Tarragona - Sightseeing Guide

Visit Tarragona

Tarragona is a coastal city in northeast Spain, known for its historical monuments and beaches. Its old city centre is filled with Roman ruins, including a well-preserved amphitheatre and an aqueduct, along with medieval churches and a castle. The long sandy beaches offer crystal-clear water and activities such as swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing and diving.

Easy distance to La Torre Del Sol campsite

If you are staying at our La Torre Del Sol Campsite in Costa Dorada, you are within easy reach of one of Spain's most historic towns.

It takes less than half an hour by car to travel from La Torre Del Sol to Tarragona. You can make a full day of it by visiting the amphitheatre and aqueduct in the morning and relaxing on the beach in the afternoon.

A day out in Tarragona

Take a picnic or explore one of the local restaurants for lunch or dinner.

The Barhaus is one of the most popular restaurants in Tarragona. Visitors often praise both the food and the staff, calling it a great experience.

Da Mario claims to offer the “best pizza in Spain”, so it’s well worth a visit if you’re a pizza fan. Most restaurants in the area have outdoor seating and are family-friendly.

Tarragona - Sightseeing

A highlight of many visits to our Spanish campsites in Catalonia, Tarragona is an open and inviting city featuring some of the best Roman remains in Spain. Its hilltop location has protected it through centuries of conflict, and within its walls you’ll find ruins such as a chariot racetrack and a seaside amphitheatre.

The earliest evidence of the city dates back to the 6th or 7th century BC. It became the Roman stronghold of Tarraco in 218 BC, and in the first century AD, temples, mansions, forums, a circus, an amphitheatre, aqueducts and baths were constructed. Roman influence came to an end with the Visigoth invasion in AD 476.

A divided city

The city has two distinct areas: the upper section leading into the medieval walled quarter, and a more modern area below. Rambla Nova, a lively tree-lined avenue filled with cafés and restaurants, sits at the heart of the upper town and leads to the Balcó del Mediterrani, a viewpoint overlooking the sea. From here, you can see the Roman amphitheatre with its original second-century terraces. At the opposite end of Rambla Nova stands a monument dedicated to Catalonia's Castellers, known for building human pyramids.

Rambla Vella

Parallel to Rambla Nova is Rambla Vella, where you can explore the narrow streets of the old town and climb towards the cathedral. At Plaça del Rei stands the Museu Nacional Arqueològic, featuring a section of Roman walls. Close by, the remains of the Circ Roma chariot stadium offer further insight into the city’s past.

From the city walls, walk along the Passeig Arqueològic for an excellent panoramic view. Across town is the ancient necropolis, and the Museu i Necròpolis Paleocristians showcases additional ruins. When Mass is being held, access to the cathedral and the Museu Diocesà is through the cloisters, signposted down a narrow passageway to the left of the façade.

Tarragona is within easy reach of our La Torre Del Sol resorts.