Many visitors to Catalonia only spend a couple of days in Barcelona, but there’s a lot more to see in this region of Spain, including the city of Tarragona. I’ve visited Tarragona several times, as it’s just an hour from where I live, and I can tell you it’s a city that’s worth your time.
The first time I visited, I was actually surprised by how much there is to see. Tarragona is best known for its impressive Roman remains, but it also has a Mediterranean feel, a charming old town and some beautiful beaches. One of the things I like about Tarragona is that you can easily combine sightseeing with some time by the sea.
You can visit Tarragona as a day trip from Barcelona, but you can also spend a night or two here if you want to explore at a slower pace. In this Tarragona travel guide, I’ll share the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay, as well as practical tips to help you plan your visit.
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Planning your trip?
Check the best hotels in Tarragona here (top locations sell out fast in high season).
What is Tarragona like?
Tarragona is a city with an impressive historic centre and some fascinating Roman remains, but it also offers beautiful Costa Dorada beaches and a lively Mediterranean atmosphere.
Compared to Barcelona, Tarragona is smaller and feels much more local, which I really like. It’s a good option if you want to explore a historic city without spending the whole day in a busy urban environment and experience a different side of Catalonia.
Best things to do in Tarragona
Tarragona was once the Roman city of Tarraco, the capital of the Roman province of Hispania Tarraconensis. Today, you can still see many remains of the ancient city, including the amphitheatre, Roman Circus and parts of the old city walls. Here are some of the best things to do in Tarragona:
Tarragona Amphitheatre
The Roman amphitheatre is one of the most iconic sights in Tarragona. Its location right next to the Mediterranean Sea makes it particularly impressive. You can get a great view of it from Via William J. Bryant or Parc del Miracle, but if you want to see the amphitheatre from the inside, you can enter the archaeological site and walk around the ruins. You can buy your ticket at the entrance or buy it online in advance. If you’re visiting several Roman sites in Tarragona, it’s worth checking the combined entrance ticket.
Roman Circus & Praetorium
The Roman Circus was once used for horse and chariot races and was one of the most important places for entertainment in ancient Tarraco. Today, you can still see parts of the original structure, including the stands where spectators once watched the races.
The nearby Praetorium is a Roman tower that connected the lower part of the city with the area around the circus. You can explore some of the underground passageways, which give you a better idea of how the ancient city was built.
Tickets can be bought at the entrance or online in advance, just like for the amphitheatre.
Want to learn more about Tarragona’s Roman history?
A guided tour is a good way to learn more about the ancient city of Tarraco and see some of its most important Roman remains.
Part Alta
The old town centre is also known as Part Alta, which means the higher part of the city. It’s worth a stroll through the narrow streets and explore some of the lovely squares and the old city walls.
As you explore Part Alta, keep an eye out for some of the area’s historic buildings. One of them is Casa Canals, an 18th-century house that you can visit from the inside. It gives you a good idea of how Tarragona’s wealthier families once lived. Another part of this area that I really like is Carrer del Comte, also known as Pilons Street. This narrow street is lined with colourful pilons (small street posts), each painted with a different design. It only takes a few minutes to walk through, but it’s a fun little detour, especially if you’re visiting Tarragona with kids.
Tarragona Cathedral
Its location in the heart of Part Alta makes the Tarragona Cathedral a natural stop while exploring the old town and this is another one of the city’s highlights. The cathedral was built on the site of an earlier Roman temple between the 12th and 14th centuries. The stairway from Plaça de Santiago Rossinyol leading up to the cathedral makes for an impressive sight. You can visit the cathedral from the inside and see the cloister and the peaceful inner courtyard and gardens. There is an entrance fee to visit the cathedral, but even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth stopping at the square to admire the building and its impressive entrance.
Rambla Nova and Balcó del Mediterrani
Rambla Nova is Tarragona’s main boulevard and marks the transition between the old town and the newer part of the city. A wide pedestrian section runs along the middle of the boulevard, making it a pleasant place to walk and take in the atmosphere of Tarragona. As you walk towards the sea, you’ll pass the Castellers Monument, a large sculpture showing a traditional Catalan human tower. The monument is a nice reminder of how important this tradition is in Catalonia. You might even see them performing during a road trip in Catalonia.
At the end of Rambla Nova, you’ll find Balcó del Mediterrani, one of the best viewpoints in Tarragona. From here you can look over the Mediterranean Sea, the port and Platja del Miracle.
Tarragona’s beaches
If you want to take a break from sightseeing, Tarragona has several beaches which are great for relaxing. The easiest to reach from the city centre is Platja del Miracle, located just below Balcó del Mediterrani. This beach is great if you’re only visiting Tarragona for a day and want an easy beach option to combine with sightseeing.
If you have more time and want a proper beach break, it’s worth heading further north along the coast, where you’ll find Platja de l’Arrabassada, Platja de la Savinosa and Platja Llarga. These beaches offer a bit more space, tranquillity and a more natural setting.
El Serrallo
If you have enough time and want to see a completely different side of Tarragona, you can head towards El Serrallo, which is the old fishing district of Tarragona. It’s located next to the port and has several good seafood restaurants.
It’s not a place where you need to spend a lot of time, but if you want to explore the port area, it’s worth walking around the narrow streets of El Serrallo.
Pont del Diable (Aqüeducte de les Ferreres)
If you’re travelling by car, it’s worth making a short detour to see the Aqüeducte de les Ferreres, an ancient Roman aqueduct located about 6 km from the city centre of Tarragona. It’s also known as Pont del Diable, or Devil’s Bridge, a name that comes from a local legend that the Devil built the aqueduct in a single night.
It’s an impressive Roman structure and a good option if you have some extra time to explore beyond the city itself. You can walk around and on top of the photogenic aqueduct. It’s just a short walk from the car park, so it works well as a quick stop before or after visiting Tarragona.
Best Day Trips from Tarragona
Tarragona is a great base for exploring more of the Costa Dorada and the surrounding area. One of the most rewarding day trips is heading towards the Ebro Delta. My favourite way to explore this natural area is by bike. Also, there are some great hiking areas near Tarragona, which you can find in my guide on the best hiking areas in Catalonia. A visit to the beach town of Cambrils is also worth your time.
Where to eat in Tarragona
Tarragona offers some great restaurants. Due to its location near the sea and the Ebro Delta, seafood and rice dishes are particularly popular here. And of course, you’ll also come across a lot of tapas restaurants too.
If you’re into seafood, try the old fishing district El Serrallo. One restaurant I love here is El Pòsit. They serve all sorts of really good fish and seafood dishes.
For a more cosy atmosphere I like heading to Part Alta. Plaça de la Font is great for relaxing on one of the terraces with something to drink or a bite to eat. Mistral Restaurant is located on this square and offers some great pizzas. A bit higher up you’ll find Filosofia restaurant on Plaça d’en Ripoll, which is another good option. And if you like Indian food, we had a really good experience at Namaste Restaurant Indi Tarragona, which is close to the cathedral.
If you want to eat at popular restaurants, it’s always a good idea to book ahead, especially on Sundays, as the Spanish often go out for a long lunch with family or friends.
Where to stay in Tarragona
If you’re staying overnight in Tarragona, I’d recommend choosing a hotel in or close to the old town. This puts you within walking distance of many of the city’s main sights, restaurants and bars.
One hotel I love is H10 Imperial Tarraco, which is very conveniently located, close to the Amphitheatre. The hotel has two swimming pools and lovely rooms, some with amazing sea views.
Good to know
If you are visiting Tarragona by (rental) car, it’s a good idea to book accommodation with parking options, as parking can be a hassle sometimes in a city like Tarragona.
Tarragona Travel Tips
Getting there
Tarragona is quite easy to reach if you are coming by plane. Several budget airlines fly to Reus Airport, which is just a short drive from the city. Alternatively, you can fly to Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The drive to Tarragona is about 1 hour by car, but you can also travel by train or bus. Public transport between Barcelona and Tarragona is frequent, dependable and affordable.
Getting around
The city centre of Tarragona is quite compact so almost everything is within walking distance. But please note that Tarragona is hillier than it looks and especially in the old town centre, you often walk up and down the stairs or narrow streets, which for some can be a bit much.
If you want to visit the Pont del Diable or explore more of the surrounding region including the Ebro Delta and some of the lovely Costa Dorada beach towns, having a car would be more convenient.
Best time to visit Tarragona
The best time to visit Tarragona is in May/June or September/October. During this time there’s plenty of sunshine and hardly any rain. The temperatures range from 22 to 29 degrees Celsius, which makes it ideal for sunbathing at one of Tarragona’s beaches and visiting the city.
During July and August, the city can get quite hot for a midday visit and around sights like the Aqueduct there isn’t much shade, so I recommend getting up early or visiting in the late afternoon. Accommodation sells out quickly during the summer and prices are often quite high as well, so make sure to book ahead if you plan to come during this time of the year.
Tarragona travel guide final thoughts
Tarragona is one of those cities that I think deserves more attention from visitors to Catalonia. I’ve visited several times and still enjoy walking through the old town, seeing the Roman remains and ending the day by the sea.
It’s easy to visit Tarragona as a day trip, but staying overnight gives you more time to explore the city without having to rush. Whether you’re interested in Roman history, beaches, good food or simply want to experience a different side of Catalonia, Tarragona is a great addition to your itinerary. I hope this Tarragona travel guide helps you plan your visit and make the most of your time in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tarragona
Is Tarragona worth visiting?
Yes. Tarragona is a good choice if you want to combine Roman history, an old town and some time by the Mediterranean Sea.
How many days do you need in Tarragona?
For most visitors, one day is enough to see the main sights mentioned in this Tarragona travel guide, including the Roman amphitheatre, Roman Circus, cathedral and Part Alta. If you want to take your time and add some relaxation time on the beach, I’d recommend staying for two days.
Is Tarragona good for families?
Tarragona is a nice city to visit for families as it’s quite compact and it also has some beaches to break up the sightseeing. My kids like exploring the city and especially sights like the Castellers monument, the colourful Pilons street and the amphitheatre.
Can you visit Tarragona as a day trip from Barcelona?
Tarragona can be easily visited from Barcelona. It takes a little over an hour to get there by car or train and the frequency of the trains is quite high.
Does Tarragona have good beaches?
Yes, Tarragona has several good beaches, and they are one of the things that make the city different from many other historic cities. Platja del Miracle is the easiest to reach from the city centre but if you are looking for a more natural setting, I can recommend heading to Platja de l’Arrabassada, Platja de la Savinosa or Platja Llarga.
What is Tarragona famous for?
Tarragona is best known for its impressive Roman ruins. The city still has a lot of remains of the ancient city of Tarraco, like the amphitheatre, the Roman Circus, the Praetorium and the Roman city walls.
What is the best time to visit Tarragona?
The best time to visit Tarragona is in spring or autumn, as the weather is often still very sunny but it’s not too hot to explore.
Is Tarragona walkable?
Tarragona is quite compact and therefore most sights are within walking distance. The only thing is that the city is quite hilly, mainly the old town and this makes it a bit more strenuous.
How far is Tarragona from Barcelona?
Tarragona is about a 100 km south of Barcelona, and it takes you just over an hour to get there by car or train.
