Salou holidays - where there's a beach at every turn, a theme park on your doorstep and a sangria with your name on it. Fancy having everything sorted before you go? Check out our all-inclusive Salou holidays and take the stress out of your jollie or read on for our complete Salou guide.

Highlights

• Bangin' beaches (Costa Dorada is literally known as the Golden Coast!)

• Home to the ICONIC PortAventura World theme park

• Pretty town centre with cafés, cocktail bars and souvenir shops

• Beaut coastal path leading right into the centre

• Only an hour's drive from Barcelona - day trip, anyone?!

Good to know

• 🤩 Fun fact: Salou was once a strategic port for pirates in the Middle Ages! Nowadays, it’s better known for sunbathing and beach fun, not swashbuckling adventures.

• 🏖️ Best beach: You’re spoiled for choice in Salou, but Llevant Beach is a standout - soft golden sand, calm waters, and beach bars. If you prefer something quieter, Platja Llarga is a serene, pine-fringed option.

• 🍺 Price of a pint: A refreshing beer will set you back around €2.50-€4. Salud!

Where to stay in Salou

Whether you’re seeking beach bliss, adrenaline-fueled adventures, or some quality downtime. Here’s the scoop on the best spots to suit your holiday vibe:

Family holidays – Salou is a kid-approved haven! For the best family holidays, stay close to PortAventura World, a huge theme park that guarantees non-stop fun, or head to La Pineda for calmer beaches and water parks. Perfect for the little (and big!) ones.

Squad goals – Looking for sun, sand, and nightlife? Salou’s vibrant strip is packed with buzzing bars and clubs where you can party ‘til dawn. Don’t forget about the nearby beaches - perfect for daytime chillouts and sunset hangs with your crew.

Coupling up – If romance is the goal on your couples' holiday, Salou’s coastline offers dreamy sunsets and intimate beachside dining. Take romantic strolls along Llevant Beach or enjoy a boat trip together for stunning Mediterranean views. You can even take a short trip to Tarragona for a touch of history and charm.

What are the top hotels in Salou?

Beach days, waterpark thrills, and an epic nightlife scene? That's a triple threat if we've ever seen one, so we completely understand wanting somewhere cute and cosy to crash after all that action. Thankfully, Salou holidays understood the assignment. Whether you're craving cheap and cheerful vibes or splashing out for something extra, these popular hotels in Salou will get your holiday search well and truly started:

• PortAventura Hotel PortAventura & Theme Park - if unlimited access to PortAventura Theme Park sounds good to you (and if it doesn't, check yourself), then that's exactly what you get at this hotel - along with two pools to dip into, a poolside terrace restaurant and gorg rooms

• H10 Mediterranean Village - this place is the definition of multiple choice, with two pools to dunk into, a bunch of restaurants to eat at (including a little Italian number dishing out fresh pizzas), and plenty of activities to keep the kiddos busy

• Salou Sunset Hotel by Pierre & Vacances - a budget-friendly beaut that's just a 5-minute walk from the beach, with a freeform swimming pool, a chilled rooftop terrace with Jacuzzis and sun loungers, and entertainment for the whole fam

• Best Negresco - we stayed at this one and had a whale of a time! It's not exactly beachfront (although you're only a walk away), but it's definitely seafront, with a huge half-moon pool overlooking the water, a buffet restaurant packed out with all the goodies, a poolside bar, nightly entertainment (from bingo to fire-breathers), and easy access to the Cami de Ronda coastal path that leads right into town

• Sol Costa Daurada Hotel - tucked in the outskirts of Salou with a lagoon-style pool, delish food served right by the pool and a mini club for the kiddos and entertainment in the evening

• Mansion de Lucy - go all-out at this 5-star stunner, decked out with swanky rooms, an international restaurant and - most importantly - unlimited access to PortAventura Theme Park!
  

What are the best beaches in Salou?

Just like most places in Spain, holidays to Salou are all about the beach. Even if you're just in it for the balcony views rather than the sandy skin, you won't be short of coastal spots to gawp at here. Whether you're after swapping your office chair for a deckchair, or just getting some cheeky Insta snaps - here's where to do it:

• Llevant Beach - the star of the show, stretching over 1,200m (that's a lot, btw), and decked out with all the facilities - from volleyball nets to cafés and even a playground for the kiddos

• Ponent Beach - another whopper of a beach, conveniently located right next to Llevant Beach but a bit further from the main hotel resorts, which usually means it's a bit quieter. It's a fave spot for families thanks to the gentle waves and shallow waters.

• Cala Font - our fave sandy spot when we stayed at Best Negresco hotel (because it's literally 5 mins away). It's a small section of sheltered coast that tends to stay on the quiet side - we went after breakfast and were the only ones there!

• Playa Llarga - if the name hadn't already given it away, this is the biggest beach in Salou, with gorg golden sands and surrounding pine trees for a bit of shade. It's also backed by the Cami de Ronda coastal path, perfect for a seafront stroll.

• Cala Crancs Cove - a cute little cove that's located close to a lighthouse (so you can't miss it), surrounded by cliffs and natural landscapes, and decked out with showers, public loos, a lifeguard and a beach bar dishing out pizzas and cold beer

• Capellans Beach - one of the most popular urban beaches in Salou, backed by cliffs and kitted out with a beach bar and fine sands that slope gently into the sea - ideal for little ones looking to paddle

• Cala Penya Tallada Cove - follow the steps down to this tiny hidden cove and you'll be greeted by a little sliver of sand (enough for a few groups of towels), with golden cliffs on either side and the sea stretching out right ahead. There are no amenities (it's all natural, baby!), and it's pretty unknown, meaning it's usually empty apart from the odd local!

Salou Holidays 2026 / 2027 Travel Guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do for families in Salou

Holidays to Salou are a paradise for families! The world-renowned PortAventura World is a must for a mix of thrilling rides and entertaining shows, perfect for both younger and older kids. Aquopolis Costa Dorada offers an exciting day of water slides and dolphin shows. After a fun-filled day, stroll along Llevant Beach for some sandcastle-building and a splash in the shallow waters. And don’t forget to hop on the Salou Tourist Train for a scenic family ride through the town’s highlights.

❤️ Things to do for couples in Salou

Couples can enjoy a romantic getaway in Salou by starting their day with a quiet morning walk along Llevant Beach. For adventure, book a sunset boat trip for breathtaking Mediterranean views. Take a short trip to Tarragona, where the ancient Roman amphitheatre offers stunning views of the sea. End the evening with a romantic meal at one of Salou's cosy beachfront restaurants, enjoying local Catalan delicacies with a sea breeze.

🥳 Things to do for groups in Salou

Salou’s lively atmosphere makes it perfect for group holidays! Hit up PortAventura World for adrenaline-pumping rides, or spend the day relaxing and partying at La Pineda Beach. The nightlife scene in Paseo Jaume I offers plenty of bars and clubs where you and your friends can let loose. For a fun adventure, rent jet skis or take a banana boat ride. Looking for a group challenge? Try escape rooms or enjoy beach volleyball tournaments together.

🍽️ Things to do for foodies in Salou

Salou is a foodie haven, offering everything from traditional Catalan cuisine to international delights. Start your day with local churros and hot chocolate at a beachfront café. For lunch, dive into fresh seafood at Restaurant Club Nàutic with sea views to match. In the evening, explore tapas bars for a gastronomic tour of Spanish flavours. Make sure to visit the local market for a taste of fresh produce and artisan goods. A true food lover’s paradise!

💬 Local lingo 💬

In Salou, both Catalan and Spanish are widely spoken (as well as many locals having great English). As part of Catalonia, Catalan is the co-official language alongside Spanish. You’ll often see signs and menus in both languages, and many locals switch seamlessly between them. While you will get by just fine speaking in English or Spanish, picking up a few Catalan phrases can be a fun way to connect with the locals!

• Hello - Hola 

• Good bye - Adiós / Adéu 

• Good morning - Buenos días / Bon dia

• How are you? - ¿Cómo estás? / Com estàs?

• I’m good, thank you - Estoy bien, gracias / Estic bé, gràcies

• Please - Por favor / Si us plau

• Thank you - Gracias / Gràcies

• You’re welcome - De nada / De res

• Do you speak English? - ¿Hablas inglés? / Parles anglès?

• A beer, please - Una cerveza, por favor / Una cervesa, si us plau

• The bill, please - La cuenta, por favor / El compte, si us plau

Day Trips from Salou

Salou's perfectly placed for exploring beyond the beaches. Here are some cracking day trips to add to your itinerary:

• 🏛️ Tarragona – Just 20 minutes up the coast, this UNESCO World Heritage city is packed with Roman ruins including an incredible amphitheatre overlooking the Med. Wander the old town, check out the cathedral, and grab some tapas in the atmospheric squares. History buffs, this one's for you.

• 🏙️ Barcelona – An hour by train or car, and you're in one of Europe's most exciting cities. Gaudí's Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla, the beaches – there's enough to fill a whole holiday, but a day trip gives you a proper taste. Book a guided tour from Salou or go DIY.

• 🍷 Penedès Wine Region – About 45 minutes inland, this is where Spain's famous Cava comes from. Tour the cellars, sample some fizz, and learn how they make the good stuff. Most tours include tastings (obviously) and some throw in a vineyard lunch. Cheers to that.

• 🏰 Poblet Monastery – This stunning Cistercian monastery is another UNESCO gem, about 40 minutes from Salou. It's one of the largest and best-preserved medieval monasteries in Europe, set in gorgeous countryside. Proper peaceful and incredibly impressive.

• 🎢 PortAventura World – Okay, it's not exactly a "day trip" when it's practically on your doorstep, but if you haven't already been, this place deserves a full day (or three). Six themed worlds, Ferrari Land, a water park – it's an absolute beast of a theme park.

Getting Around in Salou

🚌 Buses

Jump on a bus in Salou, and you’ll be exploring the Costa Dorada in no time! The buses here are reliable, affordable, and air-conditioned (thank goodness!). With routes connecting you to Tarragona, Reus, and even PortAventura, you’re all set for some sightseeing. Just grab your ticket onboard and you're good to go!

🚂 Trains

All aboard for a scenic adventure! Salou’s train station is your ticket to epic day trips. Whether you're zipping up to Barcelona or cruising down the coast to Valencia, the Renfe trains make it easy and fun. Fancy a view of the Mediterranean? The coastal train route serves up stunning scenery along the way. Make sure to book your ticket online or at the station for high-speed journeys or just hop on a regional train if you're feeling spontaneous! 

🚖 Taxis and Rideshares

Need a quick trip across town? Taxis are everywhere, and rideshares like Uber are a hassle-free option. Just agree on a price, or make sure the meter’s on, and you’re set for some carefree cruising around town!

Nearby Resorts

Fancy exploring more of the Costa Dorada? These spots are all within easy reach of Salou:

• 🦐 Cambrils – The foodie capital of Costa Dorada, just 6km along the promenade (you can walk or cycle it). This gorgeous fishing port is famous for its Michelin-starred seafood restaurants and laid-back harbour vibes. Nine Blue Flag beaches and way more chilled than Salou.

• 🌴 La Pineda – The peaceful, family-friendly option right next door. Safe, shallow beaches, Aquopolis water park, and a more relaxed pace of life. Perfect if you want easy access to PortAventura without the busier Salou strip.

• 🎭 Sitges – About 40 minutes up the coast, this cosmopolitan gem is Barcelona's arty little sister. Legendary nightlife, beautiful Belle Époque architecture, stunning beaches, and a cultural scene that's attracted artists for over a century. Proper sophisticated.

Need a holiday? Grab a last-minute deal and get yourself off for some sun, sand and sea. Adios!