Located on Catalan’s sunny east coast, just over 1 hour from Barcelona, the port town of Salou is the perfect place to unwind, enjoy Spain’s balmy weather and make some memories. Although Salou is a fairly small town, it has existed since the medieval period and has a rich cultural history. It’s also home to plenty of fun Salou attractions that are ideal for family groups or for small parties. So, if you’re looking for somewhere different to visit this year, these are the best things to do in Salou for an epic getaway.
Top 10 things to do in Salou
Salou has lots to keep you entertained, whether you’re travelling with friends and family or flying solo. With its sandy beachfront and various theme parks, Salou is a great place to explore with kids. It is also an excellent option if you’re planning a night out in Barcelona but want to base yourself somewhere quieter. Salou also has its fair share of historical and cultural attractions, which are ideal for wandering around during the hottest hours of the day.
Salou has lots of places to eat out, with many restaurants serving traditional Spanish cuisine. You could also venture into Tarragona wine country and sample some local wines at a nearby vineyard.
Best things to do in Salou for families
Salou is an ideal destination for a family holiday. Warm weather is more or less guaranteed at most times of the year and the town is small and quiet, without too much traffic on the roads. On top of that, many Salou attractions are amazing for kids. Some great options are listed below.
PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park
Located just a 15-min drive from the main beachfront, this Salou water park makes for an unforgettable family day out. Visitors at PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park can ride the fast-paced shoots and flumes, swim in the park’s multiple pools, and splash in the relaxing Bahama Beach lagoon. The park also has plenty of areas and slides that are safe for younger children and for inexperienced swimmers. After all that swimming makes you hungry, you can grab something to eat at one of the on-site restaurants.
The water park is usually open from 10 am until 11 pm throughout the summer months and from 10 am until 6 pm during the rest of the year. The park is also conveniently situated roughly 2min away from several nearby theme parks, letting you enjoy a fun-packed day of rides, rollercoasters, and swimming. You can reach the Salou water park from the main town via the C-14 and the A-7.
Address: Avinguda Alcalde Pere Molas, s/n 43480 Vila-Seca, Tarragona
PortAventura World
If rollercoasters and adventure rides are more your things, the PortAventura World theme park will be right up your alley. Located right beside Caribe Aquatic Park, PortAventura World encompasses several theme parks, including PortAventura Park, Ferrari Land, and SesamoAventura. Thrill seekers will love the huge rollercoasters, water rides, and themed attractions at PortAventura Park. Meanwhile, SesamoAventura caters to younger kids and features fun characters and rides for all ages.
Ferrari Land is a transport-themed park, with superfast rides and car-themed attractions, as well as on-site Italian restaurants. You will find the parks of PortAventura World located off the A-7.
Address: Avinguda Alcalde Pere Molas, s/n 43480 Vila-Seca, Tarragona
Llevant Beach
Sometimes, the best part about family holidays is relaxing on the beach. Llevant Beach is the main beachfront in Salou and is a great location for swimming. Kids will love building sandcastles or splashing in the shallows. You can also hire pedalos on the beach if you fancy getting out on the water or find nearby places to hire diving and scuba gear.
Llevant Beach also has multiple beachfront restaurants where you can re-energise and enjoy some local cuisine, and the beach is located just a short walk from Salou’s illuminated fountains, which light up after dark in a colourful display. You can easily walk to the beachfront from the main town or get there by car via the Passeig de Jaume I.
Address: Llevant Beach, Passeig de Jaume I, Salou
Cultural things to do in Salou
If your ideal trip involves touring old castles or exploring heritage sites, Salou has some great options for you. You can really make the most of the area’s historical sites if you hire a car in Salou, with many cultural attractions being located around a 15-min drive from the town, around the wider Tarragona area. However, regional buses to Tarragona town from Salou are also available.
Iglesia de Santa Maria del Mar
The Iglesia de Santa Maria del Mar is a traditional Spanish church located within Salou’s main town. The church has some interesting murals and painted chapels, which are nice to walk around on a hot day. It is still actively used by the community, so you may not be able to explore it completely during mass. However, if you are also looking for somewhere to worship during your stay, visitors are welcome to attend.
Address: Carrer de l’Eglesia, 22, 43840, Salou
Casa Bonet
Although you cannot actually go inside Casa Bonet, the exterior alone is well worth a visit. Casa Bonet is one of the first historical villas built in Salou and is easily accessible on foot from the main beachfront and the town centre. The house itself has some magnificent architecture and decoration that is visible from the roadside. The property is also surrounded by stunning tropical gardens and huge palm trees.
Casa Bonet is located near the far west end of the Passeig de Jaume I main street. It is also only a roughly 3-min walk from the Xalet Fort, another historical villa designed to look like a small castle.
Address: Casa Bonet, Placa de Bonet, Salou
Walls of Tarragona and Tarragona Cathedral
Just a short drive along the coast from Salou, you can visit the historical Roman town of Tarragona, which is famous for its historical walls and its beautiful cathedral. The base of the Tarragona city walls dates back to the 3rd century and is believed to have been built by Scipio, a General in the Roman army. The walls are fascinating to take a walk around and have lots of excellent authentic Spanish restaurants located nearby. From here, the cathedral is only about a 10-min drive away along the Rambla Nova and Rambla Vella.
Tarragona Cathedral was also constructed under Roman rule and has some spectacular chapels, galleries, and interior art. The cathedral is open throughout the day for most of the year and costs around €5 (£4.30) for entry.
Address: Pla de la Seu, s/n, 43003, Tarragona
Best nightlife in Salou
Looking for somewhere to grab a few drinks before a big night out in Barcelona? Or want to enjoy a cocktail brunch near the beach? Salou has some great bars and restaurants where you can have a beer and sample some delicious Spanish cuisine.
Xiringuito Fornes
If you want to enjoy some cocktails on the beach, the Xiringuito Fornes beach bar is the perfect place for you. This bar is located right on the sand, with great views of the ocean. The decor is beach-casual, with deckchairs and umbrellas over outdoor tables. Meanwhile, the cocktails are fiery, making this the perfect place to start your night on the town.
Address: Platja Llevant, Passeig de Jaume I, s/n, 43840
Restaurant El Galeon
As a seaside town, one of the best things to do in Salou is trying some local seafood. Restaurant El Galeon is a fish and meat restaurant, which is located on the Via Roma in the town centre. This area, along the Via Roma and the Via Augusta, has lots of popular restaurants, so it’s the best place to go if you’re looking for somewhere to eat. Restaurant El Galeon is known for its fresh shellfish dishes and its decadent desserts.
You will also find tapas places nearby and restaurants that serve the regional favourite, paella. Perfect for an evening out or a lunchtime snack.
Address: Restaurant El Galeon, Via Roma, 26, 43840
Best outdoor Salou attractions
Nature lovers and hikers will also find great places to explore in Salou. Some popular sites and trails are listed below.
Cala Fonda Nature Reserve
Cala Fonda Nature Reserve is a beautiful walking area on the coast near Tarragona, around a 30-min drive from Salou. The area has lots of stunning secluded coves that are great for taking a dip. It is also home to the historical Torre de la Mora, which looks out over the Balearic Sea.
Hikers visiting this area can follow the Bosc de la Marquesa trails, which also pass the Mas de Grimau historical tower. It’s an excellent place for taking some holiday snaps or immersing yourself in nature.
Address: Cala Fonda, Tarragona, Spain
Far de Salou, Salou Lighthouse
If you want to walk the coastline in Salou, you can hike east towards the Far de Salou. This coastal path has incredible ocean lookouts and wooden walkways in some areas, making them easily accessible for people of all abilities. You can walk from Llevant Beach to the nearby Cami da Ronda lighthouse and, from here, follow the paths along to the Far de Salou. On the way, you’ll pass plenty of smaller beaches where you can take a rest or cool off in the sea.
Address: Carrer de la Falconera, 8, 43840, Salou
