Summary of Tarragona Attractions
Tarragona is merely an hour’s train ride south of Barcelona. It is, in many respects, a mini-Barcelona culturally, while less crowded with tourists. The city boasts some of Spain’s most well-preserved Roman ruins, a charming old town adorned with Gothic architecture, and the beautiful beaches of the Costa Daurada. Here are the top attractions to explore in Tarragona.
01. Tarragona’s Roman Amphitheatre
The Roman amphitheatre, beautifully situated by the sea, is a primary highlight of Tarragona. Constructed in the 2nd Century AD, this amphitheatre stands as a testament to a time when Tarraco held significance as one of the key capitals of Roman-ruled Hispania.
Strolling around the tiered stands of the amphitheatre, visitors can envision the spectacles that captivated Roman citizens — gladiatorial contests, wrestling, and more. These thrilling events attracted illustrious figures like Emperor Augustus.
In addition to Roman history, the site also has remnants of a Visigothic church honoring the martyr St. Fructuos, who was killed in 259 AD.
Visitors can purchase a combined ticket for Tarragona’s historic sites, excluding the Archaeological Museum, which can be obtained at the tourist office on Carrer Major. The amphitheatre is open from 9 AM to 9 PM Tuesday to Saturday, and until 3 PM on Sundays.
Essential Information
Address: Passeig de les Palmeres, 43003, Tarragona
Telephone: 97 724 2579
02. Tarragona National Archaeological Museum
The Tarragona National Archaeological Museum, or MNAT, is situated in the old quarter (Casc Antic) at Plaça del Rei. The museum stores an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, representing Catalonia’s most significant Roman period remnants when Tarragona was an important provincial capital.
Housed in a striking neoclassical building from the 1960s, MNAT is renowned for its classical treasures, including exquisite Roman mosaics and a variety of artifacts that depict daily life in ancient Tarragona.
The museum’s top floor features a room dedicated to busts and statues, showcasing representations of prominent Roman emperors and various mythical deities.
Additionally, visitors will find an audiovisual room presenting an educational video that explores the rich history of Roman Tarragona.
The museum operates from 10 AM to 8 PM Tuesday through Saturday and until 2 PM on Sundays. A combined ticket is available from the nearby tourist office on Carrer Major for reduced access to other historic attractions in Tarragona.
03. Cathedral of Santa Maria
Boasting elements of both Romanesque and Gothic design, Tarragona’s 12th Century cathedral is constructed from the distinctive golden sandstone of Costa Daurada and stands as a dominant feature of Tarragona’s old town.
04. Seafood in Tarragona’s Marina
Tarragona’s bustling harbor is home to an array of exceptional seafood restaurants that offer delicious local dishes, including paella negra (paella cooked in squid ink) paired with fine wines from the nearby Penedes vineyards. Diners can enjoy their meals on a terrace while watching yachts in the picturesque port.
05. Get Lost in the Old Town
Perched high above the sea, Tarragona’s old town (Casc Antic) features a charming labyrinth of medieval alleyways, Gothic spires, and vibrant squares, all enclosed within ancient city walls.
06. Hit the Beaches of the Costa Daurada
The stunning beaches of Costa Daurada, such as Waikiki, Altafulla, and Tamarit, lie just outside the city and offer exceptional stretches of golden sand within a thirty-minute drive from the city center. Visitors can revel in sun-soaked days at these beautiful coastal spots.
