Salou: Sun, thrills and family fun!
If you are dreaming of sunshine, soft golden sands and days filled with theme-park thrills, Salou on Spain’s Costa Dorada is a fantastic choice. This vibrant seaside town blends beautiful Mediterranean beaches with some of Europe’s most exciting attractions, including PortAventura World, Ferrari Land and a brilliant waterpark, making it perfect for families, couples and fun loving friends.
Salou sits on the “Golden Coast”, only 20 minutes from Reus Airport or around an hour from Barcelona. It is known for its wide, gently shelving beaches, palm‑lined promenade and relaxed holiday atmosphere. Along the seafront you will find plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood, chilled sangria and family‑friendly menus.
By day, you can switch easily between lazy hours on the sand and adrenaline‑fuelled fun at nearby PortAventura World. By night, Salou comes alive with a friendly buzz: evening strolls along the promenade, ice creams in hand, and plenty of places to enjoy a cocktail while the kids burn off the last of their energy in beachfront play areas.
For something a little more active, there is a coastal path that stretches out of town, offering lovely viewpoints over the Mediterranean and a different perspective on the resort.
Salou’s dining scene is relaxed and welcoming, with a mix of Spanish and international restaurants. You can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Mediterranean dishes, Tapas bars and local favourites and lots of family‑friendly pizzerias and casual eateries. In the evenings, there is a lively but approachable atmosphere. Families tend to enjoy seafront walks and early dinners, while couples and groups can seek out cocktail bars and late‑night venues a little further back from the promenade.
We stayed at the Blaumar Hotel right on the seafront promenade …. So in a perfect location. We stayed on half board basis which was great as then we could get out and about for lunches and drinks rather than being tied to an all inclusive hotel. I would definitely recommend this hotel as it is modern and friendly with good entertainment. The rooms are all spacious suites, it has a lovely pool area and the food was great. The location is just unbeatable!
Just a short journey from the centre of Salou, PortAventura World is often the main reason families fall in love with this destination. It is a huge resort with spectacular rides and shows, and plenty for all ages, from toddlers to thrill‑seekers. Divided into themed “worlds” such as Mediterranean, Far West, Mexico, China and Polynesia, as well as a dedicated Sesame Street area for younger visitors, each zone has its own rides, restaurants and shows, so you really feel like you are travelling the globe in a single day. For adrenaline lovers there are record‑breaking coasters and high‑speed attractions, while younger children are very well catered for with mini‑coasters, soft play, splash areas and more gentle rides.
Right next door to PortAventura Park is Ferrari Land, a must for anyone who loves fast cars, F1 or simply a bit of Italian glamour. Ferrari Land brings the spirit of the iconic brand to life with themed rides, simulators and attractions for all ages. Older teens and adults can brave spectacular high‑speed rides inspired by Formula 1, while younger guests have their own scaled‑down experiences so they do not miss out. You will also find immersive experiences that let you discover more about the engineering and history behind the Ferrari name, plus plenty of photo opportunities with gleaming red cars and stylish Italian‑inspired scenery.
On hot summer days, nothing beats a waterpark, and Salou’s nearby water attractions are a huge hit with families and groups. From twisting high‑speed slides and wave pools to lazy rivers and splash areas for younger children, the local waterpark options provide a full day of fun and a welcome cool‑down from the Mediterranean sun. There are usually plenty of sunbeds and shaded areas too, so adults can relax while the kids race between slides.
Salou is great for families with children or teens who want a mix of beach time and big‑name attractions, groups of friends looking for sunshine, nightlife and theme‑park thrills and couples who like an upbeat resort feel with easy access to Barcelona and Tarragona for day trips.
With a short flight of only around 2 hours and a short transfer from Reus Airport, Salou is a perfect choice for a main longer holiday or just a short break.
I have a choice of apartments and hotels in Salou catering for all board basis’s or if you prefer to stay at Port Aventura Theme Park I have a choice of onsite hotels which include entrance to the parks.
We will definitely return to Salou!
Let me know if you would like more information on Salou on Spain's Costa Dorada.
