Tarragona is a great day trip from Barcelona with its quaint beaches, old-school architecture and slow pace. But the city also has a huge amount of history, so if you want to get the most out of your visit, make sure to plan a few activities to take in some of its highlights.
1. Tarragona Cathedral
The cathedral in Tarragona is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. It has an impressive art collection and is an important religious site.
One of the most beautiful corners of this magnificent building is the cloister. It is home to a number of capitals that tell stories about different characters from the Old and New Testaments, as well as saints and fables.
These capitals are incredibly detailed, and the cloister contains 28 of them.
The cloister also features a door made from marble that represents the Apocalypse. It is one of the few examples of marble used in a medieval cathedral, and it is thought that this was due to the abundance of marble that was available from the nearby Roman city of Tarraco.
2. Tarragona Amphitheatre
A huge oval structure built in the second century that overlooks the sea, this is one of Tarragona's most important historical sights. It held over 15 thousand spectators during its heyday and was the scene of gladiator fights, animal baiting and public executions.
Today, you can still see the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre from the outside. It's an interesting piece of history that is well worth a visit if you’re a fan of the ancient Romans.
Also just up the hill is the ruins of what was once the Roman Circus. Once a huge track for chariot races, the traces of it remain today and you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
3. PortAventura
If you are looking for some excitement, PortAventura is the place to go. Just 10km west of Tarragona, this massive park is crammed with exhilarating rides and shows for all ages.
This park is divided into themed sections and includes some of the best roller coasters in Europe. You can ride the record-breaking B&M Sitting Coaster Dragon Khan or Himalayan-themed rollercoaster Shambhala.
The park also boasts a water world, Caribe Aquatic Park, that features fear-inducing slides and water jets. You can get an express pass that gets you on everything without queuing.
Another must-see is the Paleochristian Museum, which houses items uncovered throughout the city. It is the richest collection of paleochristian archaeology and art on the peninsula.
4. Ferrari Land
Ferrari Land is Europe's only Ferrari theme park. This new 70,000-square-metre attraction is part of PortAventura World, which also includes a waterpark and golf courses.
Designed to make guests feel like they're living the dream, this new homage to the Italian car firm is a great addition to the existing theme park resort just an hour south of Barcelona. Its attractions, restaurants and stores - as well as its Ferrari merchandise - are expected to generate significant revenue for the theme park's operators.
Thrill rides include Red Force, which is Europe's tallest and fastest roller coaster (at 112 meters high, it is also the fourth-tallest). Bounce-Back Tower, which flings riders up and down at a 9-metre free fall, is another popular ride for young thrill seekers.
5. Serrallio
One of the most interesting places to visit in Tarragona is El Serrallio, also known as the fishing district. This neighbourhood is home to some of the city's best restaurants and stands.
- The neighbourhood is also home to a church - Sant Pere - which is one of the most important in the district. It was inaugurated for the local saint's day festival in 1880 and has been a hub of religious activity ever since.
- This neo-Gothic single-nave structure was built to honour St Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. It is located in the centre of the neighbourhood and is one of the most characteristic buildings here.
- The area is also home to the Port Walkway, which connects the city centre with the sea (Miracle Beach Promenade, Marina and the recreational and cultural area of the Port de Tarragona) in just seven minutes. This makes the area ideal for those who want to explore the city both day and night.
