This beautiful sun-soaked city is one of Catalonia’s best-kept secrets. The draw of Barcelona to the north, Tarragona’s boozy neighbor village, Salou, and the waterpark attractions of PortAventura mean the city travelers often overlook the city. But, there are plenty of things to do in Tarragona. Its Roman ruins, endless beaches, medieval alleyways and UNESCO world heritage city classification make it a place worthy of seeking out. The founding date of this historic Catalan port town, located on Spain’s eastern coast, is unknown. One legend credits Tubal, the grandson of Noah. However, historians stir towards the theory that the Phoenicians were the first to set up camp, calling the place Tarascon, or “citadel.” Tarragona is the oldest Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula.
It dates as far back as to the arrival of Generals (and brothers) Gnaeus and Publius Scipio in 218 BC and the beginning of the Roman conquest of Spain. As it expanded, Tarragona was fortified and used as an arsenal to defend against the threat of Carthaginians. Visit Tarragona now and you will be greeted with a slew of fantastic ancient Roman sites that don’t free of the crowds typical for other popular destination.
A short 4 kilometers outside of central Tarragona is Les Ferreres Aqueduct which used to transport water to the ancient city. And, backing onto the beach, facing out onto the Mediterranean is the Amfiteatre Romá, a gladiatorial arena where men fought to the death. Behind the Amfiteatre sits most of the city, including the walls of its Old Town. Here you can find the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona, remnants of the Forum and the Cathedral of Tarragona. This Gothic structure, built on the former sites of a Roman temple, Visigoth Cathedral and Moorish Mosque, further points to the city’s rich history. Indeed, what to do in Tarragona is not a difficult question to answer.
The Old city is also one of the best spots to grab a bite to eat in one of the countless restaurants and bars. These places have a distinctly local feel and are often built into the ancient walls of the city. In port area of El Serrallo, restaurants serve fresh seafood.
There are plenty of beachy things to do in Tarragona, too. In fact, its location on the Costa Daurada makes it a beach-goers paradise with five beaches easily accessible by bus. So, after a day of exploration, you can catch the late afternoon sun and soak your feet in the refreshing waters of the Mediterranean.
