The main reason I chose this holiday was because it was a cheap last minute offer. As a student, a strict budget was the order of the day and the Costa Dorada appeared to live up to my requirements. Reus airport, which serves charter flights for this region, is small but ample for your general needs. Salou itself is a lovely town with a gorgeous, long sandy beach. There are plently of facilities at the beach itself; peddle-boat hire, sun-bed and parasol hire, toilets, showers, volleyball nets, gym, ice-cream vendors and even a funfair which is open until late at night. There are plenty of shops and stalls in the town which are definately aimed at the tourist market; watch out for religious figurines in a sea-shell!! The main attraction in Salou has to be the Universal Studios theme park, Port Aventura. This makes for an excellent few days during your holiday. I bought a three-day pass and this seemed an ideal length of stay; not too short and not too long. There are plently of excellent rides and shows (they are so good that even if you don't understand Spanish you will still enjoy them), something for all the family. There is a night fireworks show, this is a must.
Beyond, Salou itself, there is ample public transport facilities to allow you to explore the region. Buses in the area are both frequent and reasonably priced; so much so that I really wouldn't bother hiring a car to come here. The nearby city of Tarragona makes for a good day out with its Roman Ampitheatre (for all you 'Gladiator' fans) and old town, and takes just 20 mins by bus to get there from Salou centre.
Barcelona is also a must for a day trip - both trains and buses can take you there. Here you will find plenty to do - I visited the Nou Campfootball stadium and museum, the 1992 Olympic stadium, La Sagrada Familia (and other works by Gaudi) and the city centre itself.
Closer to Salou, on one side you will find the fishing town of Cambrils and to the other, La Pineda. Both are worth a visit, but I especially recommend la Pineda as it has a superb Waterpark to amuse all ages.
I travelled to Salou as one of a couple, but I believe anyone of any age would have a superb holiday here. It certainly seemed popular with families. The weather was fantastic throughout my two-week stay, not even a hint of rain or clouds. Enjoy it.
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Advantages: great family holiday,inexpensive to eat out . Disadvantages: very big city if you have kids and decide to walk about.and quite a long bus journey.
Bigj1969 30.10.2006 (30.10.2006)
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Review of Salou in General
Mar 25th, 2001
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