Costa Dorada, or “The Golden Coast,” is a major tourist area on Catalonia’s Mediterranean shoreline. Salou, located southwest of Barcelona, is among the coast’s most popular regions, jam-packed with beautiful resorts and exciting attractions. Portaventura World, Spain’s leading theme park, draws tourists from all over the world and makes Salou a diverse holiday destination. From thrilling rollercoasters to relaxing sunny beaches, Salou has something for everyone.
Salou Town
The bustling centre at the heart of Salou, here you’ll find the area’s most well-known beaches, restaurants, and shops. Llevant Beach, Salou’s main beach, is a stunning strip of golden sand and gentle waters. There are lifeguards, public toilets, showers, and volleyball nets on the beach, making Llevant a great choice for families. Then, after a fun day at the beach, you can stroll along the picturesque Avenida Jaume I, the main promenade in Salou Town.
Where to Stay in Salou Town
Hotel Best Cap Salou
This beachfront hotel features a wide variety of amenities for an affordable price. For example, the hotel includes an onsite waterpark, several pools, a restaurant, and its very own private beach on the calm waters of the Bay of Cap Salou. Kids will love the brightly coloured waterslides and fountains, while adults can relax and recharge at the spa centre. Only a 10-minute drive from PortAventura and Aquapolis Waterpark, Hotel Best Cap Salou is an especially great choice for families visiting the Costa Dorada.
Cambrils
A calmer alternative to the ever-popular Salou Town, Cambrils is a peaceful coastal escape just 15-minutes drive from PortAventura. Until recently, Cambrils was predominately a fishing town with a small tourist draw. Though Cambrils has seen quite a bit of development in the past few decades, it has not come at the expense of its charm. The town is still known for its tranquil beaches and harbour, as well as its luxury resorts and hotels.
Where to Stay in Cambrils
Hotel Augustus
With its sweeping sea views and modern facilities, Hotel Augustus is the ideal place to stay in Cambrils. This hotel offers a diverse range of activities, suiting everyone from families with children to young couples on a romantic getaway. There are 320 comfortable rooms in the Hotel Augustus, and some can accommodate up to 5 people, perfect for larger families or groups travelling together. The onsite restaurant overlooks the sea, and there are two outdoor swimming pools, two jacuzzis, and even a poolside snack bar.
La Pineda
La Pineda is a small, sheltered resort area away from the livelier parts of Salou. For decades, it was a popular retreat for Spanish visitors, and only recently have international tourists discovered its charms. La Pineda is home to a pristine strip of golden sand, gentle waters, and is close to the Aquapolis Waterpark. In addition, La Pineda is only about a 10-minute drive away from PortAventura. A safe beach haven not far from the area’s major attractions, La Pineda is an excellent choice for families or groups looking for a relaxing, quiet getaway.
Where to Stay in La Pineda
Hotel Palas Pineda
This all-inclusive, beachfront hotel has everything you could possibly need for the ideal, stress-free holiday. With beautifully designed outdoor pools, La Pineda beach just 80 metres away, a luxurious spa on-site, as well as multiple buffet restaurants, a stay at Hotel Palas Pineda has it all. Guest rooms range from standard doubles to larger suites and apartments that can accommodate big families and groups. Families will appreciate the kid’s club, “Miniclub,” with a daily activities schedule perfect for the little ones, open from June to September.
PortAventura World
PortAventura World is the main attraction in Salou, especially for families. This theme park consists of three individual areas: PortAventura Park, Caribe Aquatic Park, and Ferrari Land. Each park has its own exciting designs, unique attractions and thrilling experiences for all ages. To make the daily commute into the parks easier, why not stay as close as you can to the action? Luckily, there are five themed accommodations as a part of PortAventura World. These hotels are just a short drive away or even within walking distance to the amusement park and still not far from Salou’s lovely beaches.
Where to Stay in PortAventura
PortAventura Hotel Caribe
Hotel Caribe is one of PortAventura’s own themed hotels and its unique design makes it stand out as one of the best. Located within the Caribe Aquatic Park, the hotel feels like a peaceful island retreat. There are several pools all around the hotel, including one real white-sand pool and pools specifically for kids. When it comes to dining, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Options include a buffet, two à la carte restaurants, a snack bar, and three bars for adults. If spending time in PortAventura is your top priority when visiting Salou, nothing beats staying right inside the parks!
Are you ready to start planning a fun-filled holiday in Salou today?
