In the state of Catalonia, not far from the Costa Daurada, is the beautiful seaside resort town of Salou. This shimmering heaven on the Mediterranean draws thousands to its shore each year because of its immense beauty but Salou wasn’t always the tourist attraction that it is known as today. Thousands of years ago, during the reigns of the Greek and Roman Empires, Salou was used as a strategically important port during both war and peace. In the middle Ages, Salou was a hotbed of pirate activity that was widely considered one of the most dangerous places in the world. It wasn’t until Spain’s glory days during the 14th and 15th centuries that Salou became a respectable town and it has been a favorite destination for people around the world ever since.
Salou draws many people to its beaches because of the jaw dropping natural landscape as much as for the wonderful Mediterranean climate. Like other Riviera cities including Nice and Cannes, Salou has wonderfully warm weather in the day and cool, invigorating breezes at night. Much of this ideal climate has to do with the fortuitous placement alongside the rolling hills and mountains of Spain which themselves add to the splendor of the cityscape. In spite of all this gorgeous scenery, many people who flock to Salou eschew the eye candy and instead indulge in one of Salou’s much loved theme parks. Not unlike Orlando, Florida, Salou boasts some incredible manmade attractions that, while not as purely pretty as Spain’s coastline or mountain ranges, are themselves works of art in their own right. Port Aventura, for instance, is an extremely popular theme park that was formerly owned by Universal Studios and is now owned by the country of Spain exclusively. Boasting such major roller coasters as the Dragon Khan and the Hurricane Condor, which has one of the tallest freefalls in the world at over one hundred meters high, Port Aventura is a treasure trove of adventure for children and adults alike. The fastest roller coaster in all of Europe, the Furius Baco, is also found within. The nightlife of Salou is impressive enough but each night, contained within Port Aventura, the stellar Fiesta Aventura occurs. This massive party consists of floats, fireworks, and massive dancing displays that enthrall visitors and create memories at the same time.
Costa Caribe, though smaller in stature than Port Aventura, is another popular theme park in Salou and it helps to further increase the massive tourist traffic that Salou creates each year. Whether you are visiting to take in the immense natural landscape, frolic on the pristine beaches, or take on some of the most horrifying roller coasters in the world, you can rest assured that Salou will steal your heart with its many fantastic diversions. There are many paradises found alongside the Mediterranean but Salou just may take top honors thanks to its eclectic blend of fun, adventure, and beauty. Be forewarned, though: Once you step foot on Salou’s famed Llevante Beach, you may fall in love and never return home again.