Earlier than I visited Tarragona I’ve to be trustworthy and admit I didn’t know a lot about it in any respect, however on my whirlwind practice journey round Spain I found a gorgeous however but surprisingly nonetheless under-the-radar journey vacation spot which truly made a stunning metropolis break free from the crowds – it superbly mixed a mixture of laid-back seaside life and impressively preserved historical historical past which I couldn’t get sufficient of!
A Fast Overview of Tarragona
Tarragona, as soon as the capital of Roman Hispania, was based earlier than the fifth century BC and is residence to an historical walled previous city, UNESCO-listed Roman ruins, and a set of high-quality golden sand seashores surrounded by stunning pure surroundings – it’s the form of place I actually would have beloved to remain for much longer!
I spent hours simply wandering across the late Third-century metropolis partitions, gazing in awe on the spectacular former Roman necropolis and amphitheatre, and strolling town’s buzzing most important avenue, Rambla Nova, which was lined with energetic bars and eating places!
The High Points of interest in Tarragona
- Roman Amphitheatre – This was spectacular seaside ruins as soon as used for gladiator video games (that is one in all my favorite Tarragona’s highlights)!
- Tarragona Cathedral – This was a gorgeous Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with cloisters and bell tower views (I can extremely advocate the two-hour tour)!
- Roman Circus & Praetorium – A wow-inducing historical chariot racing area with underground tunnels.
- Les Ferreres Aqueduct – I discovered this very attention-grabbing Roman aqueduct located simply past town partitions.
- Balcó del Mediterrani – An iconic viewpoint overlooking the Mediterranean Sea (one in all my favorite hangout locations)!
- Nationwide Archaeological Museum – Actually fascinating Roman mosaics, sculptures, and artefacts.
- El Serrallo – I beloved this charming previous fishing quarter which was stuffed with prime seafood spots.
- Playa del Miracle – This was a lovely metropolis seaside that I discovered was only a quick stroll from the previous city.
- Torre dels Escipions – A formidable historical Roman funerary tower on the By way of Augusta.
My Tarragona Metropolis Break
La Half Alta – The Medieval Coronary heart
The medieval a part of town is called La Half Alta de Tarragona, and that is the place I felt like I used to be strolling round a Recreation of Thrones set!
It was residence to a really spectacular assortment of Roman ruins and artefacts and in addition a gothic cathedral which I actually loved discovering and it took me a full afternoon to discover each.
In 2000, Tarragona was deservedly named a World Heritage Metropolis by UNESCO because of the very spectacular Roman ruins of Tarraco – it was actually attention-grabbing to seek out out that among the Cyclopean partitions had been believed to pre-date the Romans solely!
The Roman Amphitheatre and Roman Circus
The point of interest of the Outdated City was the Tarragona Amphitheatre which was constructed between the top of the first century BC and the beginning of the 2nd Century BC.
It as soon as held round 13,000 spectators and it truly had witnessed many grotesque gladiator battles and public executions. Entry solely value a number of euros, and I spent couple of hours exploring the whole website – not like the Colosseum in Rome, entry wasn’t closely restricted, so I might actually roam across the website and take all of it in at my leisure.
I believed the Roman Circus of Tarragona was one other standout attraction – it’s truly one of many best-preserved constructions of its type from the Roman Empire. Much like Rome’s Circo Massimo, I discovered from the indicators that it as soon as held round 20,000 spectators, and extremely, elements of the unique partitions are nonetheless standing right this moment.
As I wandered via the positioning, it genuinely felt like I used to be stepping again in time – particularly whereas exploring the atmospheric underground passages, which I imagined stuffed with the noise and pleasure of the spectators from above!
Strolling the Roman Partitions
I used to be truly in awe of town’s surrounding partitions which had been constructed by the Romans manner again within the 2nd century BC! I beloved having the ability to stroll alongside the 1,100 meters of the unique 3,500-meter wall – and I discovered that the partitions had been the oldest Roman constructions nonetheless standing exterior Italy!
Discovering the Cathedral
Most main cities have a cathedral, however what I beloved about Tarragona’s Cathedral of Santa Maria was that the tour supplied one thing slightly completely different and extra immersive than common!
The locals had been rightly pleased with their gorgeous cathedral, and I joined a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour that turned out to be a really worthwhile expertise. My information walked us via the peaceable Cloister, the ornate Treasure, the fascinating Diocesan Museum, and the Roman temenós.
The spotlight for me, although, was climbing the bell tower – I’d timed my go to completely to listen to the bells ring, which was an ear-splitting however particular second!
Hitting the Seashores
The Costa Dorada, or ‘Golden Coast,’ earns its title from its lengthy stretches of golden sandy seashores – and with round ten miles of shoreline close to Tarragona, I used to be utterly spoilt for alternative!
Town’s most important seaside, El Miracle, was only a quick stroll from the Rafael de Casanova promenade and, though solely 500 metres lengthy, it rapidly grew to become my favourite. With its delicate golden sands and lovely sea views, it felt like a calming oasis proper on town’s doorstep.
For a extra family-friendly vibe, I discovered L’Arrabassada Seaside simply exterior town middle. This seaside had a relaxed, welcoming really feel and calm waters.
I additionally stumbled upon La Savinosa which was a quieter, extra secluded stretch that truly turned out to be a nudist seaside (to my shock)! The longest seaside within the space, although, was Playa Larga – a serene three-kilometre expanse that was excellent for peaceable sunbathing and leisurely swims.
Afterwards I headed to the enduring Balcó del Mediterrani, a scenic balcony on the finish of Rambla Nova, proper beside the amphitheatre. From there, I soaked up the Insta-worthy views of the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea – it was the right spot to pause and simply take all of it in.
A Fast Overview of the Greatest Seashores
- El Miracle Seaside – A small however gorgeous seaside only a quick stroll from the Rafael de Casanova promenade. My private favourite!
- L’Arrabassada Seaside – A family-friendly possibility near town centre.
- La Savinosa – A nudist seaside I stumbled upon.
- Playa Larga – The longest seaside at three kilometres which was peaceable and I discovered was excellent for sunbathing.
The Meals and Drink
With Tarragona’s prime seaside location, it’s no shock that seafood was in every single place—however my absolute favourite dish was Cassola de Romesco, a conventional Catalan seafood stew particularly related to the close by fishing city of Cambrils.
The dish featured a scrumptious mixture of contemporary fish and shellfish, all simmered in a wealthy romesco sauce – a basic Catalan mix of toasted almonds, dried crimson peppers, garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes. It was completely divine and really flavourful!
Tarragona’s crimson prawns had been additionally extremely tasty – they had been each candy and tender. I additionally made essentially the most of Spain’s wonderful Menu del Día (Menu of the Day), which let me pattern a wide range of conventional and typically extra trendy, artistic native dishes at a really affordable value.
I couldn’t go away with out making an attempt the native vermouth – despite the fact that it initially hails from Italy, the individuals of Tarragona have truly made it their very own! I headed to Plaza del Rey, ordered a crisp, fragrant glass on a sunny terrace, and soaked up the vibes whereas people-watching – it was the right finish to a really enjoyable metropolis break!
A Fast Overview of the Greatest Meals to Strive in Tarragona
Tarragona’s coastal location and Catalan heritage make it a paradise for meals lovers – particularly in the event you’re into seafood and daring Mediterranean flavors. Listed below are a few of my must-try native dishes and drinks…
- Cassola de Romesco – A conventional Catalan seafood stew made with fish or shellfish in a wealthy romesco sauce of almonds, crimson peppers, garlic, and tomatoes. I discovered this was a neighborhood’s favourite, particularly in close by Cambrils.
- Tarragona Crimson Prawns (Gambas Rojas) – Candy, succulent, and infrequently grilled merely with sea salt—they’re a neighborhood delicacy that I found paired completely with a glass of chilled white wine.
- Arrossejat – A country fisherman’s dish made with toasted noodles or rice, seafood inventory, and a hearty mixture of shellfish, usually served with aioli. I beloved this hearty dish!
- Xató – A contemporary Catalan salad made with endive, cod, anchovies, olives, and a punchy romesco dressing—I discovered this was nice for a light-weight however flavorful lunch.
- Calçots with Romesco Sauce (in season, winter to early spring) – Grilled inexperienced onions dipped in romesco sauce, normally eaten at out of doors “calçotades.” I discovered it was messy however scrumptious!
- Crema Catalana – A creamy dessert much like crème brûlée however infused with citrus and cinnamon—excellent to finish your meal on a candy be aware.
- Native Vermouth – I believe it is a should in Tarragona! I loved it on the rocks with a slice of orange and a inexperienced olive, ideally on a sunny terrace in Plaza del Rey.
My Remaining Ideas on Tarragona
Truthfully, Tarragona utterly received me over with its mixture of historical Roman ruins, sun-kissed golden seashores, and laid-back Mediterranean appeal.
Whether or not I used to be wandering the cobbled lanes of the previous city, gazing out over the ocean from the Roman amphitheatre, or gorging on a cassola de romesco at a seaside restaurant, it felt like a spot the place historical past, tradition, tasty delicacies and coastal magnificence mixed with not a lot effort in any respect!
It’s a surprisingly under-the-radar vacation spot that to me felt genuine, easygoing, and filled with hidden gems – and I left already planning my return!
What I Didn’t Like
Whereas Tarragona utterly charmed me, in fact not each metropolis is ideal so within the curiosity of steadiness, I’ve determined to stipulate what I didn’t like as properly!
I discovered that the practice station wasn’t situated proper within the coronary heart of town, which meant a little bit of a stroll (or a taxi trip) after I arrived, and it was a little bit of a wrestle with my baggage.
Additionally, whereas I personally loved the slower, extra genuine vibe, it could not enchantment to travellers looking for a buzzy nightlife scene or high-end purchasing – this undoubtedly isn’t Barcelona, so hold this in thoughts!
Tarragona has a extra off-the-beaten-track, native vibe, so it’s comprehensible that some indicators and menus didn’t have English translations—I’d undoubtedly advocate brushing up on a number of primary Spanish phrases earlier than you arrive to make issues simpler
The place Is Tarragona?
Tarragona is a small coastal metropolis which I discovered nestled within the northeastern area of Spain, alongside the Costa Daurada (Golden Coast) in Catalonia, about an hour south of Barcelona by practice.
Travelling Spain by Practice
I discovered travelling round Spain by practice surprisingly straightforward and environment friendly. Excessive-speed AVE trains (Alta Velocidad Española) linked me to main cities at a pace of 186mph. I booked prematurely on-line, so I discovered some nice offers on fares on the official Spanish rail web site, www.renfe.com.