Tarragona – the golden coast

In the province of Tarragona, located in the region of Catalonia in north-eastern Spain, history lurks around every corner. This region, not so well known to foreign tourists, has a capital that was once one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire (Tarraco). It is a city full of charm, with its medieval old town of narrow cobbled streets. With important Roman monuments such as its amphitheatre, the circus and the aqueduct, it shows the mark left by the empire. The city also preserves its seafaring atmosphere, such as the fishermen's quarter of El Serrallo.

The province is rich in history, culture and natural beauty, making it an interesting tourist destination. Its coastline offers sun-drenched beaches, charming coastal villages and picturesque coves perfect for relaxing and water sports.

Its coastline, called the Costa Dorada, has fine sandy beaches and coves with a shallow sea on entering. Its mild temperature makes it an ideal place for swimming from June to September. Its coast, with charming fishing villages such as Altafulla and Torredembarra, is perfect for rest and relaxation, as well as for water sports such as windsurfing, paddleboarding and boat trips. However, the most impressive coastal area to see is the Ebro Delta Natural Park, with its mouth. You can visit the different spots in the municipality of Deltebre, but also from the neighbouring Amposta, at the foot of the Montsià mountain range, with its castle and the Encanyissada lagoon, and from Sant Carles de la Ràpita.

Charming villages on the coast of Tarragona: Calafell, L'Espluga de Francolí, Roda de Bara, Torredembarra, Salou, Cabrils, L'Espluga de Francolí, Miravet, Aiguamurcia and Vendrell.

The interior of Tarragona has beautiful landscapes such as the Serra de Montsant Natural Park, with its rugged terrain and the Fraguerau gorge as a highlight. Nearby is La Vilella Baixa, a village with surprising buildings over the Escaladei ravine. A little further north, with the mountains as a backdrop, is the village of Prades, with buildings from different historical periods. Montblanc, with its well-preserved historic quarter, has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site for being one of the best examples of well-preserved medieval architecture in Spain. And Montsant, with its beautiful vineyards in the Priorat wine region.

Charming villages in inland Tarragona: Santa Coloma de Queralt, L'Espluga de Francolí, Prades, Valls, Montblanc, Siurana, Tivissa, Pratdip and Reus.

Food and wine lovers will find themselves in the gastronomic paradise of Tarragona, where they can indulge in exquisite Mediterranean cuisine paired with world-renowned wines from the local vineyards. Seafood dishes are a speciality, with fresh catches straight from the Mediterranean.

Where to stay in Tarragona: our favourite towns, villages and accommodations in Tarragona

Montblanc:
Encircled by medieval walls and crowned by a 14th-century Gothic church, the village of Montblanc exudes charm and history at every turn. Stay in a small hotel housed within a centuries-old building, offering modern comforts amidst historic surroundings. The civil and religious buildings that still survive today were between the end of the 13th and beginning of the 14th century.

Prades:
Just 40 minutes from Montblanc, having travelled through forests of chestnut and holm oak trees you will arrive in Prades, a scenic village known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Prades is known as the 'red village' because of the reddish colour of its buildings. Stay in a cosy mountain lodge or a charming country house, where you can relax by the fireplace after a day of hiking or exploring the nearby nature reserves.

Altafulla
Altafulla is a charming coastal town divided into a beach area, the Barri de les botigues (shops) with a promenade lined with old fishermen's warehouses and shops converted into houses and the higher part of the town boasting the Altafulla Castle, a well-preserved 17th century structure surrounded by an old quarter, the Vila Closa, declared a Historic-Artistic Site of National Interest and full of narrow cobbled streets, period houses and a charming mediaeval atmosphere. 

Aiguamúrcia
Surrounded by vineyards and forests In the Alt Camp region, lies Aiguamúrcia, an interesting small town. It is famous for the Cistercian Monastery of Santes Creus, which dates back to the 12th century and is known for its architectural and scenic beauty.

Miravet:
Perched on the banks of the Ebro River, Miravet is known for its impressive Templar castle and picturesque riverside setting. Stay in a charming riverside inn or a traditional Catalan farmhouse converted into a guesthouse, enjoying serene views of the river and surrounding countryside.

Horta de Sant Joan
This medieval village located within the Ports Natural Park, has a historical ensemble with a 12th century Romanesque-Gothic church and steep, narrow streets. You will also find the Picasso Museum, the Casa de la Encomienda and the Museo dels Ports, as well as Lo Parlot, a bimillenary olive tree.

Siurana:
Nestled on a rocky ledge overlooking the Siurana Reservoir, Siurana is a picturesque medieval village with narrow streets and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can stay in rustic guesthouses or cosy bed and breakfasts, immersing themselves in the tranquil atmosphere of this historic village.

Porrera
One of the Priorat regions hides gems is the village of Porrera. Stroll through its cobbled streets to discover the large number of sundials on the façades, the neoclassical parish church and the chapel of Sant Antoni Abat. The ancestral homes, the arches of some of its streets and the image of the river that crosses it are well worth an excursion.

Vilella Baixa
The porches with pointed arches, the double-arched bridge over the Montsant river and the Escaladei river, as well as the neo-Arabic mill and its interesting wine cellars, are some of the main attractions of Vilella Baixa, known for its curious buildings of up to seven storeys overlooking the Scala Dei ravine are reminiscent of the hanging houses of Cuenca.

Tamarit:
With its medieval castle perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, Tamarit is a postcard-perfect coastal village. Stay in a boutique hotel or a seaside villa, where you can wake up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore and enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.