8 reasons to visit Salou for your family holiday
Years ago when the children were small, the prospect of taking them on a family holiday abroad seemed enormous and yet after a week in Salou, Spain, I realised that holidays with kids really can be fun, enjoyable and most of all – stress free! Five years later we returned to Salou and it was every bit as wonderful as we remembered.
There are so many reasons why Salou is the perfect location and whilst I could sit here all day and reel them off, I’m sharing our top ten reasons why you should consider Salou for your next family holiday.
1. Great location
Salou is located in the beautiful Costa Dorada where you will find 216 kilometres of the most beautiful coastline, towns, cities and tourist attractions. Even better, Salou is just a fifteen minute drive from Reus airport or just over an hour from Barcelona and pre-booking your airport transfers with Taxi Mechelen is so easy. There are direct flights from the UK and Ireland and in under three hours you can be right here on the beach soaking up the sun with your family. For those travelling with young children it’s ideal!
2. Beautiful beaches
The beaches in Salou and the surrounding areas are some of the most beautiful we have come across and so perfectly maintained you are literally transported to a tropical paradise. The main beach at Salou runs alongside the promenade which is lined with palm trees and water fountains and in the evenings is bustling with activity. We loved exploring the coastal path to discover the more secluded beaches and coves, many of which are so secluded you can have the whole area to yourselves, and with fine white sand and crystal clear waters it’s the perfect place to sit back and relax while the children play.
3. Discover the coastal path
For those who enjoy walking the Coastal Path runs for 9km from the Pilons area to the Salou Lighthouse located in Cap Salou. The restoration of the coastal path has been done to such a high standard and gives panoramic views from the various look-out points along the way. The path reaches a maximum height of 77 metres above sea level and although there are some areas which are a little more taxing, for the most part the route is accessible to all.
4. Enjoy water sports
With Salou having its own private port right in the centre, there are so many water sports you can enjoy. From kayaking to paddle boarding, banana boats to jet skis, there is something for all ages and all levels. The Nautical Centre is fully equipped with life jackets and safety instructors so it’s the perfect chance to try something new and add a little adventure to your holiday!
5. Visit Portaventura
If theme parks are your thing then Salou is the perfect location for your holiday with Portaventure World just a short bus ride out of the town. Buses run in and out each day or you can take a taxi straight to the entrance. Portaventura is the biggest theme park in Spain and has some of the fastest, and scariest, rollercoasters we’ve ever seen. With six different worlds to explore, plus the option of visiting Ferrari Land in the evening, it’s the most action packed, adrenaline fuelled day out for all the family.
6. Easy walking distance to family attractions
One of my favourite things about Salou is that although there is so much to see and do there, it’s all within an easy walking distance. For those wanting to stay within the centre you can still enjoy zip-lining, go-karting, trampolines, high ropes, adventure golf and more. Plus there’s even a tourist train for those who prefer which runs daily throughout the town. I love destinations where you don’t need to worry about the added expense of car hire or even just the stress of having to rely on public transport. It’s so much easier to relax when you arrive at your hotel knowing you’re within walking distance of wherever you need to be.
7. Great choice of bars and restaurants
Another great thing about Salou is that you will never go hungry – or thirsty for that matter! There are bars and restaurants the whole way down the promenade as well as many more throughout the town. From Spanish tapas to Italian eateries, Argentinian steak houses to English cafes, there is something for everyone. I know from experience that traveling with a fussy child can be hard sometimes but here in Salou there is so much choice, even for the fussiest of eaters!
8. Perfect weather throughout the season
As Brits we are used to volatile weather and so when we go on holiday we’re looking for one thing – sunshine! Luckily the climate here in Salou has a warm Mediterranean climate with 11 hours of sunshine across the Summer months. Although the temperatures can soar at times, the great thing about Salou is that due to its location you have the benefit of the sea breeze which makes such a difference especially when holidaying with young children. The evenings are warm enough to stroll the promenade, watch the sun set and enjoy an evening water fountain show.
We adored our return visit to Salou and will be returning in the future without a doubt. Have you ever visited Salou before?
