The Best Things to Do in Tarragona, Spain

Pretty much everyone has heard of Barcelona. It’s one of the most popular cities to visit in Spain for a holiday. Most people who travel to the Catalonia region make it their primary destination.

But if you’ve already explored the impressive architecture and rich culture of Catalonia’s capital, you should consider taking the short trip down the coast to Tarragona.

There are plenty of things to do in Tarragona! Although much smaller than Barcelona, the city offers an equal amount of historic attractions, Roman and medieval architecture, and stunning beaches to discover.  

I’ll break down the reasons why you should definitely check out Tarragona on your trip to Spain, and outline the must-see attractions and gorgeous golden beaches to visit. Just remember, if you’re planning to visit from 2023 onwards, you might need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization first.

Why Visit Tarragona?

Located on the Costa Dorada about halfway between Barcelona and Valencia, Tarragona was founded by the Romans, in 218 BCE. It has a long and rich history that you can still see plenty of traces of to this day.

Tarragona’s cobblestone streets, romantic architecture, and ancient fortifications make it a popular destination in Spain. The city has a similar vibe to Palma de Mallorca, with all the attractions closely grouped together and within walking distance of each other.

Tarragona is far less crowded than Barcelona, even during the summer months. This makes it a very appealing destination for tourists who don’t like crowds. Tarragona is a great destination for people who want to experience the Spanish culture and way of life in a more authentic way, as well as for travellers who are on a budget. Tarragona is much more affordable than Barcelona.

You can always visit Tarragona in a day trip from Barcelona, as the historical centre of the city is quite small. You can find my suggestions for the the best things to do in Tarragona below.

The Best Things to do in Tarragona

Visit the Anfiteatro de Tarraco

The Anfiteatro de Tarraco is Tarragona’s most iconic attraction and one of Spain’s best-preserved Roman amphitheatres. The amphitheatre dates back to the 2nd century CE, when it was built by Emperor Hadrianus as part of an extensive construction project throughout the region, as an entertainment arena for gladiator fights, animal hunting and as well as public executions.

The amphitheatre is located right in the center of Tarragona, which means that even if you don’t have time for any other sightseeing activities during your trip, you can still easily take a stroll around this ancient structure.

Check out the Museu Nacional Arqueologic

If you’re still curious about the city’s Roman history then a visit to Museu Nacional Arqueologic in Tarragona ‘s Old Town is a must. This museum houses a large collection of Roman art and artefacts, including mosaics and sculptures found in the area.

And it’s not just the exhibits that date back centuries: the building itself was constructed in AD 50 and originally served as a palace for Roman emperors in the region.

Gaze at the Castell de Tarragona

If you’ve had your fill of Tarragona’s Roman architecture, why not jump forward in time a few centuries and visit this 12th-century medieval castle. One of the best preserved of its kind in Spain, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.

Although some parts of the structure have been lost to time, you can still see many of the original features, including a restored walkway that offers incredible views over the city.

Catedral Basilica Metropolita de Santa Maria

Tarragona Cathedral is one of the best examples of Catalan Gothic architecture in Spain. The cathedral was built during Barcelona’s golden age as a trading port so that sailors could pray for safe passage before setting out on long trips across the Mediterranean Sea.

The inside is stunningly decorated—the walls are covered with gold leaf, marble statues abound and stained-glass windows spill coloured light onto stone floors when they’re illuminated by sun rays from outside. In addition to being able to admire all this beauty up close yourself, you can also climb up into its tower for an even better view!

Plaça de Font

Alongside Plaça del Rei, the location of the cathedral, Plaça de Font is one of the main squares in Tarragona’s Old Town. It is a vibrant square, full of bars and restaurants popular with both locals and tourists alike.

Catalonia is one of the top foodie destinations in Spain, and Plaça de Font is an ideal place to sample some of the exceptional local cuisine for yourself. It’s unquestionably the place to be at night.

Cala Fonda

Tarragona’s beaches are a real pleasure to visit. They have fine white sand, transparent turquoise waters, and many of them are just minutes away from the city centre. The best way to explore them is by walking along the coast or taking a boat trip from one cove to another.

Many consider Cala Fonda, located around 10 km to the north of Tarragona, to be one of the best beaches in Spain. Also known as Cala Waikiki because of its almost Hawaiian tropical appearance, it’s a small quiet bay surrounded by lush pine forests and perfect for a lazy day’s sunbathing.

Excited about visiting Tarragona for the first time? I hope you will love the city and would love to read your opinions in the comments section below. 

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Please note that this article has been written by an external writer.