In the Tarragona province along Spain’s Costa Daurada is sunny Salou, a lively coastal town with palm-lined promenades and sun-soaked beaches. With its calm waters, child-friendly restaurants and family-orientated resorts, Salou is the perfect destination for you and your brood to unwind by the sea and enjoy bucketloads of quality time as a family. But no trip to Salou would be complete without visiting one of its action-packed amusement parks that lure in millions of tourists from around the world every year to brave the white-knuckle rides and slides.
If roller coasters aren’t your cup of tea though, there are still plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. PortAventura’s interactive 4D experiences, for instance, transport you to dynamic new worlds through multisensory adventures that immerse you in the action. Here are my top theme park picks for your next family holiday in Salou.
PortAventura World
Welcoming 5.3 million visitors in 2022, the most on record, PortAventura is a theme park for thrill seekers. Europe’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, Red Force, stands at a death-defying height of 112 m and reaches top speeds of 180 km/h in just five seconds. The roller coaster was designed to replicate the sensation that a rider would experience if they were strapped into the seat of an F1 world champion race car.
Shambhala should also get an honourable mention here—it’s an adrenaline-pumping hypercoaster that plunges riders from a height of 78 m and reaches breakneck speeds of up to 134 km/h. Shambhala is thought to be a spiritual kingdom somewhere between the mountains and the clouds (the word ‘Shambhala’ itself is Sanskrit for ‘place of happiness’). Although no one knows exactly where Shambhala lies, legend has it that it’s in the midst of a largely uninhabited valley somewhere deep in the Himalayas—only the most intrepid travellers are believed to find their way there. The ride plays on this legend by recreating those very same breathtaking heights.
If you’re travelling with tots and concerned about age restrictions on certain rides, don’t worry, PortAventura’s got you covered. SésamoAventura is the park’s toddler-friendly zone inspired by the wonderful world of Sesame Street. Take La Granja de Elmo, for example, a fun-filled ride that will see you and your little ones hopping into a tractor and chugging along through Elmo’s home, past friendly farmyard animals and your favourite Sesame Street characters, including the Cookie Monster.
El Árbol Mágico is another attraction that’s guaranteed to keep the little ones entertained. Enter the magical tree, ascend the enchanted staircase, and pose for pictures with the loveable squirrels sitting on top of gigantic, colourful mushrooms. Looking for a ride the whole family can enjoy? Coco Piloto invites families to strap themselves into a cockpit and soar above PortAventura for panoramic views of the park—the sky’s the limit! And when the wiggles start to kick in, enjoy some good old-fashioned family entertainment from dazzling parades to interactive shows. One thing’s for sure—the fun never stops at SésamoAventura!
Ferrari Land
If Red Force has satisfied your need for speed, you’ll want to explore the rest of Ferrari Land, a theme park in PortAventura World which opened in 2017, dedicated to the Italian luxury sports car brand Ferrari. Head to Thrill Towers, a 55-metre-high, free-fall tower where you can experience the thrills and spills of being catapulted into the sky before plummeting back down to earth.
But why should grown-ups have all of the fun? Check out Junior Red Force, a mini roller coaster, successor to the iconic Red Force, which sends you hightailing it around a Formula 1 circuit just seconds after buckling up. But the fun doesn’t stop there—the Kids’ Tower, a 9-metre-high free-fall tower launches you into the air before hurtling you back down again and twisting and turning you in every which way—just fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride.
Other highlights include Crazy Pistons, where you’ll feel the force of a real Ferrari as you spin like pistons inside its engine and Champions Race, where you’ll enjoy family fun in a replica of the legendary Ferrari Testarossa 250—ready, set, go!
Caribe Aquatic Park
Adjacent to PortAventura Park, you’ll find Caribe Aquatic Park, a Caribbean-themed water park full of beaches, palm trees and a fusion of Latin and reggae music creating the ultimate party atmosphere. The star attraction is King Khajuna, a water slide that’ll see you swooping down from a height of 30 m in just two seconds. According to the Kupunas, the ancient tribal elders of Hawaii, Khajuna was a child who was adopted by a pod of dolphins. One day, the adventurous Khajuna set sail on the Seven Seas in search of the biggest and most powerful wave that anyone had ever seen. Khajuna believed that whoever conquered this wave would become a great king. The legend travelled far and wide and eventually reached Caribe Aquatic Park. Now it’s your chance to become the new King Khajuna—who dares wins!
For those who have a competitive streak, check out Rapid Race, which will see you lying headfirst on a mat and whizzing down a water slide, competing with your family to see who can get to the bottom first—if you snooze, you lose. This ride is reserved for only the most fearless buccaneers. Can you take on the challenge?
Don’t forget to try out El Torrente, an exhilarating whitewater rafting experience of a lifetime. If you think you can handle the current, grab an inflatable raft and feel the rush of being taken by the tide as it sends you spinning round and round, mirroring the invigorating experience of navigating turbulent rapids. You’ll have to make it past some tight bends that’ll leave you hanging on by your fingertips if you want to come out unscathed. All this while being serenaded by the reggae music that filters through the park’s speakers.
After a busy day of sliding down chutes and weaving through tunnels, what better way to decompress than to head to the pool? Luckily, at Caribe Aquatic Park, you won’t have to travel far to get to one—Playa Paraíso is the park’s adult pool and Sésamo Beach is the kids’ pool, giving you a chance to recharge your batteries before gearing up for another aquatic adventure.
Round off your visit with a trip to El Triángulo de las Bermudas, a wave pool that pays tribute to the dark legend of the Bermuda Triangle—one of the places most feared by sailors. Hide behind the fort to shield the attacks from the pirates firing water cannons and let yourself be carried away by the rolling waves.
Aquopolis
Enjoy an unforgettable day out at Aquopolis, the largest water park on the Costa Daurada. Aquopolis is specially designed with children in mind, boasting a kids’ area of over 4,000 m². The park welcomes all ages and has various amenities including a large grassy area with picnic tables for when you’d like to make a lunch stop, four swimming pools, and over 20 attractions, and that’s just the beginning. There’s also an open-air spa for the adults to kick back and relax while the little tykes are running amok and a beautiful sandy beach that rivals the bays of Hawaii.
If high-octane fun is what you’re after, Kamikaze is a water slide to get your pulse racing, reaching top speeds of 50 km/h. And if that’s not enough, take a spin down Boomerang—a v-shaped slide with a heart-stopping 10 m exit that’ll give you the vertigo-inducing sensation of being on the edge of a precipice. For the kiddies, head to Funny Jungle where the little ones can test their agility by walking along the dragon’s bumpy back and trying to avoid getting sprayed by water spurting from its mouth. Floats and sun loungers are available for hire and lockers are provided if you’d like to store your personal belongings.
Bonus Tip: Beaches
While visiting theme parks will help the kids let off some steam, it’s important to schedule some downtime. A trip to the beach will leave you and the kids feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Salou is home to numerous beaches, the most popular ones being Llevant and Ponent, which are closest to the resort centre and backed by the town’s main promenade. Although these beaches are busy in peak season, they have the most facilities and are easiest to access from Salou’s hotels.
If you’re seeking a lively spot with deck chairs, playgrounds, watersports, bars, and heaps of restaurants within walking distance, then Llevant and Ponent are good options. The waves are not particularly strong at these beaches either, so are suitable for the little ones to splash about in. Paddle in the shallow waters or head out on a pedalo, banana boat or jet ski available for hire. If you fancy something a little more secluded, check out Cala Penya Tallada, an idyllic cove surrounded by pine trees and indigenous plants. Next to Punta Roja, it’s worth bearing in mind that this hidden gem is only accessible on foot. At only 125 metres long, there are no amenities on the beach, but you can buy cold drinks and snacks from the Can Duran minimart nearby.
Where to Stay
New Aiguesverdes: This spacious villa is a fantastic option if you’re looking for easy access to local beaches, with Llevant and Ponent Beach both less than four miles away. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with free WiFi. At New Aiguesverdes, you can enjoy the luxury of a whopping five bedrooms and four bathrooms, so this is an ideal choice if you’re travelling with extended family or friends. You’ll also have access to a private pool and a terrace with garden views.
4-1 Apartamento de Diseño en el Centro de Reus: This modern apartment is in an excellent location, only 50 yards away from a range of family-friendly restaurants. Nearby attractions include the Roman and Paleo-Christian Necropolis, the Tarragona, and the National Archaeological Museum, which are all less than 10 miles away from the property. Free WiFi is available throughout the accommodation. The apartment comes with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, towels and bed linen.
Apartbeach El Pinar con Piscina y Barbacoa: This cosy holiday home is perfect for families, located only six miles away from PortAventura and Parque Infantil de Salou. It comes with a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities and free WiFi.. There’s also an outdoor fireplace so you and the kids can enjoy relaxing evenings in the open air. This holiday home comes with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living rooms and a flat-screen TV. For guests with children, the holiday home features outdoor play equipment and a baby’s safety gate.
How to Get There
If you’re planning a Spanish escape to Salou, you’ll need to book a flight to Reus Airport (REU). Several airlines offer direct flights to Reus Airport, including Ryanair, easyJet, TUI, and Jet2.com, with flights starting from just £32. The cheapest month to fly is in October, and on average there are 15 flights a week, so you’re bound to find an option that suits you. After you land, the easiest way of getting from Reus Airport to Salou is to pre-book your onward transport with Shuttle Direct. A friendly, local driver will be waiting for you at the airport ready to get you the rest of the way without delay.
Overview
UK to REU flight time: 2 hours 10 minutes
REU to Salou distance: 14 kilometres
Shuttle Direct transfer time: 17 minutes
Types of Transfer
Taxi: One of the most stress-free ways of fast-tracking your journey from the airport to your accommodation is to pre-book an airport taxi. Reus to Salou is a simple and straightforward journey when you travel via taxi because you avoid having to wait in line with other passengers for transport after you’ve landed. Instead, your driver will meet you outside the terminal ready to whisk you off to your destination soon after you land.
Shuttle bus: If you’re travelling on a budget, transfer from Reus Airport to Salou by shuttle bus. You’ll meet at a designated point at the airport and be taken to a central drop-off location in Salou. While this option is economical, it won’t compromise the quality of the service that you receive. You might even make some new friends along the way!
Private transfer: For some travellers, not having their own private vehicle is a deal-breaker. If this is the case, then a private transfer is for you. With a private transfer, Reus Airport to Salou is a hassle-free journey. A professional driver will meet you at the airport and take you right to the door of your accommodation in the fastest way possible. A door-to-door service is especially convenient when you’re travelling with kids as you won’t need to worry about navigating public transport in a foreign country.
Minibus transfer: The most budget-friendly way to travel with a large group of friends or family is to pre-book a minibus transfer from Reus Airport to Salou. Because you’ll be travelling in a larger-capacity vehicle, there’ll be enough space for the entire gang along with their luggage in the same vehicle. This takes away the logistical headache of travelling in numbers and means that everyone can travel together in style.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Choosing the right Reus Airport transfer for your needs and wants is a toss-up between cost and convenience and whichever one you place greater emphasis on.
Cost: If you’re keeping a close eye on costs and would prefer to save your holiday budget for other aspects of your trip, a shared shuttle bus or a minibus transfer from Reus Airport to Salou are the most cost-effective options. They’ll get you to your destination comfortably and safely but without the hefty price tag.
Convenience: If door-to-door convenience is your top priority and you don’t mind splashing out a bit, then one of our luxury private transfers is the best solution. With these options, you won’t have to think about meeting points or waiting around for other passengers.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct, we’re proud of our reputation for excellence. We offer one of the most extensive ranges of airport transfer services to and from destinations all over the world. From shared shuttle buses to top-of-the-line private transfers, we get you wherever you need to go. Pre-book with us today, sit back, and enjoy the ride!
