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What's it really like ? Transfer time: Approx 20 - 30 minutes Location: Salou: Active British families will struggle to find much fault with Salou except for some bland concrete apartment blocks built with the 'pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap' mentality. Some parts can be very depressing with graffiti however no expense has been spared creating a stunning seafront, complete with beautifully landscaped gardens and shady places to sit. Fountains light up at night as the promenade bustles with the coming and going of people out for a stroll. An abundance of night clubs are popular with singles although the resort isn't part of the 18 - 30 scene. Noise at night from music bars may keep light sleepers awake in certain areas - check with your tour operator or agent. A sprawling resort with plenty going on even away from the main centre. Some parts are quite hilly. La Pineda is 2 miles away from the centre of Salou around a headland reached by quite a busy main road which also takes traffic to the nearby water park. Almost a continuation of Salou with nearly as much nightlife and activities. Beaches: All beaches along this coast regularly win awards for cleanliness. The huge main beaches at Salou and La Pineda are perhaps too convenient for the hundreds of apartments and get crowded near the water's edge (the photo above was taken early morning), however, they are broad enough to cope with peak time bathers. Good quality sand is extremely well maintained by the local authorities plus there are showers and clean toilets every 100 metres or so. La Pineda's beach is man-made. Smaller beaches along the rocky coast are worth discovering. Days out: Costa Dorada has become a Mecca for day trippers attracted by the theme parks. The American-style Port Aventura with its 30-plus rides set in 4 'lands' plus a water park attached to it has enough to suit all ages and is within walking distance of some apartments in Salou. Day passes are pre-bookable in the UK and reasonably priced. It may take more than a day to fully appreciate the attractions but there are discounts available for multiple trips. An alternative Aquapark is a stroll down the road from La Pineda. Further afield is the historic city of Barcelona served by local trains, buses or good roads. Good selection of tourist and fashion shops, more choice in Barcelona 90 minutes away. Nights out: Scores of clubs and music bars dotted about the resort. British-owned 'pubs' and traditional Spanish bars also compete for your pesetas. A wide range of restaurants from posh nosh to burger belly-fillers. Bucket and Spade Brigade: Good, safe beaches and theme parks on the doorstep make this a popular choice for families. Play areas along the seafront are ideal for bored youngsters, while Port Aventura and the Aquapark can also provide a welcome diversion from the beach. Be aware that the theme park can become crowded at peak times and it may prove too tiring, especially for smaller children. |
