The Costa Dorada in Spain is a very popular choice of destination for families, and Salou is one of its most famous resorts. Just a short flight from the UK, Salou has plenty of family friendly hotels and attractions to choose from. The beaches are among the best in Spain and whether you want to enjoy lazy days building sandcastles and swimming or prefer to get the kids out and about, there is something in Salou for everyone.
Here we have compiled a list of some of our top outings for children when on holiday in Salou.
Port Aventura
This theme park was Spain’s first and, split into six main areas, the complex comprises a water park and four hotels. The rides in the park are great fun and you can buy an express pass to save you queuing. There is even a manmade beach for those who prefer to relax and soak up the sun rather than enjoy the thrills and spills of the rides. One thing to bear in mind is that children have to be a certain height to get on most of the rides, so this may not be the place to go if your children are only very young.
House of Illusion
The House of Illusion is included in many lists of attractions in and around Salou and even earned a Certificate of Excellence in 2014. Magicians and illusionists entertain the children who are often mesmerised by the theatrical spectacles. Buy a ticket and the children get drinks included. If you decide to go to the earlier show, they even get dinner!
Bosc Aventura Salou
Another activity park, this place is perfect for the more energetic children. Zip lines and mini golf are great fun while circuit bridges and the climbing wall offer different and exiting challenges. If your children are over 12 they can even enjoy paintballing! Bosc Aventura is set in beautiful grounds with lots of space, so why not bring a picnic when you come?
Barcelona
The capital city of Catalonia, Spain is about an hour’s drive from the resort of Salou and there is fun for all the family on a visit here. Young football fans will love the Camp Nou Stadium tour and those who love wildlife will enjoy a trip to the Barcelona Aquarium, the biggest in Europe. This eclectic city is a great place for wandering and Las Ramblas with its street entertainers in particular is a colourful place to take the children to.
Glass Bottomed Boat Rides
These excursions are great fun for all the family and whether you want a short trip or a longer day trip, there are lots of options. Kids and adults alike can share in the fun watching and identifying the fish, which they can spot through the glass bottom of the boat. Prices range from €28 to €42 if you fancy having your lunch included.
How to Get There: Salou
The nearest airport to Salou is Reus, which is only 12km away, and Shuttle Direct offer competitive prices on transfers that take you directly from the airport to the hotel. Choose private taxis or shared transfers and you will enjoy a reliable and comfortable service.
This part of Spain is a holiday hub and flights arrive into Reus from several major European cities including London, Birmingham, Paris, Milan, Berlin and Cologne, among many others.
Where to Stay
Hostal Tahiti – Perfectly located in the centre of the resort of Salou, this budget friendly option is less than 100m from Levante Beach. Comfortable rooms are furnished with modern conveniences including a TV and en suite facilities. The Hostal Tahiti has a bright and spacious shared lounge where guests can relax and watch the flat screen TV in the comfort of refreshing air-conditioning. It has a kitchen area and a living room too. There is a snack bar, Wi-Fi in reception and the lounge, and a children’s play area.
Hotel Jaime I – The Hotel Jaime I is located close to Levante Beach and right in the heart of the resort. A good mid priced accommodation option, this hotel has 2 swimming pools, air conditioning in the rooms with some rooms boasting balconies too. Satellite TV is available in every room and Wi-Fi is available on site but there is a surcharge for this service.
Delicious international cuisine is served in the restaurant and there are plenty of bars in the complex that serve snacks and drinks. A fitness centre, sauna and children’s playground are available at this hotel and the reception is open 24 hours a day.
H10 Salauris Palace – With its beautiful lagoon-shaped swimming pool, the H10 Salauris Palace is a stunning hotel at the higher end of the price range. Boasting a heated indoor pool, a gym, Turkish bath and a hot tub, this hotel also has air conditioning and a balcony in every room. Beautifully decorated, the rooms are spacious and light. Free Wi-Fi is available in the bar area and there is a poolside bar and buffet restaurant. Entertainment is provided for children of all ages and being less than a kilometre from Port Aventura theme park means this is a great option for families.
