Roman ruins, fantastic beaches, delicious and fresh food, and high-quality shopping are only some things you will come across spending one day in Tarragona.
With these features, a change of scenery is always welcome, isn’t it?
The best: it is only one hour and a half away from Barcelona!
If you want to know more about Catalan culture, maybe have a relaxing time away from the crowds, and still discover beautifully preserved sites, this city is for you.
Bathed by the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, the perfect mixture that Tarragona is will surprise you.
Ready to explore it?
Why is spending one day in Tarragona a great plan?
Like Barcelona, Tarragona also lies by the sea.
The beautiful Mediterranean shore, named in the south of Catalonia Costa Daurada (Golden Coast), bathes the city.
This makes the place attractive for its beautiful beaches and splendid coves.
Besides, the sea breeze confers a gentle climate upon the town, giving it the perpetual charm of an endless spring.
But that is not all!
Venture on an excursion of one day in Tarragona to discover the astonishing cultural treasures it holds.
Did you know that Emperor Augustus lived here from the year 27 to 25 BC?
Should you like to learn more about the history from the time the city was the capital of a province in Hispania, we can discover it together.
And, to have an even more fantastic day, soaking up in the history and ambience of the city, try its splendid gastronomy.
Fresh fish and Mediterranean ingredients fill your plate, like the Romesco sauce.
Things to do in one day in Tarragona
If it is the first time you spend a day in the city, certain things cannot be missed, especially the Roman ruins.
But, hey!
Spending one day in Tarragona should not only be about archeological sites.
Well, if you want, of course, but the city has many other things to offer.
Discover the city’s Roman past
It turns out that Tarragona is one of the “most Roman” Spanish cities.
So much so that UNESCO declared the Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco a World Heritage site.
This Roman colony and port had brilliant days during the Empire times.
And now, seekers of its traces come to it searching for details of its history.
Find some in these beautifully preserved sites:
- Tarragona Amphitheater: virtually one of the most important places in ancient times, it continues to be what draws the attention.
It was built in the Tarraco (The city’s Roman name) of the 2nd century, and it had a capacity for up to 15,000 spectators.
Here, gladiators and beasts fought to gain glory.
An absolute stop spending one day in Tarragona!
- Pont del Diable: the Devil’s Bridge, in English, also known as Aqüeducte de les Ferreres, is an aqueduct, probably built in the times of emperor Augustus.
It transported fresh drinking water from the Francolí river to the city.
If you want to visit this historical site, consider taking public or private transport, as it is 4 km away from Tarragona.
- Tarraco Circus: imagine up to 20,000 people watching chariot races.
This is what could happen in this circus!
To learn more about the city’s history, you can walk through the tunnels and picture what it was like in ancient times.
Let you be amazed by one of the best-preserved Roman circuses in the Western World!
Profit its summer spots and plunge into the Waikiki waters
We know it already.
With that name, it seems like Hawaii!
The cove received it because it reminds those of the islands.
Nonetheless, it is actually known as Cala Fonda, one of the best beaches of Tarragona province, and Catalonia.
Head to this place to see Costa Daurada, the coast south of Barcelona, in all its splendor.
On your excursion of one day in Tarragona, enjoy its fine sand and turquoise waters.
To access the cove, you will need to walk for about 10 to 15 minutes and cross a small forest area named Bosc de la Marquesa.
Take a look at the views while descending to one of the best beaches of Tarragona littoral!
And, if you are up to discover more of the Catalan shore, head up north to the Costa Brava.
We will show you how marvelous it is!
Visit the city center
Tarragona has so many faces!
It had a Roman past, very present.
However, the town also evolved through medieval times and centuries.
That is why, walking around the old town, you will find alleyways reminding you of those of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter or Girona’s Jewish neighborhood.
Wandering through the streets, you will see the Cathedral, known in Catalan as Catedral Basílica Metropolitana i Primada de Santa Tecla.
It is located in the upper part of the city, and in the place where it lies was a former Roman temple.
You will appreciate a marked Gothic style in this 12th-century temple.
Another must-see when exploring the center in your one day in Tarragona is, undoubtedly, Rambla Nova.
This long boulevard is the main walking street.
Here you will find elegant coffee shops, restaurants, and shops.
At one of its tips, there is a monument dedicated to the Catalan human towers named Monument als Castellers.
On the other end, the Balcó del Mediterrani (Balcony of the Mediterranean).
An exceptional viewpoint with a sea background!
Stroll around small but beautiful villages, like Siurana
Should you have spare time before returning to Barcelona and an available car, head to Siurana.
If you loved the historical center of Tarragona, you are going to love this small village!
With a medieval air, what marvels the most about it are its views.
It is situated on the top of a cliff and the landscape, with Siurana’s lake in the background, is excellent.
To observe it, go to the viewpoint named Salt de la Rina Mora.
This is one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Catalonia, a must-see in an excursion of one day in Tarragona.
It also has a historical background.
The town was the last Muslim fortress to fall during the reconquest of Catalonia in the 12th century.
Uncover cultural treasures and more in one day in Tarragona
The city we explore is a hidden gem, perfect for a day filled with history, culture, and natural beauty.
From its stunning Roman ruins to the inviting Mediterranean beaches in the province, live splendid adventures in Tarragona.
Whether you’re wandering through centuries-old amphitheaters, savoring fresh seafood by the sea, or exploring wonderful medieval streets, it promises extraordinary memories.
Experience the peaceful but vibrant atmosphere and let the city enchant you. Spending only one day in Tarragona will leave you longing for more!
