You're Going to Love Tarragona
The ancient Spanish port of Tarragona has it all: Roman ruins, superb seafood, world-class beach resorts, museums and festivals. It's a fantastic Mediterranean destination.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Tarragona
1. The Ruins of Roman Tarraco
In Roman times, Tarragona was a key seaport and a mighty city. These days, you can visit the UNESCO-protected site of Tarraco, with a well-preseved gladiatorial colosseum.
2. One of Spain's Most Beautiful Cathedrals
The Cathedral is Tarragona's jewel. Gothic and Romanesque at the same time, it has some quirky medieval sculptures and a magical collection of devotional wood carvings.
3. Excellent Museums
Tarragona has mined its past to great effect, with fabulous museums like the Museu Nacional Arqueològic, which has a stunning Roman mosaic collection.
4. A Huge Range of Special Events
Tarragona is a fun-loving party city. Head to the vibrant Dixieland Festival (yes, Dixieland), check out the International Fireworks Displays in July or attend the Santa Tecla Festival in September.
5. Superb Seafood
Tarragona is famous for its grilled seafood, with first-rate eateries like El Llagut, Can Bonachi and Xaloc vying for your attention.
When to Visit Tarragona
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Spring and fall are perfect times to visit the sights of Tarragona, as you can expect thinner crowds. But if you intend to hit the beach, visiting between June and early September delivers constant sun and high temperatures.
How to Get to Tarragona
Plane
Reus Airport is a few miles from Tarragona and offers domestic connections to Madrid as well as European budget flights. Buses from the airport cost EUR3, while a taxi will charge around EUR30.
Train
Tarragona has a direct Renfe train connection to Barcelona and Alicante. It's about an hour from Barcelona and tickets start at EUR8.
Car
From Barcelona, take the AP-7 highway. From Madrid, the best route is the E-90, then the AP-2, followed by the AP-7.
Bus
Buses from Barcelona and Madrid to Tarragona are operated by Alsa and there should be plenty of journeys every day.
Airlines serving Tarragona
Where to stay in popular areas of Tarragona
Most booked hotels in Tarragona
How to Get Around Tarragona
Public Transportation
Local buses are provided by EMT and single tickets cost EUR1.50 (EUR3.50 for a day's travel).
Taxi
Taxis should cost around EUR5 for the first mile, then EUR2 for every subsequent mile.
Car
Car rental options in Tarragona include Hertz and Budget, and you should be able to rent a vehicle for around EUR15-20 per day.
Car rental agencies in Tarragona
The Cost of Living in Tarragona
Shopping Streets
Rambla Nova is Tarragona's premier shopping neighborhood and is home to boutiques like Coretfiel and Oysho as well as major brands like Calzedonia. It's also a regular location for street markets, which could be perfect for gift shopping.
Groceries and Other
Supermarkets in the city include Mercadona, Carrefour and Spar. Expect to pay around EUR1.70 for 12 eggs.
Where to Eat in Tarragona
Food is one of the greatest draws in Tarragona. Check out superb seafood eateries like la Llugat or dive into the Old Town to discover places like La Fàbrica, La Cocotte or El Complet, all of which serve up traditional Catalonian specialties. Meals should cost between EUR15-25, but single tapas portions can be as little as EUR3.