Tarragona is a charming Mediterranean port city located 100km south-west of Barcelona on the coast of Catalonia. Originally established as Tarraco by the Romans in the 3rd century BCE, Tarragona served as a key administrative and commercial hub. Today the city’s ancient Roman archaeological complex is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a key destination for history enthusiasts and travellers alike, things to do in Tarragona range from exploring its rich archaeological sites to enjoying its vibrant local culture and stunning coastal landscapes.
Modern Tarragona seamlessly integrates its historical legacy with contemporary urban life, offering visitors a unique experience of living history, culinary excellence and Mediterranean hospitality. Its economic significance stems from both tourism and industry, with a robust port and petrochemical sector complementing its cultural tourism appeal.
Getting to Tarragona
Tarragona’s strategic location makes it easily reachable from various parts of Spain and Europe. The city is well-connected by air, train and road ensuring convenient access for visitors. It is also an excellent choice for a day trip from Barcelona or Salou and the holiday resorts of the Costa Dorada.
By Air: The nearest airport is Reus Airport, located about 15km from Tarragona, which is especially convenient for budget carriers. Barcelona-El Prat Airport, roughly 80km away, is another major option for international flights.
By Train: The high-speed AVE train connects Tarragona to major cities including Barcelona and Madrid. From Barcelona’s Sants station, it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Camp de Tarragona station, which is located about 10km from the city centre. Local trains also operate from Barcelona and other nearby towns, arriving at Tarragona’s central station which is closer to the heart of the city.
By Road: Tarragona is easily accessible by car, with well-maintained highways linking it to Barcelona (about 100km to the north-east) and Valencia (around 250km to the south). Bus services operated by companies like ALSA provide an economical option for travellers.
Best Things to Do in Tarragona
Explore Tarragona’s Roman Heritage
One of Tarragona’s main attractions is its wealth of Roman archaeological sites which offer a glimpse into the city’s ancient past. Some of the main attractions are as follows:
Tarragona Amphitheatre: The Roman Amphitheatre, overlooking the Mediterranean coast, is the city’s most iconic landmark. Built in the 2nd century CE, it once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles under Roman Spain. Today, its well-preserved structure provides visitors with a sense of the grandeur of Roman entertainment.
Roman Circus: Located in the city centre, the Roman Circus was used for chariot races and could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators. Whilst much of the original structure lies hidden beneath modern buildings, several sections remain accessible, including tunnels and stands.
Pont del Diable: The Pont del Diable, or Devil’s Bridge, is a remarkable Roman aqueduct situated just outside Tarragona. Spanning 249 metres, this impressive structure was part of the ancient water supply system and is surrounded by a attractive park which is ideal for walking and picnicking.
National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona: For a more comprehensive understanding of the city’s Roman heritage, a visit to the National Archaeological Museum is essential. The museum houses an extensive collection of mosaics, sculptures and other artefacts uncovered from local sites.
Explore Tarragona’s Old Town
Tarragona’s old town, known as the Part Alta, is a charming maze of narrow streets, historic buildings and lively squares. It offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval history and features several notable landmarks:
Tarragona Cathedral: The Tarragona Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Tecla, is a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Situated at the highest point of the old town, it features a beautiful cloister, intricate carvings and a museum displaying religious artefacts.
Plaça de la Font: This bustling square is lined with restaurants and cafés, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy local cuisine. It also serves as a gateway to the Roman Circus and other historical sites.
Passeig Arqueològic: The Passeig Arqueològic is a scenic walkway along the ancient Roman walls which once protected the city. The route offers panoramic views of Tarragona and is dotted with informative displays about its history.
Mercat Central: For a taste of local produce, the Mercat Central is a must-visit. This bustling market offers fresh seafood, cured meats, cheeses and other regional specialities.
Chill Out at Tarragona’s Beaches
Tarragona’s coastal location makes it a haven for beach lovers. The city boasts several picturesque beaches, each offering its own unique charm:
Platja del Miracle: Located near the city centre, Platja del Miracle is a popular beach with golden sand and clear waters. Its proximity to key attractions makes it a convenient choice for visitors.
Platja de l’Arrabassada: This family-friendly beach is known for its calm waters and excellent facilities, including restaurants and showers. It’s a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Cala Jovera: For those seeking a more secluded experience, Cala Jovera is a small cove near the Tamarit Castle. Its tranquil setting and stunning views make it a hidden gem worth discovering.
Go for Lunch at El Serrallo
El Serrallo is Tarragona’s traditional maritime district which is highly recommended for food lovers. This charming area is known for its old, pastel-hued fishermen’s homes and cosy tapas spots. Restaurants and seafood eateries spill onto a broad walkway, offering freshly caught fish, classic Catalan dishes and Mediterranean-inspired meals. El Serrallo combines authentic maritime charm with a lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit for dining and leisurely strolls by the waterfront.
Take a Local Wine Tour
Tarragona is perfectly situated for wine enthusiasts to explore some of Catalonia’s most prestigious wine regions. The nearby Priorat (DOQ) and Montsant (DO) regions are renowned for their robust red wines, often made from Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan) grapes. Priorat, in particular, is one of only two regions in Spain with the coveted Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOQ) status, indicating its exceptional quality and unique terroir. Montsant, encircling much of Priorat, is celebrated for its less complex yet equally impressive wines, making it a favourite amongst both connoisseurs and casual wine lovers.
Guided tours to these regions often include visits to family-run wineries where you can learn about traditional and modern winemaking techniques whilst enjoying breathtaking views of terraced vineyards and rugged landscapes.
For those interested in sparkling wines, a trip to the Penedès wine region is highly recommended. Centred on the town of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, some 70km north-east of Tarragona, Penedès is the birthplace of Cava. Many tours offer tastings at iconic wineries like Freixenet and Codorníu as well as opportunities to explore the region’s scenic vineyards.
Experience Tarragona’s Festivals
Tarragona’s calendar is filled with lively events which showcase the region’s cultural heritage. Two of the main festivals are the following:
Santa Tecla Festival: Held in September, the Santa Tecla Festival is Tarragona’s most significant annual celebration. It features parades, traditional dances and the remarkable human towers, known as castells, a tradition unique to Catalonia and recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Tarraco Viva: Held in May, this annual festival is dedicated to Roman history, bringing the ancient world to life with re-enactments, workshops and guided tours. It’s an excellent way to delve deeper into Tarragona’s heritage.
Day Trips from Tarragona
Tarragona is a great base from which to explore southern Catalonia. Some of the top day trips are as follows:
PortAventura World: Located just 12km from Tarragona, this world-class entertainment resort features two theme parks, a water park and is home to the popular Ferrari Land. PortAventura is accessible via train or frequent buses, making it ideal for a family excursion.
Reus: Just 15km west of Tarragona, Reus is renowned as the birthplace of Antoni Gaudí. Visitors can explore the interactive Gaudí Centre and take a modernist walking route which includes architectural gems like Casa Navàs. Frequent bus connections make Reus easily accessible.
Barcelona: Located around 100km along the coast to the east, Barcelona is accessible by means of frequent train services. Whilst a day in the Catalan capital is hardly enough, you can focus on seeing some of the city’s most iconic sites such as the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló.
Poblet Monastery: Some 45km inland from Tarragona leads to this UNESCO-listed Cistercian monastery which dates back to 1151. Surrounded by serene landscapes, Poblet is a relaxing day out which can be reached via guided tours which provide an insight into Catalonia’s monastic heritage.