4-Day Local Food, Wine, and Outdoor Adventure in Tarragona, Spain

Tarragona, Spain

4 days

Castle of Tamarit on the Costa Dorada
Via de l'Imperi Romà
Miravet village
Tarragona Cathedral
Les Ferreres Aqueduct, also known as Pont del Diable

About Tarragona, Spain

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.

4-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the City and the Beach

Morning

Start your day with a leisurely stroll along the Rambla Nova, Tarragona's main boulevard. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, beautiful modernist buildings, and the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Lunch

Savor a traditional Spanish lunch in one of the many local restaurants in the Old Town. Try some local delicacies like 'paella' or 'fideuà'.

Afternoon

Visit the Tarragona Cathedral, a beautiful 12th-century Romanesque-Gothic church. Then, explore the nearby Jewish Quarter, with its narrow, winding streets and historic buildings.

Dinner

Enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Tarragona is known for its fresh seafood, especially its grilled fish and shellfish.

Evening

Take a moonlit walk along the beach, enjoying the peaceful sound of the waves and the cool sea breeze.

Morning

Visit the Roman ruins of Tarraco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the amphitheater, the circus, and the Roman walls.

Lunch

Have lunch in a local tapas bar. Try a variety of small dishes, such as 'patatas bravas', 'pimientos de padrón', and 'gambas al ajillo'.

Afternoon

Take a wine tasting tour in the nearby Priorat region, known for its high-quality red wines.

Dinner

Dine in a traditional Catalan restaurant. Try 'escalivada', a dish made of roasted vegetables, or 'botifarra', a local sausage.

Evening

Enjoy a flamenco show in one of the local theaters. Experience the passion and intensity of this traditional Spanish dance.

Morning

Take a hike in the nearby Prades Mountains. Enjoy the stunning views and the fresh mountain air.

Lunch

Have a picnic lunch in the mountains. Enjoy local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh bread.

Afternoon

Visit the medieval village of Siurana, perched on a cliff with stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

Dinner

Enjoy a rustic dinner in a countryside restaurant. Try 'coca', a local flatbread, and 'escudella', a hearty stew.

Evening

Relax in a local pub, enjoying a glass of local wine or beer.

Morning

Spend the morning at the beach, swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing by the sea.

Lunch

Have a beachside lunch, enjoying fresh seafood and a glass of 'cava', a local sparkling wine.

Afternoon

Visit the Tarragona Art Museum, home to a collection of modern and contemporary art.

Dinner

Have a farewell dinner in a fine dining restaurant, enjoying the best of Tarragona's cuisine.

Evening

Take a final stroll along the Rambla Nova, soaking in the atmosphere and the memories of your trip.

Attractions in Itinerary (7)

Tarragona Cathedral

1
Tarragona Cathedral

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

Attractions
Religious Sites
Architecture
Jewish Quarter

2
Jewish Quarter

A historic neighborhood that was once the home of Tarragona's Jewish community. It features narrow, winding streets and historic buildings.

Attractions
Monuments
Cultural Experiences
Neighborhoods
Roman ruins of Tarraco

3
Roman ruins of Tarraco

The Roman ruins of Tarraco are an archaeological site that includes a forum, an amphitheater, and a circus. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Attractions
Monuments
Landmarks
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Prades Mountains

4
Prades Mountains

The Prades Mountains, also known as the 'red mountains', are a natural paradise perfect for hiking, climbing and other outdoor activities. They are also home to several hermitages and small charming villages.

Attractions
Landmarks
Sports
Tours
Siurana

5
Siurana

A picturesque village perched on a cliff with stunning views. It's known for its historic church, rock climbing, and hiking trails.

Attractions
Landmarks
Tours
Tarragona Art Museum

6
Tarragona Art Museum

The Tarragona Art Museum houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by local artists.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Priorat wine region

7
Priorat wine region

A renowned wine-producing region known for its high-quality red wines. Visitors can tour vineyards, taste wines, and learn about the winemaking process.

Attractions
Tours
Food and Drink

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Calçots

Calçots

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

Escalivada

Escalivada

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

Pa amb tomàquet

Pa amb tomàquet

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.

Suquet de peix

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

Botifarra

Botifarra

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

Fideuà

Fideuà

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.

Crema Catalana

Crema Catalana

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.

Cava

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

Ratafia

Ratafia

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

Panellets

Panellets

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.

Arrossejat

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.

Xató

Xató

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.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Tarragona, Spain is typically between April and June or between September and October. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm and there are fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months of July and August. These times also coincide with local festivals such as the Easter Processions in April and the Santa Tecla Festival in September, providing an excellent opportunity to experience the rich culture of Tarragona.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany

February 13

Tue

Carnival Tuesday (Extremadura)

February 28

Wed

Day of Andalucía (Andalusia)

March 1

Fri

Day of the Balearic Islands (Balearic Islands)

March 28

Thu

Maundy Thursday (regional holiday)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday (regional holiday)

April 10

Wed

Eid al-Fitr (Melilla)

April 23

Tue

Castile and León Day (Castile-Leon)

April 23

Tue

Day of Aragón (Aragon)

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

May 2

Thu

Day of Madrid (Madrid)

May 17

Fri

Galicia Literature Day (Galicia)

May 30

Thu

Day of the Canary Islands (Canary Islands)

May 31

Fri

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

June 9

Sun

Day of La Rioja (La Rioja)

June 10

Mon

Day off for Day of La Rioja (La Rioja)

June 13

Thu

San Antonio (Ceuta)

June 17

Mon

Eid al-Adha (regional holiday)

June 24

Mon

Saint John the Baptist Day (regional holiday)

July 25

Thu

Feast of Saint James the Apostle (regional holiday)

August 5

Mon

The Day of Our Lady of Africa (Ceuta)

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary

September 2

Mon

Day of the Independent City of Ceuta (Ceuta)

September 8

Sun

Virgin of the Victory (Melilla)

September 8

Sun

Day of Asturias (Asturias)

September 9

Mon

Virgin of the Victory observed (Melilla)

September 9

Mon

Day off for Day of Asturias (Asturias)

September 11

Wed

National Day of Catalonia (Catalonia)

September 15

Sun

Nuestra Señora de la Bien Aparecida (Cantabria)

September 17

Tue

Day of Melilla (Melilla)

October 9

Wed

Day of the Valencian Community (Valencia)

October 12

Sat

Hispanic Day

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day

December 3

Tue

Day of Navarre (Navarre)

December 6

Fri

Constitution Day

December 9

Mon

Immaculate Conception observed (regional holiday)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

St Stephen's Day (Catalonia)

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

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.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone112

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Tarragona, Spain as a first time visitor

1

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.

2

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.

3

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).

4

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

5

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

6

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.

7

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

8

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

9

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

10

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

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

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

15

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

16

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.

17

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

18

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

19

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

20

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

Basic Catalan to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hola

O-la

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Adiós

A-dee-os

Leaving someone

Please

Por favor

Por fa-vor

Making a request

Thank you

Gracias

Gra-see-as

Expressing gratitude

Yes

See

Agreeing with someone

No

No

No

Disagreeing with someone

Excuse me

Perdón

Per-don

Getting someone's attention

I'm sorry

Lo siento

Lo see-en-to

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

¿Hablas inglés?

Ab-las in-gles

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

No entiendo

No en-tee-en-do

When you don't understand what was said

Where is...?

¿Dónde está...?

Don-de es-ta

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Baño

Ban-yo

Looking for a bathroom

Help

Ayuda

A-yu-da

In case of emergency

Food

Comida

Co-mi-da

Looking for a place to eat

Water

Agua

A-gua

Asking for water

Beer

Cerveza

Ser-ve-za

Ordering a beer

Wine

Vino

Vee-no

Ordering wine

How much does it cost?

¿Cuánto cuesta?

Kwan-to kwes-ta

Asking for the price

I would like...

Me gustaría...

Me gus-ta-ree-a

Making a request

Good night

Buenas noches

Bwe-nas no-ches

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • T-shirts

  • Long-sleeve shirts

  • Pants/Jeans

  • Shorts

  • Dresses/Skirts (for women)

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Swimsuit

  • Pajamas

  • Light jacket

  • Hat/Cap

  • Sunglasses

  • Scarf (for women)

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Floss

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo

  • Conditioner

  • Body wash

  • Razor

  • Shaving cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm

  • Makeup (for women)

  • Makeup remover (for women)

  • Hairbrush/Comb

  • Nail clippers

  • Travel-size first aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport/ID

  • Flight tickets

  • Hotel reservation confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Credit/Debit cards

  • Cash (Euros)

  • Guidebook

  • Map of Tarragona

  • Spanish phrasebook

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Memory card for camera

  • Portable power bank

  • Travel adapter plug

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs

  • Eye mask

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Books/Magazines

  • Travel-size laundry detergent

  • Ziplock bags

  • Tote bag for shopping

  • Notebook and pen

Weather Conditions

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!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

17° / 7°

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

February

18° / 8°

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

March

20° / 10°

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

April

22° / 12°

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

May

25° / 15°

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

June

28° / 18°

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

July

31° / 21°

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

August

31° / 21°

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

September

28° / 18°

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

October

25° / 15°

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

November

22° / 12°

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

December

18° / 8°

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

Did you know?

Did you know that Tarragona is known as the 'Balcony of the Mediterranean' due to its stunning views over the sea?

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