Holidays to Salou

A holiday to Salou serves up a fun-packed, family-friendly fiesta on Spain’s shimmering Costa Dorada. Golden shores, adventures on the waves and head-banging beats in the bars – it’s got the lot!

Wave goodbye to the shore

Unbelievable beaches come as standard out here, and that’s a fact! The sand is glimmering gold, the water’s warm and the sun is almost always shining.

There are just as many wonders out on the waves too. Platja de Llevant (that’s Llevant Beach to us) is the watersports capital of Costa Dorada. Book on to a boat cruise with lunch and drinks included to spend a serene day skimming the shore. Or ramp up the adrenaline with jet-skiing, windsurfing or parasailing.

Saving ships and putting off pirates

Ever wondered why Salou isn’t full of pirates and shipwrecks? Of course, you have! The answer lies in two of the town’s coolest sights. Torre Vella – a 16th-century tower – has been warding off seafaring scallywags since 1530 and still stands in mighty-fine nick today.

And keeping the boats away from those raggedy rocks is the Lighthouse of Salou, which was once powered by olive oil. On the gorgeous coastal path here, the scenery is almost silly – think mountain ranges, coastal cliffs and the mesmerising Med.

Remedies for rumbling tums

Whether you’re whipping across the waves or wandering through Salou’s history, you’ll work up an appetite. Fortunately, the chefs of Salou have got your back. Or, rather, your stomach!

For the paella to end all paellas, take your stretchiest slacks to La Barca, which plates up fresh seafood against a spectacular ocean backdrop. Or nibble your way around Spanish specialities at Petit Bar. With tapas that’ll take up every inch of your table, you may have to hold your cerveza!

The best-a fiestas

Salou’s festival calendar is as busy as an August beach. Golden Nights, which usually takes place in August, is the big event. Head here to get your dance on, and be sure to stay for the fireworks on the last night. At least until you run out of oohs and aahs.

There are plenty of other festivals to experience too. Pay tribute to the town’s tastiest residents at the Festival of the Squid in November, when local chefs plate up special menus and tastings showcasing the mollusc (truly!). Meanwhile, the town’s Winter Festival cheers up January with a programme packed with culture, history, and exciting activities.