Tarragona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a coastal city located in Catalonia, Spain. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Costa Dorada on the Mediterranean Sea, Tarragona is a relatively small but vibrant city that offers a unique mix of Roman history and Mediterranean culture.

I planned a day-trip from Barcelona to visit this fascinating city that took me to the Roman Empire in Spain! So, let me tell you what makes this city a must-visit.

Why Visit Tarragona?

Tarragona (Tarraco, as it was known in ancient Roman times) is an ideal day-trip destination from Barcelona, as it’s easily accessible by train or car. Visitors can experience Roman history, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine without leaving the region. And most of these attractions can be seen within a day, with time to spare.

Tarragona is often overlooked as day-trip from Barcelona as there are so many options such as Montserrat, and Sitges just to name a few. But if you’re looking for a historically unique and architecturally fascinating day-trip option from Barcelona, I highly recommend Tarragona!

A Brief History of Tarragona, Spain

Tarragona is filled with history: it’s where the Roman Empire, medieval past, and Catalan tradition converge. Over the centuries, Tarragona has been influenced by various cultures, from the Moors to the Christians, each leaving their mark on the city’s architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Founded in 29 BC as Julia Augusta Felix Tarraco, the city was an important commercial centre during the Roman Empire. The Romans left behind a legacy of impressive architecture, including the stunning Amphitheatre and the Forum. And the city’s medieval heritage can be seen through its Cathedral, city walls, and ruins.

How to get to Tarragona

Getting to Tarragona is relatively easy, with several options available:

• By train: Renfe trains connect Tarragona to Barcelona (approximately 1-hour journey), Madrid, and other major Spanish cities.
• By car: The AP-7 highway connects Tarragona to the rest of Spain and France.
• By bus: Many companies offer daily services from Barcelona and other nearby towns.

How to get around Tarragona

Exploring Tarragona is best done on foot, as much of its historical core lies within walking distance. The city’s narrow streets and alleys are lined with charming architecture and hidden gems.

For those who prefer not to walk, a rental bicycle or scooter can be a fun way to explore the city at your own pace.

What To See In Tarragona In One Day

Right from the moment we stepped off the train in Tarragona, we could spot some top attractions in the city. Without a moment to spare, we headed off to the Mediterranean Balcony, which is right next to the train station.

Soak In The Views From The Mediterranean Balcony (Balcó del Mediterrani) Viewpoint

As the name implies, the Mediterranean Balcony (Balcó del Mediterrani) is a scenic viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding countryside. Take time to soak in the scenery, which includes beautiful beaches, pine-covered hills, and historic landmarks like the Tarragona Cathedral.

The railings were designed by Ramon Salas i Ricomà in 1889, which replaced the wall that once stood here. The origin of the Balcón del Mediterráneo’s name dates back to 1863, when Emili Castelar, the leader of Spain’s fledgling republic, paid a visit to Tarragona. It was on this occasion that he bestowed upon the balcony its title, which has since become synonymous with the city’s breathtaking views.

Relive The Excitement of The Roman Amphitheatre

From the Balcó del Mediterrani, the Roman Amphitheatre is a short walk.

Tarragona’s ancient Amphitheatre was once a hub of excitement, hosting a wide range of events that thrilled and sometimes shocked its audiences.

Constructed around 200 AD, the venue underwent significant renovations in 221 AD, as evidenced by the extensive inscription etched into its podium – a remarkable feat that earned it recognition as one of the empire’s longest recorded inscriptions.

Although time has adversely affected the structure, remnants of its original charm still exist. These include a rugged section of the northern stands carved directly into the rock, as well as a portion of the southern stands, which is supported by concrete vaults.

Explore its well-preserved structure, including the seating areas, the stage, and the tunnels that connect it to other parts of the city.

Explore The Roman Circus and Praetorium

The Roman Circus in Tarragona is another well-preserved section of ancient Roman ruins that once hosted chariot racing events.

Built in the 1st century, the Roman Circus in Tarragona is regarded as one of the most well-preserved circuses in the western world, even though parts of its original structure lie concealed beneath 19th-century buildings.

Nearby, the Praetorium stands as a tower from the Roman period, which once featured the staircase linking the lower city to the provincial forum, passing through the circus via a series of underground passageways.

Be sure to explore this well-preserved structure, which includes seating areas, tunnels, and other features that once hosted chariot racing events.

Visit The Tarragona Cathedral

The Tarragona Cathedral is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The construction of Tarragona Cathedral commenced in 1184, built atop the ruins of an ancient Christian basilica that itself was established over a 10th-century Arab mosque (much like the Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba).

The cathedral showcases a Romanesque style that transitions into Gothic elements. The main façade features two noteworthy Romanesque portals from the 12th century and a stunning rose window adorned with intricate tracery.

Take your time to admire its tranquil atmosphere and explore the surrounding streets, which are lined with charming shops and cafés.

Visit the Tarragona National Archaeological Museum

Situated next to the Tarragona Cathedral is the Tarragona National Archaeological Museum, a must-visit destination in my opinion.

Founded in the 19th century, this museum is the oldest of its kind in Catalonia. Over the past 150 years, its collection has primarily been assembled through excavations at the nearby Palaeo-Christian Necropolis.

The artefacts showcased here highlight the historical and architectural significance of the ancient Roman city of Tarraco. Within its exhibits, you’ll discover a wealth of items, including sculptures, mosaics, architectural fragments, ceramics, domestic and military tools, amphorae, clothing, funerary artefacts, and coins.

Many of these treasures originated from significant sites in the city, such as the Roman theatre, circus, amphitheatre, and forum.

Admire The Les Ferreres Aqueduct or Pont del Diable (Devil’s Bridge)

Unfortunately, as we were only visiting for the day and didn’t have a car, we were extremely sad that we couldn’t visit the Les Ferreres Aqueduct.

Located just outside Tarragona, near the village of Les Ferreres, this ancient Roman aqueduct is one of the most impressive structures in Tarragona. The structure known as Pont del Diable, or Devil’s Bridge, gets its name from a legend claiming that it was constructed by the Devil himself after winning a wager in which a young woman staked her soul. Initially, the bridge spanned 25 kilometres; however, it now measures 217 meters in length and stands 27 meters high.

Walk Around the Roman Forum

Situated on the opposite side of the Rambla Nova lies the Roman Forum (Fòrum colonial de Tarraco), a historic area was once the heart of Tarragona’s ancient Roman city. Explore its well-preserved ruins, which include columns, markets, and other features that once hosted public events and ceremonies.

Explore Tarragona City Walls

If time permits, explore the ancient city walls that once protected the city from invaders.

The Roman walls of the city are referred to as the Paseo Arqueológico (Archaeological Walk). These structures were constructed between the late 3rd century and early 2nd century BC. Today, only the upper sections of the original walls remain intact. The site includes various wall segments and three towers.

Shop, relax, eat

And finally, if you just want to unwind in Tarragona, grab a bite, shop, or relax, head down to Rambla Nova, the main street of the city.

There are plenty of shops and cafés to keep you busy. Walk down to the Mediterranean Balcony at the end of the road and step down onto one of the beaches in the city.

And if you feel like shopping for some local food, head down to the Tarragona’s Central Market, that is housed inside a beautiful structure that was built in 1915.

Tarragona — Mini Rome in Spain

I found Tarragona to be a hidden gem on the Spanish coast. It offers a unique blend of history and cultures through the ages that I didn’t know existed so close to Barcelona.

Whether you’re interested in ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, or local cuisine, Tarragona has something for everyone. And as a day-trip destination from Barcelona, it’s an excellent choice. The city offers a refreshing change of pace from the bustling streets of Barcelona, providing a glimpse into ancient Roman history without sacrificing modern amenities.

But if you’re looking for a weekend getaway, I recommend Cadaques.