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Location of Salou

The waterfront of the seaside resort, Salou

The Torre Vella defence tower, Salou

Salou (Greek Salauris) is a seaside resort and tourist center in Catalonia, about 10 km from Tarragona on the Costa Daurada, and little over 92km to central Barcelona. Aside from its string of beaches interrupted by rocky coves, and its landscaped promenade, one of its main attractions is the Port Aventura complex, formerly owned by the Universal Studios chain of theme parks.

Used as a port by Greeks and Romans, it appeared again in an important historic event, when in 1229 the fleet of James I of Aragon departed from the port of Salou to conquer the Balearic islands, thus creating the Kingdom of Mallorca and in 1286 Alfons III of Aragon also departed from this port to conquer Minorca, the last muslim territory of the Balearic Islands. Later, Salou became a nest of pirates. After that it was considered an unsafe place, so in 1530 Archbishop of Tarragona decided to erect a new defence tower, now called Torre Vella. In 1865 the railway station began to operate, opening a new development time, that led one hundred years later to a tourist boom that has brought prosperity to the town.

Nearby is the suburb of Vilafortuny with secluded villas surrounded by walls.

Salou is the tourist capital of the Costa Daurada, due to its many tourist facilities and its beautiful beaches; it is a popular holiday destination due to its Mediterranean climate. The town contains theme and water parks such as Port Aventura and Costa Caribe.

Port Aventura is a growing theme park resort on the Costa Daurada. One of its main attractions is the Dragon Khan, a massive B&M 'mega-looper'. The park also has a grand multi-media show, called the 'Fiesta Aventura', every night in which fireworks, fountains and parade-esque floats feature. The latest addition to the park is Furius Baco which is now the fastest Roller Coaster in Europe.

The Salou Promenade (Passeig Jaume I)is one of the most beautiful landmarks of Salou, and it runs right along the coast adjacent to the Llevant Beach, the biggest beach in the town, although other beaches include Platja de Ponent, Platja dels Capellans, Platja Llarga and Cala Crancs. Salou beaches have 34 European Blue Flags.

Salou's closest airport is Reus (which it is connected to by a regular bus service) followed by Barcelona airport (1 hour by car or train).

• The Book of Deeds of James I of Aragon (available in PDF format)

• Ramón Muntaner, Chronicle, tr. Lady Goodenough (available in PDF format).

• Salou City Council web page
• PortAventura Fans
• Salou Travel Guide in english
• Salou in Images, Spring 2007
• Spain - Info
• [1]
• JustSalou, Salou and the PortAventura Theme Park Guide
• Salou Tourist Guide

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Coordinates: 41°04′30″N, 1°08′18″E