Destination guide · Costa Daurada
Salou, the heart of the Costa Daurada
Fine sandy beaches, coves among the pines, a coastal path by the sea, great seafood and PortAventura just around the corner. Our guide to enjoying Salou like a local.
25beaches and coves along 9 km of coast
5 minfrom PortAventura World
15 minfrom Reus airport
1 h 15from Barcelona by motorway
Beaches and coves
From the seafront to hidden coves
Salou has around twenty beaches and coves. The big town beaches offer every service and quality awards, while around Cap de Salou you will find rocky coves with crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkelling.
- Llevant beachSalou’s main beach along Passeig Jaume I, over a kilometre long: fine sand, sunbeds, water sports and a lively atmosphere from early morning.
- Ponent beachNext to the palm-lined promenade and quieter, with calm water. Very easy with children.
- Capellans beachSmall and sheltered between rocks, one of the calmest for swimming.
- Platja LlargaLong and surrounded by pines, with a beach club in summer. Perfect for a relaxed day.
- Cala Penya TalladaThe wildest: you walk down through pines and rocks.
- Cala Font and Cala CrancsClear water and rocky seabeds: the favourites for spotting fish with mask and snorkel. Cala Crancs has a beach bar.
- Llenguadets beachBelow the Miramar promenade, ideal at sunset.
Love swimming? From Easter to early November there are two marked sea swimming routes of about 1 km each, for example from Capellans to Platja Llarga.
Landscapes and walks
The Camí de Ronda, 9.5 km along the sea
The old coastal watch path links the Miramar promenade with Racó de Salou, on the edge of La Pineda, circling the whole of Cap de Salou through pines, cliffs and coves.
- The lighthouseA red tower from 1858 that still lights the gulf; a short trail loops around it over the most rugged coastline.
- Viewpoints routeSome twenty signposted viewpoints: La Bocana, Els Pilons, Punta Prima, Cala Morisca, La Falconera…
- History routeThe old lazaretto, Torre Nova and Civil War machine-gun nests along the path.
- Pla de MasetAn inland walk past dry-stone walls, huts, vineyards and birdlife.
Our tip: walk a stretch early in the morning or at sunset, with comfortable shoes and water. In summer the midday sun is strong.
Things to do in Salou
Plans for every day
Theme parks, history, sea and strolls: Salou has something for every moment, outside summer too.
01PortAventura WorldPortAventura Park, Ferrari Land and Caribe Aquatic Park, five minutes away. In autumn it transforms for Halloween (until mid-November) and then for Christmas.
02Passeig Jaume I and the Font LluminosaRemarkable palm trees, seafront terraces and, on summer nights, the water, light and music show of the fountain designed by Carles Buïgas.
03Torre VellaA 16th-century defence tower against pirates, now the Enamel Museum and exhibition space, right in the centre.
04Iberians and RomansThe Kallipolis archaeological site and the Roman villa of Barenys, with its amphora kiln, offer free guided tours in season.
05Modernista routeThe 1920s summer villas along Passeig Jaume I, such as Xalet Bonet, designed by a disciple of Gaudí.
06Sea and water sportsPaddle surfing, kayaking, jet skis, sailing or a boat trip along the coast, including the boat linking Salou and Cambrils.
07Tourist trainTakes in the promenade, the villas, the start of the coastal path and Torre Vella, with an audio guide. Ideal for a first look around.
08MarketsWeekly market on Monday mornings and, in summer, an evening craft market by the promenade.
09Outdoor sportsGolf, padel, tennis, cycling and a seafront cycle lane that reaches Cambrils and La Pineda.
With kids
Salou for families
Salou is a certified Family Tourism destination: gently sloping beaches, child-friendly restaurants and plenty to do without taking the car.
- Calm beachesPonent and Capellans, with calm water and facilities close by.
- Jaume I digital treasure hunt9 puzzles along the promenade, about 75 minutes. It starts with a QR code next to the Font Lluminosa.
- Treetop adventureAdventure courses and a 14-hole mini golf at Bosc Aventura, right in town.
- Font LluminosaWater, light and music on summer nights: a children’s favourite.
- Tourist train and boatTwo easy ways to see the coast; the boat goes all the way to Cambrils harbour.
- Theme parks nearbyPortAventura World five minutes away and Aquopolis, in La Pineda, in summer.
Where to eat and drink
From Michelin stars to beach bars
Rice dishes, fresh fish and tapas by the sea, signature cuisine, brunch and options for every diet. Here is our selection.
Michelin star
Fine dining
- Deliranto · Salou. Creative, theatrical tasting menus, one star.C/ Llevant 7 · book ahead
- Can Bosch · Cambrils, 10 min away. Seafood and rice dishes, starred for decades.
- Rincón de Diego · Cambrils, 10 min away. Seafood with Asian touches, one star.
Recommended by the Guide
No star, top level
- La Morera de Pablo & Ester · Salou. Market cuisine in a friendly setting.C/ Berenguer de Palou 10
- Miramar, Bresca and Hiu · Cambrils, by the harbour.
- La Xarxa · Tarragona. Bib Gourmand: great quality, good value.
Rice and seafood
Mediterranean cooking
- La Gaviota · rice dishes and fish facing Llevant beach.C/ Madrid 9
- D’Albert · traditional seafood cooking.
- Bufacaldos · rice dishes and local produce.
- Cambrils harbour · the coast’s great seafood reference, 10 minutes away.
Beach bars and beach clubs
Feet in the sand
- Infinitum Beach Club · on Platja Llarga, from late June to early September.
- Beach bars · on Llevant, Ponent, Platja Llarga and Cala Crancs, open all day in season.
Sunset drinks
From sunset into the night
- Terraces on Passeig Jaume I and Miramar · to watch the sun go down with a vermouth or a cocktail.
- Beach clubs · chilled music until dusk.
- Carles Buïgas area · the liveliest atmosphere after dark.
Brunch and breakfast
To start the day
- Sama Sama · brunch with veggie options.C/ Aragó 8
- NAIOH, The Garden Café and Coffee Break · speciality coffee and breakfasts.
- Pantàstic · bakery and pastries.
Gluten-free
Coeliac-friendly
- Goretti+ and Restaurant Arena · listed in the Celíacs de Catalunya directory.
- Celíacs de Catalunya app · check it for the most up-to-date approved venues.
Vegan and vegetarian
Plant based
- Sama Sama Veggie · vegetarian and vegan cooking.C/ Aragó 8
- NAIOH · vegan dishes and bowls.
Halal
Arabic and Moroccan food
- Halal Aladino and Tajine House · Arabic and Moroccan restaurants stating halal meat.No official certification: please confirm when booking.
Opening hours, menus and seasons change: we recommend checking before you go. If you have an allergy or intolerance, always mention it when booking. For more ideas, just ask us at the office.
Festivals and events
Salou all year round
Beyond summer, Salou has a calendar full of tradition, music and food.
- Cós BlancWinter carnival where the whole parade dresses in white (late January).
- Sant Jordi, 23 AprilBooks and roses in the streets.
- Rice FestivalRice-dish menus in the restaurants, in spring.
- Sant Joan, 23 JuneBonfires, a midsummer party and celebrations by the sea.
- Proud of SalouDiversity festival, at the end of June.
- Nits Daurades7–15 August, with fireworks over the bay on the night of the 15th.
- 30 OctoberTown festival, with events in the streets.
- PortAventuraHalloween in autumn and Christmas until early January.
Day trips
Less than an hour from Salou
02La Pineda and Vila-secaA huge family beach, Vila-seca castle and the Sèquia Major wetland. See the guide
03TarragonaRoman Tarraco, a World Heritage Site: amphitheatre by the sea, city walls and the Serrallo fishermen’s quarter.
04ReusThe Modernista route, the Gaudí Centre and good shopping, 15 minutes away.
05Priorat and SiuranaTerraced vineyards, wineries and the cliff-top village of Siurana, about 45 minutes away.
06Cistercian RouteThe monasteries of Poblet and Santes Creus, and the medieval town of Montblanc.
Practical information
Salou made easy
Getting here
By plane and train
- Reus airport about 15 minutes away.
- Barcelona El Prat about 100 km, 1 h 15 by motorway.
- Salou–PortAventura station with regional trains to Tarragona and Barcelona.
Getting around
No car needed
- On foot and by bike along the promenade and the coastal cycle lane.
- Buses local and intercity between Salou, Cambrils, La Pineda and Tarragona.
- Parking: ask us when booking whether your apartment includes it.
When to come
Best time
- June and September: warm sea and fewer people.
- July and August: atmosphere, festivals and long nights.
- Autumn and spring: walks, food and gentler prices.
Salou has accessible beaches and services. More official information at visitsalou.eu.
Where to stay
Our favourites in Salou
A small selection from our Salou collection. You will find all our apartments, with availability and prices, on our accommodation page.
FAQ
Staying in Salou: what to know
What is the best area to stay in Salou?
For the beach and atmosphere on foot, Passeig Jaume I and Llevant beach. For peace and views, Cap de Salou. With children, the Ponent area is very convenient.
What to do in Salou outside summer?
The Camí de Ronda, visits to Kallipolis and the Roman villa, the Modernista route, food festivals and PortAventura at Halloween and Christmas. Spring and autumn weather is very pleasant.
Do you have apartments for large groups?
Yes, several 4-bedroom apartments for up to 10 guests, such as Bello Horizonte.
Where do I collect the keys?
At our agency at Carrer Major 3B, in the centre of Salou. Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out before 11:00. If you arrive after the office closes, you can collect your keys from our key safe at any time.
Is there a security deposit?
Yes, as a pre-authorisation on your card on arrival, released once the apartment has been checked.
Do you sell PortAventura tickets?
No, we do not sell tickets. You can buy them directly on the park’s official website.
Are pets allowed?
No, none of our apartments accept pets.
Other destinations
Keep exploring the Costa Daurada
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, with authors and licences shown on each image: Ferran Llorens (CC BY-SA 2.0), Utolotu (CC0), Natalianerea (CC BY-SA 4.0), “1997” (CC BY-SA 3.0). Images marked as illustrative were generated with AI. Apartment photos: For a Stay.
