Suitability

Suitable for all age groups, with a wide variety of entertainment. Most popular with middlemarket families, particularly given the resort's proximity to Universal Mediterranea theme park.

Accommodation

Dominated by apartments, many of which are residential and not let to tourists. Most hotels and apartments are 2- or 3-star category, and the majority are in the budget range. Universal Mediterranea theme park boasts 2 themed 4-star hotels.

Beach

A splendid choice, from wide and sandy, such as Playa de la Pineda and Poniente Beach, to small coves like Playa Capellans. On the coast road between Salou and La Pineda are dozens of small, rocky, isolated coves. Universal Mediterranea has its own section of beach, 2 mls from the theme park (a shuttle service operates from the park hotels). All beaches are kept extremely clean; some have been awarded the European blue flag.

Shopping

A wide range of shops, from typical souvenir stalls to high-class boutiques, leather shops, perfumeries, supermarkets etc. A flea market is held every Monday in the "old" centre of town.

Entertainment

Daytime: water sports such as pedalloes and windsurfing; big amusement park near the marina; go-karting just outside the resort, easily reached by local bus. La Pineda has one of the biggest water parks in the region, served by frequent buses from the resort centre.
Nightlife: hundreds of pubs, music bars, discos, flamenco bars and nightclubs, many of which stay open till the early hours of the morning.

Eating

Something to suit everybody. British pubs, pizzerias, burgers, Chinese, Spanish tapas bars and quite a few very classy restaurants.

Public Transport

Frequent bus service to Tarragona, Cambrils and Reus, every 15 to 20 mins. Trains to Valencia and Barcelona every 2 hrs. Normally no problems in getting a taxi, apart from perhaps weekends and in the early hours of the morning, when discos and bars etc close.

Excursions

Half day: Tarragona for its cathedral and port; Bonivista, with its popular flea market. Full day: Barcelona for shopping and sightseeing; Montserrat has a basilica, funicular and Codorniu "champagne" cellars; Andorra for duty-free shopping; Peñiscola has a castle, plus boat trips on the river. Universal Mediterranea theme park can take 2 to 3 days to explore fully.

Location

In NE Spain, on the Mediterranean coast. 75 mls SW of Barcelona, 7½ mls SW of Tarragona, 5 mls S of Reus and 7½ mls S of its airport.

Position

On a SE-facing coast backed by flat terrain with distant mountains, 25 mls inland.

Contact Information

Website: www.salou.altanet.org

Serving Airports

Airport : Reus Airport Code: REU Flight time from ther U.K.: 2 hrs