Earlier than I visited Tarragona I’ve to be trustworthy and admit I didn’t know a lot about it in any respect, however on my whirlwind prepare journey round Spain I found a lovely metropolis which might make an excellent metropolis break free from the crowds – right here you may fantastically mix a mixture of laid-back seashore life and spectacular historic historical past.
Blessed with an historic walled previous city, UNESCO-listed Roman ruins in addition to a group of nice sandy seashores and pure environment, it’s a spot the place I actually would have beloved to remain so much longer!
The picturesque small port metropolis is situated in northeast Spain, on Costa Daurada, and was based earlier than the fifth century BC. I personally thought its most stand-out options was the imposing amphitheatre, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and as soon as held as much as 14,000 spectators.
As soon as the capital of Hispania, I spent hours simply wandering across the late Third-century metropolis partitions, gazing in awe on the necropolis and amphitheatre, and strolling town’s buzzing major road, Rambla Nova, which is lined with fabulous bars and eating places!
A little bit of historical past together with the Roman Ruins
The medieval a part of town is named La Half Alta de Tarragona, and that is the place I felt like I used to be strolling round a Sport of Thrones set! I actually beloved this place!
It’s residence to a really spectacular assortment of Roman ruins and artefacts and in addition a gothic cathedral which I actually beloved found (it took me a full afternoon to discover each).
In 2000, Tarragona was named a World Heritage Metropolis by UNESCO and with good motive, the Roman ruins of Tarraco are really inspiring and it’s believed that a part of the Cyclopean partitions pre-date the Romans.
The point of interest of the Previous City is the Tarragona Amphitheatre which was constructed between the top of the first century BC and the beginning of the 2nd Century BC.
It used to have the ability to maintain round 13,000 spectators and noticed quite a few gladiator battles and executions. For only a few euros I gained entry and took just a few good hours exploring the entire website and in contrast to the Colosseum in Rome, I didn’t have restricted entry.
I believed the Roman Circus of Tarragona was one other particular place and it’s truly one of many best-preserved websites of the Roman Empire. It was just like Circo Massimo in Rome however held round 20,000 spectators and extremely in the present day among the unique partitions nonetheless exist in the present day. Strolling by it actually did really feel like I used to be stepping again in time and I explored its underground passages, which will need to have as soon as buzzed with exercise from each the distributors and spectators!
I used to be severely blown away by town’s surrounding partitions, constructed by the Romans manner again within the 2nd century BC! It’s unimaginable you can nonetheless stroll alongside 1,100 meters of the unique 3,500-meter wall – these partitions are the oldest Roman buildings nonetheless standing outdoors Italy!
The Cathedral
All main cities have a cathedral, however I personally suppose the tour of Tarragona’s Cathedral of Santa Maria affords one thing a little bit bit totally different!
The locals are justifiably very happy with their lovely cathedral and right here you may go on a tour lasting round two and a half hours – the information will present the Cloister, the Treasure, the Diocesan Museum and the Roman temenós in addition to a particular deal with of visiting the bell tower.
I’d suggest to attempt to organize your tour when the bells are rung, though be warned they are often very loud!
The Seashores
The realm of Costa Dorada is named the ‘Golden Coast’ because of its miles of sandy seashores, and there are roughly ten miles of seashore to select from, so yep, you’re spoilt for alternative!
The native seashore for Tarragona is El Miracle, which is 500 metres lengthy and solely a brief stroll from Rafael de Casanova promenade. I beloved this spot—it was a really beautiful magnificence spot!
A family-friendly seashore not removed from town centre is L’Arrabassada Seaside, or (and for those who’re feeling a little bit braver) you may all the time go for the nudist seashore La Savinosa. The longest seashore within the space, although, is Playa Larga, which is three kilometres lengthy and makes a peaceable spot for sunbathing or swimming.
Seashores apart, I’d additionally suggest a go to to the Balcon del Mediterranean, a balcony on the finish of the Rambla Bova, proper subsequent to the amphitheatre. The views of the ocean are really fantastic right here, and it’s a fantastic place to sit back and soak up the great thing about all of it!
Meals and Drink
Being situated subsequent to the ocean, I believe fish is the most suitable choice for dinner in Tarragona – I’d counsel making an attempt ‘cassola de romesco’, which is a casserole with fish.
Tarragona’s crimson prawns are very well-known and intensely tasty – for those who see them on the menu then I believe it’s one thing that needs to be ordered! I’d additionally extremely suggest taking advantage of Spain’s ‘Menu del Dia’ (Menu of the Day) the place you’re going to get to style conventional and typically extra trendy dishes at a good value.
No journey to Tarragona is full with out making an attempt some Vermouth. Though the drink originated in Italy, the locals in Tarragona see it as considered one of their very own. I like to recommend heading to Plaza del Rey to get pleasure from a recent vermouth on a terrace and bask in a spot of people-watching! Take pleasure in this extraordinary place and a metropolis that I believe deserves much more recognition!
Travelling Spain by Prepare
I discovered travelling round Spain by prepare surprisingly straightforward and environment friendly. Excessive-speed AVE trains (Alta Velocidad Española) hyperlink main cities at as much as 186mph, and for those who guide prematurely on-line, you’ll find nice offers on fares on the official Spanish rail web site, www.renfe.com.
This web page offers you all the data you want on how one can journey cheaply round Spain by prepare and do the identical form of tour I did!