Beaches, cava and incredible Roman history: Why Tarragona is worth a stop on your trip to Catalonia
- Peregryn travel writers
- May 18
- 5 min read
A hidden gem on the gleaming shores of the Costa Daurada, Tarragona is a captivating blend of natural beauty, old-world wonders and classic Mediterranean charm.
With its winemaking heritage and status as one of Spain’s ancient Roman cities – possibly Rome’s first outpost in Iberia – Tarragona is teeming with spectacular archeological sites, most notably the 1st-century chariot racing track Circ Romà and the grand amphitheatre that overlooks the sea.
The city’s long Roman and medieval Christian legacy has led to Tarragona's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with some of the finest Roman ruins in Spain. The Tarragona Archaeological Museum holds many finds of the area and is a good source of information about the city’s history.
So, do as the Romans did and marvel at the beauty of this jewel on the Mediterranean coast.
The historical city on the sea
Tarragona, or Tarraco as it was known to the Romans, was originally set in the modern-day north of the city, high up on the hill with sweeping views over the sea and surrounding area. This is where the old town is based, and where you will naturally find most of Tarragona's beautiful historic sites, with stunning views over the city from the old walls, while the south is today a centre of industry and home to the modern port.
Within a stone's throw of the city lies one of Spain’s emerging wine regions, the Priorat, competing with the well-established La Rioja region for sumptuous red wine. Tarragona is also close to the Penedès region, home of cava – Spain’s less-expensive answer to champagne - meaning that it's easy to find a delightful sparkling wine.
Tarragona: places to see and things to do
Tarragona Cathedral
Built on what was once a Roman temple, this is the region’s grandest cathedral outside Barcelona. Completed in 1331 in Romanesque and Gothic style, its ornate exteriors and beguiling cloisters make this a must-see.
Roman Amphitheatre
The long, storied history of Tarragona’s striking Roman Amphitheatre has seen it evolve from a gladiator fighting arena in the second century, to a Visigoth basilica in the sixth century and finally a 12th-century Romanesque church.
Praetorium and Roman Circus
Estimated to once hold 30,000 roaring spectators, the Roman Circus would have showcased thrilling horse and chariot races back in the 1st Century. Now, the Circus, and the accompanying Praetorium tower, are among the best preserved Roman ruins in Spain and Europe.
Balcó del Mediterrani (‘Balcony of the Mediterranean’)
This spectacular viewpoint along Passeig de les Palmeres in the newer part of town opens up the expansive horizon of the Mediterranean Sea, taking in sweeping views of the bay, the beach and Tarragona’s Roman amphitheatre.
El Serrallo
Make sure to stop by this authentic maritime neighbourhood for exquisite seafood and a flavour of Tarragona’s daily life, where the central fishing market has thrived since 1928. Try a dish of romesco de pescado, a fish dish cooked in a traditional Catalan sauce that originated in this neighbourhood.
La Rambla Nova
For over 150 years, Tarragona’s main thoroughfare La Rambla Nova has been a central hub of shops, restaurants and a hive of activity lined with monuments and beautiful examples of Neoclassical architecture.
Beach time
While making a beeline for the beach isn’t one of the primary things to do in Tarragona, the city is home to gorgeous sweeps of golden sands, meaning you can take that rare opportunity to combine a fascinating city break with a blissful beach holiday.
There are beaches of all types to visit in Tarragona too, from Playa del Miracle, ideal for the family with nearby restaurants, bars, lifeguards and children's games to Playa de la Arrabassada, with rolling waves perfect for water sports such as surfing and paddle surfing.
Further south, Playa de la Savinosa is usually less crowded and something of a hidden gem, enclosed by steep cliffs. Another quiet retreat is Cala Fonda beach, set in a small cove north of the city. If you’re willing to travel a little further out, then Playa de la Llarga is your best bet - located in Salou, about 12km from Tarragona, it offers powdery sand and crystalline waters amid pine trees.
Where to stay in Tarragona
With plenty of lovely hotels in the countryside and on the coast, you can always enjoy a break away from the city’s hustle and bustle. However, if you’re looking to spend your time in Tarragona itself, we recommend the recently renovated H10 Imperial Tarraco hotel, located in the heart of the city down Rambla Vella.
One of the best hotels in Tarragona, it’s emblematic of the city’s combination of history and modernity. The four-star hotel offers enchanting sea views, stretching out towards the waterfront, and an amazing view of the Roman amphitheatre from the rooftop terrace. From the top of the hotel, you can lounge by the rooftop swimming pool or take your spot by the bar to admire the panorama.
Where to eat in Tarragona
Food in Tarragona is a source of pride. There’s a wide variety of restaurants offering mouthwatering traditional delicacies and you can also find a selection of chic eateries with chefs trying out exciting innovations. Here’s our pick of the best places to eat in Tarragona.
Serving Mediterranean tapas with a twist and well-crafted, creative tasting menus in a stylish space complete with exposed brick, El Terrat’s proximity to the Balcony of the Mediterranean means you can stop by to enjoy spectacular views.
Offering hearty and unpretentious food in the heart of the city, with a mix of Spanish and Catalan dishes on the menu, Fliosofia is a firm favourite of locals and tourists alike – possibly the best restaurant in Tarragona.
In this airy and chic space, located directly adjacent to Tarragona’s cathedral, you can enjoy Catalan cuisine with contemporary flair and indulge your penchant for mouthwatering seafood.
Specialising in ever-evolving set menus following seasonal trends, a visit to El Cup Vell is never the same twice. An inventive and innovative restaurant, make sure that you book a table at this intimate and cosy space in advance.
Well-presented plates and generous portions of beloved dishes await at El Reencuentro, set in the centre of Tarragona but offering fabulous value for money. We recommend the succulent entrecôte.
Perched on the marina near the historic El Serrallo neighbourhood, Selvatico makes the most of its fantastic waterfront location with an array of heavenly seafood delicacies, locally sourced and with the promise of freshness.
Further along from Selvatico, Bar El Cortijo is one of the best bars in Tarragona, offering a warm welcome and generous portions of typical Tarragona and Spanish dishes in rustic surroundings, complete with oak beams and ceramic tiles.
Pack your suitcase
With some of the best Roman ruins in Spain, golden beaches, winding medieval streets and a mouthwatering food culture, Tarragona is a hidden gem in Catalonia that’s worth discovering. There aren’t many cities of its size that offer such an unbeatable variety for the visitor. With so many exciting things to do in Tarragona, you’ll find that the welcoming locals as well as the tourists are in love with the city – and for good reason. Don’t just stick to the over-visited Barcelona – make the most of your trip to Catalonia by venturing just an hour further down the coast to this wonderful city.
