How about traveling from Barcelona to Tarragona and Back to the Roman Times? Let’s have a look at the impressive historical sites of Tarragona, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire!

  • This post contains affiliate links from which I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). For more info, please read my disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

One Day in Tarragona Itinerary

Where is Tarragona

Tarragona is a city in northeastern Spain, located in the autonomous community of Catalonia. It sits along the Mediterranean coast, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Barcelona. The surrounding area, known as the province of Tarragona, is rich in unique, lesser-known landmarks.

Is Tarragona worth visiting?

Tarragona is absolutely worth visiting, as the city is known for some of the most impressive Roman ruins in Spain. Alongside Montserrat, Sitges, and Dali Triangle, Tarragona is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Barcelona. in addition, a great advantage of Tarragona is its accessibility, as the city is conveniently located along the route from Barcelona to Valencia.

How to get to Tarragona from Barcelona

Tarragona is located about 100 km from Barcelona and 90 km from Barcelona’s El Prat Airport. You can visit the city from Barcelona by car or by bus, with departures from both the airport and the Barcelona Nord Bus Station. If you prefer to travel by train, head to Barcelona Sants Train Station. Keep in mind that Tarragona has two railway stations: Camp de Tarragona, which serves high-speed trains, and Tarragona Station, which handles other trains. While Tarragona Station is in the city center, Camp de Tarragona is 11 km away, so you’ll need to take a taxi or bus to reach the city center if arriving by high-speed train. Additionally, Camp de Tarragona station provides bus services to Valls, Reus, Salou, PortAventura, and Cambrils. Check the schedules here for more information.

Unique Experiences not to miss in Tarragona:

Roman Ruins in Tarragona

Tarragona is known for some of the most unique Roman landmarks in Spain, alongside Cartagena and Mérida. Founded before the 5th century BC, the Roman town of Tarraco (modern-day Tarragona) was one of the most important cities in the Roman Hispania. With its ancient walls and defensive towers, exploring the streets of Tarragona feels like traveling back in time to the Roman era – especially if you visit on a day trip from Barcelona, preferably during the off-season. For more unique landmarks near Tarragona, check out my Tarragona road trip.

One day in Tarragona Itinerary (+map)

You can follow my 1-day Tarragona itinerary on Google Maps by clicking here.

1. El Balcó del Mediterrani and The Roman Amphitheatre

The best place to start any Tarragona itinerary is the Balcó del Mediterrani viewpoint. Since we were visiting by car, we parked in one of the nearby local parking lots. From this spot, you can enjoy an incredible panoramic view of Playa del Miracle and the stunning Roman Amphitheatre, where gladiator contests and public executions once took place. Built in the 2nd century, the amphitheatre could accommodate around 15,000 spectators.

El Balcó del Mediterrani one day in Tarragona
Views from Balcó del Mediterrani
The Roman Amphitheatre in Tarragona Itinerary
The Roman Amphitheatre

2. National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona

The National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona (Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona) is a must-visit for history enthusiasts spending a day in Tarragona. Although I have marked it as an optional stop on the map, as it is somewhat distant from the other key landmarks in the historical town (aprox. 20 minutes), it is well worth the visit. The museum is one of Spain’s most important institutions dedicated to Roman history and heritage. It showcases an extensive collection that offers fascinating insights into the Roman Empire’s presence in the region. However, I have to admit that I personally enjoyed it slightly less than the Roman Museum of Mérida during my Extremadura road trip, which I found to have a more engaging and immersive experience.

3. The Roman Circus

The Roman Circus of Tarragona, measuring approximately 300 meters in length and 100 meters in width, was used for various events, including chariot races. Built in the 1st century AD, it was one of the most important circuses in the Roman Empire and could accommodate around 30,000 spectators. Today, parts of the structure are still visible, integrated into the modern city, offering a glimpse into Tarragona’s rich Roman past.

The Roman Circus in Tarragona
Torre de les Monges in Tarragona Itinerary
Torre de les Monges, XIII – XV century
Top things to see in Tarragona in one day

4. The Old Town of Tarragona and Lunch

The Old Town of Tarragona felt like such a fascinating blend of ancient stone walls, arches, fountains, and modern terraces with local shops. After entering the city through Plaça del Rei, we wandered through the narrow streets, making our way toward the Tarragona Cathedral. The ancient squares were lively, filled with people enjoying drinks and tapas in the warm sun. If you have time, consider having lunch or drinks at one of the local terraces – but be prepared for slow service (at least, that was our experience). Our meal felt more like it was turning into an early dinner! For a unique dining experience, I’d recommend checking out La Cuineta or El Llagut (I wish we had visited one of them instead). I also loved the Roman fountains of Tarragona in he photo below. These small historical details add a distinctive touch to the city’s historic charm.

Tarragona old city one day itinerary
The old Town of Tarragona
exploring the old city walls of Tarragona in a day
The Roman walls of Tarragona
the fountains of Tarragona old town
Ancient fountains in Tarragona

5. The Cathedral of Santa Tecla

After a much longer lunch than anticipated, we headed to Tarragona’s Cathedral of Santa Tecla. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the cathedral is a stunning blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Before its construction, the site housed several important structures, including a Roman temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus, a Visigothic cathedral, and even a Moorish mosque. While Tarragona’s cathedral may not rank among my personal top cathedrals in Spain, the Cathedral of Santa Tecla is undeniably worth a visit and should definitely be included in any Tarragona itinerary. Its historical significance and architectural beauty make it an essential stop for anyone exploring the city.

The Cathedral of Santa Tecla in Tarragona Spain
The Cathedral of Santa Tecla

6. Portal San Antoni

Another impressive 18th-century monument you can’t miss in Tarragona is the Portal de Sant Antoni. This historic gateway, which once served as one of the main entrances to the city, is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. The portal features intricate stonework and a distinctive design. Right in front of the Portal de Sant Antoni, there was a playground for kids and an amazing balcony offering stunning sea views. I really felt like the Romans knew exactly where to build their cities, as these magical views were truly spectacular. The strategic and aesthetic foresight of ancient Roman city planning definitely deserves its fame.

Portal San Antoni in Tarragona
Portal San Antoni
tarragona spain - beautiful views

Top Roman Ruins of Tarragona

If you enjoy exploring Roman ruins in Spain, here’s your Tarragona checklist of unique local sites to visit:

  • The Roman Amphitheatre (built in the 2nd century, was the site of gladiator contests and public executions; it could accommodate around 15,000 spectators)
  • The Roman Circus (measuring 300 meters in length and 100 meters in width, was used for various events, most notably chariot races. It could hold up to 30,000 people)
  • The Pretorio ( the only surviving Roman palatium or palace in Spain, was constructed around the 1st century BC)
  • Portal de Sant Antoni (is a monumental entrance in the ancient city wall of Tarragona)
  • The Arch of Berà (located along the Via Augusta, 23 km away from Tarragona; it was built to honor the Roman Emperor Augustus)
  • The Ferreres Aqueduct (also known as the “Devil’s Bridge,” is located 4 kilometers north of Tarragona)
  • The Tower of the Scipios (a funerary monument 14 km away from Tarragon; it dates back to the 2nd century BC and is believed to be the burial site of an important Roman family)

Pin it:

explora 3 683x1024 1

For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

at lifestyle crossroads travel blog resources

This post is linked up with The Weekly Postcard and Feet Do Travel