Salou © Provincial Government of Tarragona Tourism Board

Situated on the Costa Dorada's sun drenched coast, 50 miles (80km) west of Barcelona and six miles (10km) west of Tarragona, the popular holiday resort town of Salou is hard to beat for a fun family vacation. It is fairly spread out and merges with the neighbouring resorts of La Pineda to the east and Cambrils to the west, all of which benefit from the string of wonderful clean sandy beaches and secluded rocky coves.

As well as the natural attractions, Salou is also packed with entertainment for all ages, from watersports to an aqua park, go-karting and one of Europe's most thrilling theme parks, attracting thousand of holidaymakers every year, Universal's Port Aventura. Sightseers interested in museums or ancient history will find plenty to occupy them in nearby Tarragona, or on excursions into the Spanish countryside, or on excursions into the countryside. Salou's seafront promenade is set with beautifully landscaped gardens and parks; fountains are lit up at night when holidaymakers stroll to the restaurants, nightclubs, bars and British-style pubs.

There is a good selection of souvenir and fashion stores in Salou, and holidaymakers who want to enjoy more extensive shopping can hop on a train and travel to the renowned shopping Mecca of Barcelona, just 40 minutes away. There is a flea market in the old town centre on Mondays.

Salou's most recommended eateries include Capri y Creta, The Paddock, Portofino or The Waterfront. Eating out is relatively cheap and although many places cater to holidaymakers and British palates, there are also plenty of good Spanish and seafood restaurants.

Holidaymakers looking for a good night out in Salou should try Christy's Irish Bar, 007 Bond, Double Scotch or Charlie Chaplin's. The nightlife is a bit quiet but Barcelona is under an hour away on the train and well worth a visit for an evening.

Even the most hyperactive child can be kept amused for weeks in Salou. Watersports such as banana boats and windsurfing can be arranged at the main beach and Port Aventura can provide entertainment for two days or more, while the go-kart track and the aqua park in Pineda are great fun for holidaymakers and kids of all ages.

The beaches in Salou can get very crowded in July and August, however quieter beaches and empty coves can be found nearby.