Hello dear travel lovers. The place we visited last month turned out to be one of the most popular coastal towns in Costa Daurada. This region is located in Catalonia and the name of this seaside town is Salou. Once a small fishing village, it has now become one of the most well-known tourist destinations along the coast. The peak season is naturally summer, but tourists come here throughout the year. The beginning of the season can safely be considered as April, from this month onward people start sunbathing and relaxing on the beach.
Salou features sandy beaches. The gentle entry into the sea and warm waters make the beaches of Costa Daurada perfectly suitable for a vacation. Similarly, in cities like Cambrils, Salou, Sitges and Vilanova, you can find charming beaches with fine sand, soft sea entries and great walking paths offering beautiful sea views.
There’s a lovely wooden pier stretching along the coastline. Walking along it offers amazing views. In the distance, you can see the city of Cambrils and even catch sight of the mountains. Overall, this place was stunning. I enjoyed it.
The town is full of statues, fountains and walking areas designed for tourists. There are benches where you can sit and relax while enjoying the sea view. During our walk, we reached a small park area equipped with palm trees and benches. This tiny spot was adjacent to the remains of an old castle Wall, combining both historical and natural elements.
While walking along the shore, we also came across another beach that opens up into a secluded cove. To reach this beach, you have to pass through a specially built wooden path.
Some people say that Costa Brava is more beautiful, but I must point out that if you're looking for sandy, easy-access, pebble-free beaches, you might struggle a bit there. However, in Costa Daurada, you can find all of these. Even within Salou alone, there are several beaches with beautiful views, soft sand and gentle sea access. Here, the water temperature is generally higher than in Costa Brava. The more you explore Costa Daurada, the more you’ll fall in love with this coastal region. If you have small children, you might want to consider choosing one of the coastal towns in Costa Daurada.
The walking areas are genuinely fantastic. You can simply walk in a straight line: no climbing, no sudden elevation changes, no jumping over rocks, no stairs. It's the perfect route if you just want to enjoy a peaceful stroll.
Moreover, right next to the wide walking path, the first row of the town is filled with greenery. There are plenty of palm trees and parks around. The town feels very orderly and well-maintained. One of the most eye-catching spots is the long stretch of palm-lined promenade. It creates a very impressive visual effect.
If you cross to the other side of the road, you’ll see some beautiful villas. There aren’t too many of them, only about six or seven. Further down, the architectural style suddenly changes. Hotels begin to appear, followed by apartment buildings and accommodations for tourists, then more hotels. But only in this specific area can you experience a different architectural style.
This town is also ideal for photography. Salou offers many great photo spots. For example, you can take pictures at signs displaying the town’s name or pose with an old iron anchor in a garden. Or, you could snap some shots next to a colorful fishing boat. As for fountains, words can hardly do justice. There are so many of them. All are beautiful; some change shape continuously, while others simply shoot water in a steady stream.
We entered Calle Zaragoza, a pedestrian street that serves as the heart of shopping. Here, you'll find numerous shops, restaurants and places to eat. The shaded parts of this street are especially important in summer when temperatures can reach up to 35°C in July and August. Walking under the sun is enjoyable only at the beach, inside the town, it can get quite uncomfortable.
Since we had just arrived, we wanted to find a place to eat right away, according to our usual habits. But we ended up walking for three hours without sitting down once. Plus, many restaurants were closed, some didn't open until 6 PM in the evening. Time passed quickly while we wandered around.
Zaragoza Street is a perfect spot for those looking for souvenirs or small items. There are places like a candy paradise where you can buy jellies, ice cream and bubble gum. It's a great place for shopping, walking in a shaded environment, or picking up little things.
Along the way, we found a nice rooftop restaurant called The Fox and Hounds Salon. The menu offered a variety of dishes and we decided to have lunch there. We reviewed the menu and placed our orders.
It's quite an interesting place because they’ve combined various cuisines: Spanish, Italian, Indian, American and British. You can order dishes from any of these culinary traditions. Our total bill came to 46 euros and a few cents. My order included rice, chicken, tikka masala sauce and chapati bread. The chapati was slightly overcooked and dry, but overall the taste was average. I ate everything, nothing was left behind. My friend ordered pizza, which he said tasted normal. The advantage of this place is its relatively affordable prices, making it a good option for budget-conscious travelers. The service was good and the atmosphere was pleasant. If you don’t have overly luxurious expectations, this place could suit you well.
You certainly won’t go hungry in Salou. There are countless restaurants and bars, especially along the front row near the sea. Whether you prefer dining with a sea view or in the shade of the city, there are fast food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King available as well. Even the pickiest guests can find something to their liking.
Its location is definitely worth mentioning: it's just 130 km from Barcelona and easily accessible by direct train or bus. Moreover, one of the biggest attractions here is the PortAventura amusement park. It offers calm rides for young children and high-speed roller coasters for adults. We loved it so much that we visited multiple times.
Next to PortAventura is Ferrari Land and a massive water park. Together, this trio gives tourists unforgettable experiences. Our recommendation: be sure to visit these parks. Also available is a karting track where you can experience the thrill of driving like a real pilot.
If you’re interested in tours, Salou offers many opportunities depending on your budget and preferences. For example, you can visit historical sites dating back to the Roman Empire. Nearby is the city of Cambrils and a bit further lies the Ebro Delta, a national park that attracts many visitors.
You can also try swimming with large blue-toned fish, an unforgettable adventure. So, in Salou, you'll never get bored. You can have fun, explore new places and enjoy a memorable holiday.
Another entertainment area near Salou’s harbor involves sea activities. Various packages are offered here. Among the most notable is a 3-hour sea tour for 43 euros, including food and drinks. Another package costs 40 euros for a 3-hour sea tour with drinks only. These tours start at 4 PM. The most exciting offer is a 5-hour Saturday sea tour for 62 euros, including a barbecue. While sailing on a catamaran, they cook meat, fish, or other dishes for you. Additionally, you can take a sightseeing boat tour between Cambrils and Salou for 13.5 euros, a fantastic activity. If you don’t suffer from seasickness, this is highly recommended. If you do experience seasickness, consider solutions like medication or balance bracelets.
I really believe that Salou is worth visiting. There’s always something to do here, every day brings the opportunity to discover new places. Compared to smaller coastal towns, in my opinion, Salou is a real city.
Salou was wonderful and I’m certain I’ll return here again.