Day trip to Tarragona
Tarragona is the southernmost province in Catalonia, Spain. It represents one of the future cultural and tourist capitals of the area, with a grand diversity of offerings. As it is only 90km from Barcelona, Tarragona is perfect for those visiting Barcelona and are looking for a one day trip away from the city. You can learn about the ancient vestiges standing testament to Spain’s glorious past. The diverse archaeological complexes and museums spread about the Tarragona province and its capital.
Tarragona is very a well connected city, as a result it has two freeways and three state highways. It also has various railway connections, buses, a large marine port, and an airport that is only 80km from the international airport of Barcelona.
Sightseeing in Tarragona
Like Barcelona, Tarragona has a tradition of conserving the inheritance of its Roman history, which nowadays is considered World Heritage. Their efforts do not go unnoticed to the thousands of visitors whom the city receives annually. The walls, Pretorio, the Amphitheater, the forum, the Necrópolis Paleocristiana, the quarry of the Médol, the Tower of the Escipiones, the Aqueduct of the Bridge of the Devil, the Arc of Bará, the Mausoleo de Cantcelles, Villa dels Munt and the Archaeological Museum are some primary examples of the historical treasures found here. In fact, the entire city is like a vast museum!
As you do in Barcelona, you discover clues to the city’s past by walking down streets, and by entering bars or restaurants located in one of the many buildings that have conserved their roots.
Of all the civilizations that have inhabited the region, it was the Romans that marked their presence most prominently. It’s essential to visit the other two monumental jewels: the medieval past and arrays of modern architecture. Moreover, just walk around towns like the picturesque Reus or the hectic Salou and discover its important heritage, along with the lifestyle of its hospitable dwellers.
Talking about the cultural offerings of Tarragona, they are not limited to the Roman architectural heritage. The town also hosts events that have received international recognition, such as, the fiesta of Santa Tecla in September, the processions of Saint’s Week or the International Fireworks Championship in July.
Natural attractions
If you are a nature lover, Tarragona’s natural parks and gardens have a lot to offer you. The area surrounding Tarragona offers a myriad of possibilities to visitors! Only 9 km away we find the huge amusement park – Universal Studios’ Port Adventura – a very popular destination for the people of Barcelona. In addition, perfect places for family nature excursions include; Ebro Delta Natural Park, the caves of Benifallet, and the Montsant Mountain range.
Furthermore, other places of great interest are the route of the Cistercienses Monasteries of Poblet, Santes Creus and Vallbona de les Monges, the medieval village of Montblanc, and the region Vinícola del Oriorat -world renowned for their fine quality wines.
Shopping and Eating
The major advantage Tarragona offers is that shoppers can find all they need within walking distance by strolling along Rambla Nova. A bustling strip that runs from the busy Plaça Imperial Tàrraco to the famous Balcó del Mediterrani overlook. On the other hand, along the length of Rambla Nova and on the adjacent streets, you will find everything. From banks to jewellers’ and all sorts of traditional shops selling clothing, shoes, accessories and more.
When arriving at the Old District, you can find ancient ruins inside some shops. As a result, many of them sell antiques. Nonetheless, you will also find high-end designer jewellers and renowned masters of the art of working precious materials. If you are looking to buy fresh food in a picturesque setting, be sure to visit Tarragona’s municipal markets.
In fact, you can find the Mercat Central located just off Rambla Nova. The highlights of the province’s gastronomic attractions are a particular range of wine-related activities and especially along the Penedés Wine and Cava Route. Above all, there are also numerous gastronomic festivals where visitors can enjoy specialities such as the calçotada and xató.
About the Calçotadas
Even if you are only passing by Tarragona or enjoying a long stay, you shouldn’t skip the opportunity to visit the well-known area of Valls, also know as the birthplace of the calçotada. Certainly, we are talking about one of the typical Catalan dishes: sprouts of a variety of spring onions. Even if they started in Valls, it wasn’t long until this recipe expanded to all the Catalan region.
One of the top 5 restaurants places to order this dish is El Trispolet restaurant. This cozy family restaurant is the best place to stop and enjoy the mediterranean cuisine prepared with local flavours. Serving you an extensive menu with a variety of options including vegan and gluten-free.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 13:00-15:30 & Wednesday to Saturday also from 21:00-23:30
Address: Muralla de Sant Antoni 20, 43800, Valls
Want to explore other options? Here are some more top rated restaurants in Tarragona. Let us know in the comments below if you have visited them and/or if you have any restaurants in Tarragona that you think we should add to our list!
#1 El Terrat restaurant
If you are looking for a gourmet culinary experience to enrich your stay in Tarragona, don’t look any further than El Terrat restaurant. In addition, the MICHELIN rated local offers you a menu full of Mediterranean and all-around Spanish flavours. Located in Pons d’Icart, close to the shore, this is one of the best rated restaurants in the area with an harmonious atmosphere and quality service.
Una publicación compartida de El Terrat_restaurant (@elterrat_restaurant)
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 13:15-15:45 & 20:15-22:45 & Sunday 13:15-15:45
Address: Carrer Pons d’Icart 19, 43004, Tarragona
#2 LAMORADA restaurant
Located in a quiet square of the high zone of Tarragona you will stumble upon LAMORADA restaurant. A unique place decorated with local colours and a warm atmosphere. They offer you a wide selection of Spanish and Catalan dishes. Either if you want to stay and order take out or sit in their outside area to enjoy the sunny day, LAMORADA provides you with the upmost care and attentive service.
Una publicación compartida de La Morada (@lamoradatgn)
Opening hours: Every day from 13:30-17:00 & 20:30-24:00
Address: Carrer de les Cuirateries 20, 43003, Tarragona
How To Get There?
Wherever you’re staying in Barcelona, a day trip to Tarragona is always a good idea. As a fact, since it’s not too far away, a day trip to Barcelona is a very common trip. You can catch the train, which will take approximately an hour. Or by car it will take roughly the same time.
Train: Up to 50 regional and long-distance trains per day run to/from Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia station via Sants.
Bus: services run to Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza, Madrid, Alicante, Pamplona, the main Andalucian cities, Andorra and the north coast.
Car: You can find many car rental places in Barcelona city center.
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