Salou is a small cozy Spanish town, a great place to relax with snow-white beaches, warm sea and well-developed infrastructure.
Every year, a huge number of tourists from all over the world come to the wonderful city in order to relax.
A bit about the past
The history of the city of Salou has eight centuries. For the first time, a convenient geographical location and excellent climatic conditions were appreciated by King Jaime I. It was off the coast of the future city of Salou that he gathered his fleet in order to later go to conquer Majorca from the Saracens. It happened on September 6, 1229. By the way, this historical fact turned over time into a holiday: from September 3 to 10, various events take place on the streets of the city.
Later, the port attracted pirates and robbers, who periodically attacked it. After their repeated raids, local residents tried to leave the city.
In 1539, by order of Bishop Pere de Cardon, a fortress was built in Salou, which protected the city from raids.
In the 17-18 centuries, a small Spanish town became the main cargo port of the country.
In 1858, a lighthouse was completed on the cape and began to operate. And a few years later, the city authorities are taking their first steps to attract tourists: small houses are installed on the beach so that people can change clothes.
The next step in this direction is the opening of a railway station that connected the two cities of Spain: Salou and Barcelona. Twenty years later, the Carrilet tram was launched, which brought the first tourists to Salou.
Sea shore
The beaches of Salou in Spain, striking with their snow-white sands, stretched more than seven kilometers along the sea. The city has eight city beaches. They are well equipped and perfect for relaxing. There is also a deserted wild coast in Salou, the nature around which is striking in its beauty. To get to such places is quite difficult, but if you really want to enjoy the unity with nature, then it's still worth a try.
One of the most famous in Salou (Spain) is the beach of Lievant. Its length exceeds a thousand meters, and in some places its width reaches 150 m. Plus, there is a lot of entertainment on the beach, so tourists often prefer it.
Ponent is the second largest beach in Salou. In times when joint bathing of representatives of opposite sexes was forbidden, only women bathed here.
The small, but very picturesque beach of Capellans is also popular among tourists. Its length is not more than 250 meters. The beach is bounded by cliffs on both sides, but swimming is safe here.
Other places of sea recreation are also famous among tourists: Llarga, Cala de la Font. However, all the beaches of Salou are perfect for this. It is no coincidence that this city is chosen by thousands of travelers from around the world.
What to see
One of the main attractions of Salou in Spain is King Jaime I Boulevard. It is located along Lievant Beach, its length is a little more than a thousand meters. The boulevard is densely planted with flowers and palm trees, in its center is a statue of the king himself, and at the end there is a luminous fountain. Between the beach and the boulevard there are dance floors, parking spaces, a medical center.
Mazia Catalana is another attraction of Salou in Spain. This is a manor that was built in 1974. She completely copies peasant old houses. In it you can get acquainted with the life of the Spanish peasants, their traditions, kitchen utensils and a variety of little things that allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient times.
The fortress of Torre Velha is the one that protected the small town of Salou in Spain from attacks by pirates and sea robbers. It was built in the 16th century and served as a defensive structure.
Port Aventura Park is the largest entertainment center in Europe. A huge number of attractions, souvenir shops. Here you will not be bored either by children or adults.
What travelers say
The reviews of Salou in Spain are rather controversial. Some tourists say that holidays here are very expensive: prices for accommodation and meals are the same as in the more developed countries of Europe, at the same time, the service does not correspond to the European level. They also note a low level of rest on the coast: the beaches are crowded with tourists, the sea is not always clean.
But there are many who were satisfied with their holidays in Salou (Spain). They note the snow-white beaches, well-developed infrastructure, beautiful and picturesque places.
However, it is worth noting that mostly reviews of tourists are enthusiastic. Therefore, every year Salou is chosen for leisure by both elderly people and youth, families with children. And in order to form your own opinion, you need to visit there at least once.
Celebrations and festivals
As mentioned above, one of the main holidays of the inhabitants of Salou is the Festival of King Jaime I, which is celebrated for a whole week, starting from September 3.
The main summer celebration is called Golden Nights. It usually begins in mid-August. At this time, various events for children and adults are taking place in the city, they choose "Miss Salou", arrange a huge firework, which more than 300 thousand spectators are going to see.
In mid-June in the city begins the festival "Motor Star". The holiday is famous for a parade of rare cars. The procession begins on the main boulevard of the city.
In the rally "Salou - Costa Dorada", another significant event, motorists from all over the country take part.
Weather
The city of Salou in Spain is characterized by a mild and warm climate. Sunny days prevail noticeably, precipitation is rare here.
In winter, the average temperature sometimes drops below +10 ° C.
The high season begins in late May and lasts until the end of summer. At this time, there is dry, hot weather, the sea temperature warms up to +26 ° C.
Many travelers who prefer tours to Spain, to Salou, prefer to take in the velvet season, when the heat subsides, and the sea remains comfortable for swimming. The season lasts two months (September and October), after which it begins to noticeably cool.
How to get there
When purchasing a package tour, the question of how to get to Salou does not arise, since tour operators usually provide travelers with a shuttle service that takes them directly to the place of rest.
But for those who travel independently and plan to arrange a vacation in Spain, in Salou, there are several options. The first of them: to get from Barcelona airport by bus. Tickets and timetables can be specified on the official websites and ordered in advance. The second option is to get from the airport by train to Barcelona Sants station, and then transfer to the train to Salou.
There is another option: rent a car or take a taxi, but such trips are not budgetary at all.
Parents note
There are all conditions for relaxing with children in Salou. Kids will not have to be bored, because on the beach, in many cafes and restaurants there are animators who in every way entertain young guests.
In addition, along with the children, you can go on an exciting bike ride around the city and its environs, visit the Port Aventura, an amusement park famous throughout Europe.
There are also no problems with playgrounds in the city, they are located literally everywhere.
Many restaurants and cafes are focused on small visitors, so they have a children's menu.
Entertainment
As for entertainment, they can be found in Salou for every taste. They are primarily associated with the sea. Tourists can engage in active sports: windsurfing, wakeboarding, parasailing or go water skiing. Salou is characterized by sports that require a calm sea and a gentle breeze.
Snorkeling and watching the life of marine life, fishing, diving or snorkeling, as well as using the services of professional instructors - all this is possible in Salou.
Shopping at the coastal resort is not very well developed, the selection of goods is small, and prices are much higher than in other cities in Spain. For branded purchases, it is better to go to neighboring Barcelona, but you can buy various souvenirs, goodies in Salou.
But the nightlife in the city is available. For lovers of a quiet measured rest, it may seem noisy, for those who like to "come off" until the morning, it will be boring here.
Conclusion
A small resort town is located on the Mediterranean coast. Salou has a warm mild climate, which attracts tourists almost all year round. In the warm season, the town is especially beautiful, because then it can offer a wonderful sea and white sands.
Often, tourists with children choose Salou in order to relax calmly and comfortably, because here everything is created for this. In a word, for those who love a combination of active and beach holidays, this place is ideal.