Tarragona

Introduction

You will find Tarragona situated along the Mediterranean coast within the Costa Daurada region. Located near the mouth of the Francolí, this city serves as the capital and primary town of both the Tarragonès county and the Camp de Tarragona region.

Before you go

Before you arrive, understand that the history of this coastal site is deeply rooted in its Roman past. You can explore a landscape shaped by ancient fortifications on a rocky plateau and remnants of a port at the River Francoli. The Old Town, enclosed by these historic walls, remains the primary area to visit as you explore the layers of Roman and medieval architecture.

While exploring the city, stay alert to your surroundings by being mindful of traffic and keeping your valuables secure.

Getting there

You can reach the city by air via Reus Airport or Barcelona El Prat. From Reus, you can take a bus to the local station or travel to the nearby town of Reus to catch an hourly train. If you fly into Barcelona El Prat, you can choose between a direct bus ride through the city center or a regional train connection.

Train travelers can access Tarragona Station via regional trains from several stops in Barcelona, while high-speed rail connects at Camp de Tarragona Station for those traveling from destinations like Madrid, Valencia, or Marseille. Alternatively, Alsa buses provide regular service from Barcelona. If you prefer to drive, the city is accessible via the AP-7 coastal motorway and the inland AP-27 route.

Getting around

You can easily explore many of the local sights as they are concentrated within or near the compact Old City. When you need to travel further, you can choose from several options for navigating the area.

• EMT operates eight daytime city bus routes and three at night.
• A dozen taxi firms ply in the city.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred location and style. For those seeking convenience near transit hubs, several options are located close to the railway station or the bus station. If you prefer a central stay, you can find clean and comfortable rooms in the heart of the city, or opt for a modern hotel situated at the top of the Rambla.

For a more scenic experience, you can stay in a slick, modern hotel overlooking the amphitheatre or choose a modern property located toward the beach strip. Other options include budget-friendly hotels along the road to Valencia or basic hostels located near central landmarks.

Food & drink

Explore the culinary landscape of Tarragona by wandering through different neighborhoods to find your preferred dining style. In the Old Town, Carrer Major serves as a central spine leading toward the cathedral where you can find various spots for tapas or full meals. If you prefer a more specific atmosphere, head to Plaça de Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer, which is lined with numerous eateries including La Tekla and La Piemontesa. For those seeking local flavors, the Serrallo neighborhood near the fishing harbor offers several seafood-focused establishments.

Depending on your preference for cuisine, you can find a variety of international and regional dishes throughout the city:

• Authentic Moroccan food is available at Restaurant Tànger, while Istanbul serves authentic Turkish dishes.
• For Italian favorites like pizza and pasta, visit El Pulvinar in a building that was once part of the Roman Circus.
• Experience Catalan cuisine with a tasting menu at AQ or enjoy Mediterranean dishes at Arcs Restaurante.
• Savor local flavors such as traditional tapas at Tàrraro Taberna or the old-fashioned atmosphere of Snack Speed Bar.

What to see and do

Explore the ancient history of Roman Tarraco by starting your journey at the Portal de Roser, where you can view a scale model of the city as it appeared in the second century. From there, walk the Passeig Arqueològic along the city walls or visit the Amphitheatre, which overlooks the sea and contains remains of a Visigoth church. You can also explore the Circ romà to see its vaulted passages and the nearby Torre del Pretori. For a glimpse into more recent history, visit the 19th-century Casa Canals, decorated in a plush style, or the Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona to learn about the Roman colony of Tarraco.

Experience the local culture and coastal atmosphere through these sites:

• Visit the Cathedral of Tarragona, featuring Romanesque stonework and various chapels.
• Stroll along Rambla Nova, a tree-lined boulevard leading toward the river, where you can see the Castellers monument dedicated to the tradition of human towers.
• Relax at Balcó del Mediterrani, an elevated plaza offering views of the sea and port.
• Explore the El Serrallo neighborhood near the harbor to find a traditional fishing village atmosphere.
• Walk along the breakwater to reach the Far de la Banya lighthouse.
• View the Ferreres Aqueduct, a massive two-tiered structure that once carried water from the Francolí river.

Three days in Tarragona

Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the Old Town. You can wander through the streets of the Old City and experience the historic atmosphere of the area.

Day two, you can walk along the Rambla or explore the Carrer Major. You can take in the sights within the heart of the city as you navigate the local surroundings.

Day three, you can spend your final day exploring more of the region. You can enjoy the scenery and soak in the atmosphere before preparing for your next destination.