Salou, Spain: Where Sun, Sand, and Seaside Fun Await, but be aware of the boogey men.

Sun, sand and seaside fun in Salou

Salou was the perfect destination for our lads' holiday – a whirlwind of excitement, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. From the moment we arrived, the vibrant energy of the town set the tone for our adventure. Our days were filled with exhilarating activities, from exploring the bustling streets to soaking up the sun on the golden beaches.

The days were long and exhausting, but in the best way possible. We spent hours splashing in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, playing beach volleyball, and soaking up the sun's rays. When we needed a break from the heat, we retreated to beachside bars for ice-cold drinks and lively banter.

As night fell, Salou came alive with the pulsating beat of the clubs and bars. We embraced the nightlife scene wholeheartedly, dancing until the early hours of the morning and making memories that would last a lifetime. The atmosphere was electric, the music was pumping, and the drinks were flowing – it was the ultimate lads' night out.

Between the big nights we still found quieter corners of town to unwind. Whether lounging by the pool with a cold beer in hand or indulging in a leisurely siesta in the shade, Salou offered the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation. By the time our holiday came to an end we left with that satisfied, sun-tired feeling, knowing we’d squeezed every last drop from our time on the Costa Dorada.

The “Boogey Men” of Salou

In Salou, there exists a group of individuals I’ve come to dub the “boogey men” – people who wander the streets peddling illegal goods and counterfeit merchandise. They’re hard to miss and often approach tourists aggressively with knock-off designer gear, fake electronics and other dodgy bits and pieces.

Even when you try to avoid them, their persistence and sometimes intimidating tactics can be unnerving and leave a slightly sour note on an otherwise brilliant trip. Encounters with these guys can make you feel more cautious and guarded, so it’s worth keeping your wits about you, sticking to well-lit areas and saying a firm but polite “no” when needed.

If you want to read more about other travellers’ experiences, this Tripadvisor thread shares some useful advice and stories. It’s not a reason to avoid Salou – just a reminder to stay sharp.

PortAventura theme park

PortAventura · 07.09.2022

My day at PortAventura in Salou was nothing short of brilliant. From the moment I stepped through the gates, I knew I was in for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure. I opted for the fast-track tickets, eager to make the most of my time and squeeze in as many rides as possible.

The thrill of speeding through loops and twists on roller coasters left me breathless and buzzing, while the immersive themed areas transported me to faraway lands filled with excitement and wonder. From the towering heights of Shambhala to the heart-pounding drops of Dragon Khan, each ride brought its own brand of fear and fun.

Despite the scorching heat, the excitement of the day never really slowed down. Water rides offered a welcome cool-down and shaded corners became our recharging stations between blasts of pure adrenaline.

The only downside? The prices. I expected food and drink to be a bit steep, but some of the costs still caught me off guard. Even so, I couldn’t resist grabbing snacks and cold drinks to keep me going – all part of the theme park experience.

Expensive snacks aside, my day at PortAventura was an unforgettable hit of thrills, laughter and pure, giddy fun. As the sun set and the lights flickered on around the park, I left with tired legs, a sore throat from screaming and a huge grin on my face – already planning the next visit.

Clubbing in Salou

Clubbing in Salou · 04.09.2022

Our night at FLASH BACK DISCOTHEQUE in Salou was an experience unlike any other. I’ll admit the €15 entry fee made me hesitate for a second, but we were determined to make the most of our night out.

At first the place felt almost too quiet, with only a handful of early birds spread across the dance floor. But as midnight rolled around the club transformed – suddenly the music was pounding, lights were swirling and the room filled with an infectious energy that swept everyone along with it.

Despite being British lads in a Spanish club, we were welcomed with open arms. Friendly locals, eager dancers and a mixed crowd meant it didn’t take long before we were completely immersed in the atmosphere. The drinks flowed, the DJ kept the bangers coming and the dance floor stayed packed until the early hours.

At one point I noticed a few glances from the ladies around us and briefly thought we were smashing it – only to realise, looking back, that they were probably just judging Zack’s questionable dance moves. To be fair, they were something else.

By the end of the night we stumbled out with sore feet and big smiles, laughing about the entry fee that had seemed so steep at the door. In the end it was absolutely worth it for the memories – a wild, unexpected and unforgettable night of music, dancing and new friends.