Go for a seafront stroll
Try looking for things to do in Salou without the Cami de Ronda coastal path coming up. We dare you. You can't, because this iconic pathway is the jewel in Costa Dorada's crown, weaving all the way from the more remote coastal towns, right up into the centre of Salou. Some parts are trickier than others, but once you get closer to the town centre, the pathway is a fully-paved seafront promenade with signs along the way to keep you on track. You'll know you've reached Salou when you see it in big, colourful letters by the sea - the perfect photo op!
Find the fountains
The Fountains of Salou might not be anything on a Bellagio scale, but they're still a top tourist attraction in the town centre. In fact, this place is home to not one, but four fab fountains - Font Lluminosa - which is the oldest of the bunch, Fonts Ornamentals, Font Cibernètica and Font Laberint. During the summer season you can watch all four burst into life with colourful light and music displays after dark.
Hop on the tourist train
No, literally. We know exploring a bunch of local landmarks isn't gonna fly with the kiddos, so this handy little train is the perfect way to get your fill and make it fun for the little ones. It's essentially an open-door tourist bus that looks like a toy train (total Thomas the Tank vibes), and it departs from Salou's tourist office roughly every 30 mins, chugging along a circular route to the town's most iconic attractions. Tickets are only 6€ for adults and 4€ for kiddos over 3, and audio guides are available so you can learn a thing or two along the way. Winner!
Feel the magic in the House of Illusion
Regular dinners are so last season - this place is your key to spicing things up a bit (and we don't mean the food). This venue is known for its interactive magic shows, where you'll be entertained at your table by close-up magicians (think card tricks and sleight of hand) while you're served food from a delish menu, progressing into a theatrical performance of shadowography, manipulation and mind-blowing illusions. Date night just got a whole lot more interesting...
Shop 'til you drop in the town centre
If shopping is your cardio, then you'll have plenty to go at in Salou, whatever you're in the mood for. If you stroll on over to Avenida Jaume I which runs parallel to the iconic Llevant Beach, then you'll find a lush walkway lined with trees and fountains, plus plenty of craft and souvenir shops full of unique finds. And for you lot who love a good bargain (who doesn't?), the weekly Salou market is the place to be. Open-air stalls take to the town centre, selling everything from clothes to household bits and bobs. Don't forget your euros!
Take a day trip to Barcelona
Barcelona is just over an hour's drive from Salou, which makes it the perfect chance to add a bit of city to your beach break! Who said you can't have both? There are loads of different tours you can book, most of which depart from the centre of Salou for ease. You can choose a tour that works for you, from completely guided to DIY, or something in between. We opted for something in between, stopping off at a couple of iconic landmarks but then having a couple of hours to explore the city ourselves and grab some tasty tapas before heading back. If you've got the kiddos with you, then we recommend going for the more DIY option so they don't get too restless at the different stop-offs.
