Best Things To Do in Tarragona

Located on the Costa Dorada, Tarragona, balcony of the Mediterranean, invites you to discover its fascinating historical legacy and natural beauty. Here, you can walk among the remains of ancient Roman Tarraco, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea.

In addition to its cultural wealth, Tarragona offers outdoor activities, from quad biking routes around Salou to diving baptisms in its crystal-clear waters. Whether you are travelling alone or with your family, Tarragona is the ideal place to enjoy a perfect mix of adventure and tranquillity.

Explore the grandeur of ancient Tarraco and delve into its fascinating past. Walk along the Roman walls, visit the amphitheatre that was the scene of gladiatorial fights and discover the forum, the epicentre of public life in Roman times. Roman Tarragona stands out for its magnitude and the remarkable state of conservation of its monuments. As you walk through its streets, imagine what life was like more than 2,000 years ago. You can do this by booking a guided tour or visiting on your own.

Don't miss the chance to visit the Roman Circus, a place where chariot races and other spectacles were held. In addition, you can visit World Heritage Sites such as the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona through areas such as the Roman Ensemble of Centcelles, the Necropolis, the Roman Villa of Els Munts and several others, to learn more about the history of Tarraco where you will find an impressive collection of objects found in excavations.

Strolling through these monuments will transport you to another era, while you learn about the history and daily life of ancient Tarraco.

Interesting details

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours, depending on the sites you want to see in depth.
• What you should know: this is an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of the city and its importance in Roman times.

The Ebro Delta is one of the most important wetlands in the western Mediterranean, and MónNatura Delta de l'Ebre in Amposta is a centre that offers you endless possibilities to connect with nature. Imagine sailing along its canals in a boat and watching a wide variety of birds, from Mediterranean flamingos to ospreys. If you prefer something more active, you can cycle or walk along its paths, enjoying charming landscapes and absolute tranquillity.

If what you fancy is a total immersion in the traditions of the area, you can visit the old salt pans of San Antonio, next to the entrance to the Trabucador beach in La Tancada. You will be surrounded by a spectacular ecosystem, where fresh and salt water make peace, giving rise to a great diversity of flora and fauna. Here you can also visit interpretation centres to learn more about this privileged environment and enjoy activities such as bird watching, fishing or hiking.

Details of interest

• Duration: 4-8 hours, depending on the pace of the visit.
• What you should know: binoculars are recommended for birdwatching. Also, if you buy your tickets for MónNatura Delta de l'Ebre in Amposta at the end of April, you can take part in the 'Festa dels Menuts', a big party for the family where you will be grateful for the privileged environment of the Delta with activities for children, food fair and other activities perfect to enjoy with your loved ones.

If you are looking for adrenaline and adventure in one activity, I invite you to sign up for a quad tour around Salou, an experience not to be missed. It goes through rural roads, forests and beaches, enjoying spectacular panoramic views such as the Mare de Déu de la Roca Hermitage, the Escornalbou Castle Monastery and the San Ramon Hermitage. Another common route is the Tarragona trilogy, namely the towns of Cambrils, Reus and Salou.

Guided routes usually include stops at natural viewpoints and little-explored corners, perfect for nature and adventure lovers. You can also splash around in one of the small remote coves, stroll through medieval villages and vineyards. If you are looking for a different and fun activity, this is your chance.

Details of interest

• Duration: from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the route you choose.
• What you should know: it is not necessary to have previous experience in quad driving, as the guides will teach you everything you need to know. Bring comfortable clothes, swimming costume, sunscreen and a scarf (that's my personal recommendation because of the dust that rises at some points), as you'll be outdoors most of the time.

Sign up for a diving baptism in Salou and immerse yourself in the fascinating underwater world of the Costa Dorada. This experience is perfect for those who want to get started in diving, discovering an environment full of marine life and unique underwater landscapes. The activity is carried out with the expert guidance of the Tarragona Underwater Exploration Society (SES), an organisation that since 1955 has combined the practice of scuba diving with the sustainable exploration of the seabed.

The tour begins with a brief instruction session on land, where you'll learn the basics about scuba diving equipment and underwater communication signals. Afterwards, you'll head to one of the ideal spots on the coast to descend to a depth of 6 metres with the constant company of a professional instructor.

Underwater, you'll have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of species, from colourful fish and corals to moray eels and other marine inhabitants. In addition, near Salou, you can explore wrecks such as the Dragonera, a sunken cargo ship that is now home to diverse marine fauna. The diving baptism is an ideal activity to get you started in this sport and discover a new way of enjoying the sea.

Details of interest

• Duration: 3-4 hours, including training time and the dive.
• What you should know: you don't need any previous experience, but it is important to know how to swim. Diving equipment is included in the price of the activity. If you schedule your baptism among the things to do in Tarragona in August you will be able to participate or at least witness the underwater procession for the 'Festes de Sant Magí' Are you up for it?

Discover Tarragona on two wheels, you can rent a bicycle and cycle through the streets of the city, its walls and the seafront promenade. This is a healthy way of getting to know Tarragona's most emblematic places at your own pace.

There are numerous signposted cycle routes that will allow you to explore the city and its surroundings, as it is one of the epicentres of cycling in Catalonia. You can also enjoy the sea views and the sea breeze.

Interesting details

• Duration: the length of the route will depend on your pace and the distance you want to cover.
• What you should know: you can rent a bike or hire a bike tour from Salou or from other points in the city.

The thrill of touring Tarragona from the air is, without a doubt, one of the best experiences for adrenaline junkies. From around 1,000 metres above sea level in this coastal city, the panoramic views allow you to enjoy the Mediterranean landscape, the mountains, and the golden coast, with the deep blue of the sea stretching to the horizon.

The take-off point is usually in areas strategically placed to maximise the beauty of the surroundings, while the landing, smooth and controlled, leaves you with a unique sense of freedom. You can book a tandem paragliding flight in Salou, an ideal destination due to its proximity to the beaches and easy access from the centre of Tarragona. Here the endless beaches, the silhouette of the city, and the famous Balcon del Mediterraneo form the scenery.

Another popular route is the one that stretches into the mountains near the Sierra de Montsant Natural Park. This aerial route offers a glimpse that combines the green mountains and the blue sea, allowing you to appreciate the geographical contrasts of the area.

Interesting details

• Duration: 1 hour, including pre-flight instructions.
• What you should know: in the air the experience takes about 20 minutes, however, I invite you to reserve an hour of your itinerary for this activity so that you receive the instructions calmly and your flight flows with the weather conditions. Paragliding in Tarragona is an accessible experience for people over 10 years old, no previous knowledge is required. The maximum weight is 85 kg per person. You should wear long trousers and trainers, then relax and enjoy the moment.

The Costa Dorada has an interesting range of water parks where you can enjoy a day full of excitement and fun. Two of the most popular are Port Aventura Caribe Aquatic Park and Aqualeón.

• Port Aventura Caribe Aquatic Park, located within the PortAventura World complex, transports you to a Caribbean paradise with wave pools, vertiginous slides and attractions for all the family. If you're looking for adrenaline, don't miss King Khajuna, one of the highest slides in Europe. You can also enjoy themed shows and a wide range of gastronomy.
• Aqualeón located in La Pineda, this park offers a more relaxed and family experience. It has a wide variety of pools, slides and children's play areas. Aqualeón stands out for its quiet atmosphere and its cheaper prices compared to Port Aventura Caribe Aquatic Park.

Interesting details

• Duration: all day.
• What you should know: if you are looking for thrills and excitement and a wide range of attractions, PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park is your best option. If you prefer a quieter, family atmosphere, Aqualeón is ideal for you.

Relax and enjoy the sun on one of the best beaches in Tarragona. From small hidden coves to long golden sandy beaches, you'll find the perfect place to sunbathe, swim or practice water sports.

If you're looking for an urban beach with a wilder, more natural setting, Playa del Miracle is an excellent choice. If you prefer proximity to the city centre and a family atmosphere, Playa de la Arrabassada is for you. Otherwise, for those who prefer to get away in a space for nudists, the popular Waikiki Beach, officially called Cala Fonda, is the alternative.

Water sports you said? At Cala Fornelsnorkelling and kayaking are common, and if you're into parasailing, Playa de Levante is happy to guide you with a motorboat around the coastline... in short, there are beaches to suit all tastes along more than 70 kilometres of coastline.

Interesting details

• Duration: all day, depending on your schedule.
• What you should know: many of Tarragona's beaches have services such as showers, restaurants, beach umbrellas and sun loungers for hire, as well as snorkelling equipment, making them comfortable for spending the whole day with family or friends.

Climb to the top of Tarragona and enter the majestic Cathedral of Santa Tecla, also known as the Cathedral of Light, an impressive Gothic building that will take you back in time. Construction began in the mid-12th century and it was consecrated in 1331. This cathedral is a magnificent example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic.

Explore its interior and be amazed by the beauty of its stained glass windows, chapels and cloister. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Diocesan Museum, where you can admire a valuable collection of sacred art, including the sarcophagus of Archbishop Joan d'Argó, a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic. And if you're strolling around the city in August, sign up for the Summer Nights at Tarragona Cathedral, an activity that even includes wine tasting in the cathedral. How many churches can you experience this in?

Interesting details

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours, depending on the time you want to spend in each area.
• What you should know: it is recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and make the most of the tranquillity of the place. Admission usually includes access to the museum and cloister.

The Priorat region, located less than an hour from Tarragona, is a paradise for wine lovers. With vineyards stretching over steep hills and wineries that have maintained traditional techniques for centuries, this is the place for the wine route with the best of Priorat and Montsant:

Practising wine tourism in Priorat you will visit some of the most prestigious wineries in the region, where they will explain the production process, from the harvest to the bottling of the DOC Priorat and the DO Montsant, the two stars of the area. You will also have the opportunity to take part in guided tastings of red, white and rosé wines, all produced with local grape varieties.

Interesting details

• Duration: 4 to 5 hours, ideal for a half-day or full-day getaway.
• What you should know: most of the wineries require prior booking for visits and tastings, especially during weekends and the summer season. It is also important to note that some routes include visits to some of the most beautiful villages in Tarragona, such as Falset and Gratallops, where you can sample the local gastronomy.