Description

The resort town of Salou is among the most ideal spots for a fun and relaxed family vacation. It merges seamlessly with the neighboring resorts of La Pineda to the east and Cambrils to the west, all of which offer good clean sandy beaches and secluded rocky coves. Salou also offers entertainment for all ages. Visitors interested in museums or ancient history will find plenty to occupy them in nearby Tarragona, while children and adults alike would love the theme parks and water parks around the resort. Salou’s beach front broad-walk is set with beautifully landscaped gardens and parks.

Shopping

Salou offers a good variety of souvenir shops, boutiques, leather shops, perfumeries, supermarkets and fashion stores all around the resort. There is also a flea market held on Mondays in the old town center. However those who want to enjoy more extensive shopping can take the 40 minute train-ride to Barcelona, which is truly the ultimate shopper’s paradise. A full day trip to Andorra would also be worth the effort as shoppers can indulge in duty free shopping there.

Restaurants

Salou and almost all of its neighboring resorts offer plenty of eating options. While local Spanish food and seafood form the main cuisines in most of these restaurants, there are quite a few restaurants catering to the British tourists as well. The prices at most places are very reasonable too.

Night Life

Nightlife in Salou is relatively low key and cannot be compared to other Spanish resorts. But Salou does offer hundreds of pubs, bars, discos, flamenco bars and nightclubs most of which are open late into the night. Barcelona which is just an hour away from the resort is a must visit for those seeking a more adventurous and lively evening life.

Activities

Salou offers water sports, an aqua park, go-karting and one of Europe’s most thrilling theme parks, Universal’s Port Aventura. The theme park, go-kart track, the aqua park and the banana boat rides can entertain both the adults and kids alike. Windsurfing can be arranged for those seeking a more adventurous activity.

Communications

The international access code for Spain is +34. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code. Pay phones are blue or green and coins or phone cards can be used. Phone cards are available at post offices, tobacco shops, and newsagents. GSM is operated through 900/1800 and covers the entire country by three telecom operators. Internet is accessible at internet cafes in most towns and resorts.

Contacts

Spanish Tourist Office, Madrid: +34 91 366 5477 or www.spain.info
Spanish Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 452 0100
Spanish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7589 8989
Spanish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 747 2252
Spanish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3555
Spanish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 344 3875/6/7
Spanish Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 283 9900
Spanish Consulate, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 472 5804
United States Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 587 2240
British Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 700 8200
Canadian Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 423 3250
Australian Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 353 6690
South African Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 3780
Irish Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 4093
New Zealand Embassy, Madrid: +34 915 230 226
Emergencies: 112/061

Currency

EUR

Attractions

Port Aventura:
Port Aventura is based on Busch Gardens in Florida and is a very large theme park. In fact, it could take two to three days to explore the park completely. Its attractions include the five worlds of Far West, Mediterránia, Mexico, China and Polynesia. One can also experience Sea Odyssey the underwater adventure and the Stampida roller coaster ride here.

Tarragona:
The attractions at Tarragona include the amazing cathedral and the port. Visitors can also visit the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre, aqueduct and other buildings situated on the Archaeological Avenue. There is also the old harbor, known as El Serrallo, where one can also watch the auctioning of fresh catch as and when the fishing boats arrive. A wide boulevard called the Rambla Nova represents the modern main street outside the old city walls. The other attraction is the beach of Playa Llarga, regarded as one of the finest on the Catalonian coast.

Visitors can also opt for a full day excursion to Montserrat to view the fabulous basilica, the funicular and Codorniu "champagne" cellars. A visit to Andorra to experience duty-free shopping, would be a delight for the keen shopper. Peñiscola with its castle plus the boat trips on the river, also is worth a visit.

Language

Spanish

Language Description

The official language is Spanish, but English is widely understood in main tourist areas. Galician, Catalan, and Basque are spoken in the some areas.

Tipping

It is customary to tip 5-10% for most services rendered. 15% tip at restaurants is the norm, although bills are inclusive of service charges. 10-15% of the bill amount is paid as tips to drivers of metered taxis.