TRAVEL REVIEW: Salou offers the perfect blend of sun, sea and sights

They want somewhere to let their hair down for a week or two and escape the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

Somewhere that offers you the chance to soak up the sun, breathe in the fresh scent of the sea and enjoy a beer (or two).

And most turn to the traditional resorts of the Costa Del Sol, Majorca or Costa Brava.

We decided to opt for the Costa Dorada, specifically Salou, as a bit of a change to the usual routine.

We wanted somewhere where we would have the choice of going out at night but didn’t want it forced upon us like many destinations in Spain do.

We didn’t want the ‘boozy Brits abroad’ type of holiday but we certainly didn’t want to go on a ‘snoozy Brits abroad’ venture either.

Something in between with golden sands and luscious blue seas would suit us just fine.

And Salou ticked all the boxes during our week stay.

Upon arrival it was plain to see that this place offers a different type of Spanish holiday.

Yes, it has a smattering of sun-soaked beaches all set against a backdrop of picturesque seas which naturally you would expect.

However, rather than a centre packed to the rafters with loud, boozed-up revellers, it has a core area of bars and restaurants that strike the right balance we were searching for.

The strip is complemented by plenty of restaurants to cater for all tastebuds - whether that be traditional Spanish or South American food.

The main image that sticks in my mind from the trip though is the stunning main promenade in Salou.

It is lined with hundreds of palm trees as long for as the eye can see.

A smattering of beautiful monuments and fountains are also dotted about Salou making it easy on the eye, more so than ever in the sun-bathed summer months.

And if you fancy a trip out, the hustle and bustle of Barcelona and the thrill-a-minute theme park of PortAventura are both accessible in roughly an hour.

Salou itself is peppered with delightful resorts and the one we stayed at, Cap de Salou, offered a perfect setting for those wanting an even quieter base.

Most people staying in and around the resort were families, so the atmosphere around the place was relaxed and easy-going.

Cap de Salou has a plethora of places to eat and drink in its small but busy strip, which is boxed in by a couple of small, beautiful beaches.

Popular among British families, the resort offers home favourites whilst at the same time offering more local delicacies for those wishing to try something new.

It also offers a haven after a day spent sampling the best that Salou has to offer.

The resort is accessible by a five-minute bus or car journey from the centre of Salou.

However, we preferred the picturesque 20-minute walk which gives you ample opportunities to get your camera or smartphone out and capture some amazing photos.

With stunning scenery and landscapes, combined with the opportunity to sample fine food and a moderately busy nightlife, Salou was the perfect Spanish getaway.

* Packages including hotel stay and transfers start from £289pp.

For more information, visit http://www.visitsalou.eu.