Salou is approximately 30-40 minutes from Reus airport.* The number 60 bus (coach type bus) can be picked up from just outside the arrival building; a rep from the bus company takes names and time of flight, and then provides a collection time to return to the airport, which is great. The bus travels first to La Pineda then onto Salou, Cambrils,etc.... It is 10.50 Euros each return. A taxi would be approximately 70 Euros return.

Salou is the liveliest resort in the Costa Dorada, but is not overbearing as it's primarily a family destination. Salou has a very clean flat promenade and the beach has children's play areas along on the edge. The llevant (Main beach) is a blue flag beach, which is clean, safe and has plenty of facilities. There are water fountains at each end of the promenade one called the 'Font lluminosa' and the other called the 'Cybernetic Fountains'. 

Salou is home to the major theme park called PortAventura. PortAventura has expanded since it's arrival in 1995 and now includes a water park, four hotels and a convention centre. Salou not only offers a world class theme park it is home to Lumine Golf Club, Karting Salou, a theatre and also free art exhibitions at Torre Vella (Defense tower built in 1530). Salou is also great for a range of water-sports and boat rides. Salou is also becoming a increasingly popular sport tourist destination as it holds events throughout the year including the Catalunyan round of the World Rally Championship. In 2011 the round will be held on October 20-23.

Salou is also used as a base for tours of Barcelona, Tarragona, Montserrat and Reus as they are all in suitable distance for a enjoyable holiday. There are also other tours which include a jeep safari to small villages and downhill bikes for serene views.

Salou has plenty of souvenir shops, but the main shopping streets are along the length of the beautiful seafront and lots more further up the side streets and in the old town, which include perfumeries, food, electrical, clothing and shoe stores. There is also a regular market in the old town on Monday's, which is worth a look. The nearest shopping centre called Port Halley is located in across the road from PortAventura, which includes a Mercadona supermarket, Decathlon(Sportswear), Cinema, Bowling alley and restaurants.

Salou has restaurants to suit all tastes including The Guinness Tavern, which is recommended by trip advisor members(No.1 as of July 2011). The area has many tapas restaurants including many establishments on the beachfront such as La Sal. For more local cuisine head to either Vila Alexander or Las Brasas though expensive it is thoroughly enjoyable. Salou is also home to major fast food restaurants such as Burger king, McDonald's, Subway, TelePizza and Pans&Company.

Salou's nightlife consists of family, sports, karaoke, live music, quiz/bingo bars and also discos and nightclubs such as Flashback, Bus stop, La Cage, Pacha (La Pineda) and Snoepy's. The nightlife caters for every age range and includes the local beer, wine and sangria as well as International alcoholic drinks. There is plenty of International bars as the resort is home to a small population compared to the amount of tourists that visit the resort in the summer, but you will definitely find local cafeterias/restaurants and bars, which are located mainly in the old town, but some located in in the tourist area.

The buses run every few minutes to Salou, PortAventura, etc. from the promenade at La Pineda, the cost to Salou is a very reasonable approx 2 Euros each or approx 12.00 Euros for a taxi. There is a coach tour to Barcelona and tickets are purchased from the driver, if you just want the bus with a visit to the shopping centre, which gives you all day in Barcelona then you will be charged 19.95 euros for an adult and 16.95 euros for a child. If travelling in the La Pineda / Salou / Tarragona area a travel card can be purchased for 10.00 Euros.

*Reus airport is small but extremely efficient - It is either a little walk between the plane and the terminal or a bus ride depending on, which airline you are travelling with, but once in, you get through passport control and baggage within about 10 minutes.

Advice(Same as every resort, you are on holiday, but be alert at all times):

- Please take extra care with your handbags especially when looking through the market.

- It is always recommended that you use the safe at the hotel or apartments (may charge a deposit locally) as a safety precaution wherever you go on holiday. 

- Many apartments will charge a breakage deposit for the room charging between 60-120 euros.