Spain's fabulous Costa Dorada is washed by the waters of the Balearic Sea and in sunshine all year round. In translation, the Costa Dorada means 'golden coast'. And indeed, the fine yellow sand resembles a scattering of gold. The region is a perfect beach holiday destination; in June, the bathing season gets full swing.
You can start in Costa Dorada with Salou, the main resort town. The resort is certified as a "Recommended Destination for Family Tourism", which is one reason why holidaymakers with children love it. The rest of the pros, cons and peculiarities of visiting Salou in early summer can be found in this article.
Photo: shutterstock.com
Holidays in Salou in June: pros and cons
Salou is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. The resort has earned this title because it has a lot of significant advantages: clean coast, hotels that are perfectly adapted for family holidays, "Blue Flags" on the beaches and so on.
Each season has its characteristics, so reviews of holidays in Salou in June are not only positive but there are also some negative nuances. However, it is worth noting that the majority of guests of the city still go home satisfied with the holiday. What are the main advantages of visiting the resort in the first month of summer?
- Beach season. Salou's beaches are not deserted in May, but the swimming season starts when the sea warms up to the most comfortable temperature.
- The opportunity to visit the Port Aventura theme park. The best amusement park in Spain is a great place to visit during summer. Many people come here to visit it.
- The weather is perfect for sightseeing tours & trips.
- St. Juan's Bonfires Festival. In the first month of summer, guests to Salou can participate in folk festivities. Read more about the festivities below.
- Weather conditions. It gets pretty hot in Spain during summer, but the sun is not as oppressive at the beginning of the heat wave.
- The variety of local fruits on the supermarket shelves. After a long school year, kids need to be rejuvenated. Treat the little ones to fruit and vegetables, which are more than plentiful in Spain in June.
The disadvantages of Salou in June are not so evident and significant as to spoil the rest, but still, they should be taken into account:
- Cool sea at the beginning of the month. If you want to come to Salou just for a full-fledged beach holiday, it is better to book a tour for the end of the month, when the water is warmed up.
- Cool evenings. The temperature gap between day and night is quite large. Take warm clothes with you so as not to get cold during night walks.
- An influx of vacationers. In summer, school holidays and holidays begin, so tourists are actively arriving on the Costa Dorada. You need to take care of booking a hotel room in advance.
Weather in Salou in June
The weather in Salou in June and July is perfect for all kinds of holidays. The sun is moderately hot, and the sea is warm. It gets hot outdoors in mid-summer, but the local climate and sea breezes make it easy to cope with the high temperatures.
The weather in early June is typically summery. However, the sea is not yet warm enough despite the warm, sunny weather. Although sunbathing is possible on the local beaches, prolonged swimming should be avoided.
The temperatures in Salou in mid-June are consistently high (+25°C and above), but, as mentioned before, the heat is easily bearable because of the mild climate and sea breeze. In addition, the evenings are invigoratingly fresh.
The Salou weather at the end of June brings sunshine and beautiful days. The beaches of the Costa Dorada are flooded with holidaymakers longing for a refreshing dip in the cooler waves. However, popular excursion destinations are also busy, as the heat is not yet at its peak, and visitors still have the opportunity to take long walks outdoors.
Air and Water temperature
The Mediterranean climate influences the entire Costa Dorada, which is considered the most favourable for recreation and living. Although the air temperature can exceed +30 ° C in summer, there is still no extreme, suffocating heat. And in winter, Salou does not suffer from severe frosts. It is comfortable to visit the resort at any time of the year.
Air temperature in Salou in June
Salou's average daytime and night-time temperature in June is +26.2°C and +19°C, respectively. Spanish evenings can hardly be described as cold but rather as refreshing. Packaging a windbreaker is best, so you won't be uncomfortable walking around in the evenings.
Sea water temperature
The Balearic Sea is ideally warm by the end of June, but Salou's beaches have been active since May. In early summer, the average water temperature is +21.9°C. Visitors with small children should arrive in Salou towards the end of the month or at the beginning of July.
Amount of precipitation
The Costa Dorada is not characterised by overcast and rainy weather, but even in summer, light rain is possible. The average rainfall is 32.2 mm, and about three rainy days are expected.
Sunny, cloudy, overcast days
The good news is that holidaymakers in June won't catch a cloudy day. Cloudy days account for 10% of the month. Sunny weather rejoices residents and visitors 90% of the month.
The weather in Salou in June is sunny and warm. The Spanish sun is treacherous, so pack sunscreen and hats in your luggage. It is better for people focused exclusively on a beach holiday to come here in the last decade of the month.
Beach holidays
Photo: shutterstock.com
The fact that the Balearic Sea at the beginning of the month is not ideal for swimming does not stop visitors to Salou from crowding the beaches at the beginning of the hot season. Tourists come here to swim and sunbathe, relax on the sun loungers, breathe the sea air and enjoy the beautiful views.
Every beach in Salou is perfect for a family holiday, and the facilities are of a high standard. Many of the bathing areas have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag. The town's beaches are free, with only an umbrella and sun lounger charge.
Playa de Punta Larga
In the heart of the town, there is a cosy beach surrounded by pine trees (just imagine how clean the air is!). At 600m long and 35m wide, Playa Punta Larga has more than enough room to relax. There are sun loungers, umbrellas, changing cabins and showers, so visitors are as comfortable as possible. The beach also offers a wide range of water activities.
Levante
Levante is one of the Blue Flag beaches. The ecology and cleanliness of the water are of the highest standard. The infrastructure is well-developed (as with the other beaches in the resort), with a wide range of activities for children and adults and a playground for the little ones. Levante is one of Salou's longest beaches, but it's still hard to seclude on the beach in the summer.
Chaplain Bay
To the east of the "Levante" is a picturesque place — a secluded Chaplain Bay surrounded by rocks. The beach area is small, only 200 m long, but well-maintained. Children can ride slides and swings; adults can go windsurfing and other water sports.
Tour Holidays in Salou
Photo: portaventuraworld.com
The resort has many attractions to see and do, which greatly complement a beach holiday. PortAventura is undoubtedly the best place for family fun. This centre of entertainment is something you can talk about endlessly. Seeing once is better than hearing twice. Add PortAventura to your list of must-see destinations and have fun while we share information about other less popular attractions.
Masia Catalana Manor
The architectural design of the complex illustrates rural life and the life of the Catalans. The grounds of the Masia Catalana Manor and the adjacent park cover an area of 5,200 m2. Numerous genre displays of peasant life, an artisan market, souvenir shops and children's playgrounds exist. In early June, when it's still not too hot outside, the farmstead is a pleasant place to spend a whole day.
Boulevard of King Jaime I
At the end of June, you can take a break from the heat of the day during an evening walk along the boulevard of King James I. Palm trees and flower beds are planted on both sides of it. In the middle is a monument to the king with an equestrian statue that has been decorating the boulevard since 1965. In the evening, in the summer, musical fountains are turned on, and the multi-coloured jets gracefully shimmer to the melodic sounds.
The Torre Vella
Despite frequent raids, Torre Vella, or the fortress of Charles V, has survived to this day almost in its original form. The fortress hosts a permanent exhibition of 20th-century paintings and the Contemporary Enamel Museum. A picturesque garden is laid around the building, where sculptures by modern masters are located. Torre Velha is open to the public daily, even on holidays and weekends; admission is free.
And these places are worth visiting for tourists with children:
- House of Illusions
- Rope park "Bosc Aventura"
- Water park in the neighboring province of La Pineda
Tourists can appreciate other attractions of Costa Dorada. So, children will be delighted to visit the water parks in La Pineda and Tarragona. In an hour and a half, you can drive to the legendary Barcelona with its amazing museums, parks and numerous attractions.
Holidays, events, festivals
The merry Spaniards organise folk festivals almost every month, and there are plenty of occasions to do so in the calendar. The festivities in Salou in June are an unforgettable spectacle that will provide many happy memories.
The month's highlight is San Juan's Night (or "St. Juan's Bonfire") which falls between the 23rd and 24th of June. San Juan is a magical night full of superstition and a time when pagan and religious traditions mingle. The Spaniards build large bonfires because it is said that fire takes away all bad things and protects against evil spirits. Jumping over the bonfire is believed to bring good luck for the whole of the following year.
The religious community celebrates Corpus Christi, one of the most important feasts of the Catholic Church, on June 20. A solemn procession passes through the streets, with Catholics carrying a floral platform on which a monstrance is placed. Children follow the procession; scattering rose petals.
Cost of vacation in June
Photo: pixabay.com
Since the high tourist season begins in summer, prices in Salou rise slightly in June. However, the resort can organize a vacation of any level so that you can save money.
Package Tours
With each subsequent summer month, the cost of tours is steadily increasing. So, in July, tour operators raise prices by 45%. In August, the cost increases by another 12% compared to July.
Flight Cost
The same trend we can see with air travel. Thus, June is the cheapest month to fly. In June, passengers pay 10% less than in July.
Accommodation
With the coming of hot summer, local hotels raise accommodation prices. In June, the room rate is 101% higher than in May. In the middle of summer, guests pay 39% more than in June. The average cost of living in May is €66, in June — €134, in July — €221.
Food and Transport
Photo: pixabay.com
Spanish cuisine is astonishingly diverse in terms of ingredients and flavours. Traditional dishes are worth indulging in. A lunch at a mid-range café costs around €15-€20, and a meal at a restaurant costs €40-€50 (wine is included). In Salou, you can also grab inexpensive fast food (about €10 per serving).
The resort is small, but the transport system works smoothly; there are buses running around the city, which take passengers not only to locations within the city but also to the nearest settlements. For example, a ticket to Barcelona costs around €15, and to Tarragona €6.
Tourists in Salou can use a taxi. The fare within the city limits is at most €10 and about €20 to the nearest resorts. Active people often rent bicycles and electric bicycles.
- What to Eat in Spain — 48 Spanish Foods You Must Try
- Prices in Salou for Food in Restaurants, Cafes and Supermarkets
What to wear on holidays in June
As June evenings are still chilly, more than summer clothes are needed for the resort. In addition to shirts and T-shirts, shorts and sundresses, pack a lightweight windbreaker and jeans. Also, ensure you have closed, practical shoes for evening walks and excursions.
Put beachwear and shoes on your packing list. Don't forget headgear, sunglasses and high SPF cream — these things you'll use daily.
Tips for travelling with kids
Salou is the perfect place to bring the kids for a summer getaway. However, booking a tour for the middle or end of the month is better when the Balearic Sea warms up well. In general, the resort is excellent for tourists with children.
In June, favourable weather conditions are for beach and sightseeing holidays, the legendary amusement park PortAventura is open, and delicious fruits ripen. Local hotels marked DTF are ideal for families.
At the beginning of summer, you want adventures and vivid impressions; tourists will get all this during their holidays in Salou. However, no matter where in the country you go, you are guaranteed a first-class vacation. We recommend reading the KidPassage article “Spain in June: 33 pleasures”, where you will find additional information about the nuances of a summer holiday in the homeland of bullfighting and flamenco.
