Tarragona, Spain
– A beautiful city to visit on Costa Dorada
Lying on the coast atop a high hill, Tarragona is a charming city with a historical centre.
There are remains of a Roman wall which formerly surrounded the town.
With its historic center, lively restaurants, beaches and interesting districts to explore, Tarragona is certainly a city worth spending a few days.
Nearby there are walking tracks, more beaches and other natural attractions.
What to see and do in Tarragona
Historic Center
In 2000, UNESCO declared it a “World Heritage City”.
As you stroll around the old town, you’ll wander along the delightful Ramblas and discover the charming Placas (squares).
In the heart of the historic center, you’ll find the Cathedral of Tarragona.
This amazing structure has a mix of styles from Gothic to Romantic.
Today it houses the most important collection of tapestries in Europe.
The Roman Amphitheater dates back to B.C. and standing there you can sense the gladiators and executions of a by-gone era.
The theater had the capacity to seat around 13,000 spectators, and it’s now an open air monument.
El Serallo
El Serallo by the port is the original fishing village from which the modern city of Tarragona grew.
It has retained its charm from yesteryear and is a lovely place to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere.
Servings of fresh local fish are the order of the day at the local restaurants.
Mediterranean Balcony
At the southern end of the tree-lined La Rambla Nova (New Avenue), you’ll come out at the Balcó del Mediterráni (Mediterranean Balcony).
From this point high above the beach, you have one of the best views looking out over the Mediterranean Sea.
It’s a place the locals go to “tocar ferro” – touch iron – of the beautiful railings of the balcony built in the late 1800s.
From here you can follow one of the lovely promenades down to the beach.
Restaurants
Placa de la Font is a filled with lively restaurants.
Many of which are housed in historic buildings.
Cappuccino Restaurant is an experience not to be missed.
Offering great service and a breathtaking atmosphere, the prices are extremely reasonable.
The menu features authentic Catalan home-cooking as well as Italian dishes.
And make sure you indulge in a locally produced Tarragona wine.
Beaches
The Costa Dorada is well-known for its fine white sandy beaches, clear water and gentle surf.
The beach in Tarragona is called Platja del Miracle and is a lovely stretch of beach 500 meters long.
Further afield are many more delightful beaches.
Things to do around Tarragona
Just outside of Tarragona are the ruins of the former 25-kilometer long Ferreres Aqueduct, or Devil’s Bridge as it is colloquially known.
This UNESCO World Heritage monument, is located in the Eco Historic Park of Tarragona.
The nearby town of Reus was the birth place of Gaudi and now houses the Gaudi Center which is dedicated to the memory of Spain’s most famous architect and his world-famous works.
PortAventura World is a major theme park located near the seaside town Salou.
Where to stay – Hotel-tips
A step back in time
Hotel Placa De La Font is situated right in the historic centre, in front of all restaurants at Placa de la Font, and is only a few minutes walk to the beach.
Sea view
Lounge by the pool or stroll to the beach, when you stay at Hotel Astari in Tarragona.
More options
Hotels inTarragona and Costa Dorada.
How to get to Tarragona
Tarragona is situated on the Costa Dorada, approximately 100 kms of Barcelona.
Barcelona is the closest international airport, but Reus Airport, servicing charter flights and low-cost airlines, is just 7 kms from Tarragona.
The journey from Barcelona to Tarragona takes just over an hour by car.
It can also easily be reached by train or bus.
The train journey is just under an hour, while the bus takes over an hour and a half.
You can also arrive by sea as Tarragona has a large port that is big enough to accommodate cruise ships.
Tarragona on Google maps
More things to see and do in and around Tarragona
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