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Introduction: 

Travelling to a new place can be a wonderful experience, but there’s something truly special about getting to explore it like a local. That’s why the team at Costa Dorada travel blog decided to seek out the insights of people who have lived in the region for an extensive period of time. These locals will share their knowledge, offering insider tips and highlighting some of the lesser-known gems of the region. In this interview, we’ll be chatting with Clara, a British expat who has lived in the area for 14 years and worked as a customer helper for 5 years. Clara will provide insider tips, recommend lesser-known spots to visit, and share her favorite things about living in the Costa Dorada region. So, if you’re planning a trip to this beautiful region, read on to discover Clara’s insights and make the most of your visit!

Picture of Clara 

Meet Clara, a 64-year-old British woman from Birmingham who took a sabbatical to learn Spanish and better herself. Clara rented her house, bought an old caravan and car, and drove to France and then to Salou in Spain, where she wanted to work and learn Spanish. She lived on a campsite and found the Spanish people welcoming, even though she could not speak Spanish. She only had a dictionary, but still managed to communicate with the Spanish people. Clara ended up getting a job washing dishes, earning less than in England but with fewer responsibilities. She liked the job because it was less stressful than her previous university job in England, where she had to work a lot of hours and take work home for the weekends. After nine months in Salou, Clara decided to stay and worked various jobs, including owning a successful bar that she eventually sold when the holiday industry began offering all-inclusive packages in hotels. She then started driving jeeps for a jeep safari, became a team leader, and loved the job, but she realized it was becoming too hard as she got older. Clara applied for a job with a British holiday company that has an office in Salou, where she still works. Clara says she loves living in Spain, she loves the food, the proximity to the sea and mountains, and being surrounded by greenery. She thinks she has a great job and great relationships with people in her apartment complex and can see herself growing old in Spain.

Clara’s Recommendations:

Hotels in Salou and Cap Salou:

As a customer helper, Clara has visited many hotels in Salou. For couples with children, Clara recommends Dorado Palace in Salou, which has a nice splash park for kids and good food. She also recommends H10 Mediterranean Village in Cap Salou, which has a big splash park for kids. Furthermore, Clara recommends Hotel Belvedere for families with younger children. She also recommends H10 Salauris Palace. Medplaya Hotel Calypso is also great for families with children, as it has great entertainment options and a good all-inclusive package. For adults only, Clara recommends H10 Delfin, a beautiful hotel, and Hotel Olympus Palace, which is also beautiful. Hotel Olympus Palace has a rooftop pool and bar. For adults only Clara recommends Hotel Blaumar. The last hotel Clara recommends for adults is the Hotel Las Vegas. All the hotel mentioned are in Salou except H10 Mediterranean Village which is located in Cap Salou. 

Restaurants in Salou:

Clara recommends Hollandaluz for both traditional Spanish and international food. For traditional Spanish food, she recommends El Rinconcito De Manel, which is a bar that serves small portions of food. Petit Bar is a good option for  traditional tapas. The place is a little pricy, but the food is great. Oliver’s Restaurant in Salou serves international food for visitors looking for a more diverse cuisine. Fu Lin is a budget option, serving Chinese food and a daily menu. If visitors are looking for traditional English food, Clara recommends the Guinness Tavern.

Transport around the Costa Dorada region:

For those looking to get around the area, Clara suggests buying a T10 bus pass, which can be purchased at the bus station in Tarragona or at local tobacco shops. The card offers ten trips that you can use and even share with your family members, making it a convenient and cost-effective option. Even if you plan to stay in the region for an extended period, you can still add more trips to your T10 card as needed. Clara recommends buying the cards as a single ticket costs 2.50 euros, but for a single trip with a T10 card, it costs 1.60 euros. Visitors must be aware that the single ticket is only valid for one journey with the bus. Additionally, you cannot pay with a credit card on the bus, and the driver may not have a lot of change, so it is important to have the exact fare ready. Clara also recommends using the bus system to visit nearby towns such as Tarragona, Reus, and Cambrils, as it is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the area.

Best time to visit Salou:

The best time to visit Salou is during the spring and autumn months, according to Clara. She advises against visiting during the summer months due to high temperatures and humidity, which can be uncomfortable for some visitors, especially those from northern Europe who are not used to high temperatures. August is peak tourist season, and the area can become crowded with tourists, making it difficult to find parking and a good spot at the beach.

When asked about how to avoid crowds and tourist traps, Clara suggests being brave and exploring. She recommends avoiding the end of July and August as these months are peak vacation time for both the French and Spanish, resulting in large crowds and scarce parking. Clara emphasizes the importance of research and encourages visitors to get a map and explore side streets to discover hidden gems. She suggests that visitors can easily find what they want to do by researching the area they are coming to.

Beaches in Salou:

Clara recommends a couple of beaches for visitors to explore during their stay in the area. One of her favorites is Playa Llarga, located in Salou. This beach is known for its safety, with calm waters and a shallow depth, making it perfect for families with young children. For those looking to escape the crowds of Salou’s main beach, Clara suggests walking to Playa Llarga. While there are not many facilities available, the gradual slope of the beach makes for a pleasant experience. If visitors are willing to drive a bit further, Clara also recommends a nudist beach located in L’Hospitalet, though she herself does not partake in the practice. The beach is located in the town of Hospitalet de l’Infant and is called Playa El Torn Naturist Beach. It is located 25 km from Salou, which takes around 25 minutes by car.

Local festivals in the Costa Dorada region: 

Three Kings Day:

Clara recommends that visitors attend the Three Kings celebration, which takes place on the 6th of January. The festival commemorates the day when the three kings visited Baby Jesus and brought gifts to him. Clara suggests that this festival is similar to Christmas, but with more emphasis on January 6th. People in Cambrils and Salou celebrate this festival by watching the three kings come through, usually on horses or a big display on the back of a tractor. 

Cós Blanc:

The next festival Clara recommends is Cós Blanc, which takes place on the first weekend of February in Salou. This festival is a big street party with music, confetti, floats, and a lively atmosphere. There are big sound systems all along the streets and cannons blowing confetti into the air, and people throwing confetti and sweets at each other. It’s a family-friendly event, and there are even tents with techno music for adults.

San Juan: 

The third festival Clara recommends is San Juan, which takes place on June 23rd, the day of the summer solstice. This is another big party, with fireworks and picnics on the beach. There is a big stage set up in Salou where famous Spanish groups sometimes attends to play their music. The festival ends with a massive firework show at midnight and a ritual where people run into the sea and wash off the badness.

Final travel tips for visiting: 

Clara emphasizes the importance of researching the places people want to visit in order to get the most out of their holiday. Depending on one’s preferences, Salou can be a great place to use as a base. If tourists want to relax and spend the day at the beach, Salou is perfect for this. On the other hand, if they want to explore the greenery and historical sites, they can easily access many exciting places like Tarragona, Siurana, and Miravet, all within an hour’s drive. Clara also highlights the convenience of traveling to Salou, as it only takes an hour by bus from Barcelona airport and just 30 minutes from Reus airport.

Salou and La Pineda are some of the most popular destinations in Costa Dorada, Spain, attracting visitors from all over the world with their beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. If you’re planning a trip to this sunny and vibrant region, finding the right accommodation is key to enjoying your stay to the fullest. Here are some of the best hotels and accommodation options in each of these destinations:

Salou:

PortAventura Hotel Gold River: This 4-star hotel is located within the PortAventura World theme park and features a Wild West theme. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the hotel has three swimming pools, a spa, and a variety of dining options. Prices start at around €120 per night in low season and can go up to €300 per night in high season.

Tips:
If you’re planning a stay at the PortAventura Hotel Gold River, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience, based on reviews from past guests on TripAdvisor and Hotels.com:

Request a room away from the noise: Some guests have reported that the hotel can be noisy, particularly during peak season. To avoid being disturbed by noise from the theme park or other guests, consider requesting a room away from the main walkways or elevators.

Bring earplugs: If you’re a light sleeper, some reviewers suggest bringing earplugs to help block out noise from outside or from other guests.

Plan for wait times: During peak season, the hotel’s restaurants and bars can get very busy, with long wait times for tables and service. To avoid frustration, plan ahead by making reservations or eating during off-peak hours.

Check your room for cleanliness: While many reviewers praise the hotel’s rooms for being spacious and well-appointed, some have reported issues with cleanliness. Be sure to check your room upon arrival and report any issues to the front desk as soon as possible.

Take advantage of early access to the park: Reviewers reccomend taking advantage of the close proximity to PortAventura World, since you as a guest will have early access to the theme park before it opens to the public. This can be a great way to beat the crowds and experience popular rides and attractions before they get busy.

Consider purchasing a meal plan: Some reviewers recommend purchasing a meal plan along with your hotel stay, as the restaurants and bars in the park can be expensive.

Upgrade to a themed room: If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, consider upgrading to one of the hotel’s themed rooms, such as the log cabin or sheriff’s office rooms. Reviewers say these rooms are well worth the extra cost for the added fun and immersion.

Hotel Best San Francisco: This 3-star hotel is located near the beach and the lively center of Salou. The rooms are comfortable and bright, and the hotel has a swimming pool, a buffet restaurant, and a bar. Prices start at around €50 per night in low season and can go up to €150 per night in high season.

Tips:
If you’re planning a stay at the Hotel Best San Francisco, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience, based on reviews from past guests on TripAdvisor and Hotels.com:

Book a room with a balcony: Many guests recommend booking a room with a balcony, as they offer beautiful views of the pool or surrounding area. Some rooms on the higher floors even offer sea views.

Arrive early for meal times: The hotel’s buffet restaurant can get busy during peak meal times, so consider arriving early to avoid waiting in line or struggling to find a table. Alternatively, some guests recommend dining during off-peak hours.

Take advantage of the pool: The hotel’s pool is a great place to relax and cool off, particularly during the hot summer months. Some guests recommend bringing your own towels, as the hotel’s pool towels can be in short supply.

Bring your own toiletries: While the hotel provides basic toiletries such as shampoo and soap, some guests report that these items are of low quality. To ensure a more comfortable stay, consider bringing your own toiletries.

Ask for a room away from the noise: Some guests report that the hotel can be noisy, particularly at night. To avoid being disturbed by noise from the nearby nightlife or other guests, consider requesting a room away from the main street.

Magnolia Hotel Salou: This 4-star hotel is located in a quiet residential area of Salou, just a short walk from the beach. The rooms are modern and stylish, and the hotel has a swimming pool, a rooftop terrace, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. Prices start at around €70 per night in low season and can go up to €200 per night in high season.

Tips:
If you’re planning a stay at the Magnolia Hotel Salou, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience, based on reviews from past guests on TripAdvisor and Hotels.com:

Book a room with a balcony: Many guests recommend booking a room with a balcony, as they offer beautiful views of the surrounding area. Some rooms on the higher floors even offer sea views.

Visit the rooftop terrace: The hotel’s rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the surrounding area, and is a great place to relax and unwind. Some guests recommend visiting during sunset for an especially picturesque experience.

Try the hotel’s restaurant: The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and is a great place to enjoy a meal during your stay. Some guests recommend trying the daily specials, which are often made with fresh, local ingredients.

Take advantage of the pool: The hotel’s pool is a great place to relax and cool off, particularly during the hot summer months. Some guests recommend bringing your own towels, as the hotel’s pool towels can be in short supply.

Book in advance: The Magnolia Hotel Salou is a popular hotel, particularly during peak season. To avoid disappointment, consider booking your stay well in advance.

H10 Salou Princess: If you’re looking for a centrally located hotel, the H10 Salou Princess is a great choice. This 4-star hotel features a rooftop terrace, swimming pool, and buffet restaurant, perfect for enjoying some downtime after a busy day exploring. Prices start at around €70 per night in low season and can go up to €200 per night in high season.

Tips:
If you’re planning a stay at the H10 Salou Princess, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience, based on reviews from past guests on TripAdvisor and Hotels.com

Guests reported that the walls in some of the rooms are very thin and that if you have booked a room with a pool view it can be noisy as there are shows at the pool until midnight.

Enjoy the rooftop terrace: The hotel’s rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the surrounding area, and is a great place to relax and unwind. Some guests recommend visiting during sunset for an especially picturesque experience.

Book in advance: The H10 Salou Princess is a popular hotel, particularly during peak season. To avoid disappointment, consider booking your stay well in advance.

You have to be aware that you have to pay extra to use the safe.

Hotel Dorada Palace: For those seeking a more luxurious stay, the Hotel Dorada Palace is a 4-star hotel offering spacious rooms, a large swimming pool, and a variety of dining options. With prices starting at around €80 per night in low season and going up to €250 per night in high season, this hotel is perfect for those who want to indulge in a bit of pampering.

Tips:
If you’re planning a stay at the Hotel Dorada Palace, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience, based on reviews from past guests on TripAdvisor and Hotels.com:

Book your stay in advance: Hotel Dorada Palace is a popular hotel, and guest reviews recommend booking your stay in advance to secure the room you want at the best price possible.

Take advantage of the amenities: Hotel Dorada Palace has a variety of amenities that are sure to make your stay enjoyable. From the large swimming pool to the on-site restaurants and bars, there’s plenty to do without even leaving the hotel grounds. Guest reviews have praised the hotel’s excellent facilities, including the spacious swimming pool area.

Consider upgrading to a higher room category: While the standard rooms at Hotel Dorada Palace are comfortable and well-appointed, guest reviews recommend upgrading to a higher room category for additional space, better views, and more luxurious amenities. Guests have praised the hotel’s spacious and modern rooms, with some recommending upgrading to a suite or a room with a private balcony.

Take advantage of the location: Hotel Dorada Palace is located just a short walk from the beach and the city center, making it an excellent base for exploring Salou. Additionally, the hotel is only a 20-minute walk from PortAventura World, one of the most popular theme parks in Europe. Guest reviews recommend making the most of the hotel’s location by exploring the surrounding area and enjoying all that Salou has to offer.

La Pineda:

Estival Park Hotel: This 4-star hotel complex is located in La Pineda, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, and the hotel has several swimming pools, a spa, and a variety of sports facilities. Prices start at around €70 per night in low season and can go up to €250 per night in high season.

Tips:
If you’re planning a stay at the Estival Park Hotel, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience, based on reviews from past guests on TripAdvisor and Hotels.com:

Book a room with a balcony: Estival Park Hotel offers rooms with and without balconies. If you want to enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding area and the Mediterranean Sea, it’s recommended to book a room with a balcony.

Take advantage of the sports facilities: Estival Park Salou offers a variety of sports facilities, including tennis courts, mini golf, and a gym. Guests have praised the quality and variety of the facilities, so be sure to take advantage of them during your stay.

Relax at the spa: The hotel’s spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments. Guests have praised the spa for its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, so be sure to book a treatment or two during your stay.

The outdoor areas in hotels 2 and 3 are being renovated.

Ohtels La Hacienda: This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of the Costa Dorada, just a short walk from the beach. The hotel boasts comfortable rooms with modern amenities, some of which offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Guests can enjoy a variety of facilities including an outdoor pool, a spa with a hot tub, a sauna, a Turkish bath, and a fitness center. For families, the hotel offers a kids’ club with supervised activities. Prices start at around €70 per night in low season and can go up to €200 per night in high season. Ohtels La Hacienda is a great option for those looking for a luxurious stay at an affordable price.

Tips:
If you’re planning a stay at the Ohtels La Hacienda, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience, based on reviews from past guests on TripAdvisor and Hotels.com:

Relax by the pool: The hotel’s outdoor pool is a great place to unwind and soak up the sun. Guests have praised the pool for its cleanliness and size, so be sure to pack your swimsuit and take advantage of this amenity during your stay.

Try the hotel’s restaurant: The hotel’s restaurant offers a variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests have praised the quality of the food, as well as the friendly and attentive service. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a delicious meal at the hotel.

Take a day trip to nearby attractions: Ohtels La Hacienda is conveniently located near many popular attractions, such as PortAventura World and Aquopolis water park. Guests have recommended taking a day trip to these nearby attractions, which are easily accessible by public transportation or car.

Indulge in the spa treatments: The hotel’s spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments. Guests have praised the quality of the treatments and the professionalism of the staff, so treat yourself to some pampering during your stay.

Don’t hesitate to get involved in the fun: The hotel offers a range of entertainment options, including live music and shows. Guests have enjoyed the variety of entertainment offered, so be sure to check out the hotel’s schedule during your stay.

Gran Palas Hotel: This 5-star hotel is located in a quiet area of La Pineda and offers luxurious accommodations and a wide range of amenities. The rooms are spacious and elegant, and the hotel has a large swimming pool, a spa, and several gourmet restaurants. Prices start at around €100 per night in low season and can go up to €400 per night in high season.

Tips:
Book a room with a sea view: Gran Palas Hotel offers rooms with and without sea views. If you want to wake up to stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, it’s recommended to book a room with a sea view.

Take advantage of the spa: The hotel’s spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments. Guests have praised the quality and professionalism of the staff, so be sure to book a treatment or two during your stay.

Dine at the gourmet restaurants: Gran Palas Hotel has several gourmet restaurants that serve a range of cuisines, from Mediterranean to Japanese. Guests have praised the quality and creativity of the food, so be sure to try at least one of the restaurants during your stay.

Relax by the pool: The hotel has a large swimming pool with plenty of loungers and umbrellas. Guests have praised the pool area for its cleanliness and tranquility, so be sure to spend some time there during your stay.

It is a good idea to book in advance to secure the best rate.

Guest report that this hotel is a good option for couples.

Golden Donaire Beach Hotel: This 4-star hotel is located in La Pineda, just a few steps from the beach. The hotel features comfortable rooms with sea views, as well as a variety of facilities for all ages. It boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a children’s pool, a spa, and a fitness center. Prices start at around €70 per night in low season and can go up to €200 per night in high season.

Tips:
If you’re planning a stay at the Golden Donaire Beach Hotel, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience, based on reviews from past guests on TripAdvisor and Hotels.com:

Book a room with a sea view: Guests have praised the breathtaking views from the rooms with sea views at the Golden Donaire Beach Hotel. Waking up to the panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean Sea is highly recommended if you want to have a truly memorable experience during your stay.

Relax at the spa: The hotel’s spa has received numerous accolades from guests who have praised the quality of the treatments and the professionalism of the staff. If you want to unwind and rejuvenate during your stay, make sure to indulge in one of the spa’s treatments, which range from massages to beauty services.

Enjoy the hotel’s entertainment: Golden Donaire Beach Hotel has a wide variety of entertainment options that cater to different preferences, including live music and shows. According to guests, the quality and variety of the entertainment are exceptional, so make sure to check out the hotel’s schedule and join in on the fun.

Take advantage of the hotel’s location: The hotel is situated just a stone’s throw away from the beach and the promenade, where you can find numerous shops, bars, and restaurants. Guests have praised the hotel’s location for its convenience and easy accessibility to local attractions, so make sure to explore the surrounding area during your stay.

Best Terramarina: This 4-star hotel is located in La Pineda, just a few meters from the beach. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, some of which have sea views, and features a range of facilities to ensure a pleasant stay for all guests. Among its amenities, guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a sauna, a gym, and a kids’ club. Prices start at around €80 per night in low season and can go up to €150 per night in high season.

Tips:
If you’re planning a stay at the Best Terramarina, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience, based on reviews from past guests on TripAdvisor and Hotels.com:

Book a room with a sea view: Best Terramarina offers rooms with stunning sea views, which many guests have praised. If you want to wake up to a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea, be sure to book a room with a sea view.

Relax at the spa: The hotel’s spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments. Guests have praised the quality of the treatments and the professionalism of the staff, so be sure to pamper yourself during your stay.

Enjoy the hotel’s pool area: The hotel’s pool area is a highlight for many guests, with a large outdoor pool, children’s pool, and plenty of sun loungers. Guests have also praised the poolside bar and the snacks and drinks available, so be sure to spend some time relaxing by the pool.

5 Top Tips for finding Cheap Holidays to Salou

Visiting the Costa Dorada is a really great idea for a sun holiday. Adorned with a stunning golden coastline and an abundance of fabulous bars, restaurants and entertainment, it’s no surprise that Salou is popular with a variety of different nationalities. If you are thinking about a holiday in Salou and want more money in your pocket for spending. Then here are some useful tips for finding cheap holidays to Salou.  

Airbnb, is another nice way to stay in Salou. Airbnb let you live in private homes, either in a single room, or you can rent the whole house. The best thing about staying in a Airbnb is that you experience a more local way of living, compared to living on the hotels and in some cases you can stay a bit cheaper through airbnb.

We have tried to search a bit, and selected some of the placed we found interesting. The good thing about Airbnb Salou, is that you can filter your searches, so you only get, what you are looking 100% for in an Airbnb in Salou.