Salou has long been an area of Spains Costa Dorada popular with Spanish tourists, anxious to escape the stifling summer heat of Madrid and the traffic chaos and congestion of Barcelona. But it only developed as a major international tourist destination since 1995. Salou, La Pineda and Cambrils, all of which are clustered together (unsurprisingly) on the section of coastline nearest to the Universal Studios theme park at Vila-seca. The nearest international airport is just 15 minutes drive inland at Reus which handles regular charter flights from London. International tourists also use schedule services to Barcelona, an hour's drive northeast along the coast.