Salou is internationally renowned for being a unique Mediterranean destination: a popular spot for sun and beach, with accommodation to fit all pockets… and the icing on the cake is a spectacular theme park: PortAventura. Salou is constantly adding new fun activities and services. Destination Salou is being strengthened – by public and private initiatives – and reinvented by new proposals that combine gastronomy and culture.
This year you can visit the surroundings of the Lighthouse of Salou every day from 10am to sunset. Sea breeze surrounds you as you walk along the coastal path ‘Camino de Ronda’ for about 300 metres around the lighthouse. This path almost allows the visitor to touch the sea and enjoy a natural landscape of great beauty, sheltered from the steep coast and far away from the noise of Salou, the capital of Costa Daurada.
Opened in April 1858, the lighthouse has a red main tower that still lights up the gulf of San Jordi in Costa Daurada. It used to have a white light powered by olive oil that could be seen from 22 kilometres away. Two lighthouse keepers were in charge of keeping it operational but later, as years went by, modern technology was introduced. Next to the lighthouse is another building that was occupied by the engineer and the lighthouse keeper, and which has now been restored in a way respectful of its natural setting. Some of the native trees to be seen include the asparagus plant, the white pine tree, the sea lilies, the agave or the thatching grass, among others. There are three viewpoints along the way that enable the visitor to stop and enjoy the Costa Daurada in all its splendour. Perhaps the most special is the one located in the south: from here you can see the mountains of Prades and enjoy watching more than 20 different species of sea birds that frequent there.
Since last summer, visitors have been able to find more modern and exclusively designed beach stalls on all the municipality’s beaches. This is a complete change of image for Salou beaches as they adapt to new and changing times. The beach stalls all provide restaurant service and are open until one in the morning, so visitors can enjoy lively long evenings on the beach. The awnings and beach chairs have also been completely renewed. Visitors will love their new functional and attractive designs, to reap even greater enjoyment from their stay in Salou.
PortAventura, the amazing theme park right in Salou, has continued to add new rides and attractions year after year. In the past couple of years, some really good ones have started running: Shambhala, the highest roller coaster in Europe, was launched in 2012; in 2013 at the adjoining Costa Caribe Aquatic Park, the highest freefall in Europe was opened, a scary 31 metres high with a slope of 55 degrees; and in 2014 was Angkor’s turn, a boat ride in the China Area, which sets another record: the longest circuit in Europe. The goal of this water ride for the whole family is to shoot the obstacles that appear suddenly in front of your boat along the ride with water cannons.
In addition, the world’s most famous circus, Cirque du Soleil, is again coming to PortAventura with a new show, Amaluna, which takes the audience on a visit to a mysterious island ruled by goddesses and governed by the lunar cycle.
There is so much to see and do in Salou. Visitors have a wide range of possibilities at their fingertips, with options for all interests and preferences. Visiting Salou is discovering a wide world of possibilities much bigger than just sun and beach.
