.
  2. 2Day three Tarragona.
  3. 3Afternoon the amphitheatre by the sea.
  4. 4Evening return.

Day trips

Tarragona

15 km · 20 min by bus or train

A Roman city on the UNESCO list with an amphitheatre by the sea and a cathedral. It suits half a day.

Barcelona

100 km · 1 hr 30 min by train

The capital of Catalonia with the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and the Gothic Quarter. It suits a full-day trip.

Montserrat

110 km · 1 hr 30 min by car

A mountain with a monastery and a view of the Catalan countryside, home of the Black Madonna. It suits half a day.

Frequently asked questions

Is Salou suitable for families?+

Yes, it is an ideal choice. The beaches are shallow and sandy, there are PortAventura, a water park and a promenade with a fountain. Hotels offer all inclusive and children's clubs.

How do I get to Salou from the Czech Republic?+

In season flights run from Prague to Reus in two and a half hours and from there it is fifteen minutes. Otherwise fly to Barcelona and take a train. By car it is about two thousand kilometres.

When is the best time to visit?+

June to September, when it is warm and the sea twenty-four degrees. In July and August it is full and pricey. September has pleasant weather and fewer people.

How much does PortAventura cost?+

A one-day ticket costs about fifty-five euros; online in advance is cheaper. Ferrari Land is paid separately or in a package. Multi-day tickets pay off.

Is Salou expensive?+

It is mid-range. A menu del día costs twelve to eighteen euros, a hotel eighty to two hundred euros a night. Cheapest is accommodation out of the high season.

Can you go from Salou to Barcelona?+

Yes, by train in an hour and a half or by car in an hour and a quarter. It is a popular full-day trip. For the Sagrada Família book in advance.

Is Salou safe?+

Yes, it is a safe resort. Watch for pickpockets in crowds and on beaches. Do not leave belongings unattended.

What is there to do in Salou besides the beach?+

Visit PortAventura, Tarragona and Barcelona, stroll the promenade and see the fountain. Water sports and cycling are popular.

Visa Requirements

Check the latest visa requirements for entering this country. Some nationalities may need to apply for a visa or e-visa before travel.

Check visa requirements

Emergency Numbers

Police112Ambulance112Fire112

Language

Spanish

Currency

EUR

Timezone

Europe/Madrid

Dial Code

+34

Population

47.6M

Area

505,990 km²

Voltage

230V / 50Hz

Driving Side

Right

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