Salou wraps around a wide bay with a long, golden beach backed by a palm-lined promenade. It is the Costa Dorada's most popular resort town, with a full roster of activities, restaurants, shops and entertainment. The Passeig de Jaume I, the main seafront promenade, is a hub of holiday energy — families, street performers, ice-cream vendors and restaurant terraces create a classic Mediterranean beach-town atmosphere. The Cala Font area, with its smaller coves and elevated walkways, offers a quieter alternative.
Cambrils, a few kilometres further south, has a completely different character. It is widely regarded as the gastronomic capital of the Costa Dorada, with its fishing harbour providing the foundation for restaurants that range from casual seafood joints to Michelin-recognised dining rooms. The Passeig Marítim in Cambrils is one of the most attractive waterfront walks in the region — a landscaped promenade with palm trees, sculptures and views across the harbour to the mountains.
The two towns complement each other perfectly for a day trip. A morning on Salou's main beach, followed by a drive or taxi to Cambrils for a seafood lunch on the harbour, is one of the classic Costa Dorada experiences. Both towns have good shopping, from mainstream chains in Salou to independent boutiques in Cambrils.
For families with children, Salou has mini-golf, go-karting and boat trips, while Cambrils has a maritime museum and a calmer beach atmosphere. Both connect via a coastal cycle path, making it possible to rent bikes and ride between the two.
From Camping La Noria, the drive south on the AP-7 takes about 20-25 minutes. There are also Rodalies train connections via Tarragona.
