The Complete Guide To Salou, Spain
Last summer we had a glorious week-long trip to Salou in Spain and loved every moment of this coastal resort. In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do, where to stay, and a few restaurant recommendations in Salou, Spain.
By: Lesley Stewart | 9 March 2025
A bustling coastal town set with a vibrant centre, Salou in Spain is a picturesque seaside location rich in adrenaline pumping activities and sun-drenched golden beaches. This resort offers incredible variation and it’s a perfect destination for travellers seeking sun, sea, and adventure.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Salou, partly because I’ve spent so much time in Southern Spain but mostly because it’s often eclipsed by its more famous destinations on the sunny Costa del Sol coast like Nerja and Benalmadena.
But after spending a week on , I can say Salou is a fantastic option for a beachfront getaway. One of my favourite towns from our trip, this is a complete guide to visiting Salou, Spain.
An unsung hero as far as Spanish beach towns go, miles upon miles of coastal trails and tranquil beaches, restaurants, and a buzzy nightlife combine to make Salou very much worth visiting.
What it lacks by way of an old town, it makes up for in gorgeous beaches and it might be one of the more convenient bases for watersports coupled with day trips to Tarragona and nearby charming mountain villages.
And while Salou’s beaches may get less press than boujee Marbella and trendy Valencia, they certainly don’t lack postcard-perfect vistas and the very real temptation of long lazy days under the Mediterranean sun.
Salou is a beachy gem and offers an enticing blend of lazy days on golden sands and coastal adventures that I think you’ll appreciate.
Read on for my tips for exploring Salou in Spain, where to stay, memorable places to eat, and the best things to do.
Where is Salou?
You’ll find Salou on Spain’s northeast Catalan coast, one of the many beach resorts in the Costa Dorada, or golden coast. Salou is a mere 15 minutes from the historical city of Tarragona, 10 minutes from charming Reus, and 1 hour from iconic Barcelona.
The best way to get to Salou is by flying into its closest airport, Reus, which is a quick 10-minute transfer, and you’ll find regular flights from all major UK airports.
We book our Spanish getaways with Jet2 Holidays and love their range of stylish beachfront hotels, all-inclusive packages, and transfers. Their very generous luggage allowance is a bonus, especially if, like me, you fly with so many travel essentials!
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Travel tip: Though part of Spain, this region is firmly Catalan, with its own traditions, cultures, and language. We found that almost everyone we spoke to in Salou spoke English and Spanish, but visitors who go the extra mile and learn a few words of Catalan will certainly get bonus points with the locals.
Salou’s Best Hotels and Activities
HOLIDAYS:
H10 Salauris Palace: modern hotel in a great location (holiday | read the reviews)
Sol Costa Daurada: family-friendly near the beach (holiday | read the reviews)
H10 Vintage Salou: stylish adult only option (holiday | read the reviews)
Oassium Hotel: chic adult only stay in tranquil La Pineda (holiday | read the reviews)
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THINGS TO DO:
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If you’re planning a trip to Salour, don’t miss my 7—to 10-day Costa Dorada itinerary, guide to the best day trips, and guides to Tarragona, Reus, Cambrils, and wine tasting in Montsant.
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Travel tip: The best way to explore the Costa Dorada is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Spain, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt. Renting a car in Spain is easy, and driving is safe and comfortable. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
SALOU, SPAIN TRAVEL GUIDE
Things to do in Salou
Stroll the promenade
Start your trip with a stroll along Salou’s pedestrian promenade, Passeig de Jaume I, where you’ll find the town’s centre and its main beach. You can’t miss this street when visiting Salou, which is aptly named after James I, the Conqueror, a 13th-century Catalan king whose statue dominates the walkway.
Life bustles along the promenade in Salou, particularly right before sunset and after. It’s a charming walk, and around the perimeter you’ll find Salou’s tourist office, souvenir shops, and many restaurants with outdoor seating spilling out on the sunny tiles.
The giant olive tree on the corner of Calle de Barcelona is over 1,000 years old, and the never-ending line of massive palms are a glorious distraction.
The real highlight, however, is the casas modernistas. These modernist villas were built in the 1920s when wealthy city dwellers claimed land for summer boltholes along the seafront. The best examples are Xalet Bonet and Vil·la Enriqueta, but we enjoyed wandering along the promenade and “oohing” over the unique architecture.
Alternatively, the little tourist train runs up and down the promenade regularly throughout the day. You can find the timetables and train stops here.
Go beach hopping
With 9km of golden sands, take your pick of crystal clear water and beaches near Salou. There are many to choose from, though the largest and most popular beach (Platja de Llevant) is in the town centre, and offers sunbeds, beach bars, and amenities.
Some you have to pay for, such as renting loungers and umbrellas, etc., but there is also a vast public section.
However, we think the best Salou beaches are a short walk along the coastal path. Generally quieter spots away from the main playas, we were pleasantly surprised to find the coast sprinkled with scenic coves and some of the prettiest bays we’ve seen in all of Spain.
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Wander the coastal path
Starting at Pilons in the south and finishing at Salou Lighthouse in the north, the Salou Coastal Path runs the entire 9km coastline. It’s an easy route, mainly over gently undulating sandy trails backed by swaying palms.
This is the best way to discover Salou’s beaches, and like Andalusia’s coastal path, it’s a good idea to bring your bathing suit and beach towel.
We stopped regularly at beach bars for cold refreshments in the shade and very happily dipped our toes into the sea to cool down!
Some of my favourite views and sands in Salou were from this trail and even if you only walk a short section you’re guaranteed to fall in love with the breathtaking vistas. It’s such a hidden gem, but the coastal path is easily one of Salou's best things to do.
However, I recommend starting the walk early in the morning to avoid the mid-day heat, layering on lots of SPF, and wearing your comfiest trainers. Some of our group wore sandals and regretted it; trainers are the way to go.
And, if its too hot for a long walk, stroll the short section between the main beach (here) and the lighthouse (here). This was my favourite part, with the prettiest views.
Shop at Salou Market
Salou market runs weekly, offering all the hustle and bustle you expect from an open-air mercadillo. You’ll find everything from homewares to clothing here and it's a busy, popular place to shop. Salou Market is held every Monday morning on the promenade.
If you’re looking for a market selling fresh produce and local goods like olive oil, wine, honey, and artisan crafts, I suggest heading to the weekly market in nearby Cambrils. Cambrils Market runs every Wednesday and offers a more authentic shopping experience with a more extensive range of produce; be sure to pick up a cone of churros from a vendor while you pursue!
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Family-friendly Watersports
Salou certainly delivers on thrills and activities if you want more adventure. Kids and adults alike can go-kart at Karting Salou, fly down waterslides at Aquopolis, and spend a day at Salou’s famous PortAventura theme park.
However, watersports are where the town excels, so make a beeline for the excellent Club Nàutic where you’ll find SUPs, kayaking, windsurfing and all manner of activities on the sea. They supply wetsuits and all the necessary gear for all ages, and our party found the instructors friendly and helpful.
However, if you, like me, would rather stay on dry land, there’s a poolside cafe and terrace restaurant onsite where you can wait for your group and it’s a lovely locale for a cafe con leche in the sun.
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Enjoy the local cuisine
Salou has a thriving foodie scene with cuisine ranging from traditional to contemporary and all restaurants serving local Monstant wines. There’s a handful of Michelin restaurants thrown in for good measure, and nearby Cambrils is recognised as a mecca for seafood lovers.
We’ve listed our favourite Salou eateries, but I fell in love with 4R Casablanca. The authentic Catalan lunch of fideuà (similar to paella but with thin noodles rather than rice), delicious local seafood, and gazpacho was honestly delicious. Alongside a few glasses of local wine and I was fit to burst by the time we left.
Book a spa day
After a few outdoor adventures and activities, it was time to relax. One of the best things we did in Salou was a super chilled afternoon at Aquum Spa at Estival Park.
Located just along the coast at La Pineda, we opted for a day pass and spent a fantastic few hours floating around the hydro-pools, lounging on the day beds and enjoying the thermal area (think sauna, steam bath, and very chilly ice fountain).
Two of my favourite parts were the sun-drenched outdoor terrace and the zen area where we enjoyed copious amounts of herbal tea, the infrared relaxation area, and multi-sensory room with heated beds, aromatherapy, and music therapy.
My biggest regret? Not getting a massage! Aquum Spa is a real treat; prices start from €29, and you can book it here.
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Discover a garden oasis at Parc Sama
It almost feels like stepping into another world at Parc Samà; peacocks roam freely, parrots call across the lush gardens, and a gently lapping the lake creates the most magical environment.
This 14-hectare park was initially created by the Marquis de Marianao in the late 19th century, inspired by the romantic gardens of southern Italy. Today, Parc Samà is a beautiful spot for a stroll; its natural beauty and tranquillity are enchanting, and it was a real highlight of our trip.
There are animals and birds to visit, pretty walkways and charming corners, and with so many trees, it’s a wonderfully shady spot during summer. That is to say, we think adults and kids alike will find Parc Samà very much worth visiting.
Located just a few miles outside the beach resort, book your tickets in advance.
Discover Cambrils
Salou’s neighbour Cambrils is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon just along the coast. A charming coastal town with a rich history and picturesque harbour, it's like stepping into a moving postcard.
The working fishing harbour is awash with noise and colourful boats bob in the sheltered waters, while there are ice cream shops aplenty, and endless seafood restaurants both on the seafront and in the old town.
We walked from Salou to Cambrils along the beachfront in the early afternoon sun, and headed straight for one of the vibrant seafront bars in search of a refreshingly cold spritz. We loved this chic little town and in the end spent a long afternoon soaking up the buzzy atmosphere.
If you’d prefer to skip the walk (which takes 1.5 hours), the local bus runs regularly between the towns, costs €2, and takes 25 minutes.
Go wine tasting
One experience we loved was wine and olive oil tasting in the nearby Monsant Natural Park; if you enjoy a glass of local wine, I highly recommend booking a tasting tour which collects you from Salou and drives you up into the stunning mountain vineyards. This was one of my favourite experiences from the entire trip!
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Out on the town
There’s also an undercurrent of that infamous Spanish nightlife in Salou. Although late nights aren’t my forte,(I’m an early morning stroll on the beach, poolside sangria, or having a wine at a tapas bar kind of girl) - it’s no secret that nightlife in Salou goes into the early morning hours. For those seeking vibrant nightlife and fun, Salou is home to an array of bars and clubs that stay open late into the night.
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OUT & ABOUT
Salou’s Best Day Trips
Salou is a modern and vibrant beach resort, but you’ll also find picturesque old towns and historic gems just outside the centre. If you’re looking for a day trip from Salou, the best options include Tarragona, Barcelona, and pretty mountaintop Catalan villages. Here’s our recommendations and how to get there:
Tarragona: Visit historic Tarragona, where a beautifully preserved Roman amphitheatre and Cathedral meet a maze of charming streets. The town centre offers an incredible selection of authentic tapas bars, tavernas, and cafes. The local bus runs regularly between Salou and Tarragona.
Reus: nearby town of Reus, with its modernist architecture and thriving plazas; this is the best place to sample the local aperitif vermut. Check the bus times.
Barcelona: an easy day trip from Salou, this iconic city is one to remember! We suggest this full-day tour which includes pick-up in a comfortable coach and a guide.
Siurana: Siurana is a must-visit and possibly one of my favourite places for a Salou day trip. Book this highly rated tour for a day trip to some of Catalonia’s most beautiful villages.
Montsant Natural Park: Up in the mountains, you’ll find a lush natural park, and it's worth carving time out to visit the enchanting Catalan villages tucked away amongst its hills. Our favourites were Pobadela, Escaladei, and the intricate archways of Cartoixa d'Escaladei monastery. These postcard-perfect towns with charming stone facades and ancient alleyways are filled with medieval history and the most stunning views.
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Lesley x
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Everything you need to know about visiting Cambrils, Spain’s pretty harbour town.