Tarragona in 3 - Roman Ruins & Cuisine

Explore the rich history and stunning beaches of Tarragona, Spain.

22 April 2023

Tarragona in Spain is a quaint, picturesque town overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. With its ancient Roman ruins, museums, Gothic architecture and lovely streets, Tarragona is a city that is steeped in history and charm. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the ancient city walls and explore the museums, or simply soak up the sun on one of the many nearby beaches.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Get Lost in the Roman Ruins

  • Stay at Hotel Lauria, a charming hotel in the heart of the city.
  • Start your day with a coffee and croissant at the picturesque Plaça de la Font.
  • Explore the ancient Roman ruins, including the impressive amphitheater and the Roman Circus, with its stunning mosaic floors.
  • Take a stroll along the picturesque seaside promenade, stopping for a refreshing dip in the sea.
  • Visit the Tarragona Cathedral and climb to the top for stunning views of the city.
  • End your day with a delicious dinner at Condis de Ponent, where traditional Catalan dishes are elevated to new heights.
Day 2

Discover the Delights of Tarragona's Cuisine

  • Start your day with a tasty breakfast at Granja Elena, known for its fresh bread and rich hot chocolate.
  • Join a culinary tour of the city, stopping at the Mercat Central for a taste of local cheeses and cured meats.
  • Learn how to make traditional dishes at a local cooking class, complete with sangria and good company.
  • Indulge in a delicious lunch of fresh seafood at El Llagut, overlooking the picturesque Tarragona harbor.
  • Take a stroll through the charming streets and stop by a local wine bar for a glass of Priorat wine.
Day 3

Escape to the Mountains

  • Take a day trip to the nearby Montserrat mountain range, a serene and peaceful escape from the city.
  • Visit the Montserrat monastery, an important pilgrimage site with stunning views from the mountaintop.
  • Hike along the trails, breathing in the fresh mountain air and admiring the dramatic scenery.
  • Have a picnic lunch of local cheeses, cured meats, and wine, enjoying the tranquil surrounds.
  • Return to Tarragona in time to catch the sunset over the city, a breathtaking sight from the top of the Roman amphitheater.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Tarragona by plane is to fly into Barcelona-El Prat Airport and take a transfer to Tarragona. Flights from all over the world land here, and the airport is only a 45-minute drive or train ride from Tarragona.

Car

If you are driving from Barcelona, take the AP-7 highway south to Tarragona. The journey takes about 1 hour without traffic, and the roads are generally in good condition. Parking in the city center can be challenging, so it's best to look for a parking lot outside the city center if possible.

Train

There are several high-speed trains that depart from Madrid to Tarragona, and the journey usually takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can also take a train from Barcelona Sants train station if you are coming from other parts of Spain. The train station in Tarragona is a short walk from the city center.

Boat

There are no direct ferries that go to Tarragona, but you can take a ferry to Barcelona and then travel overland to Tarragona. The closest port to Tarragona is Port Tarraco, which is a 20-minute drive from the city center. From there, you can take a taxi or rental car to your destination.

Bus

Taking a bus is the cheapest way to get to Tarragona from Barcelona. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and buses leave frequently from Barcelona Nord bus station. Once you arrive at Tarragona Bus station, you can walk or take a taxi to your destination.

Destination

Tarragona

Looking for a city with a name that sounds like a fancy herb? Look no further than Tarragona, where the only thing spicier than the food is the ancient Roman history.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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