10 Things to Do in Tarragona

Located on the Costa Dorada, Tarragona, the 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 bike 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 blend of adventure and tranquillity.

Explore the grandeur of ancient Tarraco and delve into its fascinating past. Walk along the Roman walls, tour 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 size and the remarkable state of preservation of its monuments. As you walk through its streets, imagine what life was like more than two thousand years ago. You can do this by booking a guided tour or visiting on your own.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Roman Circus, a place where chariot races and other spectacles were held. You can also visit World Heritage sites such as the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona, which includes areas such as the Roman complex 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 the excavations.

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

Details of interest

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours, depending on the sites you wish to explore 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 endless possibilities for connecting with nature. Imagine sailing along its canals by boat and observing a wide variety of birds, from Mediterranean flamingos to ospreys. If you prefer something more active, you can explore its paths by bike or on foot, enjoying charming landscapes and absolute tranquillity.

If you fancy a total immersion in the traditions of the place, you can visit the old San Antonio salt flats, next to the entrance to Trabucador beach in La Tancada. You'll be surrounded by a spectacular ecosystem, where fresh and salt water come together, 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: we recommend bringing binoculars for bird watching. In addition, if you buy your tickets for MónNatura Delta de l'Ebre in Amposta for the end of April, you can take part in the 'Festa dels Menuts', a big family festival celebrating the privileged environment of the Delta with activities for children, a food fair and other activities perfect for enjoying with your loved ones.

around Salou by quad bike

If you're looking for adrenaline and adventure in a single activity, I invite you to sign up for a quad bike tour of Salou, an experience not to be missed. Travel along rural roads, through forests and along beaches, enjoying spectacular panoramic views such as the Mare de Déu de la Roca Hermitage, the Escornalbou Castle Monastery and the San Ramón Hermitage. Another common route is the Tarragona trilogy, namely the municipalities 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: 1 to 3 hours, depending on the route you choose.
• What you need to know: no previous experience in driving quad bikes is necessary, as the guides will teach you everything you need to know. Wear comfortable clothing, a swimsuit, sunscreen and a scarf (that's my personal recommendation because of the dust that gets kicked up in some places), 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 under the expert guidance of the Tarragona Underwater Exploration Society (SES), an organisation that has been combining diving with sustainable exploration of the seabed since 1955.

The tour begins with a brief instruction session on land, where you will learn the essentials about diving equipment and underwater communication signals. Then you will head to one of the ideal spots on the coast to descend to a depth of 6 metres, accompanied at all times by a professional instructor.

Underwater, you will have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of species, from colourful fish and corals to moray eels and other marine life. In addition, near Salou, you can explore wrecks such as the Dragonera, a sunken cargo ship that is now home to a diverse range of marine fauna. A first dive is an ideal activity for beginners to this sport and a great way to discover a new way to enjoy the sea.

Details of interest

• Duration: 3-4 hours, including training time and the dive.
• What you need to know: no previous experience is necessary, but it is important to know how to swim. Diving equipment is included in the price of the activity. If you schedule your first dive among the things to do in Tarragona in August , you can participate in or at least witness the underwater procession for the 'Festes de Sant Magí' Are you in?

Discover Tarragona on two wheels. You can hire a bicycle and explore the city streets, its walls and the seafront promenade. This is a healthy way to see the most emblematic places in Tarragona at your own pace.

There are numerous signposted cycling routes that allow you to explore the city and its surroundings, as it is one of the cycling hubs of Catalonia. What's more, you can enjoy the sea views and the sea breeze.

Details of interest

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

The thrill of seeing Tarragona from the air is undoubtedly one of the best experiences for adrenaline lovers. From an altitude of around 1,000 metres above this coastal city, the panoramic views allow you to enjoy the Mediterranean landscape, the mountains and the golden coastline, with the deep blue sea stretching to the horizon.

The take-off point is usually located in areas strategically placed to maximise the beauty of the surroundings, while the smooth and controlled landing leaves you with a unique feeling 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 city skyline and the famous Balcón del Mediterráneo (Balcony of the Mediterranean) shape the landscape.

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

Details of interest

• Duration: 1 hour, including pre-flight instructions.
• What you should know: the experience in the air takes about 20 minutes, however, I invite you to reserve an hour of your itinerary for this activity so that you can receive the instructions calmly and your flight can flow with the weather conditions. Paragliding in Tarragona is an accessible experience for people over 10 years of age, no previous knowledge is required. The maximum weight is usually 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, dizzying slides and attractions for the whole 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 cuisine.
• Aqualeón Located in La Pineda, this park offers a more relaxed and family-friendly experience. It has a wide variety of pools, slides and children's play areas. Aqualeón stands out for its peaceful atmosphere and lower prices compared to Port Aventura Caribe Aquatic Park.

Details of interest

• Duration: all day.
• What you should know: if you're looking for thrills and a wide range of attractions, PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park is your best option. If you prefer a more peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere, Aqualeón is ideal for you.

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

If you're looking for an urban beach with a wilder, more natural setting, Miracle Beach is an excellent choice. If you prefer to be close to the city centre and enjoy a family atmosphere, Arrabassada Beach is for you. Otherwise, for those who prefer to get away from it all in a nudist area, the popular Waikiki Beach, officially called Cala Fonda, is the alternative.

Water sports, you say? Snorkelling and kayaking are common at Cala Fornel, and if you're into parasailing, Playa de Levante will be happy to take you around the coast in a motorboat... In short, there are beaches for all tastes along more than 70 kilometres of coastline.

Details of interest

• Duration: all day, depending on your plans.
• What you should know: many of Tarragona's beaches have facilities such as showers, restaurants, parasol and sun lounger hire, and snorkelling equipment, making them comfortable places to spend the whole day with family or friends.

Climb to the top of Tarragona and step inside the majestic Cathedral of Santa Tecla, also known as the Cathedral of Light, an impressive Gothic building that will transport you to another era. Begun in the mid-12th century and consecrated in 1331, this cathedral is a magnificent example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic.

Explore its interior and marvel at 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 art. And if you're visiting the city in August, sign up for Summer Nights at Tarragona Cathedral, an activity that includes wine tasting in the cathedral. How many churches offer that kind of experience?

Details of interest

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much 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 the cloister.

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

When 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 harvesting to bottling, of the Priorat DOC and Montsant DO, 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 native grape varieties.

Details of interest

• Duration: 4 to 5 hours, ideal for a half-day or full-day getaway.
• What you should know: most wineries require advance booking for visits and tastings, especially at weekends and during 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 cuisine.