Aside from its string of beaches interrupted by rocky coves, and its landscaped promenade, one of its main attractions is the Port Aventura complex, formerly owned by the Universal Studios chain of theme parks.
Used as a port by Greeks and Romans, it appeared again in an important historic event, when in 1229 the fleet of James I of Aragon departed from the port of Salou to conquer the Balearic islands, thus creating the Kingdom of Majorca and in 1286 Alfons III of Aragon also departed from this port to conquer Minorca, the last muslim territory of the Balearic Islands. Later, Salou became a nest of pirates. After that it was considered an unsafe place, so in 1530 Archbishop of Tarragona decided to erect a new defence tower, now called Torre Vella. In 1865 the railway station began to operate, opening a new development time, that led one hundred years later to a tourist boom that has brought prosperity to the town.
Nearby is the suburb of Vilafortuny with secluded villas surrounded by walls.
Salou is the tourist capital of the Costa Daurada, due to its many tourist facilities and its beautiful beaches; it is a popular holiday destination due to its Mediterranean climate. The town contains theme and water parks such as Port Aventura and Costa Caribe.
Port Aventura is a growing theme park resort on the Costa Daurada. Some of its Main attractions are the Dragon Khan, a massive B&M 'mega-looper and The Hurricane Condor a tall falling tower ride which is 100 meters tall. '. The park also has a grand multi-media show, called the 'Fiesta Aventura', every night in which fireworks, fountains and parade-esque floats feature. The latest addition to the park is Furius Baco which is now the fastest Roller Coaster in Europe.
