Tarragona
Tarragona is one of the oldest cities in Spain and the former capital of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior. More than 2,000 years ago, the city — then called Tarraco — was one of the most important centres of the Roman Empire on the Iberian Peninsula. Today the historic centre and the main Roman monuments are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Unlike the busy resorts of Salou and La Pineda, Tarragona is a calm city where you can combine time by the sea with strolls through old streets, ancient monuments, cosy restaurants and beautiful viewpoints.
A day along the Ebro: Miravet, Tortosa and the delta
Our weekend road trip: a town on a cliff, a drive along the river, Tortosa's fortress, a Greek lunch in Amposta and flamingos in the Ebro Delta.
Miravet
A small, picturesque town on the Ebro: houses on a cliff, a Templar castle, a river ferry and a bakery with wood-fired bread.
Tortosa
A drive along the Ebro, a huge fortress with a parador, and a town that left me with a heavy feeling.
Roman Amphitheatre
Tarragona's best-known symbol: a 2nd-century amphitheatre right by the sea, where gladiators once fought.
Roman Circus
One of the best-preserved Roman circuses in the world, with underground galleries you can walk through.
Old Town (Part Alta)
Tarragona's historic centre of cobbled lanes, small squares and cafés, made for slow wandering.
El Miracle Beach
Tarragona's most urban beach, just a short walk from the centre and the Roman amphitheatre.
L'Arrabassada Beach
One of Tarragona's best city beaches, with clean water, a wide sandy shore and a Blue Flag.
Platja Llarga
Tarragona's longest beach — about 3 km of sand with pine trees along the shore and a calm atmosphere.
Breakfast
How the locals have breakfast: bocadillo, tortilla, fresh pastries and Catalan coca.
Where to try the best jamón and bocadillo
Ibericus, one of the best places in central Tarragona for Jamón Ibérico and a proper bocadillo.
What to try: tapas
The essential Spanish tapas, from pa amb tomàquet and jamón to patatas bravas, squid and Padrón peppers.
Reus
Antoni Gaudí's home town, with an interactive museum, Modernista houses and a vermouth museum.
Salou
The best-known resort on the Costa Daurada, with sandy beaches, a palm-lined promenade and PortAventura World.
La Pineda
A quiet resort with a wide sandy beach, a water park and a spa — a great choice for families with children.
Hotels in Tarragona
Where to stay in Tarragona: three hotels I recommend — by the amphitheatre, in the modern centre and near the beach.
A walking route around Tarragona
A walk from the Central Market past the Roman monuments and the Balcony of the Mediterranean down to the sea, the marina and the El Serrallo fishing quarter.
Things to do in Tarragona
What to do in Tarragona and which festivals are worth catching: Santa Tecla, Carnival and Tarraco Viva.
🌐 Translated from Russian; the translation hasn't been proofread yet.