Salou

Salou, a resort town on Spain's Costa Dorada, sits 112 km south of Barcelona. This Mediterranean destination has golden beaches like the expansive Llevant Beach. You can ride roller coasters at PortAventura World, or walk along the palm-lined Passeig Jaume I promenade in the evening, watching the illuminated fountains. The town has a mix of calm beaches and active nightlife areas, catering to different preferences.

Beaches in Salou

Salou's coastline has several beaches. The main Llevant Beach stretches over a kilometer, with golden sand and calm waters. You'll find showers, beach bars, and water sports equipment rentals here. For a quieter experience, visit Capellans Beach, a small cove between rocky outcrops. The Cami de Ronda coastal path connects several secluded coves around Cap Salou, where you can find less crowded beach spots.

PortAventura World: Theme Parks and Water Park

Near Salou's center is PortAventura World, a large theme park complex. It includes three parks: PortAventura Park, Ferrari Land, and Caribe Aquatic Park. PortAventura Park has six themed areas based on different parts of the world, each with its own rides and shows. Ferrari Land, themed after the Italian sports car brand, has a tall and fast roller coaster. During hot summer days, Caribe Aquatic Park offers Caribbean-themed water slides and wave pools.

Passeig Jaume I: Salou's Main Promenade

Passeig Jaume I runs parallel to Llevant Beach. This wide, palm-lined boulevard becomes busy in the evenings. As you walk, you'll pass many cafes, ice cream shops, and restaurants. The promenade has several fountains that perform shows throughout the evening. The Font Lluminosa, near the eastern end, combines water, light, and music several times each evening during summer.

Catalan and Seafood Restaurants in Salou

Salou's restaurants reflect its coastal location and Catalan background. Many places along the beachfront and in the town center serve fresh seafood. Try fideuà, a local dish similar to paella but made with short noodles instead of rice. For a quick meal, many cafes serve bocadillos (sandwiches) filled with Iberian ham or tortilla española. In the evening, you can eat tapas, trying small plates of patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and pan con tomate. Many restaurants serve local wines from the nearby Priorat or Penedès regions.

Roman and Medieval Sites in Nearby Tarragona

A 15-minute train ride takes you to Tarragona, a city with Roman-era structures including an amphitheater overlooking the Mediterranean. In the old town, narrow streets lead to the 12th-century cathedral, an example of medieval Catalan architecture. For a longer trip, you can take a train to Barcelona to see Gaudí's buildings, walk through the Gothic Quarter, or visit Park Güell.