1. Surge in Tourist Accommodation

Catalonia now boasts roughly 776,176 tourist beds—about one bed per ten residents—with Salou accounting for 42,222 beds across 7,290 establishments, or 5% of the region’s total.

This high density, where tourist capacity even exceeds local population in parts of Tarragona, has reshaped Salou’s daily life.

University experts note how seasonal population spikes spike energy and water usage, alter mobility patterns, and strain housing demand . Officials suggest reinvesting tourist taxes into infrastructure and planning to manage this “floating population” and its impacts.

2. New Coastal Tram Underway

Catalonia’s president, Salvador Illa, announced the tendering and anticipated early works of the Camp de Tarragona tram connecting Cambrils, Salou, and Vila‑seca.

Route: 14 km with 14 stations along the old coastal rail line.

Timeline: Construction slated to begin summer 2025, with service expected by Q1 2028.

Cost: Approximately €245 million (including rolling stock).

The tram is a long-awaited mobility solution, endorsed by local mayors aiming to bridge the historical transport divide in Salou  This is expected to benefit the ~325,000 residents in the greater area.

3. Police Crackdown on Illegal Street Vending

In mid‑June, law enforcement agencies conducted a major operation in Salou targeting “top manta” sellers (street vendors with counterfeit goods):

Operation Highlights:

~300 officers involved across Tarragona, including raids in Salou, Reus, and Les Borges del Camp.

19 arrests: 18 for criminal organisation and IP violations, one for public disturbance.

Items seized: large quantities of counterfeit products, multiple stalls and trolleys.

Clashes: Vendors erected barricades and threw stones, injuring three officers and damaging vehicles

Community Divide: While some locals acknowledged the economic motives of vendors, others condoned enforcement. The city council ruled no negotiations would be held on this “manifestly illegal” activity .

4. Cultural & Sporting Events

Cadena Dial Summer Concert Series: On June 27, Salou hosted a free beachfront concert featuring María Parrado, Cepeda, and others. The event formed part of a national tour running until July 6, bringing music to the coast with support from major sponsors

Challenge Salou Triathlon: The annual event marked its 10th anniversary in May, welcoming over 1,000 athletes from 53 countries. Highlights included the Family Run, traffic advisories for race day, eco-friendly finisher shirts, and enhanced athlete hospitality—like discounted PortAventura vouchers .

5. Real Estate & Local Living Profile

F‑Residences Launch: A new luxury development of 26 two- and three-bedroom apartments located ~200 m from the sea in Salou’s Costa Dorada is now on sale, with prices starting at €395,000 

Cost of Living Review: Reports highlight Salou as an affordable seaside town with an average property price of €2,355/m²—below Barcelona’s €4,895/m². Dining out is budget-friendly (~€50 for two, €3 beer), and utility costs are around €150/month. Salou also draws expatriates who enjoy its mild winters, coastal lifestyle, and accessible urban amenities

6. Infrastructure Upgrades

Salou‑Port Aventura Train Station: A renovated train station opened on June 19, 2025, at a cost of €15.7 million (funded by EU Next Generation funds). It links Joan Fuster Avenue directly with PortAventura park and accommodates regional line R17 and commuter services

This works in harmony with future tram plans, reinforcing Salou’s integration into regional rail infrastructure.

7. Tourism Outlook

Salou was ranked the cheapest all-inclusive family holiday destination in Spain—with packages starting at £604–672 per person for a week with flights. Its broad appeal and proximity to PortAventura World, with its new “Uncharted” rollercoaster, reinforce its magnetism .

Summary

Salou remains a dynamic Catalan gem. Tourism continues to boom, reflected in its vast bed supply and budget-friendly holiday packages. As local leaders invest in infrastructure—via tram projects and rail upgrades—they are balancing seasonal pressures with long‑term community benefits.

Public order efforts, including recent anti-vending operations, reflect challenges tied to its popularity. Meanwhile, cultural vitality (concerts, triathlons), real estate growth, and a welcoming lifestyle for residents and expats shape Salou as much more than just a summer destination.