Els Pilons
Golden sands and clear waters meet a scenic coastal path, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Els Pilons
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Golden sands and clear waters meet a scenic coastal path, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
"Beautiful beach with gentle waves, ideal for families, and a stunning coastal path for exploration."
🚗 Parking Patience
Street parking is expensive and hard to find in peak season. Consider alternatives or arrive very early.
💧 Free Showers Available
Outdoor showers and foot showers are available to rinse off sand. Beach bar bathrooms are also free.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Els Pilons Beach
Salou, Costa Dorada
A beautiful stretch of golden sand with clear, shallow waters, perfect for families and sun-seekers.
Camí de Ronda Coastal Path
From Els Pilons to Cap Salou Lighthouse
Scenic walking trail offering breathtaking sea views and access to hidden coves.
Beach Bars and Restaurants
Along the promenade
Enjoy refreshing drinks and local cuisine with stunning ocean backdrops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Els Pilons
Parking and Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience
Street parking is expensive and hard to find in peak season. Consider alternatives or arrive very early.
💧 Free Showers Available
Outdoor showers and foot showers are available to rinse off sand. Beach bar bathrooms are also free.
☀️ Sunbed Costs
Sunbed rentals can be pricey. Bring your own towels and chairs for a more budget-friendly beach day.
🚶♀️ Scenic Coastal Walk
Explore the Camí de Ronda for stunning views. It's a beautiful, relatively easy walk. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience
Street parking is expensive and hard to find in peak season. Consider alternatives or arrive very early.
💧 Free Showers Available
Outdoor showers and foot showers are available to rinse off sand. Beach bar bathrooms are also free.
☀️ Sunbed Costs
Sunbed rentals can be pricey. Bring your own towels and chairs for a more budget-friendly beach day.
🚶♀️ Scenic Coastal Walk
Explore the Camí de Ronda for stunning views. It's a beautiful, relatively easy walk.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Waves
The waves are generally docile, making it a safe and enjoyable beach for families with children.
🌅 Sunset Views
The sunsets here are spectacular. Enjoy them from the beach or a nearby beach bar.
🏖️ Hidden Coves
Venture along the Camí de Ronda to discover smaller, less crowded coves.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Els Pilons is a beautiful beach praised for its family-friendly shallow waters and scenic coastal path. Visitors enjoy the beach bars and sunset views. However, it can become extremely overcrowded and dirty in high season, with expensive sunbed rentals and challenging parking.
"Lovely beach. Gets busy when it's super hot. Nice facilities, deck chairs, sunbeds, etc for hire.
There was only 1 public toilet. They could add a few more to make it easy.
Nice outdoor shower and foot showers to help take the sand off.
Lovely restaurants and shops nearby.
Friendly people, very good for families and generally decent people visit this place."
MR Khan
"Extremely overcrowded in weekends (at least in high season). Dirty/unclear water due to the shallowness and to the fine sand on the bottom and the crowd moving it. Sunbed rentals are overpriced for what the beach has to offer (30 euros for 2 sunbeds and one umbrella).
Some areas have showers which are free to use. Bathrooms at the beach bars are also free.
If you come by car, expect to look for a parking spot for hours. Street parking costs from 1.40 euros to 1.65 euros per hours (from 9 to 14 and from 17 to 21).
During weekdays the area becomes much less crowded and parking spots are also easier to find."
Cristian K
"Absolutely perfect! Spotlessly clean and there are small area for younger children play zones. There are on the beach bar area for coffee and beers - these guys organise the sun loungers or you can put down your own sun chairs or towels plenty of space for everyone"
Knight_king_
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Els Pilons is easily accessible by car, bus, or on foot from Salou's main areas. If driving, be prepared for parking challenges, especially during peak season. Local buses frequently stop near the beach. +1
Street parking is available but can be very difficult and expensive, especially on weekends and in high season. Arriving early or considering public transport is recommended.
Yes, the Camí de Ronda coastal path connects Els Pilons to other areas of Salou, offering a scenic walk. It's approximately 10 km from Els Pilons to the Cap Salou lighthouse.
For a day trip, consider arriving by public transport or walking along the promenade to enjoy the coastal scenery. This avoids parking hassles and allows for a more relaxed experience.
Yes, local buses serving Salou typically have stops within walking distance of Els Pilons beach, making it convenient to reach without a car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Els Pilons beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can access it freely.
As a public beach, Els Pilons is accessible at all hours. However, facilities like beach bars and sunbed rentals will have their own operating times.
No booking is required to access the beach itself. If you plan to rent sunbeds or visit specific beach clubs, it might be advisable to check their availability, especially during peak season.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions for Els Pilons beach. Standard beach rules regarding safety and environmental respect apply.
Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire at Els Pilons, though they can be quite expensive, particularly during high season.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Facilities include outdoor showers, foot showers, and public toilets. Beach bars offer food, drinks, and often have restrooms available for patrons.
Yes, the water is generally clear and shallow, making it suitable for swimming, especially for families. However, some reviews mention water clarity issues due to sand and crowds in peak season.
Els Pilons features fine golden sand, which can sometimes be stirred up by the water and crowds, affecting clarity.
Yes, there are designated play zones for younger children on the beach, and the shallow waters are great for kids to play in.
The Camí de Ronda is a beautiful coastal path that runs from Els Pilons towards the Cap Salou lighthouse, offering stunning views and access to coves.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and beach bars located along the promenade near Els Pilons, offering a variety of food and drink options.
Beach bars typically serve snacks, light meals, coffee, and alcoholic beverages like cocktails and beers. +1
While beach bars can be a bit pricier, exploring slightly further inland from the immediate beachfront might reveal more budget-friendly eateries.
Yes, you are generally allowed to bring your own food and drinks to the beach, which is a great way to save money.
Popular choices often include refreshing cocktails like strawberry daiquiris, local beers, and sangria.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for photography. Evenings are particularly popular for sunset shots.
The Camí de Ronda path, the rocky formations of Els Pilons itself, and the coastline leading to the Cap Salou lighthouse are all very picturesque.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone operation in coastal and public areas before flying.
You can capture panoramic sea views, hidden coves, the coastline, and the lighthouse from the Camí de Ronda.
Els Pilons itself, with its distinctive rock formations, and the Cap Salou lighthouse are key landmarks for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make your visit smoother, consider coming on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and find easier parking. The beach bars offer convenient snacks and drinks, and the free outdoor showers are a lifesaver for rinsing off sandy kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
Utilize the free outdoor showers to clean up after your beach time. For transportation, consider walking or using public buses if available, as street parking can add up quickly.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
+2Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water. This trail offers a more active way to experience the coastline and provides excellent photo opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Camí de Ronda
+2Many visitors recommend this walk for its scenic beauty and the opportunity to discover hidden gems. The path is approximately 10 km long and can take around 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views or take photos. It's an ideal activity for those looking to escape the busier beach areas and experience the natural landscape of the Costa Dorada.
Along the Camí de Ronda, you'll encounter diverse flora and fauna, as well as stunning rock formations. It's a perfect spot for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and wear sun protection, as parts of the path can be exposed.
Family Fun at Els Pilons
Beyond the natural features, the beach is equipped with amenities that cater to families. There are small play zones specifically designed for younger children, offering them a dedicated space for fun. Additionally, the presence of beach bars means easy access to refreshments and snacks, which is always a plus when traveling with kids.
While the beach can get crowded during peak season, visiting on a weekday morning can offer a more relaxed experience for families. The availability of outdoor showers and foot showers is also a convenient feature for rinsing off sand before heading back to your accommodation.
The Vibe of Salou's Beaches
As the day progresses, the atmosphere shifts towards a more relaxed and romantic feel, especially during sunset. Many visitors enjoy evening strolls along the promenade or unwinding at a beach bar with a drink, watching the sky change colors. This makes Salou's coastline appealing for both daytime fun and evening relaxation.
While some reviews mention overcrowding and cleanliness issues during peak times, the overall sentiment points to Salou's beaches being a desirable destination for a holiday. The combination of beautiful scenery, accessible amenities, and a lively yet relaxing vibe contributes to its popularity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit