Tarragona City Guide
| fast facts |
population
128,000
getting there
nearest airport: Reus (approx 10km)
getting around
15 bus lines
tickets from €1.10 single, €5.40 for ten journeys
tourist office
Municipal Tourism Office
C/ Major 39
43003 Tarragona
tel: (0034) 977 25 07 95
email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
main public holidays
5 January – three kings
Easter – Semana Santa
23 April – Sant Jordi (St Georges day) patron saint of Catalunya
19 August – Sant Magí
11 September – Catalan national day
1 November – All saints day
25 December – Christmas day
31 Decmber & 1 January – New Year
Tarragona hotels
Overview
Although there was a settlement before the Romans arrived in 218 BC, this was when Tarragona, or Tàrraco to give it it's Roman name, came into its own. It became a very cultured city during this time and the Roman remains are still in evidence today to such an extent it was granted world heritage status in 2000.
Tarragona can essentially be split into three areas. The Parte Alta ('high part') or the Old Town sits, as it's name suggests on the highest land in the city. It's a beautifully historic and mainly traffic free area dominated by the 12th Century Cathedral and appears almost by surprise as you cross Rambla Vella (running Paralel to Rambla Nova) and climb its narrow, winding streets.
The attractive and bustling New Town which has the wide, tree lined Rambla Nova through its centre ending with El Balco del Mediterrani overlooking the sea and Roman amphitheatre.
And lastly, the marina and port areas which can be accessed from El Balco del Mediterrani by steps which is also the way to the train station. It's not a particularly attractive area but if you're after late clubs and bars you'll find them in the Marina and if you like seafood there are some good restaurants around the port.
Highlights
The Old Town
A good place to get your bearings is the Passeig arqueològic - a walkway around the walls of the old medieval town known as the Parta Alta. The walls date from the 3rd-18th centuries and through gateways youll find Roman columns, a statue of Roman Emperor Augustus and cannons from the 18th century. There are great views of the old town and the city beyond. Soak up the atmosphere by wandering through the narrow winding streets, and squares of the medieval town.
The focal point of the old town is the Cathedral which is situated at the top of the Calle Major and is reached via a flight of steps. The building of the Cathedral started in 1184 over the remains of an earlier Christian church and Arab mosque, and it is a fine example of the transition between Romanesque and Gothic styles. On the main façade are two Romanesque portals, and an impressive rose window, and the cloisters, with fine Gothic arches, are a peaceful spot.
Roman Tarragona
Take a walk around the city centre and you can uncover some of the city's Roman past. Remains of the city of 'Tarraco' include the amphitheatre close to the sea, the 'circ roma' where chariot races would have been held, the forum and necropolis. Just outside the city is the impressive aqueduct, known as the Puente del Diablo (Devil's Bridge). The Museu Nacional Arqueològic houses a huge collection of Roman remains, artifacts, mosaics, and jewellery. If that's not enough, visit in May and enjoy the Tarraco Viva and Tarraco a Taula festival which celebrates the city's past with cultural events, gladiator fights, and Roman cuisine.
Rambla Nova and Balcon del Mediterraaneo
At some point during your visit you'll find yourself walking along the Rambla Nova - a wide tree-lined boulevard provides a shady walkway leading to the seafront. At one end are fountains and sculptures including one of the Castellers (Human Castles). Heading towards the sea are many shops, and any number of places to stop for a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere. The Rambla ends at the the Balcon del Mediterraneo - an open area backed by a decorative iron railing- and the top meeting point in the city. From here are great views from the amphitheatre to the port, and out across the Med.
Eating & Drinking
In the Placa del font & nearby streets there are restaurants serving the usual 'menu del dias', drinks and tapas; the Rambla Nova is full of cafes and bars good for coffee,cakes and ice-cream. Upto the Cathedral and in the old town you'll find pizzerias, tapas bars, and upmarket restaurants for dinner - 'Merlot, described as one of the best in town and 'aq' serving excellent modern Catalan food. For fish and seafood restaurants head to Serallo, the fisherman's quarter, or north east of the city to Platja Llarga.
For restaurant listings or to add your own review click here.
Nightlife
For the younger crowd and clubs and bars that open late head for the Marina or if your idea of nightlife is a few drinks while people watching then Rambla Novo or the old town are the best areas. During the Santa Tecla festival every other shop in the old town seems to transform into an outside bar. Always bear in mind, as with all of Catalunya, if things seem a bit quiet, especially during a festival, then you're too early!
Shopping
You'll find the usual chains (Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti..) along the Rambla Nova and the out of town shopping mall Parc Central. In the old town head for Placa Corsini for the indoor food market and flea market(Tuesdays & Thursdays), or the top of the Cathedral steps for the weekly antiques and bric a bric market (Sundays). From the Cathedral back towards the Placa de la Font the C. Major has many galleries and independent shops - try out the teas at the specialist tea shop or find books, maps and posters on Catalunya at the Llibreries de Generalitat de Catalunya.
Beaches
The main city beach is Platja del Miracle (below the amphitheatre), and to the north-east of the city are lovely beaches at Platja Arrabassada and Platja llarga, which have beach bars with live music in the summer.
Festivals
Carnaval
February
Thousands of people organised into associations, each with its own float, take part in the festivities, dances, and processions that make up the Carnivals of Reus and Tarragona which are among the most traditional and popular in Catalunya.
Festes de Santa Tecla
September
Santa Tecla is Tarragona's major festival (Festa Major) and has been declared an event of national interest. The central events are the procession and castells (human towers) but there's lots more from music to food and sporting events.
For further information on these and other festivals throughout Catalunya see our what's on listings.
tips
all museums & sites closed monday
Tarrago!na card – free museum entrance, free bus travel, discounts at many shops and tourist attractions 24h - €12, 48h - €18, 72h - €24
