Salou is a municipality of the comarca of Tarragonès, in the province of Tarragona,
in Catalonia, Spain. The city is approximately 10 km from Tarragona and Reus on the Costa
Daurada and 112 km from Barcelona. Aside from its string of beaches interrupted by
rocky coves, and its landscaped promenade, one of its main attractions is the PortAventura
resort. The Dutch movie Costa! and the television series with the same title were both filmed
in Salou.
History Used as a port by Greeks and Romans, it appeared
again in an important historic event, when in 1229 the fleet of James I of Aragon departed
from the port of Salou to conquer the Balearic Islands, thus creating the Kingdom of Majorca.
In 1286 Alfons III of Aragon also departed from this port to conquer Minorca, the last
Moorish territory of the Balearic Islands. Later, Salou became a nest of pirates. After
that it was considered an unsafe place, so in 1530 Archbishop of Tarragona decided to
erect a new defence tower, now called Torre Vella. In 1865 the railway station began to
operate, opening a new development time, that led one hundred years later to a tourist boom
that has brought prosperity to the town. Salou was separated from the adjacent municipality
of Vila-seca on 30 October 1989 by a decision of the Supreme Court of Spain.
Main Sights Historic Buildings and Monuments
Church of Santa Maria del Mar Torre Vella
Harbour-Master's Office Monument to Jaume I
Fountains of the Font lluminosa Monument to Fisherman
Old Carrilet Railway Station PortAventura Resort
PortAventura is a growing theme park resort on the Costa Daurada. The resort includes
luxury four star accommodation, a major theme park, Costa Caribe Aquatic Park and a convention
centre. The theme park's main attractions are the Dragon Khan, a massive B&M mega-looper;
Furius Baco, which is one of the fastest roller coasters in Europe; and The Hurricane Condor
a tall falling tower ride which is 100 metres tall. In 2012 a new roller coaster called
Shambhala: Expedición al Himalaya opened adjacent to the Dragon Kahn. The park also
has a grand multi-media show, called the FiestaAventura, every night between the end of June and the
end of August which features fireworks, fountains and parade floats. Ferrari Land with the highest
and fastest vertical accelerator in Europe is opening in 2016, which will also include
the world's first Ferrari hotel. Lumine Mediterranea Beach & Golf Community
Salou is also home to the Lumine Golf Club. There are three courses, labeled as north,
south and central. North and central were designed by Greg Norman and the south course
was designed by "Green Project".[1] The facilities consist of two clubhouses, a beach club, Lumine
restaurant, Hoyo 19 restaurant, a pro shop, rental services and a golf school. In the
future the area surrounding the golf course will be developed into a community with six
residential areas and services that include two five-star hotels, a sports area and the
International School of Salou that will cater for up to 1200 students as part of the Lumine
community. Teatre Auditori de Salou
The Auditorium Theatre of Salou is an important part of the local community in terms of cultural
and leisure in the municipality. The theatre plays local events such as political, school
and cultural events and has also welcomed famous musicians to the area such as Sergio
Dalma. Beaches
Salou's main promenade is the Passeig Jaume I, which runs along the coast adjacent to
the Llevant Beach, the longest beach in the town. Other beaches include the Platja de
Ponent, Platja dels Capellans, Platja Llarga and Cala Crancs. Salou has 34 Blue Flag beachs.
Watersports, rentals and trips can be arranged on the Llevant Beach.
Sport Tourism Salou is used as the base for Rally Catalunya,
part of the World Rally Championship. Salou has also held volleyball championships, football
tournaments, a triathlon and many other competitive sports.
Saloufest is the University sports festival which takes place on two separate occasions
in April on an annual basis. The festival is infamous for its wild nature. The festival
includes DJs and parties at the neighbouring resort's nightclub called Pacha.
In the future the local government is expected to position Salou as a sport tourism destination
and therefore will promote different projects that include first class facilities to provide
the city with the necessary resources to become a tourist destination that attracts visitors
of reference, especially in low season. They have announced a project that will feature
swimming pools, football fields and tennis courts. In April 2012 the Mayor of Salou inaugurated
the facilities that have been built, which are six football fields including changing
rooms, bar, waiting rooms and rooms for training sessions the second phase includes a further
6 more open fields, billiards room and shop selling merchandise.
Salou is the sub-site for the 2017 Mediterranean Games for sports such as sailing.
Climate Local Festivals
Cavalcade of the Three Kings Cós Blanc
International draughts tournament "Salou Open" Children's Festival
Festa de Sant Joan Nits Daurades
Festa del Rei Jaume I National Day of Catalonia(11 September)
Festa de la Segregació Transport
Airport Salou's closest airport is Reus followed by
Barcelona. Reus Airport is mainly served by the low cost airline Ryanair. The major charter
airlines from Britain use Reus throughout the summer as a gateway to the Costa Daurada.
The airport mainly serves British and Irish destinations, but domestic and other European
destinations are also served. Railway
The Railway Station in Salou is served by the Spanish state network, RENFE. The destinations
from Salou include major cities in Catalonia such as Tarragona and Barcelona as well as
a train to the major city of Valencia. Taxi
There are plenty of taxi services throughout the area including taxi ranks in locations
such as opposite the Font lluminosa, Cap Salou and Reus Airport.
Bus The bus company that serves the area is called
Plana Bus, the destinations include Cambrils, La Pineda, PortAventura, Reus and Tarragona.
Gallery
Sources The Book of Deeds of James I of Aragon
Ramon Muntaner, Chronicle, tr. Lady Goodenough. References
External links Salou Tourist Board