Salou is a small cozy Spanish town, a great place to relax with snow-white beaches, warm sea and well-developed infrastructure.
Every year a huge number of tourists from all over the world come to a wonderful city in order to relax.
A little about the past
The history of the city of Salou has eight centuries. For the first time, King Jaime I appreciated the convenient geographical position and excellent climatic conditions. It was off the coast of the future city of Salou that he gathered his fleet in order to later go to recapture Mallorca from the Saracens. It happened on September 6, 1229. By the way, this historical fact turned over time into a holiday: from September 3 to September 10, various events are held on the streets of the city.
Later, the port attracted pirates and robbers who periodically attacked it. After their repeated raids, the locals tried to leave the city.
In 1539, by order of Bishop Pere de Cardona, a fortress was built in Salou, which protected the city from raids.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, a small Spanish town became the country's main cargo port.
In 1858, a lighthouse was completed on the cape and began to operate. A few years later, city officialstake the first steps to attract tourists here: small houses are set up on the beach so that people can change clothes.
The next step in this direction is the opening of the railway station, which connected two Spanish cities: Salou and Barcelona. Twenty years later, the Carrilet tram was launched, which brought the first tourists to Salou.
Seashore
The beaches of Salou in Spain, striking with their white sands, stretched for more than seven kilometers along the sea. There are eight city beaches in the city. They are well equipped and perfect for relaxation. There is also a deserted wild coast in Salou, the nature around which is striking in its beauty. It is quite difficult to get to such places, but if you really want to enjoy the unity with nature, then it is still worth a try.
One of the most famous in Salou (Spain) is Llevant beach. Its length exceeds a thousand meters, and the width in some places reaches 150 m. Plus, there are many entertainments on the beach, so tourists often prefer it.
Ponent is the second largest beach in Salou. At a time when it was forbidden to swim together with members of the opposite sex, only women bathed here.
Small in length, but very picturesque Capellans Beach is also popular with tourists. Its length is no more than 250 meters. On both sides, the beach is limited by cliffs, but swimming is safe here.
Famous among tourists and other places of marine recreation: Llarga, Cala de la Font. However, all the beaches of Salou are perfect for this. It is no coincidence that this city is chosen by thousands of travelers from all over the world.
What to see
One of the main attractions of Salou in Spain is King Jaime I Boulevard. It is located along the Llevant beach, its length is just over a thousand meters. The boulevard is densely planted with flowers and palm trees, in its center there is a statue of the king himself, and at the end there is a luminous fountain. Between the beach and the boulevard there are dance floors, parking spaces, a medical center.
Masia Catalana is another attraction of Salou in Spain. This is a homestead that was built in 1974. It completely copies peasant old houses. In it you can get acquainted with the life of Spanish peasants, their traditions, kitchen utensils and a variety of little things that allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient times.
Fortress Torre Velha - the same one that protected the small town of Salou in Spain from the raids of pirates and sea robbers. It was built in the 16th century and served as a defensive structure.
Port Aventura is the largest entertainment center in Europe. Lots of rides and souvenir shops. Neither children nor adults will be bored here.
What travelers say
Reviews about Salou in Spain are quite contradictory. Some tourists note that holidays here are very expensive: the prices for accommodation and meals are the same as in more developed European countries, at the same timeservice does not correspond to the European level at all. The low level of recreation on the coast is also noted: the beaches are crowded with tourists, the sea is not always clean.
But there are many who were satisfied with their vacation in Salou (Spain). They celebrate the whiteness of the beaches, well-developed infrastructure, beautiful and picturesque places.
However, it is worth noting that mostly the reviews of tourists are enthusiastic. Therefore, every year Salou is chosen for recreation by both the elderly and young people, families with children. And to form your own opinion, you need to visit there at least once.
Celebrations and festivals
As mentioned above, one of the main holidays of the people of Salou is the Feast of King Jaime I, which is celebrated for a whole week, starting from September 3rd.
The main summer celebration is called "Golden Nights". It usually starts in mid-August. At this time, various events are held in the city for children and adults, they choose "Miss Salou", arrange a huge fireworks display, which is going to be watched by more than 300 thousand spectators.
In mid-June, the Motor Star festival begins in the city. The holiday is famous for the parade of rare cars. The procession begins on the main boulevard of the city.
The Salou-Costa Dorada rally, another significant event, is attended by motorists from all over the country.
Weather conditions
The city of Salou in Spain has a mild and warm climate. Sunny days noticeably predominate, while precipitation hererare.
In winter, the average temperature sometimes drops below +10 °C.
The high season starts at the end of May and lasts until the end of summer. At this time, there is dry hot weather, the sea temperature warms up to +26 °С.
Many travelers tours to Spain, to Salou, prefer to take in the velvet season, when the heat subsides, and the sea remains comfortable for swimming. The season lasts two months (September and October), after which it starts to get noticeably colder.
How to get there
When purchasing a package tour, the question of how to get to Salou does not arise, as tour operators usually provide travelers with a transfer that takes them directly to their destination.
But for those who travel on their own and plan to arrange a vacation in Spain, in Salou, there are several options. The first one is to get from Barcelona airport by bus. Tickets and timetables can be found on the official websites and booked in advance. The second option is to take the train from the airport to Barcelona Sants station, and then transfer to the train to Salou.
There is another option: rent a car or take a taxi, but such trips are not at all budgetary.
Note to parents
For holidays with children in Salou, all conditions are created. The kids will not be bored, because on the beach, in many cafes and restaurants there are animators who entertain young guests in every possible way.
In addition, you can go with your childrenon an exciting bike ride around the city and its environs, visit the famous all over Europe amusement park "PortAventura".
There are also no problems with playgrounds in the city, they are located literally everywhere.
Many restaurants and cafes are aimed at young visitors, so they have a children's menu.
Entertainment
As for entertainment, in Salou you can find them for every taste. First of all, they are connected with the sea. Tourists can go in for active sports: windsurfing, wakeboarding, parasailing or water skiing. Salou is characterized by sports that require calm seas and light breeze.
Snorkelling, marine life, fishing, diving, snorkeling and professional instructors are all possible in Salou.
Shopping in the coastal resort is not very well developed, the choice of goods is small, and prices are much higher than in other cities in Spain. For branded shopping, it is better to go to neighboring Barcelona, but you can also buy various souvenirs and goodies in Salou.
But there is a nightlife in the city. For lovers of a calm, measured rest, it may seem noisy, but for those who like to "break away" until the morning, it will be boring here.
Conclusion
A small resort town located on the Mediterranean coast. Salou has a warm mild climateattracts tourists almost all year round. In the warm season, the town is especially beautiful, because then it can offer a wonderful sea and white sands.
Tourists with children often choose Salou to have a calm and comfortable rest, because everything is created for this. In short, for those who love a combination of active and beach holidays, this place is perfect.
