During my road trip in Europe, I discovered Tarragona in Spain, a Mediterranean gem with a glorious history as a Roman city. Famous for its Roman Ruins, this UNESCO World Heritage city offers a remarkable blend of history, culture, and breathtaking sea views.

In the summer of 2018, I had planned a fantastic road trip: 13 cities in 11 days across Italy, France, and Spain. My goal was to visit cities with rich cultural value, all “off the beaten path,” meaning none of them were accessible by Ryanair and that they were no more than three hours away from each other by car.

It was a great plan that took me a few days of research and preparation before departure, but it led me to discover hidden gems I might never have visited otherwise, such as Toulouse, Carcassonne, Zaragoza, and Tarragona in Spain, just to name a few of my favorites.

I reached the center of Tarragona around 11 in the morning after about 2 hours and 40 minutes on the Spanish highway. That day, I had come from Zaragoza and couldn’t wait to park the car and enjoy the beautiful sea view. After a few minutes of navigating through the congested traffic in the heart of the ancient Tàrraco, I found my hotel and parked.

Tarragona is a delightful city where, after a walk along the Rambla Nova, which stretches from Plaça Imperial Tàrraco to the sea, and after buying some typical Catalan products, you can relax on one of the most beautiful coastlines in Catalonia, the Costa Dorada.

Tarragona is rich in culture and history, and it’s fascinating to note that for three years, it was the residence of the Roman Emperor Augustus. Back then, the city was known as Tàrraco and was the capital of ancient Hispania Citerior.

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Santa Tecla Cathedral

The Santa Tecla Cathedral is certainly one of the must-see attractions in Tarragona. Built in 1171, it blends several architectural styles: the facade is Romanesque, while the portal is Gothic. I stopped to admire the stunning rose window, which bears a striking resemblance to the one in the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

This Cathedral is impressive from the outside, it’s even more so inside, enriched with chapels housing important artistic works, a magnificent altar, and a beautiful organ. A must-see is the Cloister, a peaceful oasis where you can stop and listen to the birds singing while inhaling the fragrance of the flowers and plants.

The Roman Amphitheater of Tarragona

The Roman Amphitheater of Tarragona is the highlight of the city. This arena, used for gladiatorial games and public executions, dates back to the 2nd century AD and is right by the sea. The panoramic view from here is something truly unique and scenic. Its location makes it a sort of “sea-view terrace” with thousands of years of history behind it. I recommend visiting it at sunset to fully enjoy the captivating sky over the sea.

The Archaeological Walkway

The Archaeological Walkway is another great way to immerse yourself in the ancient splendor of the Roman Empire. In the 2nd century BC, Tarragona was protected by a large wall that surrounded the entire historic center, extending for over 3 kilometers. The Roman walls of Tarraco (Tarragona) are considered the oldest Roman architectural construction still preserved outside of Italy.
This archaeological walk lets you enjoy the area at your own pace.

Castells Festival

Tarragona’s most famous event is the “Castells” human tower competition. Hundreds of people, young and old, join together to form multi-story human towers. At the top of each tower, there’s always a child who climbs last, standing at the top supported by those beneath them.

If you’re interested in this event, here’s the official link: Tarragona Castells.

Tarraco Viva Festival

The “Tarraco Viva” festival is another notable event. This international cultural festival, held usually in mid-May, was created in 1999 to promote the city’s historical heritage, featuring theatrical performances set against the backdrop of Tarragona’s ruins. You can find more about it here: Tarraco Viva.

This city, though not too large, is truly stunning and has left a mark on my heart like few others. Tarragona is a journey through history: from Roman ruins and medieval buildings to modernist architecture, all of which can be explored even in a single day.