What is it you look for in a holiday? Sandy beaches? Temperate climate? Europe’s biggest theme park and

waterpark on the doorstep? Lively bars, great food? Or maybe it’s relaxation you’re after?

Well, whatever it is you’ll fi nd that Salou has it by the bucketful (and spades), writes AUDREY KANE.

After a 10-minute drive from Reus airport to our hotel, Brian and I were ready to fi nd out why Salou is Europe’s number one holiday destination.

Set on Spain’s Costa Dorada on the Mediterranean Sea, Salou has a stunning seaside location and we were very lucky to have our hotel overlooking this magnifi cent place.

The four-star Blaumar Hotel is a family hotel at the heart of the seafront promenade in the residential area of Salou. It is the only hotel on the promenade overlooking the beach.

There are four different types of room which have been completely refurnished, categorised according to their views.

Our frontal sea view suite was by far the most fantastic place I have ever stayed abroad.

Apart from the view (which was stunning) the room has a lounge/dining room, a kitchenette, a separate bedroom, a roomy bathroom and a spacious furnished terrace.

The hotel also offers family apartments .

The buffet has lots of mouth-watering choices from healthy cereals to cured ham and cheese (Brian’s favourite) and my favourite pain au chocolat.

They have a gym and spa, as well as entertainment for adults and children with a huge swimming pool out back.

With so many things to do inside the hotel and the stunning

view from our balcony we had to force ourselves outside to discover Salou.

You have a choice of two main beaches here. On the west side of the port, the kilometre-long Playa Ponent is a spacious sandy stretch dotted with cafés.

On the east side is the slightly longer Playa Llevant, which

offers a children’s playground, and

watersports such as sailing, jet ski and kayaking.

Besides the beaches and stunning scenery, Salou’s fab location

makes it easy to discover its cultural neighbours

Tarragona, only 10 minutes drive, and Cambrils, a 15 minute

drive. Or if you fancy some fun you can pop to PortAventura just 15

minutes away (see panel).On our fi rst day we decided

to just soak up Salou and take a walk around the Cami de Ronda (costal path). Here you get to discover beaches and

tucked-away coves while taking in the breath-taking

landscapes. The path is over 2.4 kilometres long

and runs parallel to the sea, so you enjoy an uninterrupted walk along the coast as you make your way to Cap Salou, where you can catch the beautiful light of the late afternoon.

While walking you work up a hunger so on the way back we opted for lunch with sea views and tried out some traditional Catalan seafood and fi sh.

The culinary offerings in Salou are

24

What is it you look for in a holiday? Our frontal sea view suite was by far the view from our balcony we had to force

WE SHORE HAD A GREAT TIME — Playa Llevant beach in Salou

● GETTING THERE:Ryanair (ryanair.com) fl y

from Dublin and Cork direct to Reus — Salou is only 10 minutes from Reus Airport. Or fl y with Aer

Lingus (aerlingus.com) to Barcelona (a one-hour drive).

● Audrey Kane was a guest of the Spanish Tourist

Board.

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best deals and ideas you need for getting awayPack up and go... edited by Moira Hannon, email chictravel@thestar.ie

Spain, I Salou you...

WALK THIS WAY — The lovely Cami De Ronda coastal path and (inset right) Audrey and Brian soak up the late afternoon sunshine

I could get used to the sunny weather, sandy beaches, blue skies, fun, culture and amazing food that

make this a top destination

25

Life is a rollercoasterin PortAventura

■ I’ve never been much of theme park kind of girl — the waltzers make me sick, the bumpers hurt my knees and the chairoplanes make me dizzy. But this was about to dramatically change when we took a trip to PortAventura.

An easy 15 minutes from Salou I was absolutely gobsmacked and a little terrifi ed when we arrived — this is a theme park on a Disney-style scale.■ It has six different thematic areas: the Mediterranean, the Far West, Mexico, China, Polynesia and Sesame Street Adventure, with a stunning 30 plus rides, 15 daily shows, 75 restaurants and 27 gift and handicraft shops.

The Costa Caribe Aquatic Park and four hotels are also attached to the park. Portaventura is huge.■ The park boasts the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in Europe. At 76 metres high, reaching speeds of 134kph, I passed on ‘Shambhala’ — much to Brian’s disappointment.

I did however face my fear of rollercoasters (or anything that leaves the ground) and got talked into Stampida, a wooden ride that resembles the system used by families in the Far West to acquire land. It takes 1 min 45 seconds (I checked).■ In Polynesia, the Tutuki Splash, a saturating volcanic river splash ride, was my favourite of the day.

The price is €45 for a one-day adult ticket and €39 for a junior (4-10 years; under 4s go free). Discounts available if you stay more than one day. The prices are pretty reasonable as you don’t pay again once you’re inside; your tickets get you in everywhere and even include some of the shows!

See www.portaventura.com

edited by Moira Hannon, email chictravel@thestar.ie Four page Salou special continues on 26&27

extensive and very reasonable. For most of our three-course lunches and dinners with a bottle of wine we paid no more than €50 for two people — which is amazing value for such good, fresh food.

Night-time in Salou is just as spectacular as daytime as we were to fi nd out.

As we took a stroll down the Passeig Jaume I promenade, we caught the fantastic water, light and sound show at the Cybernetic Fountains and Luminous Fountain. A magical way to end an evening.

One thing I noticed about Salou was how disabiity friendly it was, they have ramps and mobility scooters dotted everywhere around the place. Ideal for older tourists.

There really is so much to do in Salou it’s hard to fi t it all in, but if you fancy some extra activities we didn’t have time to try Bosc Aventura (Adventure Forest), which has zip-lines and paintball, as well as different fun routes in

the trees, surrounded by nature. Or play a round of golf at one of

the three courses at Lumine Golf. There are also two go-kart facilities in Salou.

If you fancy a day off from walking you can hop on the tourist train.

This is an excellent way to get to know the places that are outside the tourist area while sitting back and relaxing on the train.

Or if you don’t want to do anything at all — well, I can highly recommend hiring a sun longer and just hanging on the beach reading a book!

We had such a lovely time here we have already booked a trip back in July — see you soon Salou.Accommodation: We stayed at

the four-star Blaumar Hotel. See www.blaumarhotel.com Transfers: All our transfers were

provided by Carrera autocares: www.carrera.nu.

www.visitsalou.eu

THRILLS — Audrey at the wooden Stampida ride and (below) the Costa Caribe Aquatic Park

FAMILY FUN — (from top) the playground at Playa Llevant; the pool at Blaumar Hotel andsea view from our stunning suite

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26

CHICtravelEat, drink and take in the neighourhood cultural areas of Tarragona and Cambrils

■ Just ten minutes from Salou you’ll fi nd yourself in the stunning surrounds of Tarragona.

This historical city’s origins date back to the Roman settlement of Tarraco, founded by the centurions of the Roman empire over 2,000 years ago.

The city of Tarragona conserves several major monuments from its medieval past.

Its abundant Roman ruins are supplemented by a rich artistic heritage.

Some of the more notable sites include the Roman circus, the city walls, the amphitheatre and Cathedral and Diocesan Museum.

You can dine under the vaults of the Roman circus (which we did) and lose yourself in the historic quarter, which we also did.

But the highlight of our trip to Tarragona was not inside the famous cathedral (built on the highest point of the city) — but on the roof of it.

Thanks to our tour guide Mr Nando we were treated to a rare experience and managed to fi nd ourselves on the top of the belfry just in time for the bells ringing, and got to see the most

amazing sight I have ever had the privilege to enjoy, looking down on the ancient city itself.

There is so much to do in Tarragona you really would need two or three days here, but we managed to fi t in so much thanks to our guide (which I would highly recommend, see the website below); here are some of our trip favourites.

■ Roman Amphitheatre Building — This building held fi ghts between gladiators (2nd century), over which the Visigoth basilica (6th century) and a Romanesque church (12th century) were built.

■ Praetorium and Roman Circus — Roman tower at the Provincial Forum square (1st century) transformed into a royal palace (14th century). Roman Circus Building used to hold horse and chariot races (1st century).

■ Tarragona Cathedral — (12th-14th century), built in the highest point of the capital, in the same site where there was once a temple dedicated to the imperial cult, if you go to just one place go here.

■ Model of Roman Tarraco — Miniature reconstruction of the city of Tarraco in the 2nd century.

www.tarragonaturisme.cat

YOUR NEXT PORT OF CALL

bells ringing, and got to see the most

Raising the roof!

TOP OF THE WORLD — Audrey and Brian on top of the cathedral with views of Tarragona and (below) the cathedral’s front

STEP IT UP — View coming up from the Roman circus

There’s something for everybody in the beautiful fi shing

town of Cambrils. The port area could

arguably be called its town centre, although some locals may argue that the old town is the true heart of Cambrils (pictured right). The port area sits at the centre of Cambrils’ two stretches of beach.

The marina offers a row of seafront restaurants with outdoor seating areas, from where you can take in the amazing sea view.

Cambrils was awarded the certifi cation of Family Tourism Destination in 2007. It is the perfect place to bring the whole family — the kids will love its close proximity to PortAventura and its endless beaches, the teenagers will love the nightlife in Salou, and the adults can enjoy the culture of the old town and the quality restaurants.

Cambrils’ location is another of its pulls. Sitting in the heart of the Costa Dorada it provides the perfect base for exploring the area.

The fi shing boats come into port between 4pm and 5pm (except in May and June) and you can watch the arrival of the fi sh being brought to the market as you stroll

along Cambrils’ wharf and enjoy the picturesque setting.

Cambrils also has the well-deserved reputation as the Culinary Capital of the Costa Dorada.

It offers the perfect blend of tradition and

modernity. Cambrils has

over 200 restaurants, two of which are Michelin stars (see facing page for Rincon de Diego

review). They are

incredibly proud of their award-

winning local olive oil “Mestral’ and rightly so, it’s delicious.

PLACES OF INTEREST:● Old town —Cambrils’

old town is made up of two areas called La Parellada and La Pallissa. To gain the true old town experience, it is worth heading up to the gate that allows you to pass through the original walls.

● The Moll de Ponent — a pier that you can walk down to watch the fi shermen at work and take in some beautiful views of the town from out at sea.

● The Port Tower — a 17th century watchtower used to defend the settlements against pirate attacks. In front of the port.

See www.cambrils-turisme.com; also worth checking out is www.cambrilspark.es

outdoor seating areas,

modernity. Cambrils has

over 200 restaurants, two of which are Michelin stars (see facing page for Rincon de Diego

review). They are

incredibly proud of their award-

winning local olive oil

that the old town is the true heart of

stretches of

marina offers a row of seafront restaurants with outdoor seating areas,

blend of tradition and modernity.

marina offers a row of seafront restaurants with outdoor seating areas,

modernity. Cambrils has

over 200 restaurants, two of which are Michelin stars (see facing page for Rincon de Diego

review). They are

incredibly proud of their award-

winning local olive oil

market as you stroll cambrilspark.es

CAMBRILS — The fishing town has a lovely port

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Spain may be famous for its tapas and wine — but as we found out it has so much more to offer, from mustard ice-

cream to liquid gold olive oil.Here are some gastronomic highlights from

Salou, Cambrils and Tarragona...

● Tarambana, 34 Barcelona Street, Salou. Authentic Spanish cuisine and tapas; www.tarambana.cat

The food here was exceptional, minus the less than crispy patatas bravas (since our arrival in Spain Brian has become something of an afi cionado).

We had a three-course dinner which included for starters tuna and succulent prawns, followed by fresh seabass from the region; a trio of burger sliders; and a delicious and light creme brulee also known as crema catalana, a traditional Spanish dessert to share.

Prices as with most of the restaurants in Salou will see you pay around €50 for two people with a bottle of wine. Highly recommended if you are looking for somewhere authentic with a relaxed atmosphere right in the heart of Salou.

● Arcs Restaurant, 13 Tarragona old town. Authentic Spanish cuisine; www.restaurantarcs.com

The food here is brilliantly presented by a master chef and we left stunned and stuffed.

All food is served with local wines and sauces and it’s a gastronomic feast you’ll never forget.

There are Gothic arches dating from 1503 throughout the restaurant — it’s amazing to sit and feast in such surrounds.

The very charming manager Carlos Llobet chose the ‘Tasting menu” for us — it consists of four dishes and one dessert starting at €38. We started with a simple yet mind-blowing tomato bruschetta served in a glass with bread on the side and local olive oil or ‘liquid gold’ as they call it.

Then we had tuna with mustard ice-cream — yes you heard me right, it was amazing. With a glass of local red and white wine we were in heaven.

We also had aubergine and anchovies tarte and hake with Romesco sauce (a nut and red pepper sauce local to Tarragona), while dessert was lemon sorbet with chartreuse (liquor) jelly.

● Villa Alexander, Passeig de Jaume I, Salou. Mediterranean cuisine, modern and fresh; www.restaurantevilla-alexander.com

At the Villa — directly across from the beach — you fi nd variations on classic Spanish dishes. The waiters all speak Spanish (I know, shocking) so they tried their English, and we tried our Spanish, and between us we managed to order lunch.

A fi xed lunch of three courses and a bottle of wine was €50 for two — amazing value. We had lunch in the outdoor garden, because let’s be honest why would you want to sit inside when you have the Med

at your dining table and you can also avail of the fountain show

later on in the evening? For starters we

had the Gazpacho, a soup made of raw vegetables and served cold usually with a tomato base. This may be the

best starter I have ever had! Then I had chicken and

mushroom with baby potatoes, while Brian tucked into his surprise squid (our lack of Spanish) and patatas bravas. We were both pleased.

It was the homemade tiramisu and strawberries with pepper that tipped us over the edge. Honestly, the food here is divine.

● The Iron Horse, The Far West, PortAventura. Authentic American cuisine; www.portaventura.com

You don’t expect to fi nd food like this in the middle of the theme park but they cater for every taste in PortAventura.

The restaurant itself looks great and the Wild West theme runs throughout this busy lunchtime place. The menu consists of everything from caesar salads to burger and fries, brownies and ice-cream.

While my chicken caesar salad was devoured Brian’s burger was just a little too red for him to fi nish (more to do with preferred taste).

The prices are pretty reasonable, and they have a gluten free and a children’s menu available.

● Rincon de Diego, Michelin star since 2005. Carrer Drassanes, 19, Cambrils. Traditional Spanish cuisine; www.rincondediego.com

You simply cannot miss out on this Spanish sensation. It’s been awarded a Michelin star for good reason, as we found out when we arrived for our six-course tasting menu for just €62 per person. The decor is elegant and simple with an automatic sliding toilet door making even the visit to the bathroom interesting.

Each course is beautifully served and presented. The waiting staff treat you like royalty from the moment you walk through the door. For two hours we ate the best food we have ever eaten.

We started with small tapas appetisers with amazing Cambrils olive oil followed by white garlic prawns, coconut ice cream and olive oil caviar. Then it was hot pot of prawns; diced beef tenderloin with sweet onion and nuts; and monkfi sh and prawns

served in a coconut shell. We also had cheesecake with

pineapple jam and vanilla cake, and to end petits fours. If you go to one restaurant in Camrils,

go here you won’t be disappointed.

27

Spain may be famous for its tapas and ● The Iron Horse, The Far West,

Anyone for mustard ice-cream? The foodie delights in Salou and surrounds

ARCS — Tuna with mustard ice cream

The food here is brilliantly presented by a master chef

throughout the restaurant — it’s amazing to sit and feast in

at your dining table and you can also avail of the fountain show

later on in the evening?

had the Gazpacho,

base. This may be the best starter I have ever

had! Then I had chicken and

mushroom with baby potatoes,

There are also plenty of places to eat on

the promenade in Salou and one we visited more than once was called Bamboo — fantastic

views of the ocean and a fun place to dine for under

€40 for two.

BEAUTIFUL — Villa Alexander by the sea

FEAST — Michelin-starred Rincon de Diego and (above) their garlic prawns

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