I definitely prefer Salou without a doubt been to Salou twice and going back for my third time this year . We went to Benidorm last year it was hetic to say the least full of ppl trying to get you in their bars who don't take no for an answer also trying to sell drugs :really. I found the people really unfriendly in Benidorm both the Spanish and the Brits. Felt so unsafe there would never ever go back, just for the record I love Blackpool and am 23yrds old and feel even I'm too old for Benidorm lol

Salou must have a superb promanade if it can beat benidorms.
Benidorm promanade aong the levante is beautiful, pedestianised, lovely paving ooverlooking a wide white sandy beach and backed by cafes and bars. Superb sand sculptures to admire every 100 metres. Cant beat it.

Benidorm has its tacky areas but the old town is beautiful, a mix of traditional tapas bars and more local bars - pop down to the new town and theres 100,s of bars and clubs, something for everyone, stayed in a front line 2 bed apartment for 11 nights for less than £500 for 5 of us, no problem seeing the sea then! I actually like staying further back as well the views of all the hotels and apartments at night has a strange appeal to me.

Might try salou just for a change but its a lot to live up too.

Here is a picture of Salou promenade. It looks better in real life as it has fountains which can't be seen in this picture:-

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2051/2529979893_ec0d9fd6e3.jpg?v=0

You won't get as much live entertainment in the bars of Salou as you do in Benidorm but that was one of the things I didn't like about Benidorm!

Both resorts have their good and bad points (and the good and bad points are both different). I prefer Salou but that does not mean its better, thats only my opinion.

Have a good time wherever you go!!

would Salou still suit singles? And while the nightlife and live entertainment might be less, is there still plenty of it?

Anything changed in 3 years, just wondering what to go for a few nights in may?

Or shall I just go back to the old town in albufeira again?

Thanks got any help

Hello all, I´m joe65 and I would like to give you some information on this topic.
I have been living in Benidorm for 17 years and I am moving to Salou/Cambrils.

Benidorm is fine, but honestly, ain´t no match for Salou/Cambrils area.

1. Beaches are better and bigger in Salou/Cambrils, and there are more beaches as well.
2. The boardwalks maintenance and beauty can´t be compared, Salou/Cambrils have hundreds of Palm trees, it is a huge and wide boardwalk and got over 14 Km of boardwalk bicycling paths, flowers, parks, kids areas, and fountains.
3. Salou/Cambrils have 2 Harbor Marinas with boat/fishing/party tours and Benidorm has none.
4. Cambrils has some of the best fresh fish restaurants on the coast, and in general, restaurants and food is better in Salou/Cambrils.
5. Hotels in general are better in Salou/Cambrils area.
6. Theme Parks and Water Parks are better in Salou.
7. Salou/Cambrils have Bus and Train station, and Airport (Reus) terminals with easy access.
8. Regarding sightseeing tours, Salou/Cambrils is way better, you are 1 hour from Barcelona, 10 minutes from Tarragona, 40 minutes from Cava Country (Sant Sadurni D´Anoia), some of the best of Spain´s vineyards, Ebro Delta National Park & Reserve, La Roca Village Outlets, Sitges, Roman and medieval cities and sites ...and much more.
9. Fishing, river or sea, Salou/Cambrils area, is best from far.
10. I don´t go to nightclubs since long ago, but I guess both offer same kind of nightlife, been the tribute acts and cheap shows a win for Benidorm. But again, if you really like great shows, then jump on the train or car or bus and go take a look at some amazing shows in Barcelona.
11. The skyline is better in Salou/Cambrils, you don´t have tall buildings in there, it´s all flat, with plenty of bicycle paths, and in general well maintained city sidewalks. Salou/Cambrils are a lot nicer than Benidorm.
12. Salou/Cambrils have plenty of parking access.
13. You also have much more Sporting activities and Golf Courses in Salou/Cambrils area.

I probably forget a few more things, but you should have now a good idea about this topic.
Also to let you know that I do work in tourism, that I have been living in the US for over 23 years, Marrakesh for about 2 years, and I have been around for a while and in many places.
I´m moving from Benidorm to Salou/Cambrils because it is just better, it is better to live, to visit and everything else. The weather is very similar, just in winter you may have a few more degrees in Benidorm, and maybe if you are lucky a little less rain as well.
If the weather is your main concern, then I recommend you the Canary Islands.

Regards
Joe65

Thanks joe, very helpful.