If you’re searching for a getaway in 2018/2019 then a holiday in Tarragona is just the ticket. This ancient Spanish town is situated in the north-east region of Catalonia. This port city is the first largest town by the seaside south of Barcelona. Originally a Roman colony of Tarraco, there are thousands of years of history to explore including ruins, tombs and medieval architecture. Down by the seafront is even an old amphitheatre and don’t forget to check out the lookout tower! This place is absolutely swamped in heritage and there is definitely something to see around every corner. Its hilltop positioning boasts stunning views of the Mediterranean. Balcon del Mediterraneo is the main town in Tarragona and here you can visit museums, churches and a 13th century cathedral. This quaint town is home to trendy boutiques and pretty market stalls where you can pick up a bargain or two.
Culture and history is what attracts tourists to holidays in Tarragona. You can’t walk down a street without pausing to admire a monument or an ancient building. The Roman Amphitheatre is one of the most famous attractions here and is just a short walk away from the beach. Built in the 2nd century, this oval construction was used for fights between gladiators and wild animals. The structure itself is built from the underlying bedrock and can hold up to 14,000 spectators. A truly breath-taking piece of architecture which will make for an unforgettable experience.
The cathedral and diocesan museum was constructed in the 12th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the town. Inside you can find exquisite collections of both modern religious and medieval art. The variety of attractions dotting the streets of Tarragona are worth a visit and most charge a small fee or offer free admission for tourists.
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine and tapas dishes then you’ve come to the right place. Tarragona is heaving with quirky little restaurants that serve everything from succulent tenderloin steaks to tasty prawn salads and crispy duck dishes. El Galliner de L’Antiquari sits in the old town and serves up a mixture of appetising meals of fresh garlic prawns to crispy patatas bravas served with batch of freshly cooked bread.
La Cuineta is a hit with tourists and sits facing the cathedral. You won’t be disappointed by the choice of dishes or the generous portions! This family friendly town caters to all with its diverse menus. From fresh clams and mussels to creamy pasta dishes, you don’t need to worry about going hungry here. The quaint cafes that line the streets serve up the tastiest paninis sidled with fries so don’t forget to pay a visit after a day of exploring the busy streets.
Tarragona holidays are a great way to spend some quality time with the family. The countless historic ruins and museums to explore are sure to entertain the children. Spend the day unwinding at one of the many beaches enjoying the cool, crystalline waters before stopping off for a mozzarella and tomato salad at a pretty beach bar. Bike tours offer an insightful view of the city and its fascinating heritage. Visit Bonavista market and rummage around the crowded stalls for a bargain or two. This place sells a bit of everything including fresh produce, clothes, shoes and handmade souvenirs. Aquopolis is a popular waterpark where the kids can make memories slipping down the towering slides and cosying up in a bubbling jacuzzi. Spend the day at Port Aventura theme park in Salou for an adrenalin rushing experience on gravity defying rides!
For a view to die for you must pay a visit to Balco de Mediterraneo for a stunning and picturesque view of the coastline. This elevated path offers tourists a panoramic view of the city in all its glory. Watch the sun rise or set here for an unforgettable moment. Pont del Diable is a 2000 year old aqueduct. This fascinating piece of architecture is worth a visit if you are a fan of engineering, history or nature. Costa Darauda is jam packed with shops so why not spend an afternoon browsing the town for a new outfit or a gift to take home for someone special. Treat yourself to a creamy coffee and a pastry in one of the many cafes along the promenade before heading back to your room to get ready for a night on the town. For a more relaxing and leisurely night, walk off your evening meal whilst admiring ancient roman ruins before watching the sun set across the sea.
Holidays in Tarragona are renowned for their choice of golden beaches. The area itself Costa Darauda even means ‘golden beaches’ in Catalan! There are a number of beaches to choose from depending on what you like. Some offer a more lively atmosphere with plenty of tourists and beach bars to cool off in with an icy beverage. Or you can escape the hustle and bustle and slip off to more secluded areas to relax and unwind. Platja Savinosa is a beach located just a couple of miles outside of Tarragona. Here you can spend the day paddling in the crystal waters of the Med whilst soaking up the rays on the soft white sand. The beach bar here offers some great food, so call in for a pit stop to break up the day. Platja de L’arrabassada offers a clean, idyllic environment for budding beachgoers and is around 3 kilometres from Tarragona. There are on site showers to rinse off those pesky grains of sand and a choice of cafes if you fancy a bite to eat.
The nights in Tarragona are simply buzzing with life. From stylish cocktail bars to live performances and dancing, there is something for everyone on a Tarragona holiday. Bepop is renowned for its funky jazz music and unforgettable live performances so don’t forget to pop in for a Pina Colada and a dance!
For a quieter night, La Nova Taverna is a wonderfully sophisticated establishment with a romantic ambiance about it. Here you can wine and dine with your loved one before exploring the historic streets hand in hand. Totem is the best nightclub in the city playing all the latest dance anthems. It’s the perfect place to visit with friends and dance and drink until the sun rises! Highland is the largest pub in Tarragona. Spend the night chilling out with family and friends in this trendy outdoor bar which serves food and drinks until late. The nightlife in Tarragona lends itself perfectly whether you are holidaying with the family or on a romantic getaway with your partner.
For romantic breaks away, it doesn’t get any better than a holiday in Tarragona. When you’re not strolling the streets hand in hand exploring the history of the city, or relaxing on a hidden beach listening to the waves crash against the shore then why not buy a boat trip. Glass bottomed boat excursions are a perfect way to spend time exploring the coast of Costa Darauda. Sail past hidden coves and secret stretches of sand whilst enjoying breath-taking views of the stunning Mediterranean Sea. Kayaking and windsurfing might take your fancy and are among a range of water sports available. Take a view of Tarragona from a different perspective whilst jet skiing along the waves. If you fancy a challenge you can head into town to take part in a ‘Break Out’ game. This fun and testing experience is all about finding clues to escape from a room full of surprises. Will you have the skills and patience?
With more roman ruins than Rome itself, holidays in Tarragona don’t get much better. This area of Spain is absolutely bursting with cultural events which take place every month throughout the year. These colourful festivals explore the history and heritage of Tarragona through art as well as food and drink. Medieval week recreates scenes from history through acting whilst Sant Jordi is the festival of love and culture and the city becomes a blanket of vibrant flora. Be amazed as you watch skilled performers create mind-blowing human towers. The streets of Tarragona are alive all year round with music and dancing celebrating the fascinating heritage of the country. The vibrant colours and busy atmosphere are sure to leave you with a memorable experience. Traditional delicacies and wine can also be enjoyed at these monthly celebrations so don’t forget to check out what’s on after booking your 2018 holiday to Tarragona.