A beautiful cathedral that dates back to the 12th century, showcasing a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles.

Tarragona Cathedral is a stunning religious site that showcases a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. It's a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. /n The cathedral was built in the 12th century and is one of the most important religious buildings in the city. It features a beautiful cloister and a museum with a collection of religious art.

A stunning cathedral showcasing a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles.

An ancient Roman amphitheatre that offers a glimpse into the city's rich history.

The Roman Amphitheatre in Tarragona is a historical site dating back to the 2nd century AD. It was once the site of gladiator fights and public executions, and is now a popular tourist attraction. The amphitheatre is located near the sea, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. /n The amphitheatre is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in Spain, and is a testament to the architectural prowess of the ancient Romans. Visitors can explore the ruins, which include the remains of the stage and seating areas. The amphitheatre is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the highlights of any visit to Tarragona.

The Roman Amphitheatre in Tarragona is a historical site dating back to the 2nd century AD.

A museum that houses a vast collection of artifacts from the Roman period.

The National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona is dedicated to the archaeological history of the city. It features a wide range of artifacts and exhibits. /n The museum's collection includes items from the Roman, Iberian, and Medieval periods. It's a great place to learn about the city's history and culture.

A museum dedicated to the archaeological history of Tarragona.

Part Alta is the old town of Tarragona, filled with narrow, winding streets and historic buildings.

Part Alta is the old town of Tarragona, known for its narrow streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great place to explore on foot, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and historical sites. /n The area is also home to several important landmarks, including the Tarragona Cathedral and the Roman Circus. The narrow streets are lined with old stone buildings, many of which have been beautifully restored. The area is also known for its lively nightlife, with many bars and restaurants staying open late into the night.

Part Alta is the old town of Tarragona, known for its narrow streets and medieval architecture.

The Pretorium Tower is a Roman tower that was once part of the city's fortifications. It offers panoramic views of Tarragona.

The Pretorium Tower is a Roman tower that offers panoramic views of Tarragona. It was once part of the city's Roman Circus, and is now a popular tourist attraction. The tower is well-preserved, and visitors can climb to the top for a stunning view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. /n The tower is also home to the Tarragona History Museum, which showcases the city's rich history and cultural heritage. The museum features a range of exhibits, including Roman artifacts and displays on the city's medieval history. The tower and museum are must-visit attractions for any history buff visiting Tarragona.

The Pretorium Tower is a Roman tower that offers panoramic views of Tarragona.

The ancient Roman walls of Tarragona are one of the city's main attractions. They are among the oldest and best preserved in Spain.

Tarragona City Walls are ancient Roman walls that once protected the city. They are among the oldest and best-preserved Roman walls in Spain. The walls were built in the 2nd century BC, and they still stand as a testament to the city's rich history and the architectural prowess of the ancient Romans. /n Visitors can walk along the walls, which offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The walls are also home to several towers, which were used for defense. The walls are a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history or architecture, and they offer a unique perspective on the city of Tarragona.

Tarragona City Walls are ancient Roman walls that once protected the city.

Discover the historic charm of Tarragona, Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled along the stunning Costa Daurada. This ancient city boasts a rich Roman history, evident in the well-preserved amphitheater, the towering Tarragona Cathedral, and the fascinating National Archaeological Museum. Wander through the winding streets of the Old Town, savoring local cuisine and vibrant culture. Enjoy the golden beaches, perfect for relaxation or water sports. Nearby, visit the renowned PortAventura World for thrilling amusement park rides. With its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Tarragona offers a unique Spanish getaway.

Tarragona Cathedral

Roman Amphitheatre

Start your day with a visit to the Tarragona Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Take your time to admire the intricate details and the peaceful atmosphere.

Enjoy a traditional Spanish lunch in one of the local restaurants in the Old Town. Try the local delicacies like paella and tapas.

After lunch, head to the Roman Amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ruins and imagine the gladiator fights that once took place here.

For dinner, opt for a restaurant near the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy the fresh seafood while watching the sunset.

End your day with a leisurely stroll along the Rambla Nova, the main shopping street in Tarragona. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and maybe even do some shopping.

Exploring the Historical and Cultural Heritage

National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona

Part Alta

Pretorium Tower

Tarragona City Walls

Start your second day with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona. Discover the rich history and culture of the region through its artifacts.

Have lunch in a cozy restaurant in the El Serrallo district, known for its fishing tradition. Try the fresh fish and seafood dishes.

Spend the afternoon exploring the medieval quarter of Part Alta. Visit the Jewish Quarter and the Pretorium Tower for a glimpse into the city's past.

Dine in one of the restaurants in the Plaça de la Font, a lively square filled with eateries. Try the local wine and cheese.

End your trip with a visit to the Tarragona City Walls. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the sea under the starry sky.

Discovering the Local Life and Scenic Views

Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October; note: spain has 2 time zones, including the canary islands (utc 0)

UTC+1

Tarragona is a compact city with many of its attractions located close to each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city, soak in the atmosphere, and discover hidden gems.

Tarragona is a bike-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes and bike rental services available. It's a quick and eco-friendly way to get around.

Tarragona has a comprehensive bus network that covers the city and its outskirts. It's a convenient and affordable way to travel longer distances within the city.

Tarragona is well-connected by train to other cities in Spain. The city's main train station, Tarragona Station, offers regular services to Barcelona, Valencia, and other destinations.

Taxis are readily available in Tarragona. They can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or picked up from taxi ranks located around the city.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Cabify operate in Tarragona. They offer a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis.

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore the region around Tarragona. However, parking can be challenging in the city center.

The Tarragona Tourist Bus is a hop-on, hop-off service that covers major tourist attractions. It's a convenient way to see the city, especially if you're short on time.

Calçots are a type of scallion or green onion popular in Tarragona. They are traditionally grilled and served with a romesco sauce.

Calçots

Escalivada is a traditional Catalan dish from Tarragona made of grilled vegetables, typically eggplant and bell peppers, with olive oil.

Escalivada

Pa amb tomàquet is a simple yet delicious dish from Tarragona. It's bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with salt.

Pa amb tomàquet

Suquet de peix is a popular seafood stew in Tarragona, made with various types of fish and shellfish, potatoes, tomatoes, and saffron.

Suquet de peix

Botifarra is a type of sausage common in Tarragona and throughout Catalonia. It can be served grilled, in stews, or even raw.

Botifarra

Fideuà is a dish similar to paella, but it's made with noodles instead of rice. It's a popular dish in Tarragona, typically made with seafood.

Fideuà

Crema Catalana is a dessert similar to crème brûlée. It's a custard dish topped with caramelized sugar, and it's a must-try in Tarragona.

Crema Catalana

Cava is a sparkling wine from Catalonia. It's a popular drink in Tarragona, often enjoyed with meals or as an aperitif.

Cava

Ratafia is a homemade liqueur made from green walnuts, herbs, and spices. It's a traditional drink in Tarragona, often enjoyed as a digestif.

Ratafia

Panellets are small pastries made of marzipan, covered in pine nuts, and often served with sweet wine. They are a traditional dessert in Tarragona, especially during the All Saints' Day celebrations.

Panellets

Arrossejat is a traditional rice dish from Tarragona. It's made by first frying the rice in oil and then cooking it in a rich fish broth.

Arrossejat

Xató is a salad typical of Tarragona, made with endive, cod, tuna, anchovies, and olives, and dressed with a special sauce made from almonds, hazelnuts, bread, tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, and a variety of spices.

Xató

New Year's Day Holiday (regional holiday)

Epiphany

Day of Andalucía (Andalusia)

Day of the Balearic Islands (Balearic Islands)

Day off for San Jose (Madrid)

Maundy Thursday (regional holiday)

Good Friday

Easter Monday (regional holiday)

Eid al-Fitr (Melilla)

Day of Aragón (Aragon)

Castile and León Day (Castile-Leon)

Day off for Day of Aragón (Aragon)

Labor Day / May Day

Day of Madrid (Madrid)

Galicia Literature Day (Galicia)

Day of the Canary Islands (Canary Islands)

Day of Castile-La Mancha (Castile-La Mancha)

Day of Murcia (Murcia)

Day of La Rioja (La Rioja)

Eid al-Adha (regional holiday)

Day of the Institutions (Cantabria)

The Day of Our Lady of Africa (Ceuta)

Assumption of Mary

Day of the Independent City of Ceuta (Ceuta)

Day of Asturias (Asturias)

Day of Extremadura (Extremadura)

National Day of Catalonia (Catalonia)

Nuestra Señora de la Bien Aparecida (Cantabria)

Day of the Valencian Community (Valencia)

Hispanic Day

All Saints' Day

Constitution Day

Immaculate Conception

Christmas Day

St Stephen's Day (Catalonia)

New Year's Day

Carnival Tuesday (Extremadura)

Day off for Day of La Rioja (La Rioja)

San Antonio (Ceuta)

Saint John the Baptist Day (regional holiday)

Feast of Saint James the Apostle (regional holiday)

Virgin of the Victory (Melilla)

Virgin of the Victory observed (Melilla)

Day off for Day of Asturias (Asturias)

Day of Melilla (Melilla)

Day of Navarre (Navarre)

Immaculate Conception observed (regional holiday)

A spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat, famous for the Black Virgin statue.

Montserrat

A vibrant city known for its art, architecture and the Gothic Quarter.

Barcelona

A town known for its Mediterranean beaches, seafront promenade, and vibrant nightlife.

Sitges

A city known for its City of Arts and Sciences, with futuristic structures including a planetarium, an opera house and an oceanarium.

Valencia

A town known for its beaches and the 13th-century Peniscola Castle.

Peniscola

A city known for its medieval architecture, walled Old Quarter and the Roman remains of the Força Vella fortress.

Girona

A city known for its landmarks including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, La Seo Cathedral and the Aljafería Palace.

Zaragoza

The capital of Spain, known for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters.

Madrid

Granada

Ibiza

Majorca

Rioja

Seville

Cala Vidre located in the municipality of Ametlla de Mar

Les Ferreres Aqueduct, also known as Pont del Diable

Tarragona is located in the Catalonia region of Spain, and the official languages are Catalan and Spanish. It's helpful to know a few basic phrases in both languages.

The currency used in Tarragona is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or street vendors.

Tarragona is known for its Mediterranean climate, with hot summers (average 75-85°F, 24-29°C) and mild winters (average 45-55°F, 7-13°C).

Tipping in Tarragona is not obligatory but is appreciated. A tip of 10% is standard in restaurants.

Public transportation in Tarragona includes buses and trains. The city is also very walkable, especially the historic areas.

Tarragona is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

The city has a rich history dating back to Roman times. While not an attraction, understanding its historical significance can enhance your visit.

Tarragona is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).

The city is known for its seafood, particularly dishes like 'suquet de peix' (fish stew). Trying local cuisine is a must.

Tap water in Tarragona is safe to drink, but many locals and tourists prefer bottled water due to its taste.

Pharmacies in Tarragona are marked with a green cross. They are well-stocked and pharmacists often speak English.

The emergency number in Spain, including Tarragona, is 112. This number can be dialed for police, fire, or medical emergencies.

Tarragona has a siesta culture, with many shops closing in the afternoon (usually between 2pm and 5pm) and reopening in the evening.

The city is home to several festivals throughout the year, including Santa Tecla in September and Tarraco Viva in May.

Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places and some outdoor areas in Tarragona.

Public restrooms are not as common as in some other countries. It's customary to use the restroom in cafes or restaurants, often with the expectation that you'll buy something.

Tarragona has a mix of modern and traditional shopping options, from large shopping centers to small local boutiques.

The city has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs staying open until the early hours of the morning.

Tarragona is a coastal city, so it's important to pack beach essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and a swimsuit.

The city is also a gateway to the Costa Daurada, a beautiful stretch of coastline known for its golden sandy beaches and clear waters.

January is the coldest month in Tarragona, but it's still relatively mild with temperatures ranging from 7 to 17 degrees Celsius.

February sees a slight increase in temperature, making it a good time to visit if you prefer cooler weather.

March marks the beginning of spring, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.

April is a pleasant month to visit Tarragona, with temperatures averaging between 12 and 22 degrees Celsius.

May is a beautiful month to visit Tarragona, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

June marks the beginning of summer, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius.

July is the hottest month in Tarragona, with temperatures peaking at 31 degrees Celsius.

August is equally hot as July, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 31 degrees Celsius.

September is a great time to visit Tarragona, with warm temperatures and fewer tourists.

October sees a drop in temperature, but it's still a good time to visit Tarragona.

November is a bit cooler, with temperatures ranging from 12 to 22 degrees Celsius.

December is a cool month in Tarragona, but it's still relatively mild with temperatures ranging from 8 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Tarragona, Spain, is a beautiful city with a Mediterranean climate, which means it experiences hot summers and mild winters. If you're planning a trip, here are some weather-related tips to consider.

During the summer months, from June to August, Tarragona can get quite hot with temperatures often reaching up to 86°F (30°C). It's advisable to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Don't forget your swimsuit, as this is the perfect time to enjoy the city's beautiful beaches.

In contrast, the winter months, from December to February, are mild with temperatures usually ranging between 41°F (5°C) and 59°F (15°C). It's a good idea to pack layers, including a light jacket or sweater, as evenings can be a bit chilly. Rainfall is more common during this period, so an umbrella or raincoat might come in handy.

The shoulder seasons, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), offer more moderate temperatures. During these periods, temperatures typically range from 59°F (15°C) to 77°F (25°C). These seasons can be an ideal time to visit if you prefer milder weather. Pack a mix of short and long-sleeved clothing, and a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before your trip to ensure you're packing appropriately. Enjoy your visit to Tarragona!

Cookie consent

2-Day Exciting Getaway to Tarragona, Spain

About Tarragona, Spain