For young families craving a stress-free holiday filled with fun, sun, and sea, Salou is the place to be. A resort town in Spain’s Tarragona region, Salou stretches along the sandy Costa Daurada, southwest of Barcelona, and is a family-friendly destination ideal for those seeking a relaxing getaway that also keeps the little ones entertained. Located a short distance from Reus Airport and with many all-inclusive resorts to choose from, Salou is the perfect place to go for a blend of comfort and convenience.
Here are 5 fun-filled things to do during your break in Salou.
PortAventura Theme Park
Around 3.5 million visitors flock to PortAventura every year, making it the most visited theme park in Spain, and for good reason—it’s an attraction of epic proportions, split into six geographical themes from the Far West to China. Explore the high-adrenaline Dragon Khan, with its eight incredible inversions, and the topsy-turvy Furius Baco, which reaches a death-defying 84 mph in 3.5 seconds. You should also check out Ferrari Land, a 70,000-square-metre park adjacent to PortAventura and home to Europe’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, Red Force, which rises higher than Big Ben and travels up to 110 mph. As well as white-knuckle rides, PortAventura offers can-can shows, fireworks displays, and acrobatics, guaranteed to make it an unforgettable day out for children of every age.
Salou Tourist Train
What better way to discover Salou’s hidden gems than to hop on board the tourist train? The train winds through the town’s main attractions, giving you the chance to discover Salou’s rich history in a whimsical journey through time. The journey stops at several places of interest, including the baroque-style Church of Santa Maria del Mar, which dates back to the 18th century, Torre Valle, a defence tower built in the 16th century to protect against pirate raids, and the Fisherman’s monument, a tribute to the town’s maritime past. With personalised audio guides in Spanish, Catalan, English, Russian, and French, you can sit back and enjoy the ride as you cruise through Salou’s most popular landmarks.
Llevant Beach
No visit to Salou is complete without a trip to Llevant Beach, the largest natural beach in the region. It is located in the easternmost part of Barcelona, in the Sant Marti district. Llevant Beach is quieter than the neighbouring Nova Mar Bella Beach, so it’s your best bet if you’d like to soak up the Mediterranean sun but avoid the tourist crowds. Bikes are available for hire so you can take a ride along the promenade, or perhaps you’d prefer to hire a boat and set sail on the azure waters. Other popular leisure activities on Llevant Beach include volleyball, swimming, and there’s also a children’s playground. If you’re feeling peckish, there are plenty of refreshment options available, with beverage and ice cream stands available if you’d like to cool down or the kids fancy a sweet treat.
Salou Lighthouse
Take a leisurely stroll along the Camí de Ronda, a 300-metre footpath that encircles the Salou Lighthouse. Built in the 19th century and once powered by olive oil, the lighthouse is visible from 14 miles away and illuminates the magnificent Gulf of San Jorge. Once manned by lighthouse keepers, new technology has now been implemented to automate its operations. The restoration of the site was carried out with the natural environment in mind, hence there’s an abundance of native plants in the area, including agave, white pine, asparagus, and sea lily. Along the route, three observation points offer the chance to stop and take in Costa Daurada’s breathtaking vistas, with a view from the south of the Serra de Llaberia mountain range, and a host of graceful seabirds that call this coastal haven home.
Camí de Ronda
For families craving the great outdoors, try out a coastal walk along the Camí de Ronda. This scenic hiking trail was built in the 19th century along the Costa Brava to connect fishing villages. It soon evolved into a border patrol route, which helped the Carabineros control smuggling along the Catalan coast in the 20th century. The southern part of the trail, from Blanes to Pals, is full of stunning cliffs, coves, lush forests, and farmland. There’s also an abundance of cork, holm-oak, and pine trees in the area, providing you with some welcome shade as you hike. The northern part of the trail, from l’Estartit to Portbou, is suited to more experienced hikers, as the terrain is far more rugged. It goes from the local wetlands to the craggy Cap de Creus in the easternmost part of Spain. Exploring the wonders of Camí de Ronda is the perfect way to reconnect as a family while immersing yourself in the beauty of Salou’s coastline.
Where to Stay
Blaumar Hotel: This 4-star resort is located in a quiet part of Salou, overlooking Llevant Beach and the seafront promenade. The hotel boasts a selection of pools, including a kids’ swimming pool with a waterslide. Unwind in the free spa, complete a morning workout at the gym, or get competitive in the games room. Blaumar Hotel is in a fantastic location, with PortAventura theme park a 5-minute drive away and the lively centre only 500 metres away.
Paradise Village Port Aventura: This stylish resort offers spacious apartments with modern amenities including free WiFi, private parking, and a balcony with garden views. Perfect for families, the apartment features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a flat-screen TV with streaming services. There’s also easy access to nearby beaches, including Capellans Beach and Llenguadets Beach.
Sol Costa Daurada: This luxury resort is only 700 metres from PortAventura theme park and a 7-minute drive from Aquopolis, a premier water park. All of the rooms are air conditioned and come with a balcony, and interconnecting rooms are available on request. Sol Costa Daurada also features a rejuvenating spa, 2 outdoor pools, and sun-drenched terraces for the ultimate relaxation. Indulge in Mediterranean delights at the buffet restaurant, or grab a bite at the poolside snack bar or English pub.
How to Get There
Several airlines offer direct flights from the UK to Salou’s nearest international airport, Reus Airport (REU), including Jet2, TUI, easyJet, and Ryanair. On average, direct flights from major UK airports such as London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham take approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes, and the cheapest time to fly to Reus is in April, for as little as £26. For families seeking convenience, pre-booking a Shuttle Direct transfer ensures a smooth transition from airport to accommodation, allowing you to begin your holiday without delay.
Overview
UK to REU flight time: 2 hours 25 minutes
REU to Salou distance: 14 kilometres
Shuttle Direct transfer time: approx 20 minutes
Types of Transfer
When travelling to Salou, there are various kinds of transfers available to suit different types of travellers, budgets, and requirements. Whether you prioritise convenience, affordability, or privacy, with Shuttle Direct you’re bound to find an option that suits you.
Taxi: Ideal for those seeking a speedy transfer from Reus Airport to Salou, pre-booked taxis offer a quick and easy door-to-door service, meaning you avoid having to wait in the queue for a ride. This option is suitable for travellers who prioritise convenience over cost. While taxi fares may be slightly higher than some other transfer options, the speed and efficiency they offer make them a popular choice for many travellers. With an airport taxi, Reus to Salou will be a seamless and stress-free journey.
Shuttle bus: For budget-conscious travellers seeking an affordable way to reach their accommodation, transfer from Reus Airport to Salou by shuttle bus. Typically operating on a scheduled basis, shuttle buses accommodate multiple passengers, making them an economical choice for solo travellers, couples, or small groups. Although shuttle buses may involve multiple stops along the way, and are not door-to-door, they offer a cost-effective option for reaching your destination.
Private transfer: For those who value privacy, comfort, and a personalised service, private transfers offer a luxurious and hassle-free option. Enjoy exclusive access to your own private vehicle and the flexibility to customise your journey according to your preferences. With a private transfer, Reus Airport to Salou will be a breeze, particularly for travellers with special requirements or those arriving on late-night flights who prefer the convenience of a dedicated service.
Minibus transfer: Ideal for larger groups or families seeking a reliable airport transfer, Reus Airport to Salou minibus transfers provide comfortable, door-to-door transportation for multiple passengers and their luggage. With spacious seating and storage capacity, minibuses offer a budget-friendly solution for accommodating larger travel parties.
Choosing the Right Transfer
When planning your journey from Reus Airport to Salou, it’s essential to consider your priorities, whether they’re cost or convenience. Fortunately, there are options available to suit both preferences.
Cost: For budget-conscious travellers, minimising expenses is a top priority. In this case, shuttle buses or minibus transfers offer an economical solution, allowing you to split the cost with other passengers. While shared transfers may involve additional stops and slightly longer travel times, the savings they offer make them a preferred choice for those looking to keep costs down.
Convenience: Alternatively, some travellers prioritise convenience. In this scenario, private transfers or taxis are often the preferred choice. While these modes of transport may be slightly more expensive than shared options, the time and hassle they save make them well worth the investment, particularly for travellers with tight schedules.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct, we pride ourselves on providing reliable, efficient, and hassle-free transfer solutions for travellers worldwide. With our extensive network of vehicles and experienced drivers, we ensure seamless transportation from the airport to your accommodation. Experience the peace of mind that comes with choosing Shuttle Direct for your next journey. Book now and let us take care of the rest!
