Salou in Catalonia, Spain, is rich with history having once been a pirate town and now a captivating place for tourists to visit. With many attractions, resorts and historic buildings, Salou has something to offer everyone from adventure lovers to history buffs.
If you are planning a holiday to Salou in Spain then this visitor’s guide should give you a good range of things to do and see during your vacation.
Beaches in Salou, Spain
With over 34 blue flag beaches in Salou, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. The most popular is the Llevant Beach which is the longest beach in Salou, it has the Passeig Jaume I running alongside it which is a promenade packed full of restaurants and entertainment. Llevant Beach is also home to various different water-sports and boat trips. Penya Tallada is a small yet beautiful natural cove that has not been touched or spoilt, perfect for those looking for less busy and more beauty. Other popular beaches include Ponent which used to be the ‘ladies beach’ when it was not allowed for men and women to bathe together and the nudist beach for those who fancy something a bit different. Salou really does have some of the best cheap holidays Spain has to offer.
PortAventura Resort, Salou
For adults and children alike, the PortAventura Resort is home to a fantastic theme park, aquatic park and hotel. Home of one of the fastest European roller-coasters, Furius Baco, the theme park is constantly being updated with bigger and better rides. After a fun filled thrill ride you can visit the PortAventura Aquatic Park or watch one of the many parades or firework shows held during summer evenings. With six different areas of the park such as Mexico, China and SésamoAventura, which is based on the characters of Sesame Street, there is truly something for all age groups. Visitors to Salou have not truly experienced this Spanish town unless they have visited the PortAventura Resort.
El Carrilet Railway Station, Salou
Those looking to experience a bit of Spanish history will instantly be drawn to the old El Carrilet Railway Station in Plaza el Carrilet. This railway station was established in 1887, finally shutting down in 1975 due to the increased use of cars as the main transport. For many years this railway was the only way for the public to travel from Salou to Reus, the next largest town in Catalonia. At the El Carrilet railway station they still have the old steam trains and carriages for visitors to have a look at. This is a must see for train fans, historians and inquisitive tourists alike.
Rally Catalunya, World Rally Championship in Salou
If you are visiting during the World Rally Championship then you simply must bag yourself a seat to this exhilarating experience. Held along the roads of Salou in Catalonia the Rally Catalunya is a nail biting thrill which will be something to talk about for years to come. The rally is generally held around October or November time, so make sure you check before leaving.
Font Lluminosa, Salou
At the end of the Passeig Jaume I promenade and right next to the Llevant Beach is the Font Lluminosa, a beautiful fountain that you simply must see before leaving Salou. At night it is lit up with over 500 lights and an image projector, giving every tourist a stunning show that can sometimes last up to twenty minutes.
Conclusion
There really is something for everybody to enjoy in Salou, Spain, whether you are going on your own, on a romantic getaway or taking the whole family. The weather is a delight nearly all year round so visiting the beaches is a great way to enjoy the sunshine.
Thrill seekers will love PortAventura Resort and the World Rally Championships, whereas those who want some culture and history will really enjoy the colourful fountain of Font Lluminosa or visiting the old railway station at El Carrilet. Whatever you decide to do in Salou, it will be a holiday of a lifetime.
An article by Spain and Salou fanatic, Ruth Hinds.