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Aduana Suites, Salou

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Salou

Updated 1 October 2026 · 14 things to do

Pictured: Aduana Suites

Salou is built for family holidays, and it does the job properly. A long sandy seafront with a palm-lined promenade, plenty of calm water for small swimmers, and one of Europe's biggest theme parks a short hop up the road. If you want rollercoasters before breakfast and an ice cream by sunset, you've come to the right place.

But there's more behind the resort. Pine-backed coves ring Cap Salou, the Roman city of Tarragona is a short ride away, and Catalonia's food is excellent. Treat Salou as a base and you'll find that the Costa Daurada has plenty to see between beach days.

Don't miss

  1. 1PortAventura Park
  2. 2Platja de Llevant
  3. 3Passeig Jaume I
  4. 4Tarragona
  5. 5Poblet Monastery

Theme parks and water parks

The reason many families come.

  1. PortAventura Park

    Activity

    Rollercoasters at PortAventura Park
    Photo: candi..., CC BY 2.0

    A huge theme park next to Salou, divided into themed worlds including Mediterrània, Polynesia, China, Mexico and the Far West, with rollercoasters for thrill-seekers and gentler rides and shows for younger children. It's a full-day outing, and a major reason many visitors choose Salou.

    Tip: Arrive early, plan your day around the biggest rides first and take a hat and water.

  2. Ferrari Land

    Activity

    An overview of Ferrari Land at PortAventura
    Photo: Ahs 34000, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A Ferrari-themed area at PortAventura, built around fast rides such as the Red Force coaster, with a separate area of gentler rides for younger children.

  3. Caribe Aquatic Park

    Water park

    A lagoon at Caribe Aquatic Park
    Photo: Wikisid, CC BY 3.0

    PortAventura's water park is Caribbean-themed, with slides, wave pools and a lazy river, set among palm trees. It's a cooler way to spend a hot day with the family.

Beaches and coves

  1. Platja de Llevant

    Beach

    The sandy Platja de Llevant in Salou
    Photo: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0

    Salou's main beach is a long, gently shelving stretch of golden sand in the centre of town, with calm, shallow water and a palm-lined promenade behind it. It has facilities, watersports and plenty of restaurants a few steps away.

  2. Cap Salou coastal path

    Nature

    A walking path winds around the Cap Salou headland, through pines and past small rocky coves with clear water. It's the prettiest side of Salou, and the best place for a swim away from the crowds.

    Tip: Take water and shoes with a good grip, and start early in summer.

  3. Platja Llarga

    Beach

    The long sandy beach of Platja Llarga in Salou
    Photo: Txapisotegi, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A long beach on the edge of town towards PortAventura, with a quieter feel than the centre. It's popular with families who want space and a more relaxed beachside lunch.

In town

  1. Passeig Jaume I

    Neighbourhood

    The Passeig Jaume I promenade in Salou
    Photo: Txapisotegi, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Salou's seafront promenade, shaded by palms and lined with cafés, ice-cream parlours and shops, with a statue of King Jaume I, who set sail from here to conquer Mallorca in 1229. It's lovely for an evening stroll as the lights come on.

  2. Calçots and romesco

    Food

    A calçotada, with grilled calçots ready to be dipped in romesco
    Photo: flydime, CC BY-SA 2.0

    Tarragona province's signature winter feast: charred spring onions, peeled by hand and dipped in romesco, a sauce of roasted tomato, peppers, nuts and olive oil. It's messy, social and best enjoyed in a restaurant in the winter months, when they're in season.

  3. Fideuà

    Food

    A pan of fideuà, the Catalan noodle paella
    Photo: Juan Emilio Prades Bel, CC BY 4.0

    Think paella made with short noodles instead of rice: seafood, a golden crust and a spoonful of aioli on top. It's a coastal Catalan favourite and easy to find on Salou's seafront.

Day trips

  1. Tarragona

    Day trip

    The Roman amphitheatre of Tarragona beside the sea
    Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A Roman city by the sea, with a UNESCO-listed ancient heart: an amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean, a Roman circus and a medieval cathedral on the hill. The old town is full of tapas bars and the sea view from the Balcó del Mediterrani is the classic one.

  2. Reus

    Day trip

    A lively market town with some of Catalonia's finest Modernista buildings, including the Casa Navàs, and a centre devoted to the architect Antoni Gaudí, who was born in the area. It's a short trip inland from Salou.

  3. Poblet Monastery

    Day trip

    The Cistercian monastery of Poblet
    Photo: B25es, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A vast Cistercian monastery in the hills inland, founded in the 12th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the cloisters and the great church, then continue to the nearby wine country.

  4. Barcelona

    Day trip

    The vaulted ceiling of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona
    Photo: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Regional trains link the Salou area to Barcelona, so you can spend a day at the Sagrada Família, the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla and be back for dinner by the sea. It makes a long day, so consider an overnight stay.

  5. Ebro Delta

    Nature

    A flat, watery landscape of rice paddies, lagoons and long sandy beaches at the mouth of the Ebro river, a protected natural park and a great place for birdwatching. It's quiet, open and very different from Salou.

Where to stay in Salou

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Salou →

Getting around

Salou is flat and easy on foot, with a promenade running between its beaches. A tourist train, taxis and local buses link the centre with PortAventura and Cap Salou. The airports at Reus and Barcelona have good transfers, and regional trains reach Tarragona and Barcelona.

When to go

Summer is hot and busy, ideal for beaches and water parks. Late spring and early autumn are warm and quieter, and good for walking Cap Salou and visiting Tarragona. The theme park doesn't run every day of the year, so check before you go.

Questions about visiting Salou

What is Salou best known for?
Family beach holidays and PortAventura, one of Europe’s biggest theme parks, plus sandy beaches and coves along Cap Salou.
What is there to do in Salou with kids?
PortAventura Park, Ferrari Land and the Caribe Aquatic Park, shallow sandy beaches and an easy promenade.
Is Salou worth visiting?
Yes, especially for families. Beyond the theme parks there are beautiful coves, a safe sandy seafront and easy trips to Tarragona.
Do you need a car in Salou?
No. The resort is compact and walkable, with buses and taxis to PortAventura. A car helps for Poblet and the inland villages.

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