4 Days of Fun, History and Beaches in Tarragona

Experience the beauty and culture of Tarragona without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Tarragona, Spain offers historical sights, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine on a budget-friendly getaway. Take a tour of the ancient Roman ruins and amphitheater, stroll along the Mediterranean coast, and indulge in local tapas and wine at affordable prices. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to affordable hotels, making Tarragona an ideal destination for a wallet-friendly vacation.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Roman Ruins and a Sunset Beach

  • Start your day exploring the ancient Roman amphitheater and aqueduct in the morning
  • Walk through the narrow streets of the old town and visit the Cathedral of Tarragona
  • Lunch on the go with a fresh baguette sandwich at La Botiga de l'Avi
  • Hit the sandy beach of Playa del Miracle and catch the sunset while sipping on a beer at Bar Panorama
  • Stay at the affordable and cozy Hotel Plaça De La Font in the city center
Day 2

Wine Tasting and Coastal Hike

  • Head to the nearby Priorat wine region and taste some of the finest wines at the family-run Cellers Baronia del Montsant
  • Stop by the medieval town of Siurana and enjoy the spectacular mountain and valley views
  • Have a hearty lunch at Mas Trucafort with rustic Catalan dishes
  • Stroll along the scenic coastal path of Camino de Ronda and stop at the secluded Cala Fonda beach for a dip
  • Dine at the lively Vermuteria El Serrallo for some tapas and vermouth
Day 3

Mediterranean Sea and Medieval Fortress

  • Take a boat tour along the Mediterannean coast and see Tarragona's iconic skyline from the sea
  • Swim and snorkel in the clear waters of Cala de la Roca Plana
  • Have some fresh seafood paella at El Llagut in the picturesque fishing village of El Serrallo
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Poblet and the medieval castle of Santa Coloma de Queralt
  • End the day with a colorful cocktail at the trendy rooftop bar of Hotel Pigal
Day 4

Fiesta and Flamenco

  • Join the local festive spirit at the annual Tarraco Viva history festival in the morning
  • Shop for souvenirs and taste artisanal sweets at the bustling Mercado Central
  • Learn some flamenco moves and have a dance lesson at La Pasionaria
  • Savor the flavors of Catalan cuisine at La Cuina d'en Carlos in a cozy atmosphere
  • Watch a passionate flamenco performance at the intimate venue of Sala Zero

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.

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