Navigating Salou, Spain as a Travel Destination

Salou, a charming coastal town on the Costa Dorada in Catalonia, holds a special place in my heart. Long before I decided to move to Spain and make it my home, Salou was the first place I visited in the country. 

Just an hour from Barcelona, it is renowned for its long stretches of golden beaches, its welcoming atmosphere and its proximity to the historic city of Tarragona. It was here, in this town, that my love for Spain, from its beautiful coastline to its rich history, first took root and made it unforgettable. 

In this article I am happy to share some more insights on how to get to and around the town, the best places to eat (according to the locals and my memories), what to do and what not to do when visiting Salou. 

Let's get started:

Salou offers a wide range of hotels to suit all types of travelers. 

For your convenience, I have divided them into 3 categories: Luxury, Mid-range and Budget with additional comments and accommodation tips:

• Luxury Hotels:  Those seeking luxury, the area around Cap Salou is ideal, with stunning sea views and proximity to beautiful beaches (Cala Crancs). Hotels such as the Hotel Blaumar or Magnolia Hotel offer top-notch amenities such as spa services, rooftop pools and fine dining, with prices starting from €150 per night.

• Mid-range hotels: Central Zone near Passeig Jaume I is perfect. It puts you right in the heart of Salou, within walking distance of attractions such as Llevant beach and the Salou lighthouse. Hotels like the Regente Aragón offer great comfort and services, including outdoor pools and family-friendly activities, with rates from €80 to €120 per night.

• Budget-friendly hotels: Staying close to Playa Ponent or Playa Llevant offers affordable access to the beach and town center. The Hostal Porto Mar and Hotel Tolosa are good options, offering basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi and breakfast at prices from €40 to €60 per night.

Salou enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers, thanks to its location on the Balearic Sea. 

During the summer months, the refreshing sea breeze makes even the hottest days more pleasant, perfect for beach lovers. 

As autumn approaches, however, Salou experiences stronger winds, creating a cooler, more dynamic atmosphere. These seasonal changes, combined with its coastal location, give Salou a unique weather pattern that visitors should be aware of. 

More detailed information, including monthly temperatures and rainfall, can be found on the above weather chart from AEMET, Spain's official meteorological agency.

It is worth noting that Salou does not have its own airport. However, booking a flight to Salou is easy thanks to its proximity to Reus Airport (REU) (Tarragona) (just 15 minutes away) and Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) (about an hour's drive). 

For a better overview, I have researched where most of the tourists who visit Salou come from and here is what I have found: 

• USA: Flights from the USA are usually via major European hubs such as Madrid or London, with prices starting from €400-€600 depending on the season. Flight times range from 10-15 hours. 
• UK: Travelers from the UK have direct flights to Reus or Barcelona, with prices as low as €30-€80 on budget airlines such as Ryanair or EasyJet. Flight times are 2-3 hours.
• France: flights from Paris to Barcelona take around 1.5 hours, with prices ranging from €50-€120. Alternatively, you can drive or take the train, both popular options for French travelers.
• Germany: Flights to Barcelona typically take 2-3 hours, with prices ranging from €80-€150 depending on the airline and season.

I've chosen to focus on Reus Airport in Tarragona because we've already covered Barcelona El Prat Airport in our previous article on Barcelona, and also because of its proximity to Salou and the fact that it's the preferred airport if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of larger airports.

Reus airport is a convenient gateway to Salou, which is just 15 minutes away by car.

Getting into town from Reus is both easy and affordable:

 Taxis are readily available and take around 15 minutes to reach Salou, with fares typically between €25 and €35. There are also regular bus services from Reus airport to Salou and nearby destinations, with tickets costing between €3 and €5. Another option is to take the train, although it's a short bus ride from the airport to the nearest station. 

For those looking for a more convenient option, shuttle services offer door-to-door transportation, making them ideal for groups or travelers with a lot of luggage.

The current time in Salou is important to know, especially when planning activities, transfers or eating out. 

Salou operates on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1). 

During the summer months, daylight saving time is observed, which is changed to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.

☝️Handy note: If you're travelling from the USA, remember that Salou is likely to be several hours ahead (6-9 hours), so adjusting your schedule accordingly can help avoid any confusion with bookings or plans.

Salou may be a relatively small town (30,087 inhabitants in 2023, according to the Statistical Institute of Catalonia), so a week's visit is perfect for exploring its beautiful beaches, vibrant streets and major attractions. 

However, with other iconic destinations such as Barcelona and Tarragona just a short trip away, it's hard to resist the temptation to extend your stay. That's exactly what I did - what started as a week in Salou turned into two weeks of discovering not only the town's charms, but also the gems of nearby Catalonia. 

And I am glad I did, because now, based on my experience and constant contact with the locals, I am able to create this one and only guide article to everything you need to know before and during your visit to Salou.

If you're craving fresh seafood, Restaurant Club Náutic Salou serves up some of the best paella, with stunning views of the harbor to match. 

Another excellent option is La Goleta Salou, a beachfront restaurant renowned for its delicious Mediterranean dishes and fresh seafood. Located on Passeig Jaume I, it is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed meal with stunning sea views. Their signature dishes such as grilled fish and seafood platters are popular with locals and tourists alike.

If you're looking for something more relaxing, a stroll along the scenic Camí de Ronda coastal path offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and leads to hidden coves and beaches. 

A great historical alternative is the Santa Maria del Mar Church, located near the port of Salou. This beautiful 18th century church offers a glimpse into the religious and architectural history of the region.The church is also conveniently located near Salou's promenade, allowing you to explore both the historic and scenic sides of the town in one visit.

Beyond its famous landmarks, Salou offers a wide range of activities for visitors:

Sailing tours along the stunning Costa Dorada coastline provide a unique way to experience the Mediterranean, with opportunities to swim in hidden coves and enjoy the open sea. 

For those who love nature, the Bosc Aventura adventure park offers thrilling zip lines and rope courses perfect for both adults and kids. 

If you’re in the mood for a lively evening, catching a Flamenco show at one of the local venues (The one I have been and can only recommend is The Tablao in Tarragona) is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture. 

Salou’s variety of activities ensures there’s always something exciting to do, no matter your interests.

In conclusion, Salou has been much more than just a holiday destination for me - it is where my love of Spain truly began. 

From its golden beaches to its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, this town offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're here for a week or, like me, tempted to extend your stay and explore nearby gems like Tarragona and Barcelona, Salou has a way of drawing you in. 

I hope this guide helps you make the most of your visit, so that you can experience the magic of Salou as I have. I wish you a safe journey and hope you fall in love with it as much as I have!