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TravelTips24 : Europe : Mediterranean Europe : Iberia : Spain : Catalonia and northeastern Spain : Catalonia : Tarragona

Tarragona

TarragonaBarcelonaBarcelonaBarcelona

On Google Earth fly to: 41 06'56.51"N, 1 14'58.54"E

Travel to Tarragona & Visa Requirements

Tarragona is on the main train line between Barcelona (1 hrs) and Alicante (2-3hrs), and also on the main line between Barcelona and Madrid (4 hrs). Note that it's best to buy train tickets a few days ahead during the high season to avoid getting stuck in one place. However, you always have the chance to take a stop-train, which is reasonable when coming from Barcelona (it takes basically the same time).

Tours & Getting around Tarragona

All of Tarragona's sites are within walking distance of the train station. Taxis and local trains can take you further.

Tarragona attractions and sightseeing

  • Tarraco UNESCO World Heritage Site complex of Roman ruins including colosseum.
  • Universitat Rovira i Virgili
  • The beaches are north of town. Avoid pollution from the town's larger shipping port (one of the biggest in Spain) by walking a ways up the beach. There is a nice walk following the shoreline, about 6-7 km long, where you will find the five main beaches and several smaller ones.
  • Churches
  • Plazas
  • Museum of Archeology
  • Casc antic (old part of the city)

Major Events

  • Tarragona International Dixieland Festival.

The unique Dixieland festival in Spain and one of the most important in Europe: 25 bands and 100 concerts and activities the week before Holy Week (end of march).

  • Tarragona International Fireworks Displays Competition.

The most important fireworks contest in the Mediterranean area is held every first week of July in Tarragona, in a wonderful bay -Punta del Miracle-, a place praised by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. The competition selects six international pyrotechnic companies every year.

  • Santa Tecla Festival

One of the most important Spanish traditional festival, between 15th and 23rd September. It has been celebrated since 1321 and it has been considered of national touristic interest by Spanish government. Human towers, historical parades and fireworks are some of the main activities.

Tarragona city tours

There are not a lot of organized outdoor activities in Tarragona beyond strolling through the town, swimming at the beaches, and people watching in the plazas. One of the most beautiful parts of Tarragona is the old streets (Casc Antic), the ones near the cathedral, do not miss them.

Tarragona souvenirs & shopping

There are many interesting shops along the Rambla Nova and in the streets around it, as well as in the old part of the city. A lot of typical Catalan stuff can be bought there.

Tarragona Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Tarragona has a number of small bars, restaurants, and cafes serving the usual selection of tapas, bocadillos (sandwiches), and local seafood dishes. The best area to browse for tapas and full meals is from The Plaça de la Font along the Carrer Major up to the Cathedral, with Carrer Nau and the Plaça del Rei and Plaça del Fòrum particularly worthwhile.

The Serrallo neighbourhood near the fishing harbour has some excellent fish and seafood restaurants, which are particularly popular for Sunday lunch. There is a market hall just off the Rambla Nova in the middle of town where the basics of a good picnic can be bought cheaply.

Tarragona nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

The nicest place to spend and evening is in one of Tarragona's many plazas with a glass of beer and plate of tapas. At night if you want to have some drinks and dance you should go to "El Port" (the port), there are a lot of pubs and dance locals there.

Tarragona cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

  • Xanascat the National Network of Youth Hostels for all of Catalonia.

The tourist offices at Carrer Fortuny in the New Town and Carrer Major in the Casc Antic can point you to hotel rooms at any budget.

Stay safe

Be careful if you choose to visit the night clubs of the Puerto Deportivo alone, especially if you are a guy. Foreign visitors have been robbed there.

Get out

  • The nearby holiday resort of Salou is a popular destination.
  • Port Aventura One of Europe's largest amusement parks.

This page was last edited at 13:06, on 14 November 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Patrick Macgougan, Ryan Holliday and Daniel Cowan, Wikitravel user(s) Morph and Episteme, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.

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