Best Things To Do in Tarragona

Located on the Costa Dorada, Tarragona, balcony of the Mediterranean, invites you to discover its fascinating historical legacy and natural beauty. Here, you can walk among the vestiges of ancient Roman Tarraco, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea.

In addition to its cultural richness, Tarragona offers outdoor activities, from quad biking around Salou to diving in its crystal clear waters. Whether you are traveling alone or with your family, Tarragona is the ideal place to enjoy a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility.

Explore the grandeur of ancient Tarraco and delve into its fascinating past. Walk along the Roman walls, visit the amphitheater that was the scene of gladiator fights and discover the forum, the epicenter of public life in Roman times. Roman Tarragona stands out for its magnitude and the remarkable state of preservation of its monuments. As you walk through its streets, imagine what life was like more than two thousand years ago. You can do this by booking a guided tour or visiting on your own.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Roman Circus, a place where chariot races and other spectacles were held. In addition, you can visit World Heritage Sites such as the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona through areas such as the Roman Ensemble of Centcelles, the Necropolis, the Roman Villa of Els Munts and several others, to learn more about the history of Tarraco where there is an impressive collection of objects found in the excavations.

Strolling through these monuments will transport you to another era, while learning about the history and daily life of ancient Tarraco.

Details of interest

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours, depending on the sites you wish to see in depth.
• What you should know: it is an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of the city and its importance in Roman times.

The Ebro Delta is one of the most important wetlands in the western Mediterranean, and MónNatura Delta de l'Ebre in Amposta is a center that offers you endless possibilities to connect with nature. Imagine sailing through its canals in a boat and watching a wide variety of birds, from Mediterranean flamingos to ospreys. If you prefer something more active, you can explore its paths by bicycle or on foot, enjoying charming landscapes and absolute tranquility.

If what you fancy is a total immersion in the traditions of the place, you can go to the old salt mines of San Antonio, next to the entrance of the Trabucador beach in La Tancada. You will be surrounded by an ecosystem of spectacle, where fresh and salt water make peace, giving rise to a great diversity of flora and fauna. Here you can also visit interpretation centers to learn more about this privileged environment and enjoy activities such as bird watching, fishing or hiking.

Details of interest

• Duration: 4-8 hours, depending on the pace of the visit.
• What you should know: binoculars are recommended for bird watching. Also, if you buy your tickets for MónNatura Delta de l'Ebre in Amposta by the end of April, you will be able to participate in the 'Festa dels Menuts', a great party for the family where you will be grateful for the privileged environment of the Delta with activities for children, food fair and other activities perfect to enjoy with your loved ones.

If you are looking for adrenaline and adventure in one activity, I invite you to sign up for a quad tour around Salou, an experience not to be missed. It goes through rural roads, forests and beaches, enjoying spectacular panoramic views such as the Ermita Mare de Déu de la Roca, the Escornalbou Castle Monastery and the Ermita de San Ramon. Another common route is the trilogy of Tarragona, namely the municipalities of Cambrils, Reus and Salou.

Guided routes often include stops at natural viewpoints and little explored corners, perfect for nature and adventure lovers. You can also splash in some of the small remote coves, stroll through medieval villages and vineyards. If you are looking for a different and fun activity, this is your chance.

Details of interest

• Duration: from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the route you choose.
• What you should know: it is not necessary to have previous experience in driving quads, as the guides will teach you everything you need. Bring comfortable clothes, swimsuit, sunscreen and a scarf (this is my personal recommendation because of the dust that rises at some points), as you will be outdoors most of the time.

Sign up for a diving baptism in Salou and immerse yourself in the fascinating underwater world of the Costa Dorada. This experience is perfect for those who want to get started in diving, discovering an environment full of marine life and unique underwater landscapes. The activity takes place with the expert guidance of the Tarragona Underwater Exploration Society (SES), an organization that since 1955 combines the practice of diving with the sustainable exploration of the seabed.

The tour begins with a brief instruction session on land, where you will learn the basics about diving equipment and underwater communication signals. Afterwards, you will head to one of the ideal spots on the coast to descend to a depth of 6 meters with the constant company of a professional instructor.

Underwater, you will have the opportunity to observe a great variety of species, from colorful fish and corals to moray eels and other marine inhabitants. In addition, near Salou, you can explore wrecks such as the Dragonera, a sunken cargo ship that is now home to diverse marine fauna. The diving baptism is an ideal activity to get started in this sport and discover a new way to enjoy the sea.

Details of interest

• Duration: 3-4 hours, including training time and the dive.
• What you should know: you don't need to have previous experience, but it is important to know how to swim. Diving equipment is included in the price of the activity. If you schedule your baptism among the things to do in Tarragona in August you will be able to participate or at least witness the underwater procession for the 'Festes de Sant Magí' Are you in?

Discover Tarragona on two wheels, you can rent a bike and ride through the streets of the city, its walls and promenade. This is a healthy way to get to know the most emblematic places of Tarragona at your own pace.

There are numerous signposted cycling routes that will allow you to explore the city and its surroundings as it is one of the epicenters of cycling in Catalonia. In addition, you can enjoy the sea views and the sea breeze.

Interesting details

• Duration: the length of the route will depend on your pace and the distance you want to ride.
• What you should know: you can rent a bike or hire a bike tour from Salou or from other points of the city.

The thrill of touring Tarragona from the air is undoubtedly one of the best experiences for adrenaline lovers. From about 1,000 meters altitude in this coastal city, the panoramic views allow you to enjoy the Mediterranean landscape, the mountains, and the golden coast, with the deep blue sea stretching to the horizon.

The take-off point is usually in areas strategically located to maximize the beauty of the surroundings, while the landing, smooth and controlled, leaves you with a unique feeling of freedom. You can book a tandem paragliding flight in Salou, this town is an ideal destination for its proximity to the beaches and easy access from the center of Tarragona. Here the endless beaches, the silhouette of the city, and the famous Mediterranean Balcony draw the landscape.

Another popular route is the one that extends into the mountains near the Sierra de Montsant Natural Park. This aerial tour offers a glimpse that combines the green mountains and the blue sea, allowing you to appreciate the geographical contrasts of the area.

Details of interest

• Duration: 1 hour, including pre-flight instructions.
• What you should know: in the air the experience takes about 20 minutes, however, I invite you to reserve an hour of your itinerary for this activity so that you receive the instructions calmly and your flight flows with the weather conditions. Paragliding in Tarragona is an accessible experience for people over 10 years old, you do not need to have previous knowledge. The maximum weight is usually 85 kg per person. You should wear long pants and sneakers, then relax and enjoy the moment.

The Costa Dorada has an interesting offer of water parks where you can enjoy a day full of excitement and fun. Two of the most popular are Port Aventura Caribe Aquatic Park and Aqualeón.

• Port Aventura Caribe Aquatic Park, located within the PortAventura World complex, transports you to a Caribbean paradise with wave pools, vertiginous slides and attractions for the whole family. If you are looking for adrenaline, don't miss King Khajuna, one of the highest slides in Europe. In addition, you can enjoy themed shows and a wide gastronomic offer.
• Aqualeón located in La Pineda, this park offers a more relaxed and familiar experience. It has a wide variety of pools, slides and children's play areas. Aqualeón stands out for its quiet atmosphere and its more economical prices compared to Port Aventura Caribe Aquatic Park.

Details of interest

• Duration: all day.
• What you should know: if you are looking for strong emotions and a wide range of attractions, PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park is your best option. If you prefer a quieter, family atmosphere, Aqualeón is ideal for you.

Relax and enjoy the sun on one of the best beaches in Tarragona. From small hidden coves to long golden sandy beaches, you will find the perfect place to sunbathe, swim or practice water sports.

If you are looking for an urban beach with a wilder and more natural environment, Playa del Miracle is an excellent choice. If you prefer proximity to the city center and a family atmosphere, Playa de la Arrabassada is for you. Otherwise, for those who prefer to get away in a space for nudists, the popular Waikiki Beach, officially called Cala Fonda is the alternative.

Water sports you said? In Cala Fornelsnorkeling and kayaking are common, and if it's parasailing, in Playa de Levante they are happy to guide you with a motorboat around the coast... in short, there are beaches for all tastes along more than 70 kilometers of coastline.

Interesting details

• Duration: all day, depending on your planning.
• What you should know: many of Tarragona's beaches have services such as showers, restaurants, umbrellas and hammocks for rent, as well as snorkeling equipment, which makes them comfortable to spend the whole day with family or friends.

Climb to the top of Tarragona and enter the majestic Cathedral of Santa Tecla, also known as the Cathedral of Light, an impressive Gothic building that will transport you to other times. Construction began in the mid-twelfth century and consecrated in 1331, this cathedral is a magnificent example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic.

Explore its interior and be amazed by the beauty of its stained glass windows, chapels and cloister. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Diocesan Museum, where you can admire a valuable collection of sacred art, including the sarcophagus of Archbishop Joan d'Argó, a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic. And if you're strolling around the city in August, sign up for the Summer Nights at the Cathedral of Tarragona, an activity that even includes wine tasting in the cathedral. How many temples can you live this experience in?

Interesting details

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours, depending on the time you want to spend in each area.
• What you should know: it is recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and make the most of the tranquility of the place. Admission usually includes access to the museum and cloister.

The Priorat region, located less than an hour from Tarragona, is a paradise for wine lovers. With vineyards stretching over steep hills and wineries that have maintained traditional techniques for centuries, this is the place for the wine route with the best of Priorat and Montsant:

Practicing wine tourism in Priorat you will visit some of the most prestigious wineries in the region, where they will explain the production process, from harvesting to bottling of the DOC Priorat and DO Montsant, the two stars of the area. In addition, you will have the opportunity to take guided tastings of red, white and rosé wines, all produced with native grape varieties.

Details of interest

• Duration: 4 to 5 hours, ideal for a half-day or full-day getaway.
• What you should know: most wineries require prior reservation for visits and tastings, especially during weekends and the summer season. It is also important to note that some routes include visits to some of the most beautiful villages in Tarragona, such as Falset and Gratallops, where you can taste the local gastronomy.