When your kids hit those turbulent teenage years, it can be hard enough to keep the peace at home – let alone in a foreign country! With this in mind, you might be tempted to despair at the thought of a family holiday. You begin to think, is there any way to have a holiday that leaves you relaxed instead of more tightly-wound than ever?
The short answer is – yes! The key is to find a destination that has something to offer everyone – relaxation for you, nonstop action for your offspring. Salou, on the east coast of Spain, is the answer to all your family holiday conundrums. This sun-drenched town can give you the beach getaway you’ve always wanted while also giving your teens free rein to explore and have fun on their own. Who knows, Salou might just be the place you return to year after year!
“Salou” by Jorge Franganillo is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
What to Do
PortAventura World
For thrills, spills, and nonstop fun, you can’t beat a day out at PortAventura World. This enormous theme park is one of the defining landmarks of Salou – and for good reason. Boasting some of the fastest rollercoasters in Europe, PortAventura is an adrenaline junkie’s dream come true. If your teens are looking to test their daring, they’ll find plenty to do here.
From the eight-loop Dragon Khan to the dizzying free-fall drop of Shambhala to the incredible 135 km/hr speed of Furius Baco – this theme park is anything but dull. There are plenty of tamer, more relaxing activities here as well, so it’s no problem if you’d rather take it slow. If you’d prefer relaxing by the pool or taking in a show, PortAventura World has got you covered.
“Port Aventura 098” by Jeremy Thompson is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Avinguda de l’Alcalde Pere Molas | Km 2, Vila-seca, 43840 Salou, Spain
Tel: +34 902 20 22 20
Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00am-7:00pm, Sat & Sun 10:00am-8:00pm
Prices: Full day pass runs about €45.00
Bosc Aventura Salou
Right in the centre of town you’ll find this adventure-filled park, which has enough to keep you busy all day. Engage in some friendly family competition on the paintball course, take the leap and try zip-lining through the trees, scramble up rock walls, test your balance on the ropes bridges, or try your hand at the mini golf course. Safety harnesses and qualified instructors ensure that you’ll have no worries at this exciting and challenging park. You just might discover a new favourite family activity.
At Bosc Aventura Salou, try your hand at the mini golf course and the many other games on offer.
Barbastre Street 15, Salou, Spain
Tel: +34 877 05 04 44
Hours: Open daily 10:00am-2:00pm and 4:00pm-8:00pm.
Prices: Varies by activity. Zip lines start at €9.00, paintball is €25, mini golf is €5.00.
AventuraTourSalou
Of course, there’s a lot more adventure waiting for you among Salou’s beautiful natural landscapes. AventuraTourSalou can help you make the most of the great outdoors with its fantastic selection of trips and activities. Dive into the Mediterranean to discover shipwrecks; slip and slide down rocky canyons; raft down a river in the Pyrenees; cycle through the countryside; fly over the Costa Dorada in a tandem motor-powered parachute; or discover hidden waterfalls cascading into crystal pools ideal for a swim. Even your teens have to admit, this is way better than video games.
Dive into the Mediterranean to discover shipwrecks or discover hidden waterfalls cascading into crystal pools ideal for a swim.
Call +34 622 357 428 for details and pricing.
13 Rooms
Ready for something on the spookier side? Your teens will get a thrill out of 13 Rooms Laser & Terror, a haunted house-themed entertainment centre featuring laser tag and an eerie 3D labyrinth. A fantastic rainy day activity, 13 Rooms will have your heart racing – either from fear or from running away from your laser-armed teenagers, it’s hard to tell which!
Your teens will get a thrill out of 13 Rooms Laser & Terror.
Carrer de Joanot Martorell, 1, 43840 Salou, Spain
Tel: +34 678 54 55 44
Hours: Open daily 3:00pm-11:00pm
Prices: €9.00
How to Get to Salou
Transfer time from Barcelona El Prat to Salou is just over an hour.
Thinking Salou might be right for your family? Then it’s time to start booking! Salou’s closest major international airport is Barcelona El Prat, an easy two-hour flight from London area airports. You’ll have no trouble finding plenty of nonstop London-Barcelona flights with budget airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Norwegian Air.
When you touch down in Barcelona, don’t waste any time fussing with rental cars to get to Salou. Airport transfers with Shuttle Direct can make your travel plans much easier – and all it takes is a few clicks on our website. Book with us and rest easy, knowing your transport will be waiting for you when you step off the plane.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Tolosa – Well-situated just a mile from PortAventura and a 5-minute walk from Salou Beach, the two-star Hotel Tolosa is a perfect launch pad for everything you’d like to do in Salou (tip: get your PortAventura tickets directly from hotel reception!). The two-room family suite option allows for family togetherness while also giving teens their space. Downstairs, the generous breakfast buffet provides plenty of fuel for your family’s action-packed day.
Casablanca Playa – Situated right on the beach, Casablanca Playa is sure to please everyone. Mom and dad will love the sea views and cocktail bar out on the terrace, while the teens will appreciate the free Wi-Fi throughout this three-star hotel, as well as the fully-stocked buffet!
H10 Mediterranean Village – For a home away from home with a little extra elbow room, book your family one of the two-bedroom apartments in the H10 Mediterranean Village. You’ll be glad of the flexibility provided by the generous kitchenette, sitting room, and balcony, while your teens will appreciate the extra privacy. In terms of amenities, this four-star hotel has it all: two pools, a supermarket, a snack bar, a spa… need we say more?
About Shuttle Direct:
Whether you’re a solo traveller or a family with teens in tow, Shuttle Direct can make your plans run a little more smoothly. As the top provider of airport transfers in Europe and North Africa, we’re well-versed in the sometimes hectic schedules of holiday and business travel. Book your transfer with Shuttle Direct when you next travel, and let us show you what a difference we can make.
