Experience the thrills and spills of a family holiday in Salou

Experience the thrills and spills of a family holiday in Salou

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Take a family holiday in Salou for sun, sand, and wild rollercoasters!

Salou, located on the Costa Daurada, has become a very well-known family holiday destination. There's one clear reason for its growth in popularity: it's home to PortAventura World, a massive theme park that boasts some of Europe's best rollercoasters and thrill rides. This makes it a great choice for a family with older kids - but there's plenty of things to do for families in Salou beyond the theme park. Here's what's waiting for you in this charming beach town…

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Planning things to do for families in Salou

What attractions are best suited for families in Salou?

Salou has some lovely beaches where you can easily spend the day relaxing or trying water sports. It also has that famous theme park, PortAventura, which attracts daytrippers from Barcelona and roller coaster addicts from across Europe. However, there are many more things to do for families in Salou. Try a day at Bosc Aventura, an adventure park that will get your pulse racing. Ziplines, trampolines, archery and minigolf are some of the attractions here. You can also spend the day hiking a route of the Camí de Ronda, the gorgeous trail that runs all the way down the coast of Catalonia. It's well-signposted, and is a great way to discover the small, little-known coves that make a family holiday in Salou so special. Be sure to spend a day in nearby Tarragona, once an important Roman city; you can explore the ancient amphitheatre that dates back to the 2nd century AD.

Where should I stay for a family holiday in Salou?

Salou is a fairly small town. The centre is flat and walkable, making it ideal for a family destination. Keep in mind that PortAventura World is around 7 kilometres from the centre of Salou. This will help you decide where to look for holiday lettings in Salou; there's some accommodation close to the theme park, while other establishments can be found in the town centre. During the summer months, young people often come to Salou to party all night, so you may want to avoid the area of Carlos Buigas, where the town's main clubs are located. If the beaches are your top priority during your family holiday in Salou, look for accommodation that's close to Platja de Llevant or Platja Llarga. This way you'll only have to walk a few steps to find yourself on the shore of the Mediterranean.

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FAQs: Family holidays in Salou

What's the best time of year to visit Salou?

Salou's busy season comes in the summer; it's very crowded in July and August, so avoid these months if you can. These are also the hottest months of the year, with daily highs of 30°C being common. Visit in October to see PortAventura World transformed into a spooky Halloween kingdom. Late October also sees Salou's festa major, a local festival with free street parties, concerts, and traditional Catalan activities.

Where are the best family beaches in Salou?

Salou has two particularly large and impressive beaches which are ideal for families. Platja de Ponent is a massive expanse of golden sand that is accessible by foot from the town centre. It has numerous amenities, including playgrounds, showers, beach bars, and more; its shallow waters are great for little ones. Alternatively, try Platja de Llevant. This large, clean beach is also popular with families - just watch carefully in the water, as there are often kayakers and paddleboarders to look out for.

What are the most popular family attractions in Salou?

Salou's biggest attraction is Portaventura World, the massive theme park that draws families from across Europe. This is suitable for visitors of all ages; little kids can have fun with their favourite characters in the Sesame Street-themed area, while teens and adults will relish the thrill rides. Upgrade your ticket to include an entrance to Ferrari Land if you want ot try Red Force, the giga rollercoaster with a terrifying maximum speed of 180 kilometres per hour. It is one of the tallest operating rollercoasters in the world, and is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

How easy is it to find family-friendly restaurants in Salou?

You won't have a problem finding family-friendly dining in and around Salou. There are lots of international restaurants, and even the local supermarkets have foreign sections where you can pick up familiar favourites. If you dine out at a Spanish restaurant or bar, order tapas for the children. Children's menus are not common, but these small portions are suitable for youngsters with small appetites.

What can I do with my kids in Salou if the weather's bad?

Don't let a rainy day ruin your holiday. Instead, try one of Salou's numerous indoor attractions. Bowling Diverland is a large complex with a bowling alley, video games, and arcade fun. Salting Tarraco is an indoor trampoline park, while Tarraco Karting has an indoor go-karting track that will provide an adrenaline rush for those who need it. There are also several escape rooms in and around Salou, most of which are suitable for English speakers.

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