The city of Tarragona is the capital of Tarragona province, and it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of the Roman ruins of the city of Tarraco in 2000. If you have a day to spare in Barcelona, we recommend you pay a visit to this small, beautiful, and traditional city with its beaches and cultural heritage. If you want to relax and fully enjoy in peace, Tarragona is your perfect choice. It is 100 kilometers away from Barcelona, and it takes approximately an hour’s drive by train.
It has the population of ~134.000, surrounded by eminent summer destinations. Maybe the city’s name does not ring a bell, but you must have heard of the largest amusement park in Europe – Port Aventura. It is near Tarragona that fun for everybody is located, and you should not miss this place while in Barcelona.
Tarragona used to be a capital of a Roman province back in the 2nd century BC, so that is the reason for many archeological sites. Remains from that period can be seen in the city. Some of them are amphitheaters, race tracks, Roman walls, etc. The city backed off many invaders, which is exactly what makes this city attractive to visit and “conquering” yet another tourist spot on your map.
Today, this is a students’ city and a port city that has an old center, pretty bars, restaurants, and over 10 sights worth visiting. Some of them are the Tarragona Cathedral, the main pedestrian street La Rambla Nova, the Balcony to the Mediterranean (Balco del Mediterrani), the Amphitheatre, Mercado Central, El Serallo (a fishing place), the Archeological Museum, and beaches.
