From self catering apartments to luxury 5-star hotels, I’ve hand picked apartments, hotels and campsites for the best Salou holidays for families.
Literally translating as ‘The Golden Coast’, Spain’s Costa Dorada covers 216km of coastline south of Barcelona. This stretch of the Mediterranean certainly lives up to its name, boasting an abundance of beautiful sandy beaches, many of which have been awarded Blue Flags for cleanliness and safety. However, it would be a mistake to assume Salou holidays are only about beaches, there is a lot more on offer in this region than may initially meet the eye.
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Salou holidays – Which resort to choose
CambrilsLet’s begin with the resorts. The lively resort of Salou boasts a palm tree-lined promenade that divides the golden sandy beach of Playa Levante from the many restaurants, shops, and great value accommodations in the town. If you like lively holiday resorts, there is a host of family-friendly bars and restaurants to choose from.
The beach has lots of fancy sun bed offerings and an inflatable water park for kids. The fountain displays on the promenade are also a big hit at night-time for all the family. So although very lively, Salou has a family atmosphere throughout.
As well as the main resort of Salou, there are neighbouring resorts that would suit families looking for quieter more relaxed Salou holidays. A few kilometres from Salou you will find La Pineda. Although smaller and quieter, La Pineda has plenty of restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. This is a popular location for families on the lookout for a quieter base within easy proximity to Salou. Notably, La Pineda also offers quite a few properties with two-bedroom apartments.
The port town of Cambrils is the perfect choice for families looking for more upmarket Salou holidays in pretty relaxed surroundings. Originally an old fishing village, Cambrils is now a well-established resort which has maintained its typical Spanish character, with an array of narrow cobbled streets and picturesque squares.
CambrilsCambrils is only 7km or 10 minutes by bus from Salou, but feels world’s apart. The beachfront is lined with cafes and bars, perfect for a evening cocktail, and there is a wide choice of top dining options. From tapas bars to Michelin star restaurants, you will be spoilt for choice in Cambrils.
Things to do in Salou
The Costa Dorada has a universal appeal, with something for everyone. One of Europe’s best city break destinations, Barcelona is just an hour from Salou, and it is city that appeals to adults and children alike.
Read: Where to stay in Barcelona and the top things to do
Culture vultures will love the town of Tarragona. It has medieval centre packed with Roman ruins, including a seaside amphitheatre and a stunning cathedral. Luke and Alex enjoyed exploring the ancient ruins and I couldn’t help stopping constantly to take pictures, Tarragona is an Instagrammers dream!
There is a gorgeous old square with lots of tapas bars, which are ideal for lunch, and a local train will take you around if you don’t fancy walking. It stops at all the highlights and I would definitely recommend it if you plan on spending the day here.
TarragonaGolf enthusiasts can take their pick from the seven courses on offer in the Costa Dorada, while wine connoisseurs can book a tour to one of the many wineries (or wine cathedrals as they are known in the area).
However, the main draw for family Salou holidays is PortAventura and FerrariLand, which together make one of Europe’s largest theme parks. We enjoyed a fabulous weekend there and I loved the variety of rides available for children of all ages.
Read: Top 10 reasons to visit PortAventura
Read: The best tickets to buy for PortAventura
Caribe waterparkReus Airport, which is located just 20 – 30 minutes transfer from each of the main resorts, can be accessed from Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airport. The combination of a short flight and short transfers help make Salou holidays one of the most popular family holiday destinations from Ireland.
With an endless choice of accommodation in the region, let me save you time searching by offering you my top picks for Salou holidays, with a selection of apartments, hotels, and campsites in Salou and the surrounding area.
Best family apartments in Salou
4-Star H10 Mediterranean Village, Salou
One of my favourite chain of family hotels across mainland Spain and the Spanish islands, H10 properties will not disappoint. Located on the outskirts of Salou, this village style aparthotel offers hotel rooms, one- and two bedroom apartments to cater for all family and group sizes.
At the H10 Mediterranean Village you will find a full entertainment programme for children divided into three age categories, with activities also included for teenagers. The main focal point is the large swimming pool which hosts a pirate boat, slides, and waterjets.
Be sure to check out the half board supplement to include breakfast and dinner in your stay, which can added on as little as €10 per person per night. This aparthotel can be booked independently or as a package holiday.
Check prices here
Check prices here Package holiday
4-Star Aquasplash Estival Resort, La Pineda
I am regularly asked about All Inclusive recommendations for a family, which can often be difficult to find if you have more than two children (unless you take separate rooms). At Aquasplash Estival Resort in La Pineda, you will find both one and two bedroom Apartments on an All-Inclusive basis, with the bonus of getting unlimited entry to the Aquopolis waterpark, located a 10-minute walk from the resort.
Aquapolis boasts the Kamikaze, Boomerang, and the Black-Hole, by the names alone I presume these waterslides don’t need further description! But for younger children or those less adventurous, there is an endless choice of more moderate and gentle slides. Back at the Estival Resort you won’t be short of entertainment either, as they provide a kids club, evening shows, mini
disco, and lots of daytime activities.
On an All-Inclusive Basis, you can choose from three buffet restaurants and two snack bars. This is ideal for families that want a fully inclusive holiday with very little spending money to budget for after you book. Note to gain free waterpark access you need to book this as a package holiday, with flights and transfers included.
4-Star Golden Avenida Suites, Salou
For a family looking to stay close to the action in Salou, the Golden Avenida is a great choice. The one and two-bedroom air-conditioned suites with kitchenette are modern and spacious, with the largest sleeping up to six.
At Golden Avenida Suites you’ll find both an indoor and outdoor pool in addition to a splash pool where kids are sure to get hours of fun from the slides, mini-flumes, and tipping bucket.
The animation team are on hand to offer a range of activities during your stay and with PortAventura only 2km from the property, there are certainly plenty of options to keep the whole family entertained. This aparthotel can be booked independently or as a package holiday.
Check prices here Package holiday
4-Star Pineda Park
Located just five minutes walk the beach, these spacious two-bedroom apartments are a great choice for relaxed Salou holidays. As well as an adults and children’s pool, there is an outdoor terrace that offers evening entertainment. There is also a games room with pool table and mini discos for children.
Port Aventura is only 5km away and the popular waterpark Aquapolis is within walking distance. The Pineda Park apartments are highly rated on TripAdvisor, have many repeat guests, and are ideal for families who want all the advantages of Salou holidays, with a more low key vibe. These apartments can be booked independently or as a package holiday.
Check prices here Package holiday
4-Star Dorada Palace
As well as being just 800 metres from the Levante Beach, and five minutes walk from the town centre, you can actually see the rollercoasters at PortAventura from the roof terrace at Dorada Palace.
There is an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a children’s pool, and an entertainment program operates during summer holidays. There is a choice of room types from hotel rooms to apartments, as well as a choice of board options including self catering, half board and full board. This is a good value choice for family holidays in Salou.
3-Star Cye Holiday Centre, Salou
Cye Holiday Centre offer a popular choice for central, low-cost accommodation in Salou, located just five minutes’ walk from the beach. These three-star self-catering one- and two-bedroom apartments are a great base for your family to enjoy everything this region of Spain has to offer.
During high season, the entertainment team offer a schedule of activities both during the day and night for adults and children. These include water polo, volleyball and tai-chi classes for daytime entertainment, as well as a range of shows in the evening. Within a few minutes’ walk you will be spoiled for choice for bars and restaurants in Salou.
Family hotels in Salou
4-Star H10 Salauris Palace, Salou
Consistently one of the best reviewed hotels in Salou on TripAdvisor, H10 Salauris Palace is the perfect option for families on the lookout for a good four-star hotel in a central location. Just an 800-metre walk will take you to the centre of Salou and Levante Beach where you will find an abundance of bars and restaurants to choose from. In saying that, it is worth checking out the half board option at the Salauris Palace as it can be quite reasonable to consider including in your rate.
The main feature at this property is the impressive large swimming pool with waterfall and jacuzzi. Live music and dance acts will keep you entertained throughout the evening. If you prefer something a little more relaxing, head to the adult only terrace on the 6th Floor where you will find sun loungers and jacuzzi. This hotel can be booked independently or as a package holiday.
Check prices here Package holiday
4-Star Sol Port Cambrils Hotel, Cambrils
Within a five-minute walk of the Sol Port Cambrils Hotel, you will reach the beach, marina, and an abundance of great restaurants that this quaint resort has to offer. Rooms are a generous size, particularly the Junior Suites which boast two sun terraces, and they also offer guaranteed interconnecting rooms sleeping two adults and up to four children.
Half board is particularly well reviewed with the regular themed nights at Tosca Buffet Restaurant offering plenty of variety to choose from. Live music and entertainment are also a regular feature at Sol Port Cambrils.
This hotel is surprisingly a great value option considering the standard of accommodation. If you still need convincing, Sol Port Cambrils is one of the highest rating hotels in Cambrils on TripAdvisor.
5-Star PortAventura Mansión de Lucy
For many families, PortAventura is the deciding factor in choosing Salou for a summer holiday. Each of the PortAventura hotels have an individual theme and offer a range of benefits including unlimited entry to PortAventura Park, one day access to Ferrari Land and discounts to Caribe Aquatic Park.
In my opinion, the most impressive of these hotels is Mansión de Lucy with its Far West theme and Victorian-style rooms. In addition to the amenities available at Mansión de Lucy, you also have access to all facilities at Hotel Golden River. If you opt for half board, your evening meal can either be eaten at the hotel or in select restaurants in the park.
A stay at a Port Aventura hotel is a perfect choice for a theme park junkie. You can pop into the parks during the evening time and enjoy the fabulous fire work displays – something that may tend to overlook during their visit. Other Port Aventura Hotels are Gold River, Hotel Caribe, Hotel El Paso, Colorado Creek and Hotel Port Aventura.
Read: My review of PortAventura World
Best family campsites near Salou
Sanguli
Open from Easter right through to the Halloween break, it’s not difficult to see why Sanguli is a firm family favourite. The location – a short distance from Salou and within a few minutes’ walk from the beach, are the secondary advantages when compared to the wealth of facilities available on site.
The five themed pools will leave you spoiled for choice, with waterslides to suit children of all ages. During peak season there is an endless timetable of activities, shows and entertainment arranged throughout the day. Sanguli is renowned for their incredible night-time shows at the parks very own Amphitheatre.
With bars, supermarkets, restaurants, and a sport complex onsite, you will find little reason for your family to leave Sanguli.
Cambrils Park
There can’t be too many Irish families that haven’t heard of Cambrils Park by now. Although the park is considered a ‘campsite’, the bungalow style accommodation at Cambrils Park is a great alternative for those not keen on a mobile home. Accommodation aside, Cambrils Park offers an incredible array of facilities to rival the best family campsites in Europe..
The main talking point is the choice of four spectacular pool areas with waterslides, lagoons, and children / toddler pools, impressively complete with elephants, a pirate ship, and a lighthouse.
There is no shortage of both land and water-based activities scheduled throughout the day for children, teenagers, and adults. For the sports fanatic, there’s tennis, football, mini golf, trampolining, and basketball, just to name a few. The entertainment continues into the evening with a full programme of nightly shows.
Playa Montroig
Direct access to a stunning sandy beach and an impressive schedule of activities make for a winning combination at Playa Montroig. Although car rental is recommended at this park, it is certainly not a necessity, particularly if you are intending of availing of everything Playa Montroig has to offer.
The jam pack day and evening entertainment program is sure to keep the whole family occupied. That’s if you can tear the kids away from the pool complex with the choice of four pools and six water slides.
For those evenings you don’t fancy lighting up the barbeque, the park offers two restaurants and a takeaway. From feedback on this park, the prices are very reasonable for both the restaurants and supermarket. If you want a change of scenery, the bus to Cambrils stops right outside the park and will take you there for just a few euro.
Camping La Siesta
Camping La Siesta is an ideal choice if you want to stay in Salou but want a quiet area to relax at the same time. In fact although it is only five minutes walk from the promenade you would think you were miles away. It is like an oasis in the middle of a busy resort.
Don’t get me wrong, the pool area is busy, but you can enjoy a quiet time at your bungalow if you feel like it. We stayed in the Caribe bungalows. They are modern, brightly furnished and come with a huge BBQ, sun loungers and the biggest hit of all – a hammock! We all loved the hammock and it was the first thing my kids did when they got up in the morning and when they came back from the pool.
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The swimming pools are busy, but great for children. There is a splash park for small children and a great choice of slides in the main pool which we all enjoyed. There is a regular day and evening entertainment program here too, so it is ideal for families who are looking for a lively atmosphere.
Read: My family holiday in Salou
Vilanova Park, i la Geltrú
During peak season months when the prices for the popular campsites close to Salou are at a premium, I would suggest having a look at Vilanova Park in Vilanova i la Geltrú. The rates are very reasonable, and the location is ideal for exploring all this area has to offer. You can reach Barcelona, Salou, Port Aventura and Sitges each by either bus or train.
However, I am not suggesting choosing this park only on this basis, Villanova holds its own when it comes to onsite amenities. You’ll find pools, kid’s clubs, night-time entertainment, a wellness centre and a multi sports pitch, just to name a few. This combined with a bar, restaurant, take away and supermarket, ensures that you have everything you need for a great family holiday on your doorstep.
I hope you enjoyed my travel guide on Salou and that it helps you when planning family Salou holidays. While every effort is made to ensure that accommodation services and facilities are accurate, they are subject to change. Note some of the links in this post are affiliate links, where I receive a commission if a booking is made but at no additional cost to you.
