La Sagrada Couple Walking
Catch a train from Tarragona to beautiful Barcelona, one of Spain’s most famous cities. The ride itself is just over an hour and often costs around 10 euros, leaving you plenty of time to explore the best things to do in Barcelona before returning to port. Some of the most iconic sights include La Sagrada Familia, bustling La Rambla, and the city’s historic Gothic Quarter.
Spain Tarragona Salou Beach Cala Penya
Is looking out at the ocean not enough for you? Dip your toes into the golden sands of Costa Dorada. El Miracle beach is the liveliest and closest to the city center, while the beautifully isolated Cala Fonda, just several miles north, evokes the Balearic islands that sit far off Tarragona's shores.
Whether you want a quick break from Tarragona's famous heat or are craving some culture, Tarragona's world-class art museums will hit the spot. Museu d'Art Modern de Tarragona spotlights Catalan artists like Antoni Gaudi and Joan Miro inside a series of 18th-century houses.
Fresh seafood is Tarragona's claim to fame. Dine near the port for classic Catalan paella (mussels and other shellfish stir-fried with fragrant saffron rice) or stop along Plaça de la Font for a carafe of sangria to wash down local takes on tapas such as grilled shrimp glazed with rich, nutty Romesco sauce.
Whether you're looking for postcards and fridge magnets or locally made crafts, the Rambla Nova shopping street is the place to be. Galeria Tarraco sells artisanal crafts and textiles, including Catalan pottery and lace cushions made using techniques from the mid-19th century.