Earlier than I visited Tarragona I’ve to be sincere and admit I didn’t know a lot about it in any respect, however on my whirlwind practice journey round Spain I found a gorgeous metropolis which might make an excellent metropolis break free from the crowds – right here you may superbly mix a mixture of laid-back seashore life and spectacular historical historical past.
Blessed with an historical walled previous city, UNESCO-listed Roman ruins in addition to a set of advantageous sandy seashores and pure environment, it’s a spot the place I truthfully would have beloved to remain quite a bit longer!
The picturesque small port metropolis is positioned 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 primary 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 called La Half Alta de Tarragona, and that is the place I felt like I used to be strolling round a Recreation 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 cause, 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The point of interest of the Outdated City is the Tarragona Amphitheatre which was constructed between the top of the first century BC and the beginning of the 2nd Century BC.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 a couple of good hours exploring the entire web site and in contrast to the Colosseum in Rome, I didn’t have restricted entry.
I assumed 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 much like Circo Massimo in Rome however held round 20,000 spectators and extremely as we speak a number of the authentic partitions nonetheless exist as we speak. Strolling by way of it actually did really feel like I used to be stepping again in time and I explored its underground passages, which should have as soon as buzzed with exercise from each the distributors and spectators!
I used to be significantly blown away by town’s surrounding partitions, constructed by the Romans method again within the 2nd century BC! It’s unimaginable that you could nonetheless stroll alongside 1,100 meters of the unique 3,500-meter wall – these partitions are the oldest Roman constructions nonetheless standing exterior Italy!
The Cathedral
All main cities have a cathedral, however I personally suppose the tour of Tarragona’s Cathedral of Santa Maria provides one thing a little bit bit totally different!
The locals are justifiably very pleased 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 might suggest to try 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 called the ‘Golden Coast’ as a result of its miles of sandy seashores, and there are roughly ten miles of seashore to select from, so yep, you might be spoilt for selection!
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 gorgeous magnificence spot!
A family-friendly seashore not removed from town centre is L’Arrabassada Seaside, or (and in the event you’re feeling a little bit braver) you may at all times 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 might 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 an important place to relax and absorb the fantastic thing about all of it!
Meals and Drink
Being positioned subsequent to the ocean, I believe fish is the most suitable choice for dinner in Tarragona – I might counsel making an attempt ‘cassola de romesco’, which is a casserole with fish.
Tarragona’s pink prawns are very well-known and intensely tasty – in the event you see them on the menu then I believe it’s one thing that ought to be ordered! I might 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 fashionable dishes at a good worth.
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 one among their very own. I like to recommend heading to Plaza del Rey to get pleasure from a contemporary vermouth on a terrace and take pleasure 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 Practice
I discovered travelling round Spain by practice surprisingly simple and environment friendly. Excessive-speed AVE trains (Alta Velocidad Española) hyperlink main cities at as much as 186mph, and in the event you ebook prematurely on-line, you could find nice offers on fares on the official Spanish rail web site, www.renfe.com.
This web page provides you with all the data you want on methods to journey cheaply round Spain by practice and do the identical type of tour I did!
