A Weekend in Beautiful Tarragona, Spain – an under-the-radar city destination!

Before I visited Tarragona I have to be honest and admit I didn’t know much about it at all, but on my whirlwind train journey around Spain I discovered a beautiful but yet surprisingly still under-the-radar travel destination which actually made a gorgeous city break away from the crowds – it beautifully combined a mix of laid-back beach life and impressively preserved ancient history which I couldn’t get enough of! 

A Quick Overview of Tarragona

Tarragona, once the capital of Roman Hispania, was founded before the 5th century BC and is home to an ancient walled old town, UNESCO-listed Roman ruins, and a collection of fine golden sand beaches surrounded by beautiful natural scenery – it’s the kind of place I honestly would have loved to stay much longer!

I spent hours just wandering around the late 3rd-century city walls, gazing in awe at the impressive former Roman necropolis and amphitheatre, and strolling the city’s buzzing main street, Rambla Nova, which was lined with lively bars and restaurants! 

La Part Alta – The Medieval Heart

The medieval part of the city is known as La Part Alta de Tarragona, and this is where I felt like I was walking around a Game of Thrones set! 

It was home to a very impressive collection of Roman ruins and artefacts and also a gothic cathedral which I really enjoyed discovering and it took me a full afternoon to explore both.

In 2000, Tarragona was deservedly named a World Heritage City by UNESCO thanks to the very impressive Roman ruins of Tarraco – it was really interesting to find out that some of the Cyclopean walls were believed to pre-date the Romans entirely!

The Roman Amphitheatre and Roman Circus

The focal point of the Old Town was the Tarragona Amphitheatre which was built between the end of the 1st century BC and the start of the 2nd Century BC.

It once held around 13,000 spectators and it actually had witnessed many gruesome gladiator battles and public executions. Entry only cost a few euros, and I spent a good couple of hours exploring the entire site – unlike the Colosseum in Rome, access wasn’t heavily restricted, so I could really roam around the site and take it all in at my leisure.

I thought the Roman Circus of Tarragona was another standout attraction – it’s actually one of the best-preserved structures of its kind from the Roman Empire. Similar to Rome’s Circo Massimo, I found out from the signs that it once held around 20,000 spectators, and incredibly, parts of the original walls are still standing today.

As I wandered through the site, it genuinely felt like I was stepping back in time – especially while exploring the atmospheric underground passages, which I imagined filled with the noise and excitement of the spectators from above!

Walking the Roman Walls

I was actually in awe of the city’s surrounding walls which were built by the Romans way back in the 2nd century BC! I loved being able to walk along the 1,100 meters of the original 3,500-meter wall – and I found out that the walls were the oldest Roman structures still standing outside Italy!

Discovering the Cathedral

Most major cities have a cathedral, but what I loved about Tarragona’s Cathedral of Santa Maria was that the tour offered something a little different and more immersive than usual!

The locals were rightly proud of their stunning cathedral, and I joined a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour that turned out to be a very worthwhile experience. My guide walked us through the peaceful Cloister, the ornate Treasure, the fascinating Diocesan Museum, and the Roman temenós.

The highlight for me, though, was climbing the bell tower – I’d timed my visit perfectly to hear the bells ring, which was an ear-splitting but special moment!

Hitting the Beaches

The Costa Dorada, or ‘Golden Coast,’ earns its name from its long stretches of golden sandy beaches – and with around ten miles of coastline near Tarragona, I was completely spoilt for choice!

The city’s main beach, El Miracle, was just a short stroll from the Rafael de Casanova promenade and, although only 500 metres long, it quickly became my favorite. With its soft golden sands and gorgeous sea views, it felt like a relaxing oasis right on the city’s doorstep.

For a more family-friendly vibe, I found L’Arrabassada Beach just outside the city center. This beach had a relaxed, welcoming feel and calm waters.

I also stumbled upon La Savinosa which was a quieter, more secluded stretch that actually turned out to be a nudist beach (to my surprise)! The longest beach in the area, though, was Playa Larga – a serene three-kilometre expanse that was perfect for peaceful sunbathing and leisurely swims.

Afterwards I headed to the iconic Balcó del Mediterrani, a scenic balcony at the end of Rambla Nova, right beside the amphitheatre. From there, I soaked up the Insta-worthy views of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea – it was the perfect spot to pause and just take it all in.

A Quick Overview of the Best Beaches 

• El Miracle Beach – A small but stunning beach just a short walk from the Rafael de Casanova promenade. My personal favorite!
• L’Arrabassada Beach – A family-friendly option close to the city centre.
• La Savinosa – A nudist beach I stumbled upon.
• Playa Larga – The longest beach at three kilometres which was peaceful and I found was perfect for sunbathing.

The Food and Drink

With Tarragona’s prime seaside location, it’s no surprise that seafood was everywhere—but my absolute favorite dish was Cassola de Romesco, a traditional Catalan seafood stew especially associated with the nearby fishing town of Cambrils.

The dish featured a delicious mix of fresh fish and shellfish, all simmered in a rich romesco sauce – a classic Catalan blend of toasted almonds, dried red peppers, garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes. It was absolutely divine and very flavourful!

Tarragona’s red prawns were also incredibly tasty – they were both sweet and tender. I also made the most of Spain’s excellent Menu del Día (Menu of the Day), which let me sample a variety of traditional and sometimes more modern, creative local dishes at a very reasonable price.

I couldn’t leave without trying the local vermouth – even though it originally hails from Italy, the people of Tarragona have actually made it their own! I headed to Plaza del Rey, ordered a crisp, aromatic glass on a sunny terrace, and soaked up the vibes while people-watching – it was the perfect end to a very relaxing city break!

A Quick Overview of the Best Food to Try in Tarragona

Tarragona’s coastal location and Catalan heritage make it a paradise for food lovers – especially if you’re into seafood and bold Mediterranean flavors. Here are some of my must-try local dishes and drinks…

• Cassola de Romesco – A traditional Catalan seafood stew made with fish or shellfish in a rich romesco sauce of almonds, red peppers, garlic, and tomatoes. I found out this was a local’s favorite, especially in nearby Cambrils.
• Tarragona Red Prawns (Gambas Rojas) – Sweet, succulent, and often grilled simply with sea salt—they’re a local delicacy that I discovered paired perfectly with a glass of chilled white wine.
• Arrossejat – A rustic fisherman’s dish made with toasted noodles or rice, seafood stock, and a hearty mix of shellfish, often served with aioli. I loved this hearty dish!
• Xató – A fresh Catalan salad made with endive, cod, anchovies, olives, and a punchy romesco dressing—I found this was great for a light but flavorful lunch.
• Calçots with Romesco Sauce (in season, winter to early spring) – Grilled green onions dipped in romesco sauce, usually eaten at outdoor “calçotades.” I found out it was messy but delicious!
• Crema Catalana – A creamy dessert similar to crème brûlée but infused with citrus and cinnamon—perfect to end your meal on a sweet note.
• Local Vermouth – I think this is a must in Tarragona! I enjoyed it on the rocks with a slice of orange and a green olive, ideally on a sunny terrace in Plaza del Rey.

My Final Thoughts on Tarragona

Honestly, Tarragona completely won me over with its mix of ancient Roman ruins, sun-kissed golden beaches, and laid-back Mediterranean charm.

Whether I was wandering the cobbled lanes of the old town, gazing out over the sea from the Roman amphitheatre, or gorging on a cassola de romesco at a seaside restaurant, it felt like a place where history, culture, tasty cuisine and coastal beauty combined with not much effort at all! 

It’s a surprisingly under-the-radar destination that to me felt authentic, easygoing, and full of hidden gems – and I left already planning my return! 

What I Didn’t Like

While Tarragona completely charmed me, of course not every city is perfect so in the interest of balance, I’ve decided to outline what I didn’t like as well!

I found that the train station wasn’t located right in the heart of the city, which meant a bit of a walk (or a taxi ride) when I arrived, and it was a bit of a struggle with my luggage.

Also, while I personally enjoyed the slower, more authentic vibe, it may not appeal to travellers seeking a buzzy nightlife scene or high-end shopping – this definitely isn’t Barcelona, so keep this in mind!

Tarragona has a more off-the-beaten-track, local vibe, so it’s understandable that some signs and menus didn’t have English translations—I’d definitely recommend brushing up on a few basic Spanish phrases before you arrive to make things easier

Where Is Tarragona?

Tarragona is a small coastal city which I found nestled in the northeastern region of Spain, along the Costa Daurada (Golden Coast) in Catalonia, about an hour south of Barcelona by train.

Travelling Spain by Train

I found travelling around Spain by train surprisingly easy and efficient. High-speed AVE trains (Alta Velocidad Española) linked me to major cities at a speed of 186mph. I booked in advance online, so I found some great deals on fares at the official Spanish rail website, www.renfe.com.