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Is Tarragona Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons Why It Is
Are you asking yourself: Is Tarragona worth visiting? Look no further, because the answer is yes!
I took a day trip from Barcelona to Tarragona and was amazed by this city’s beauty and culture. I was surprised to find so many Roman ruins and the stunning Mediterranean coastline was a bonus.
Now let’s talk about the 5 reasons why Tarragona is worth visiting.
5 Reasons Why Tarragona Is Worth Visiting
1. Roman History at Every Corner
Tarragona was once the capital of Roman Spain and you can still see the remnants of this ancient civilization throughout the city. All the ancient Roman ruins, the so-called Archaeological Ensemble of TƔrraco, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most impressive site is the Tarragona Amphitheater, where gladiators used to fight for their lives. You can also visit the Roman Circus and walk through the underground galleries that were used to store wild animals.
Before coming to Tarragona, I had no idea that there was such a rich and well-preserved Roman history in Spain, and you can see all of it in Tarragona. Exploring this historic side is one of the best things to do in Tarragona Spain.
So, for everyone interested in ancient history, Tarragona is a must-see city in Spain.
2. Scenic Coast
Tarragona is situated on the beautiful Costa Daurada, which translates to “Golden Coast” in English. The turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea and sandy beaches make this city a perfect summer destination.
The Playa del Miracle is located just a short walk from the city center and is a great place to relax on the beach or go for a swim. You can also venture a bit further and simply keep walking along the coast until you find the right beach for you.
I have to admit, I visited in March and it wasn’t really beach weather. During the summer months, it’s supposed to get quite crowded.
3. Charming Old Town
Tarragona’s old town is a maze of narrow streets, quaint squares, and historical buildings. It’s easy to get lost, but that’s actually part of the charm.
You can wander around, and stop at different cafes and little shops along the way. Make sure to visit the cathedral of Tarragona, a beautiful Gothic and Romanesque church.
Sit down in one of the squares and enjoy some drinks while people-watching. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. The most popular squares are PlaƧa del FĆ²rum and PlaƧa de la Font, both with a lively atmosphere and plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from.
4. Street Art Scene
One thing I didn’t expect to find in Tarragona was so much amazing street art. You can find colorful murals and graffiti throughout the city, adding a modern touch to the ancient streets.
One of the most popular places to see street art in Tarragona is the old fishing village of El Serrallo. It’s worth taking a stroll through this neighborhood to see the art. But you can also find street art in the old town, there is for example a really cool mural at PlaƧa dels Sedassos.
5. Unique Festivals
Tarragona is known for its lively and colorful festivals. The most famous one is the Santa Tecla Festival, held in September every year. During this festival, the city comes alive with parades, music, dancing, and traditional Catalan culture.
A highlight of many local festivals is the awe-inspiring “castells” or human towers, a testament to teamwork and tradition. I didn’t get the chance to see the human towers in Tarragona, but I saw them in Barcelona, and it was truly impressive. The tradition of these towers originated in Tarragona.
If you’re not in town during one of the festivals, you can still catch a glimpse of this tradition at the statue of the human tower on La Rambla Nova.
Final Thoughts: Is Tarragona Worth Visiting for Tourists?
In conclusion, Tarragona is definitely worth visiting as a tourist. It offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and beach vibes.
Plus, it’s super easy to do a day trip from Barcelona to Tarragona by train, so you can easily fit it into your Barcelona travel itinerary.
I truly hope you’ll love Tarragona as much as I did, and who knows, it might just become your favorite day trip from Barcelona!
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