Perhaps, many tourists who have visited Spain in the summer know that July is the hottest month of the year. However, it is better to languish in the heat, while enjoying the beautiful views of the Balearic Sea and breathing fresh air on the Costa Dorada, than to remain in a stuffy and dusty city.
The main resort of the Gold Coast is Salou. Local entertainment, the Mediterranean climate, the vitality of the Spaniards and the atmosphere of this amazing town will make you forget about such a disadvantage as a high thermometer. Kidpassage will tell you about all the details of visiting Salou.
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Holidays in Salou in July: pros and cons
Many visitors to Salou complain about the intense heat, but the city is overwhelmed with vacationers in the middle of summer. The resort has clear benefits that offset the discomfort associated with hot weather.
You can find positive reviews about holidays in Salou in July and comments seasoned with negativity on the Internet. We offer to consider the main pros and cons of the resort:
- The sea is warm. The tourist season starts in spring, but it's not until late June/early July that comfortable swimming is possible. The sea gets so warm during this period that even young children can enjoy a long swim.
- Port Aventura. Close to Salou is the most popular amusement park in Spain, Port Aventura. Some people come here just to visit it.
- Mediterranean climate. Although it gets scorching in July, the mild climate, sea breezes, and abundance of greenery help make the summer heat disappear.
- Variety of fruits in the markets. Peaches, apricots, nectarines, apples, pears and grapes abound in the local markets.
The downsides of a trip to Salou in July are just as important:
- Weather conditions. With the thermometer exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, it's easy to get burnt in the sun or suffer heatstroke, so don't forget to take precautions.
- Lots of tourists. July and August are the peak time for tourist arrivals. Crowds are everywhere: cafes, hotels, popular excursion destinations and beaches.
- The cost of a vacation. Summer holidays in Salou are expensive, with prices only increasing each month of the hot season.
The biggest disadvantage of the July holiday is the intense heat. The second summer month is not the best time to come to Salou for parents with babies, the elderly and people with heat intolerance.
Weather in Salou in July
The weather in Salou between July and August is scorching hot. This is when the heat peaks. The Spanish sun is treacherous, so protect your skin with SPF-rated creams, wear hats and don't leave your room without a bottle of water.
The weather at the beginning of July is still more or less gentle; the sun is not yet at its most active phase. Visitors enjoy the warm days and spend some time outdoors.
Temperatures are at their highest in Salou during mid-July. During this time, it is best to stay out in the sun between approximately 11 am and 5 pm. Visiting the beach should be postponed until the morning and afternoon hours.
The Salou weather at the end of July is not suitable for holidays with the little ones. The streets are deserted during the daytime as locals and tourists hide in air-conditioned rooms. Even the evenings don't get any cooler. Tourists with young children should plan their trip for June or September when the weather is more comfortable and gentle.
Air and Water temperature
Salou attracts vacationers primarily with its favourable Mediterranean climate. It is never cold here; even in winter, the temperature rarely drops below +10 °C. What can we say about the hottest season of the year already — the summer in Salou is long, sunny and hot.
Air Temperature in Salou in July
The average daytime temperature in Salou in July is +29.5°C. In the evenings, the resort is not at all cold. At night, the thermometer dips to +21.4°C.
Sea Water Temperature in Salou in July
The resort's beaches are crowded in midsummer. The intense heat makes one long for a refreshing dip in the salty waters of the Balearic Sea. The average water temperature is +25.1°C.
Precipitation
The resort does not expect showers or lousy weather for the second summer month. The average rainfall is 21.5 mm. As for rainy days, there are only about two.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
There's plenty of sunshine on the Costa Dorada in July. 94% of the month is sunny. Cloudy days account for 6%, and tourists will not see overcast skies.
Beach vacation
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Most of Salou's leisure time is spent on the beaches. Entrance to the resort's municipal beaches is free, but you do have to pay for a sun lounger and an umbrella. All but the "wild" beaches have excellent facilities and are ideal for small children, as the sea is gentle and the coast is sandy and clean.
Many of the local beaches have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag. This award for beaches represents the highest level of cleanliness in the water and coastal area.
Levante is the city's main beach. It has a large area, so even in high season, there is plenty of room for everyone. There are changing cabins, showers, toilets, sun loungers and umbrellas, so visitors will find everything they need for a comfortable holiday. There is also a wide range of water fun for children and adults.
Another famous beach is Ponent Beach. The facilities are top-notch, with plenty of cafes and bars around. The facilities are the same as in Levante. The only difference is that it is not as crowded.
Secluded stretches of coastline, fenced off by cliffs and pine plantations, are perfect for privacy seekers. One such spot is Capellan Cove, where the air is unbelievably clean and the water crystal clear.
All beaches are distinguished by excellent infrastructure and cleanliness. Most of them are Blue Flag holders. On the free beaches of the resort, adults can ride catamarans and ATVs, and kids can play on equipped playgrounds.
Tour holidays
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Tourists will find something to diversify their beach holiday, as Salou has other trumps besides its expansive coastline. There's plenty to do and see here. If the local attractions don't impress and you get bored, you can always head to a neighbouring area.
In early July, when it's still not too hot, it's nice to take long walks outdoors. A popular place for a walk is Boulevard Jaime I. Well laid out with flowerbeds and palm trees, it's never deserted. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. The highlight of the boulevard is the light and music fountains, where holidaymakers can enjoy a fantastic show every evening.
At the end of the boulevard are ancient Catalan-style manors, the most famous being the Villa Voramar. The buildings impress with their exquisite architecture and splendour. Other architectural highlights include the Old Fortress, now home to the Museum of Modern Art.
Late July is the perfect time to escape the unbearable heat. This is a great time to visit the legendary Port Aventura theme park located just a few kilometres from the city.
At Port Aventura, there is a water park, unique attractions, a golf club and much more that will impress the children and adults.
Tourists with children should also visit the following places:
- Bosc Aventura Rope Park
- "House of Illusions"
- Water parks in neighbouring resorts of La Pineda and Tarragona
- Playgrounds in shopping centres
Holidays, events and festivals
The Spanish are rightly considered to be the most cheerful nation. Perhaps no one else knows how to have so much fun. During the high tourist season, the festivals in Salou in July offer a variety. The most famous festival, which starts at the end of July and lasts until mid-August, is the Golden Nights Summer Festival.
Cost of vacation
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Among the disadvantages of visiting the resort during this period, we mentioned the high cost. Indeed, prices in Salou in July are an much higher than in other seasons. However, the service level and quality are consistent with the money spent.
Tour Packages
Tour operators raise prices every summer month. In June, the tour cost is 45% lower than in July. In August, prices usually 12% higher compared to the July value.
Flight cost
Passengers who fly to Salou in the middle of summer pay 10% more than in the season's first month. In August, ticket prices also increase slightly. In the last month of summer, air travel costs 2% more than in July.
Accommodation
Salou hotel owners are raising prices in July by 39% of the June price. In August, guests pay 1% more than the month before. Thus, the average cost of accommodation in June is 134 euros, in July — 221 euros, in August — 223 euros.
Food and transfer
Among the pleasant memories of a holiday in Salou, many have an unrivalled taste in Spanish cuisine. In a café, tourists can have a hearty meal for 15 euros. In a restaurant, you will have to pay about 40 Euros. For those who want to save money, a fast food snack (3-5 euros) will do.
Salou is a relatively small resort and can be easily got around the city on foot.
However, the public transport system is excellent, and buses can take passengers even to the neighbouring provinces. Fares vary depending on the distance. There are also taxi services in the resort (a ride will cost about €10 within the city limits), car and bicycle rentals.
- What to Eat in Spain — 48 Spanish Foods You Must Try
- Prices in Salou for Food in Restaurants, Cafes and Supermarkets
Clothing
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As mentioned above, July is the hottest month of the year in Spain, so you don't need any warm clothes in Salou. Even when it gets dark, it doesn't get cold. Here's what to pack for your trip:
- T-shirts;
- shorts;
- light sundresses;
- a pareo or long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin from sunburn;
- swimming costume;
- hats or caps;
- beach shoes;
- sandals or any other walking shoes.
Tips for travelling with kids
The middle of summer is not the best period for relaxing with kids. Even the mild Mediterranean climate does not save from high air temperatures.
If you decide to take the risk and buy a family tour for July, then enjoy the positive aspects of this resort — family-friendly hotels, comfortable beaches and, of course, the opportunity to visit the legendary PortAventura.
From Salou, you are guaranteed to bring back good memories and a great mood. However, don't forget about your friends. The Kidpassage article "Souvenirs from Spain: 31 ideas from the land of flamenco and bullfighting" will help you decide memorable gifts for your family and friends.
