From the pure great thing about its countryside to the tempestuous political material of its previous and current, Catalonia is at all times a captivating go to. Past the plain enchantment of its capital, the area is house to many different cities the place a extra tranquil atmosphere makes for the right escape for some winter solar. Salou is a primary instance. Located alongside the north jap Costa Daurada, and a mere hour’s drive from Barcelona airport, Salou is an enthralling city with as a lot to supply the tradition loving historian as the subtle sun-worshipper. Listed here are some must-visit highlights for a break to recollect. Uncover Historic Catalonia Though now a preferred vacation vacation spot with loads of trendy structure, Salou nonetheless bears marks of its historical past. The Torre Vella, for instance, dates again to 1530, and is a must-visit for anybody whose curiosity within the city’s tradition runs deeper than a need to pattern the native sangria. Constructed by Archbishop Pere Cardona, it was initially designed to guard the city from the looting and assaults of mediterranean pirates. These days, you will see it housing an enamel museum which showcases works by artists from all around the world. One other historic attraction with a more moderen turbulent previous is the church of Santa Maria del Mar. Accomplished in 1776, it’s the oldest chapel within the metropolis, though a lot of what you see within the inside dates again to its more moderen restoration, after its altars and decorations have been destroyed in 1936. It is just open to guests in the summertime, though mass is held all year long in each English and Spanish. Take a Stroll: On the Seafront, or Additional Afield It is probably not a vacation till you are strolling down a large, palm tree-lined promenade with the solar in your again. Avenida Jaume I is Salou’s reply to this sense: the pavement is at all times teeming with locals and vacationers on their technique to the very best retailers, bars and eating places of the resort. Pause on the finish to admire the monument to James I the Conqueror, the 13th-century Catalan King famed for reclaiming Barcelona from the French. There may be greater than sufficient to maintain you occupied in Salou itself, however if you happen to do determine to enterprise out for a day journey, Tarragona is an apparent alternative – simply ten minutes away by prepare. Constructed on the stays of the oldest Roman settlement on the Iberian peninsula, it’s now house to a wealth of historic ruins, just like the spectacular amphitheatre by the seafront. Get There The great thing about a vacation right here is the convenience with which you’ll attain the resort, with a large number of airways flying in to Barcelona Airport. Salou, while somewhat sophisticated to achieve on public transport, is a breeze to get to if you happen to go for a non-public switch service. From Barcelona airport, Salou is a relaxed hour’s drive, after the native driver picks you up and drops you off the place you want to be. It is one of the simplest ways to make certain the vacation will get off to a soothing begin.
