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Plan Your Trip to Salou: Best of Salou Tourism

By Garry F

Salou, Spain

Salou, on the Costa Dorada, nestles between quaint Cambrils and calm La Pineda. Just seven miles south of elegant Tarragona, the compact resort town is a family favorite, due in no small part to the existence of Port Aventura and Aquopolis theme parks. Gentle beaches and a slew of exciting fiestas in August add to Salou's appeal for families.

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Local Taxi Services

According to forum posts, Uber is not available in Salou as it is banned across Catalonia. Travelers can use a local taxi service, which has an approved app available at https://www.saloutaxi.es/informacion/app-movil-taxiclick for bookings.

Bike Rentals

Some travelers have mentioned that bike rentals are available in Salou, with options for kiddie trailers. Drac Beach and the Bus Plana office near Plaza Europa are recommended spots for renting bikes. Drac Beach is noted for being slightly cheaper, and details can be found at https://www.dracbeach.com/en/bikes#Bike%20trailer%20for%20children.

Carsharing Services

For many users inquiring about carsharing services in Salou, it appears there are no known carsharing options mentioned in the posts.

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Plana Bus Routes

According to forum posts, Plana buses offer various routes connecting Salou to nearby towns and cities. For instance, travelers can take Plana buses from Salou to Tarragona, Cambrils, and Reus. These buses run along prominent locations in Salou, making it convenient for travelers to access different parts of the town and nearby areas.

Plana Bus Features

Some travelers mentioned that Plana buses are timed to coincide with flight arrivals at Reus airport, suggesting a responsive service schedule based on traveler needs. The buses are also known to stop near major hotels and central points like Placa Europa in Salou, enhancing convenience for passengers.

Additional Services

For many users, Plana also offers excursions to places of interest such as Parc Sama, providing both regular bus services and specialized tour options. This flexibility makes Plana a popular choice among tourists staying in or visiting Salou.

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Popular Bars

According to forum posts, popular bars in Salou include Grapevine, Robin Hood, Amigos, and Fox and Hounds. These venues are well-regarded for their happy hour deals and atmosphere, ideal for grabbing a few beers. Additionally, the Koko Beach Bar offers great views over Salou and is noted for its relaxing environment and reasonable prices.

Recommended Restaurants

Travelers have called out Los Chicos as a favorite for both tapas and seafood, located on the seafront. Other highly recommended tapas spots include Petit Bar and La Chula. For fine dining, La Goleta offers top-class food but at higher prices. Castillo de Javier and Corcega are also suggested for more formal dining experiences, offering diverse menus with fresh fish and meat.

Special Mention

G-Bar is mentioned as a gay bar providing a cozy and friendly atmosphere, although it has struggled with consistent patronage over the years.

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Train Options

According to forum posts, travelers can use trains from Salou PortAventura or Vila Seca to Barcelona. However, the Salou train station is closed, so PortAventura is the primary station for such trips. Some trains require a change in Tarragona.

Bus Options

Some travelers have discussed using the Busplana coach service, which operates between Salou and Barcelona. This option is mentioned as suitable for direct travel without the need for train transfers.

Alternative Transportation

For those seeking more direct options, private shuttle services or taxis are available but tend to be more expensive. Recommendations for private transfers can be found through local services like Kevs Taxis.

Additional Tips

Travelers have noted that navigating from certain train stations like Vila-Seca may require a taxi due to infrequent bus services, adding a potential extra step and cost to the journey.

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Preferences for Salou and Cambrils

According to forum posts, preferences between Salou and Cambrils vary depending on what the travelers are looking for. Some travelers find Salou ideal due to its busier and livelier atmosphere, particularly appealing for those who enjoy more tourist-oriented environments with plenty of bars and entertainment options. On the other hand, Cambrils is often preferred for its quieter, more traditional feel, and is particularly noted for its charming old town and beautiful marina, making it a favorite for those seeking a more relaxed and authentic experience.

Accommodation and Location

Travelers have called out that Cambrils offers a scenic and less crowded beach experience compared to Salou. It is also highlighted for having a range of shops and good local dining options, retaining a more Catalan charm. Salou, however, is mentioned for its wide variety of hotels and proximity to attractions, which might be better suited for families looking for convenience and more tourist-centric activities.

Overall Recommendation

For many users, the choice between Salou and Cambrils comes down to the type of vacation they prefer: a bustling, entertainment-rich setting in Salou, or a quieter, picturesque environment in Cambrils. Those seeking nightlife and a vibrant beach atmosphere typically lean towards Salou, while those desiring a laid-back holiday with cultural touches prefer Cambrils.

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General Weather Patterns

According to forum posts, the weather in Salou varies depending on the season. During early May, the weather is usually pleasant, not too hot or humid, with daytime temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit, but the sea and pools are still cold. In late October, the weather becomes unpredictable.

Seasonal Variations

Some travelers mentioned that in mid-April, if the sun shines, it's warm around 20 degrees Celsius during the day but chilly at night. Towards the end of August, it's typically very hot, although short thunderstorms can occur. Travelers have noted that the weather can be windy in Salou, and although it might rain, the showers are usually brief.

User Experiences

Travelers have called out that weather predictions can be unreliable. One user noted discrepancies between different weather reports and actual conditions, suggesting that local forecasts might be more accurate. Most agree that despite occasional variability, Salou generally offers weather conducive to tourism nearly year-round.

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Currency Exchange Preferences

According to forum posts, there is a preference among travelers for using cash in Salou, although some mention better exchange rates outside the area. Travelers have expressed that exchanging money before arriving might be more economical than using exchange services in Salou.

Card Payments

Travelers have indicated that card payments are widely accepted in Salou, including in taxis and possibly in other local transport options. Some users prefer using cards to avoid exchange rate fees, and others recommend specific cards that offer favorable rates and no fees for international transactions.

ATM Usage

Several users recommend using ATMs for cash withdrawals, suggesting that this can be a convenient way to access money. However, concerns about transaction fees with certain cards have also been noted, implying that choosing the right bank card is crucial for cost-effective ATM use.

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Ticket Purchase Options

According to forum posts, it's generally cheaper to purchase PortAventura tickets online in advance, with discounts often available around March offering up to 20% off. Some travelers mentioned a 10% discount available later in the year.

Annual and Multi-Day Tickets

For frequent visitors, an annual pass option is available and can be ordered online. It requires a document number, possibly a passport number, for online registration. Alternatively, multi-day tickets, such as a 3-day pass, are available and can also be purchased online or at the park.

Special Ticket Combinations

Travelers have mentioned that there are combined tickets available which include train travel and park access. This can be a cost-effective option for those traveling to PortAventura via public transport.

Express Passes

Express passes are also discussed among users, which allow faster access to rides. Availability can vary, and it's advisable to check the official PortAventura website for the most current information and pricing.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Salou

We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Salou, which include:

Some of the most popular restaurants in Salou include:

Salou is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:


If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Salou between December and February, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between June and August.