Why Tarragona is the Catalan city you should visit next
It's difficult to avoid the impact of overtourism in Spain*, especially in Catalonia* around Barcelona*. With protests across the country, people are looking for smaller, alternative destinations to take the weight off the major tourist hotspots.
One such place is the ancient city of Tarragona*. Located just over an hour south of Barcelona on the Costa Dorada*, this city has all the beautiful beaches, foodie culture and history that you'd expect from its urban sibling, but without the crowds, protests and high prices.
Getting there: find great value escapes to Tarragona with TUI*, which departs from airports across the UK.
The incredible Roman history
As the first Roman settlement in the Iberian Peninsula, Tarragona is filled to the brim with Roman influences and historical sites. As such, here you'll find the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Archaeological Complex of Tarraco (as it was formerly known), a collective of ruins and sites that represent the importance of this once major Roman city.
These include sections of the Roman walls, the amphitheatre, which offers expansive views across the Mediterranean, and the circus area with its extensive tunnel complex, among others. Walk in the steps of the Romans, admire this ancient architecture, and see how the modern city melds around what was a remarkably well-planned Roman centre.
If you're looking to escape the beautiful Spanish sunshine (and heat) with some much-needed air-con and culture, head to the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona.
This outstanding museum is filled with statues, mosaics and other archaeological finds from and around the Tarragona region. It's a must-visit for any ancient history nerds, this author included, and the €7 entry fee is undoubtedly worth it.
The wonderful waterfront
One of the best things to do in Tarragona is simply to wander around the waterfront areas of the city. The port is home to some seriously stunning superyachts, as well as a wealth of beach bars and restaurants. You can even spot dolphins frolicking in the port at certain times of the year.
Around the coastline from the harbour, you'll find the first of Tarragona's beautiful beaches. Platja del Miracle is the closest beach to the Old Town area, and it's popular with locals and visitors alike. The promenade runs the full length of the beach, making it accessible, and the soft sand stretches out to the Mediterranean with beautiful views.
If you continue along the coast, you'll reach Platja Llarga. This is a truly gorgeous Costa Dorada beach, and it's a lot more relaxed as it's further from the main sights.
You can hire one of the main e-scooters along the promenade to get there quicker, or you can drive and make use of the car park at the top of the beach.
For fabulous food & wine
Can you come to Catalonia and not indulge in some seriously great food and wine? Finding local spots is usually the first thing on my travel itinerary, and Tarragona had me spoiled for choice.
The traditional fisherman's pot stew, known locally as Romesco (yes, the sauce originates from here), is a must-try, and every restaurant has a slightly different recipe. The plethora of local daily catches means that it's never the same experience twice, but it's always delicious.
For any wine lovers, you'll be in your element here. As with most of the city, this tradition was highlighted by the Romans and became a major wine trading centre throughout the Empire.
Later, this trade was co-opted by the French. As a result, Tarragona is home to the most extensive wine region in Catalonia and is home to the famous and historic Priorat region.
The area also welcomes the Ebro Valley, Terra Alta and Penedès, so there are plenty of opportunities for wine tasting and tours.
To explore on foot
The mark of a great city break is a place you can easily walk around and explore. Many cities around Europe are simply too large to do this in earnest, and you end up hopping on and off subway systems to make the most of your time.
Tarragona is different. It's a highly walkable Spanish city, which means you can explore Rambla Nova, the main pedestrianised street, head to the historic Mercado with its bustling plaza, or journey through the alleyways and cobblestone streets of the Old Town on the hill.
As a smaller city, you can truly get a feel for the location and start to appreciate it like a local. Everything feels a little more relaxed and laid back here. You can sit and while away the hours in Plaça de la Font without people trying to move you along or feeling overly crowded.
Getting to Tarragona
Conveniently located around eight miles (13 km) from Barcelona Reus Airport, the Tarragona region is a hub for budget flights from the UK and wider Europe. That means getting to Tarragona is an affordable option even at peak times of the year.
There are direct buses from Reus Airport to Tarragona with Monbus Catalunya. This journey takes just 20 minutes, but this direct route only runs around five times a day.
Alternatively, you can get a bus to Reus city centre and switch onto another bus from there. Spending a few hours in Reus allows you to absorb the true home of Gaudí, filled with outstanding architecture.
If you want to venture to Barcelona for the day, there are direct trains from Tarragona to Barcelona every 30 minutes, and the journey takes between 36 minutes and an hour and 14 minutes, depending on the service.
Climate in Tarragona
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daytime temperature °C |  14 |
 15 |
16 |
 18 |
21 |
 25 |
 28 |
28 |
 26 |
 22 |
17 |
15 |
| Hours of sunshine (daily) | ||||||||||||
| Days with some rainfall |  12 |
11 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
 8 |
 5 |
7 |
8 |
10 |
10 |
12 |
| Sea temperature °C |  13 |
13 |
13 |
 14 |
 17 |
 21 |
 24 |
 26 |
24 |
21 |
 18 |
15 |
The above guide shows the climate in Tarragona. Find out more about conditions across the region in our complete guide to the climate in the Costa Dorada.
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