The Salou experience

80km west of Barcelona lies sun-soaked Salou. This popular resort sits in the heart of the Costa Dorada and attracts families looking for hassle-free fun in the sun from all over Europe. Together with neighbouring resorts La Pineda and Cambrils, it shares several miles of pristine, clean golden beaches. Plus inland there are mountains to climb and theme parks to visit.

Families will love this place. Hotels cater well to children will numerous kids'' clubs offering all kinds of activities from sailing to painting. Adults too will be amused for hour''s windsurfing, banana boating or go-karting. There is also an aqua park, which is fun for everyone.

However, for the ultimate in family fun, you can''t beat Port Aventura Park. Taking the lead from Busch Gardens in Florida, this massive theme park, one of the biggest in Europe, has five themed worlds. These include the Far West, Mediterrania, Mexico, China and Polynesia. The most popular attractions include the Sea Odyssey underwater adventure, the Stampida roller coaster and the Grand Canyon rapids. You will need longer than a day here. Four day passes are around ?66 for children and ?83 for adults.

Hire a car and drive into the Catalunyan Mountains that skirt the coast. Montsant is a picturesque region of wilderness filled with rugged mountains, plunging waterfalls and hidden emerald green rock pools. It is also one of Spain''s best wine-growing regions, so pick up a bottle for the evening.

The Costa Dorada''s main city is Tarragona. The centre is medieval, but the city can trace its roots back to 218 BC when it was founded by the Romans who used it as a military base for legionnaires.

Most of the best archaeological remains lie along Paseo Arqueologico. Among other interesting buildings you''ll find an amphitheatre, aqueduct and Roman forum. The archaeological museum is also highly rewarding with numerous Roman antiquities and there is a Diocesan Museum, which displays Gothic paintings, sculptures and tapestries. The city also boasts the best beach on the Catalonian coast, Playa Llarga.

Seeing as you aren''t far from one of Europe''s greatest cities, it would be rude not to pay Barcelona a visit. It even has a beach if you can''t bear a day away from one.

Leading the way in terms of architecture is Gaudi with his Sagrada Familia and the city is most famous for its modernist designs. However, the Gothic quarter, full of bars and tapas restaurants is also beautiful as are the modern glass structures at the Olympic port development. If you do miss the beach, the city has a fantastic one right at the end of the main pedestrianised street, La Rambla.

Article Source: http://www.casinoarticlessite.com

Caron Kristan is a freelance writer with over 5 years travel experience. They recommend Octopus Travel for Salou hotels.

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