Salou

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Used as a port by Greeks and Romans, it appeared again in an important historic event, when in 1229 the fleet of James I of Aragon departed from the port of Salou to conquer the Balearic islands, thus creating the Kingdom of Majorca and in 1286 Alfons III of Aragon also departed from this port to conquer Minorca, the last muslim territory of the Balearic Islands. Later, Salou became a nest of pirates. After that it was considered an unsafe place, so in 1530 Archbishop of Tarragona decided to erect a new defence tower, now called "Torre Vella". In 1865 the railway station began to operate, opening a new development time, that led one hundred years later to a tourist boom that has brought prosperity to the town.

Nearby is the suburb of Vilafortuny with secluded villas surrounded by walls.

Salou is the tourist capital of the Costa Daurada, due to its many tourist facilities and its beautiful beaches; it is a popular holiday destination due to its Mediterranean climate. The town contains theme and water parks such as Port Aventura and Costa Caribe.

Port Aventura is a growing theme park resort on the Costa Daurada. Some of its Main attractions are the Dragon Khan, a massive B&M 'mega-looper and The Hurricane Condor a tall falling tower ride which is 100 meters tall. '. The park also has a grand multi-media show, called the 'Fiesta Aventura', every night in which fireworks, fountains and parade-esque floats feature. The latest addition to the park is Furius Baco which is now the fastest Roller Coaster in Europe.

The Salou Promenade (Passeig Jaume I) is one of the most beautiful landmarks of Salou, and it runs right along the coast adjacent to the Llevant Beach, the biggest beach in the town, although other beaches include Platja de Ponent, Platja dels Capellans, Platja Llarga and Cala Crancs. Salou beaches have 34 European Blue Flags.

Salou's closest airport is Reus (which it is connected to by a regular bus service) followed by Barcelona (1 hour by car or train).

ources

*" [http://www.yorku.ca/inpar/jaume_forster.pdf The Book of Deeds] " of James I of Aragon (available in PDF format)
*Ramón Muntaner, [http://www.yorku.ca/inpar/muntaner_goodenough.pdf Chronicle,] tr. Lady Goodenough (available in PDF format).

External links

* [http://www.salou.org/angles/index.php Salou City Council web page]
* [http://www.umwebsite.com PortAventura Fans]
* [http://www.spain-travel-guide.net/Salou.htm Salou Travel Guide in english]
* [http://www.spaniz.com/galeria/thumbnails.php?album=2 Salou in Images, Spring 2007]
* [http://www.spanje.nl Spain - Info]
* [http://www.salouscene.com Magazine for english speaking tourists]
* [http://www.justsalou.co.uk/ JustSalou, Salou and the PortAventura Theme Park Guide]
* [http://www.salou-tourist-guide.com/ Salou Tourist Guide]
* [http://www.salou.co.uk Salou Tourist Guide and Message Board]