Attractions Nearby Salou, Day Trips and Excursions

(Salou, Catalonia, Spain)



Salou is an ideal base for exploring the Costa Daurada and its endless coastal attractions. A hire car is a necessity for anyone who would rather not fumble with public transportation timetables when planning day trips and excursions from Salou.

Out of all the historical attractions in the area, the most impressive is the UNESCO site in Tarragona. Most tourists also head to Barcelona at least once while in Salou, as this iconic Catalonian city is within easy driving distance. Neighbouring towns not only boast beaches, but a number come with a rich Roman heritage and some impressive museums. Consider day trips to nearby Cambrils, L'Ametlla de Mar, Reus and maybe Vilanova i la Geltru.


Barcelona

It takes about one and a half hours to drive to Barcelona, Catalonia's cosmopolitan capital and the second-largest city in Spain. This one of the leading tourist destinations in Europe thanks to its spectacular Old Town (Cuitat Vella), medieval centre (Barri Gotic), Gaudi architecture and heady festival line-up. Las Ramblas is the city's premier commercial strip, lined with cafés, tapas bars and dance clubs that stay open until morning light breaks.

Montserrat

Address: Montserrat, Catalonia, Spain, ES
Monstserrat is located immediately outside Barcelona and is easy to reach from Salou by car. There is a mountaintop monastery sited on the very edge of a rocky cliff. Perched more than 1,200 metres / 4,000 feet above a scenic valley, Montserrat has become a popular hiking destination for Catalonian pilgrims. The views are awesome and the religious architecture on display here is unrivalled anywhere else in the region.

Tarragona

Tarragona (formerly named Tarraco) is just a few minutes away by car. While Salou focuses on beaches and the resort lifestyle, Tarragona has more in the way of atmospheric plazas and traditional architecture. The headlining attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tarraco, an impressive set of Roman ruins that hinge on an ancient coliseum. Look out for the ancient Roman amphitheatre, which stands next to the seafront and is believed to originate from the second century.

Cambrils

The coastal town of Cambrils lies just 15 minutes to the west and is steeped in history, being able to trace its origins all the way back to prehistoric days. However, it was the arrival of the Romans that shaped the town and as a result, a number of ancient archaeological attractions await day trippers. One of the most notable is the Roman villa of La Llosa, which stands on the Via Augusta, towards Tarragona. Tourism arrived here in the sixties and as a result, the beaches of Cambrils are well developed.

L'Ametlla de Mar

An appealing municipality located approximately 46 km / 29 miles to the south-west of Salou, L'Ametlla de Mar (also known as La Cala) has grown up around a busy fishing port. The coastline of L'Ametlla de Mar encompasses a number of sandy and pebbly beaches, and nearby are the seaside towns of Calafat, Les Tres Cales, Roques Daurades and Sant Jordi d'Alfama. A museum of traditional pottery adds a little culture, as do the annual festivals, such as the Mare de Déu de Candelera (Our Lady of Candlemas) celebration in early February and the Festival of St. Peter, (the patron saint of fishermen) in late June.

Reus

Capital of the Baix Camp area, the neighbouring town of Reus is so close to Salou that it is almost treated as a suburb, especially since it is home to the regional airport. Various historic sights and attractions reside in Reus, particularly around the central Market Square. Rues is also known for its Catalan modernist buildings and strong Gaudi influences, with architectural highlights including both the Casa Navàs on the Placa Mercadal and the Casa Pinyol on the Placa Mercadal.

Vilanova i la Geltru

A small, busy and modern Spanish town, Vilanova i la Geltru is the capital of the Garraf area of Catalonia and is to be found just over 60 km / 37 miles to the east. Visitors to this town will discover an interesting and often colourful history, as well as a number of exceptional seafood restaurants. The Museo del Ferrocarril (Railway Museum) is a big draw, as is the local history museum and its Roman treasures.