10 Free Things to Do in Salou

Salou's centuries-old olive trees offer shade to Salou's Plaza de la Segregació and the Paseo del 30 d'Octubre. These ancient trees originally grew in Aragon's Maestrazgo region, but were brought here in 1989 and replanted to commemorate the date on which Salou was declared an independent town. Take a closer look at these monumental trees and feel the energy that their centuries of history transmit. Following their path is a pleasant walk whether on your own, with your partner, in the company of friends or with the whole family. You don't get to see something so exceptional every day, do you?

Salou offers popular sports events that are becoming ever more popular, with increasing numbers of people taking part. If you are passionate about sports, you can take part in competitions such as Challenge Salou, which combines swimming, cycling and running. The town also holds a half-marathon every year with a gentle, flat course alongside the sea. If you prefer watching sports to taking part, don't miss the Rally RACC Costa Daurada, a motor event that has been held each year since 2005. As you can see, there are plenty of sports options for you to enjoy in Salou!

The 'Camí de Ronda' is a route that runs along the coast, connecting Llevant Beach to the Salou lighthouse. The walk is well worth it, as you will discover another side to Salou, its historical buildings and areas of natural beauty. This is an easy route, ideal for all the family, children included. This free activity is a real pleasure, above all in the section that runs through pine woods. Don't forget to take plenty of photos for a wonderful reminder of your holiday in this great town.

Walk along Salou's mooring wharf, built to moor fishermen's boats in the 19th century, to see a sculpture by the artist Ramon Ferran i Pagès titled Monumento al Pescador ('Monument to the Fisherman'). The walk along the jetty is very pleasant, allowing you to see how it divides the Ponent and Llevant beaches. Given the large numbers that flock to both, you could say that it separates the hustle and bustle from the calm. There are numerous free activities in Salou that will give you unforgettable memories of your holiday. Pack your bags and set off for this marvellous Mediterranean destination. You will be greeted with open arms.

Salou's town park, right in the centre of town, is unusually beautiful, with a calm atmosphere that is in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the streets around it, especially in high season. In the park there are various green areas, a small waterfall and fish ponds. Pine trees dominate the park with their unmistakeable fragrance. In the summer, a large number of painters seek inspiration under the welcome shade they offer. Salou's town park is a real gem amid the area's hustle and bustle.

Salou's Torre Vella (Old Tower) was built in the 16th century, when the archbishop of Tarragona commissioned its building on a lookout point from which the city could be guarded and warned if pirates were spotted. The Torre Vella is now an arts centre that is mainly dedicated to the exhibition of pictorial works. It also has an important collection of contemporary enamel work by artists from all over the world. It is worth visiting this historic building not only for its fine architecture, but also for the art exhibitions on show here. What's more, we shouldn't overlook the fact that entrance is free of charge. Add visiting this important building to your list of things to do in Salou for very little money and ensure that your holiday stays low cost.

The church of Santa María del Mar, which stands very close to Ponent Beach, was built in the 18th century as a place for local fishermen to worship. Over the years it has been looted and vandalised but has undergone a number of refurbishments before looking as it does today. Worthy of special mention are the frescos on the inside walls, painted by the artist Josep Maria Güell in the 1950s. Don't miss a visit to this church as you walk by the sea. We promise you won't regret it.

Punta del Cavall is the farthest  point of the Cabo de Salou promontory, of special interest from both a natural beauty and environmental point of view. From here you get a magnificent view of the coast, making it perfect for spectacular photos, especially at sunset. Punta del Cavall is along Cala de Font, off which boats would drop anchor in days gone by and which pirates used for their incursions. As you can see, it is both a magical and historical spot. Don't miss it!

Take time to admire the modernista houses along Paseo de Jaume I, Salou's lively seafront promenade, to enjoy their intricate facades along this thoroughfare. Among the most important are the Chalet Voramar and Casa Bonet, the work of the famous modernista architect Domènech Sugranyes i Gras, a student of Antoni Gaudí. As you can see, it's easy to combine leisure and culture in Salou. It's all the better when it doesn't cost a cent!

Salou's winter festival, known as Fiesta Mayor de Invierno and held from late January to early February, is a great way to save money on your holiday when you book during the low season. If that's your plan, you will be glad to know that from 23 January to 3 February, Salou celebrates its Fiesta Mayor de Invierno winter festival. Over this period, Salou is host to a number of cultural, historical and leisure events, as well as a large number of free activities. Visit Salou at this time and you can experience firsthand the great Fiesta del Coso Blanco, a monumental procession with all manner of floats amid a spectacle of sound, light and confetti. The town also organises events with gegants (costumed stilt wearers), concerts and sporting events. It's a winter celebration that you won't want to miss if you visit the town at this time of year.