Car Hire Salou

If you are collecting your hire car in the neighbouring town of Tarragona, drive westbound on the C-318 motorway and you’ll arrive into Salou in around 20 minutes. This route curves around the coastal city.

There are plenty of parking spaces in Salou, including on-street spaces, car parks and underground garages. You can park close to the main promenade from as little as €5 per day during the summer, while during the low winter season some spaces can be used free of charge. Just keep an eye on signs for more information.

Salou is in a prime position for soaking up the Spanish sunshine – and for exploring the autonomous and distinctive region of Catalonia. Barcelona, the splendid capital, is around an hour and a half away via the C-32 and AP-7. Make sure you have some currency with you, as there are tolls on this route.

North of the centre, the C-14 motorway connects Salou with the town of Reus in approximately 20 minutes – a culturally significant destination for followers of modernist architect Antoni Gaudi.

Branch south west out of Salou and follow the coastline to arrive at the ancient riverside town of Tortosa within one hour. You can also continue south for a further two hours to experience the majestically artistic cityscape of Valencia.

In Catalonia, as with the rest of Spain, you must drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. In built-up areas the standard speed limit is 50km/h (but can drop to 20km/h in residential zones), increasing to 80km/h or 90km/h on multi-lane roads and 120km/h on the autopistas (motorways) unless otherwise signed. Always keep an eye on signs for the route that you are on, as there may be variable limits.

Catch some sun in the scenic Spanish destination of Salou, nestled in a nook of the stunning Costa Daurada.

During high season the streets, beaches and venues are a vibrant favourite with visitors, but venture beyond the tourist spots on the promenade, however, and you’ll discover that this small Spanish city has a lot more to offer.

Explore the coast

The Coastal Path tops the chart of things to do in Salou. Curving along the Mediterranean sea, this 6.5 km walk is awash with beautiful ocean views, and the chance of spotting some of the local puffins or other birds along the way. Go for an evening stroll to see the magic of a Mediterranean sunset, bathing the shoreline in warm shades of pink and orange.

At the eastern end of the trail you’ll find the city’s eye-catching lighthouse at Cap Salou, distinctive for its red tower. Follow the path from here, chancing upon rocky viewpoints and quiet sandy coves, as well as beach clubs and al fresco eateries where you can enjoy sumptuous tapas in the sunshine.

Waterfront sightseeing

Head down to the wonderful El Paseo Jaime I to explore the city’s most treasured landmarks. This palm-lined promenade hugs the sands of popular Levante Beach. As you stroll along, you’ll see the Font Lluminosa – or ‘Illuminated Fountain’ –  which comes alive with colour during the nightly fountain show, and other ornamental water features which are usually teeming with children running through the jets.

Further along, the Monument a Jaume celebrates the rule of King James I, depicting him with a golden horse. At the western end of the promenade is Chalet Bonet, a sunshine-yellow villa set among flourishing trees, designed by local architect Domènec Sugrañes i Gras. The house is not open to the public, but you can admire the grand entranceway and mosaic sundial from the road.

Experience a real thrill

You can get your fill of relaxation in Salou, but there are plenty of spots to get your adrenaline pumping too.

PortAventura World is a colossal theme park, delighting visitors with hair-raising rollercoasters, full-throttle Ferrari Land and an onsite water park: Costa Caribe. There’s plenty of parking onsite, as well as numerous themed hotels if you fancy extending your stay.

Go on the Gaudi trail

A creative genius who paved the way for the modernist movement, Antoni Gaudi was a Catalonian architect who is celebrated with gusto in the region around Salou.

Go back to where it all started in Reus, the town where Gaudi was born. The drive takes just 20 minutes from Salou. Standing in the central Placa del Mercadal, the Gaudi Centre is a vision of modernity sitting happily alongside the town’s historic buildings, and has numerous delights to experience inside.

Many of Gaudi’s most famous works can be found in Barcelona, around an hour and a half’s drive away, including the rippling stone walls of Casa Milá and the extraordinary La Sagrada Familia, an incredibly intricate church which is still being built. It’s a must-visit if you want to admire Gaudi’s movement-leading visions.

Catalonia is home to many beautiful sights, tastes and experiences. With car hire in Salou, you can explore it all on your unforgettable trip to Spain.