Tarragona on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun
Experience the charm of Tarragona on a shoestring budget.
21 June 2023
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
Tarragona is a charming coastal city in northeastern Spain, filled with Roman ruins, beautiful beaches, and delicious Catalan cuisine. On a limited budget, travelers can enjoy walking tours of the city's historic sites, swimming and sunbathing at the local beaches, and indulging in affordable tapas and wine at local restaurants. Accommodation options include budget-friendly hostels and Airbnb rentals, making Tarragona an accessible destination for budget-conscious travelers.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Start the day with a stroll along the promenade of Playa del Miracle
- Spend the morning sunbathing and swimming at Platja Llarga, one of Tarragona's most beautiful beaches
- Have lunch at Chiringuito Vela, a beachside restaurant serving fresh seafood and ice-cold beer
- Visit the Amphitheatre, an ancient roman site with stunning views of the Mediterranean
- End the day with a sunset walk at the secluded Platja dels Capellans
- Budget Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Tarraco Park
- Start the day with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona to learn about the city's rich history
- Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Bar Cósmico, a family-run café serving delicious vegetarian food
- Stroll through the medieval Old Town, and visit the impressive Cathedral of Tarragona
- Take a guided tour of the Roman Walls, one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Spain
- End the day at the Balcó del Mediterrani, a balcony overlooking the sea and the city
- Start the day with a visit to the beautiful Mas Vicenç Winery, located in the Priorat wine region, known for producing some of the best wines in the world
- Enjoy a traditional Catalan lunch at the winery, paired with their delicious wines
- Visit the Clos Figueras Winery for a guided tour and tasting
- Take a scenic drive through the stunning Montsant Natural Park
- End the day with a glass of wine and a sunset view at the Bodega Cooperativa de Falset
- Start the day with a hike through the beautiful Serra de Montsant Mountains
- Have a picnic lunch at the stunning Siurana Reservoir with amazing views
- Kayak at the river Ebro to gain an unforgettable experience
- Watch the mesmerizing sun set at the Mirador del Passeig de les Palmeres
- Fill yourself with energy and vitality with delicious dinner at El Llagut
- Take a train to Salou and enjoy a day in the sun on Llevant Beach
- Visit PortAventura World theme park, one of the largest in Europe
- Have lunch at The Carvery Bar & Grill, the best place to have steaks and meat in town
- Visit the beautiful Torre Vella, a historic tower, from where you can get a stunning view of the coastline
- Return to Tarragona for your last night and have tapas and drinks at La Cava de la Porta Falsa.
- Budget Hotel Recommendation: Hotel SB Ciutat de Tarragona
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.