Salou, the tourism capital of Costa Dorada, has an ancient history that dates back to prehistoric times. However, one of the most important historical periods of the town was the medieval period, especially the year 1229, when King Jaume I the Conqueror chose Salou to embark on an adventure to conquer Majorca, in the Balearic Islands.
With the aim of highlighting this historical landmark and the importance of its natural port in those times, every year Salou organises a festival dedicated to King Jaume I, which is held at the end of the summer. Residents and visitors take to the streets to remember the town’s past, with activities, parades and a charming medieval market inside the old town.
If you want to enjoy this magnificent open-air festival from the 5th to the 8th of September, you can get to Salou from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station, with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, both low-cost and sustainable. Remember that you can book your transfer up to 24 hours in advance.
The passage of King Jaume I the Conqueror through Salou
In September 1229, Salou became the starting point for one of the most important expeditions in the medieval history of Spain. King Jaume I, known as Jaume the Conqueror, chose the natural port of Salou as the place to prepare and launch his ambitious campaign to conquer Mallorca. For a time, Salou bustled with activity as the monarch and his men prepared for the voyage.
The young monarch assembled a fleet of 155 ships, made up of warships and transport vessels, with the aim of wresting the island of Mallorca from the Muslims who had occupied it for over 300 years. On the 5th of September 1229, the fleet set sail from Salou for Mallorca.
The natural port of Salou, the most important in Catalonia
The natural port of Salou, located where we now find Capellans beach, was positioned in medieval times as one of the most important natural ports on the Catalan coast.
Protected from the winds and with easy access to the open sea, it was chosen by Jaume I to undertake the conquest of Mallorca. This port provided a safe refuge where the troops could prepare themselves and the ships could be equipped for the crossing.
The conquest of Mallorca was not only a military milestone, but also marked the beginning of Jaume I’s territorial expansion around the Mediterranean Sea, consolidating his reputation as one of the most important monarchs of the Crown of Aragon. The choice of Salou as a starting point underlines the strategic importance of this natural port in the history of Catalonia and the Kingdom of Aragon.
If you want to know, in depth, the medieval history of this town on Costa Dorada, do not miss any event of the King Jaume I Festival. Get to Salou with Shuttle2Sun‘s low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
As a reminder of this milestone, Salou has a life-size sculpture in Cala de Les Ferreries, next to Capellans beach, where you can have your photo taken and meet the monarch up close. In addition, the main avenue of the municipality, Passeig Jaume I, also has a majestic monument in the central section, next to the Plaza de las Comunidades Autónomas.
Very close to the sculpture of King Jaume I, at the beginning of the Coastal Path of Salou, there is a 12-metre-long mural by the renowned artist Pilarín Bayés, which explains, with illustrations, the monarch’s departure for the conquest of Mallorca.
The King James I parade and his entourage
One of the main events in the programme, year after year, is the parade through the old quarter, in which King Jaume I will walk accompanied by his retinue of knights, ecclesiastics, engineers, doctors, nobles and peasants.
This event will take place on Saturday, 7th of September, starting at 8 p.m., leaving from the Plaza del Teatro Auditorio de Salou (TAS), passing along Via Roma, Carrer Barcelona, Espigó del Moll, to Llevant beach, where there will be a final show.
It should be noted that the costumes of the monarch and his entourage are sewn and made by the Grup de Dones de Salou, a local organisation made up of women, which carries out different activities throughout the year.
Medieval Market, in the old quarter
Another of the most eagerly awaited events for residents and visitors alike is the Medieval Market, a commercial proposal that will take us back to the time when King Jaume I was in Salou, before his departure for Mallorca.
It will be inaugurated next Thursday, 5th of September, in the streets of the old quarter, with many stalls selling food products, leather goods, jewellery and other handcrafted objects. In addition, the area will be filled with musical performances, entertainment, circus and acrobatics, which will make for an incredible experience.
Other events of the King Jaume I Festival
From the 5th to the 8th of September, you will have the chance to relive this great historical landmark and learn about the customs of the people who lived in the town in the 13th century, through the range of programmed activities around the King Jaume I Festival. For example, there will be conferences, talks and activities for children.
Finally, from 5 to 8 September, the Club Nàutic Salou will be holding the Rei en Jaume Regatta, a nautical competition for cruisers and classic boats that will cover the 105-mile route that the monarch made from the coast of Salou to the municipality of Calvià.
Don’t miss this magnificent medieval festival! Get to Salou from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services. Remember that you can book your transfer up to 24 hours in advance.
