Before 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 outstanding metropolis break free from the crowds – right here you may superbly mix a mixture of laid-again seashore life and spectacular historical historical past.
Blessed with an historical walled outdated city, UNESCO-listed Roman ruins in addition to a set of positive sandy seashores and pure environment, it’s a spot the place I actually would have liked to remain lots 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.
Once 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 the town’s buzzing primary avenue, 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 the town is called La Part Alta de Tarragona, and that is the place I felt like I used to be strolling round a Game of Thrones set! I actually liked this place!
It’s house to a really spectacular assortment of Roman ruins and artefacts and likewise a gothic cathedral which I actually liked found (it took me a full afternoon to discover each).
In 2000, Tarragona was named a World Heritage City 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 Old Town 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 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 really the most effective-preserved websites of the Roman Empire. It was much like Circo Massimo in Rome however held round 20,000 spectators and extremely right now among the authentic partitions nonetheless exist right now. Walking 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 the town’s surrounding partitions, constructed by the Romans method again within the 2nd century BC! It’s unbelievable that you could 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 assume the tour of Tarragona’s Cathedral of Santa Maria provides one thing a bit of 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’d advocate to attempt to prepare your tour when the bells are rung, though be warned they are often very loud!
The Beaches
The space 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’re 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 liked this spot—it was a really gorgeous magnificence spot!
A household-pleasant seashore not removed from the town centre is L’Arrabassada Beach, or (and should you’re feeling a bit of 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.
Beaches apart, I’d additionally advocate 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 great thing about all of it!
Food and Drink
Being positioned subsequent to the ocean, I feel fish is the best 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 very tasty – should you see them on the menu then I feel it’s one thing that must be ordered! I’d additionally extremely advocate profiting from Spain’s ‘Menu del Dia’ (Menu of the Day) the place you’re going to get to style conventional and generally extra fashionable dishes at a good value.
No journey to Tarragona is full with out making an attempt some Vermouth. Although 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 bask in a spot of individuals-watching! Enjoy this extraordinary place and a metropolis that I feel deserves much more recognition!
Travelling Spain by Train
I discovered travelling round Spain by prepare surprisingly straightforward and environment friendly. High-speed AVE trains (Alta Velocidad Española) hyperlink main cities at as much as 186mph, and should you guide upfront on-line, you could find nice offers on fares on the official Spanish rail web site, www.renfe.com.
This web page gives you all the knowledge you want on methods to journey cheaply round Spain by prepare and do the identical form of tour I did!