Holiday in Salou
Beach in Spain — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇪🇸
Country
Spain
Type
Beach
Best time to travel
June to September for the beach, April to October for PortAventura, July/August is the liveliest
Budget/day
80-140 € (family hotel, restaurant, PortAventura)
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Reus only 10 km away, alternatively Barcelona about 1.5 hours, train from Barcelona 1.5 hours
Deals for Salou:
What makes Salou special as a destination?
Salou is the ultimate family beach destination on the Catalan Costa Dorada, and owes its reputation to two unbeatable advantages: kilometers of golden sandy beaches with a gentle entry into the warm Mediterranean Sea and its close proximity to PortAventura World, one of the largest and best amusement parks in Europe. The city south of Tarragona is fully geared towards families and beach-loving holidaymakers, offering a relaxed, safe, and excellently organized holiday atmosphere. The main beach, Platja de Llevant, is the heart of Salou - a wide, golden sandy beach that stretches over more than a kilometer and is lined with an elegant palm promenade. The water is shallow and calm, ideal for small children, and the beach infrastructure with sunbeds, showers, lifeguards, and playgrounds leaves nothing to be desired. The Platja de Ponent on the other side of Cap de Salou is a bit quieter and shaded by pines. PortAventura World, just a few minutes' drive from the center, is the real magnet of the region. The amusement park, with its six themed areas, including the spectacular Ferrari Land with Europe's highest and fastest roller coaster, and the water park Caribe Aquatic Park, offers entertainment for several days. Many hotels in Salou offer combo tickets, and a free shuttle bus connects the city with the park. Beyond the beach and amusement park, a trip to Cap de Salou is worthwhile, a rocky cape with a coastal hiking trail leading to hidden coves and viewpoints. The nearby city of Tarragona, just 10 kilometers away, impresses with its Roman heritage - the amphitheater right by the sea is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the evenings, Salou's promenade comes alive with a light fountain spectacle, street performers, and family-friendly restaurants. From Germany, you can fly to Barcelona or Reus, with Reus being only 10 kilometers from Salou. The train connection from Barcelona takes about one and a half hours. The season runs from May to October, with PortAventura opening as early as Easter.
What are the top highlights in Salou?
The top highlights in Salou include Platja de Llevant, PortAventura World, Cap de Salou Coastal Hike, Light Fountain on the Promenade.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Platja de Llevant
Golden main beach with palm promenade, shallow water, and top-notch infrastructure for families
PortAventura World
One of the best amusement parks in Europe with Ferrari Land and water park right at your doorstep
Cap de Salou Coastal Hike
Rocky cape with hiking trail to hidden coves and spectacular sea views
Light Fountain on the Promenade
Evening water show with music and colorful fountains, free show on the beach promenade
Hotels in Salou
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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Salou?
The best time to visit Salou is June to September for the beach, April to October for PortAventura, July/August is the liveliest. Hot, 28-33°C, water temperature 24-26°C, mostly sunny and dry In winter: Mild, 8-14°C, occasional rain, PortAventura partially open, little beach activity
Recommended travel time
June to September for the beach, April to October for PortAventura, July/August is the liveliest
Summer
Hot, 28-33°C, water temperature 24-26°C, mostly sunny and dry
Winter
Mild, 8-14°C, occasional rain, PortAventura partially open, little beach activity
How much does a holiday in Salou cost?
Budget travellers: 45-70 € (apartment, self-catering)/day, mid-range: 80-140 € (family hotel, restaurant, PortAventura)/day, luxury: 160-300 € (resort with pool, all-inclusive, VIP tickets)/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
45-70 € (apartment, self-catering)
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
80-140 € (family hotel, restaurant, PortAventura)
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
160-300 € (resort with pool, all-inclusive, VIP tickets)
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Salou?
Flight to Reus only 10 km away, alternatively Barcelona about 1.5 hours, train from Barcelona 1.5 hours
Book a package holiday to Salou
Compare thousands of package holidays to Salou and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Salou?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Buy PortAventura tickets online in advance - significantly cheaper than at the box office
Plan at least two days for PortAventura - one day is hardly enough for all areas plus Ferrari Land
Platja de Ponent west of the cape is quieter than the main beach and shaded by pines
Day trip to Tarragona to see the Roman amphitheater - only 10 minutes by train
The light fountain show in the evening on the promenade is free and especially delights children
What should you eat in Salou?
Typical specialities in Salou: Romesco sauce - typical Tarragona sauce made from nuts, peppers, and tomatoes, served with fish and vegetables, Arroz a banda - rice cooked in fish broth with aioli, a Catalan coastal specialty, Escalivada - grilled vegetables with eggplant, peppers, and onions, served cold with olive oil, Xató - winter salad with endives, cod, tuna, and a special nut-pepper sauce, Crema Catalana - caramelized dessert, particularly authentic and freshly prepared in Salou.
These specialties you must try!
