With the overtourism in Barcelona, Madrid, Ibiza, and Palma, many people are looking for alternative destinations in Spain. Located just down the coast from Barcelona lies the Roman city of Tarragona. This historic spot is filled with ruins, beaches, a charming Old Town, and an incredible food and drink culture. What’s not to love about that?
So, if you’re heading to this stunning city, you’ll need to know all the best things to do in Tarragona. Whether you’re looking for incredible history, want to taste amazing seafood and delicious wine, or you just want to soak up the Mediterranean sun, Tarragona has it all. This underrated Spanish city is still super affordable and easy to get around, so you know that it’s not going to stay that way for long.
Getting to Tarragona by public transport
Getting to Tarragona is very straightforward. You can get a direct train from Barcelona, or you can get a direct bus from Reus, which is where you’ll find the closest airport. Sometimes you can get a direct bus all the way through from Reus Airport to Tarragona, which is around a 13km journey, other times you need to switch in Reus itself.
There are two train stations named for Tarragona. You have Tarragona Station and Camp de Tarragona Station. Camp de Tarragona lies on the high-speed line between Barcelona and Madrid, so it comes up as the fastest journey to Tarragona. This is not correct. Camp de Tarragona is miles away from the actual city of Tarragona.
Barcelona to Tarragona Station takes around an hour and 10 minutes by train. Barcelona to Camp de Tarragona Station takes 32 minutes, but you then need to get a 30-minute bus into central Tarragona. For the train, you can buy your ticket directly through Omio, which makes it quick and easy to get here. For the bus, you pay on board. Some only accept cash, but many accept contactless. Make sure you have some change just in case.
You can fly super cheap flights with Ryanair from all around the UK to Reus Airport. It used to be called Barcelona Reus Airport, but everyone kicked off because it’s over two hours from Barcelona. However, it is a cheap airport to fly into. I flew from Manchester to Reus and then from Reus to Liverpool in May, and it only cost me £40 return.
Best things to do in Tarragona
In my opinion, Tarragona is great for 3-5 days, depending on what you want to do. The best things to do in Tarragona rely on wandering around the city and taking a slower pace. Around every corner, there is something cool or unusual to see, and it’s a super walkable city (my favourite kind).
Wander the Old Town
As with any incredible historic city, Tarragona has a beautiful Old Town. Of course, it’s uphill, so fortify yourself with a bite to eat and some water beforehand. However, the architecture of Tarragona spans centuries.
Tarragona was the first Roman city in Spain, so there is a lot of ancient history around this part of the city. However, the progress didn’t just stop with the Romans, and you can see the shifts over time. Tarragona Cathedral commenced building in 1171 and was consecrated in 1331 before it was even finished. Inside, you can see the “newer” sections from the 1700s.
You could (and should) spend hours wandering around the alleyways and plazas. Always remember to look up for the incredible architecture and detail. Of course, in the Old Town you can also find amazing bars and restaurants where you can rest your feet from the inclining cobblestones.
Check out the archaeology
Of course, being a historically Roman city, there are plenty of archaeological sites to check out. From the Roman Teatro that perfectly frames the Mediterranean Sea view, to the Roman Forum and Circus with its labyrinthine tunnels under the Old Town, there is a lot for any ancient history nerd to enjoy (like me). These are located around the corner from each other, so you can easily experience them in one go.
For some of the best finds, head to the MNAT – National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona. This incredible museum is full of amazing finds from all around Tarragona and the surrounding area. It’s also great for explaining the wider context of Tarragona’s role in the Roman Empire and what other events were going on at the same time.
Sample the local food and wine
Being on the Mediterranean Sea, Tarragona has a strong fishing heritage that spans centuries. As such, the seafood here is second to none. Romesco comes from right here and is a common fish stew with tomato and tons of flavour. Being near the hillside, you can also find great olive oil and cheese in this region as well, which pairs perfectly with a local glass of wine.
Tarragona lies close to the Priorat and Montsant wine regions. If you have access to a car or join a group tour, you can head up into the hills above Tarragona and experience some truly delicious wine. Of course, the wine bars all around Tarragona also have local bottles on hand if you don’t make it out of the city centre.
Explore the harbour
If you love gorgeous yachts, then head down to Tarragona’s harbour area. The harbour itself is a bit more modern; however, you’re really close to the historic El Serrallo district, which is the maritime and fishing area. You can get a great lunch here, overlooking the harbour, stroll around the different berths, or have a beer on the waterfront.
It’s also not uncommon to see wildlife in the harbour. While I was there, I could see dolphins playing in the water around the boats, which is a really cool and surprising sight to see.
Spend time on the beach
Would it be a Spanish coastal getaway without a trip to the beach? Tarragona’s main city beach is Platja del Miracle. It wraps around the bay, providing safe and shallow swimming waters. The sand is soft, and there are plenty of sheltered areas against the promenade wall to set up camp for the day.
The promenade runs all the way along the top of the beach and around the coastline to the harbour and up the coast towards more of the Costa Dorada beaches. Platja del Miracle is super accessible as it’s right by the main Tarragona train station. So, if you want a chilled-out beach day, it’s easy to get here. You can also wander round the coast to the restaurants and bars of the harbour, or head over the railway bridge to head to the Roman Teatro and the Balcony to the Mediterranean.
Where to eat and drink
Tarragona is a haven of great places to eat and drink. From fish stews to traditional tapa to local wine and beers. For a vibrant atmosphere and a range of affordable bars and restaurants, head to Plaça de la Font in the Old Town. This historic square is a hub of activity, and you’ll find tourists and locals alike hanging out here with friends.
For a delicious Romesco fish stew, head to the wonderful El Llagut. Located in the Old Town in a secluded square, this small indoor/outdoor restaurant is a popular option. Opt for the traditional stew and be welcomed with a giant pot of mixed seafood and local bread. Top it off with a crisp glass of local white and watch time melt away.
If you love a cheese and wine bar, you need to visit El Tamboret. This wonderful wine bar serves up local cheese and charcuterie boards with hearty pours of regional wine. It’s located down a cobblestone alleyway in the Old Town and feels like a world away from the more excitable vibe of Plaça de la Font.
Where to stay in Tarragona
There are plenty of great hotels around Tarragona that are reasonably priced. I opted to stay at the B&B Centro Urbis Tarragona, which is in the newer part of the city, right by the central Mercado, and it cost me just £154 for three nights in a double room. This was really well-positioned, and I could walk everywhere really easily. It also felt very safe as a solo female traveller.
If you’re on more of a budget and want a dorm experience, there are a handful of different hostels around Tarragona. Many of them are up in the Old Town, so you can have a historic vibe. However, they do get booked up quickly because there are only two or three official hostels and one university hall that allows outside visitors to book a room.
