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!
A day trip to Tarragona from Barcelona
Visiting Tarragona
Alongside Montserrat, Tarragona is one of the most emblematic day trips from the Spanish artsy capital of Barcelona. It´s a great place to time-travel back to Roman times. The city is known for some of the most impressive Roman ruins in Spain. However, the biggest advantage of Tarragona is its accessibility. You have numerous travel options to get to Tarragona from Barcelona (100km). Moreover, Tarragona can be also reached from Castellon (180 km), or even Valencia (250km).
How to get from Barcelona to Tarragona
The easiest way to get from Barcelona to Tarragona is to rent a car. Tarragona is located more or less 100 km from Barcelona and 90 km from Barcelona’s airport El Prat.
However, you can also find a few convenient bus options from both Barcelona´s airport and Barcelona Nord Bus Station.
If you prefer traveling by train – head to Barcelona Sants Train Station and get a ticket to Tarragona. Note that there are two railway stations in Tarragona – Camp de Tarragona for high-speed train Ave and the railway station of Tarragona for all the other trains. While the railway station of Tarragona is located in the city center, Camp de Tarragona is situated 11 km from the city center. So you´ll need to take a taxi (or bus) to the city center in case you´re traveling with a high-speed Ave. Additionally, Camp de Tarragona station offers bus services to Valls, Reus, Salou, Port-Aventura, and Cambrils. Check the schedules here.
What to see in Tarragona
Founded before the 5th century BC, The Roman town of Tarraco (modern Tarragona) was one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. With all the ancient walls and defensive towers – exploring the streets of Tarragona feels like time-traveling back to the Roman Times. Especially, if you visit on a day trip from Barcelona to Tarragona ( preferably in the offseason) – you feel yourself like such an explorer compared to the crowded streets of the Gaudi capital.
Also read: The Marvelous Paphos Mosaics in Cyprus
As we were on the road with a little baby – skipping the museums and just enjoying a walk through the old town and its ancient walls seemed like the best plan. Here are the main stops on our Tarragona sightseeing route.
Top places to visit
1. El Balcó del Mediterrani / The Roman Amphitheatre
Once you arrive from Barcelona to Tarragona, almost everyone starts the sightseeing program at the Balcó del Mediterrani viewpoint (we left our car in one of the local parkings nearby). Here, you get the most amazing coastline panorama of Playa del Miracle and stunning views of The Roman Amphitheatre, where Gladiator contests and public executions took place. Built in the II century, it accommodated around 15 000 people.


2. The Roman Circus
300m long and 100m wide, The Roman Circus of Tarragona was used for numerous events, for instance, chariot races. It accommodated around 30 000 people.


3. Petrori Tower
Petrori Tower is another place, where you could enjoy some wonderful views of the Mediterranean coast.

4.The Old City
The Old City of Tarragona is a curious combination of ancient walls, stone, arches, fountains that blend together with modern terraces and local shops. After entering the city walls via Plaça del Rei we went all the way towards the Tarragona Cathedral, but it was quite spontaneous. The Old City of Tarragona is way too small to get lost and sometimes I really love not having a route and just “going with a flow“.
Also read: 10 secret villages in Spain you´ve never heard of
The ancient squares were full of people having drinks and tapas in the sun. Consider having lunch in one of the local terraces only if you have time – the service was so slow, I felt like that lunch would have transformed into an early dinner! But still, this switch from a busy Barcelona to a more-local Tarragona felt great.



5.The Cathedral of Santa Tecla
Built during the XII-XIV centuries, The Cathedral of Santa Tecla is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Previously, on its place, there was a Roman temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus, a Visigoth Cathedral, and even a Moorish mosque. While Tarragona´s cathedral is not on my list of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain, The Cathedral of Santa Tecla still absolutely deserves a visit.

6.Portal San Antoni
Another impressive monument from the XVIII century you can´t miss in Tarragona is Portal San Antoni.

At the end of our city tour (in front of the Portal San Antoni), there was a playground for kids and another amazing balcony with some great sea views… Romans knew where to build cities, didn’t they?!

7. Brief list of Roman Historical Sites in Tarragona
If you´re a history geek and love Roman Ruins in Spain, here´s your Tarragona Checklist:
- The Roman Amphitheatre ( where Gladiator contests and public executions took place; was built in the II century and accommodated around 15 000 people)
- The Roman Circus (300m/100m wide, it was used for numerous events, like chariot races, and accommodated around 30 000 people)
- Pretorio ( the only remaining palatium in Spain built around I A.C; currently house Tarragona History Museum)
- St. Anthony Gateway or Portal San Antoni in Spanish (a monumental gate on the wall of Tarragona)
- Arch of Bera (built on the Via Augusta to pay tribute to the Roman emperor Augustus)
- The Ferreras Aqueduct (located 4 km north of the city)
- Tower of the Scipios (a funerary monument of Tarragona)
For more Barcelona day trips check my Pinterest board Barcelona & Catalonia. If you want more Spain travel tips and ideas don´t miss Travel to Spain board.
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This post is linked up with The Weekly Postcard and Feet Do Travel
Oh wow, your pictures here were stunning! I’ve always wanted to visit Roman sites, but I still haven’t had the opportunity. Your post has definitely given me travel inspiration, and although I haven’t heard of the destination you went to initially, I’ll definitely add it on my list to consider in the future! Thank you for sharing your beautiful travels!
Jenny x
https://www.theconfessionsofanonlineshopaholic.com
Thanks, Jenny! I love the Roman sites as well 😉
Oh wow, I’ve never heard of Tarragona before but it looks beautiful !I like the trench coat outfit you are wearing too 🙂
Hope you have had a wonderful weekend! We had a fun time at a kite festival on Sunday! 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Thank you, Mica!
First time visitor to your blog! How old is your baby? I love to hear more since I am a first time mom!
Your pictures are breath-taking! Thanks so much for visiting my blog and sharing your trip! I can’t wait for more images!!!
Thanks so much, Mija! Glad to connect! My daughter is 9 months old , they grow up soooo fast!
Woah this place looks absolutely stunning and there seems like there’s so much to do too! It’s definitely getting added onto my travel list!
Heather xoxo
https://www.hefafa.me.uk
Thank you, Heather!
Such an interesting place! I’ve never been or even heard about Tarragona before 🙂
Thanks, Bambi! Such an interesting place indeed!
Omg this city is gorgeous and I love your captures! That coat is to die for too. 😉
Thank you, Emily!
We have almost gone to Tarragona a couple of times as we are in Catalonia about once a year and it has always been just a bit too far to drive. But these sites look great, especially the old Roman circus, and I hope I have a chance to visit on a future trip!
We had almost the same story. We passed by Tarragona so many time and never made it to the city!
ahh this city looks gorgeous! i’ve never gone to a unesco site, so i’ll have to work my way through them.
Thanks, Heather! Unesco sites are always interesting to visit!
Love this kind of adventure
Great photos you captured!
Much Love, Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
New Vlog Entry!
Thanks, Jane!
Wow your photos are stunning!!!
xx- Nina
http://www.ninalnguyen.com/2018/05/ootd-spring-florals.html
Thank you Nina!
Wow it is so beautiful there! I would love to visit!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thanks for stopping by, Rach!
This is absolutely an amazing post with such breathtaking pictures, I truly love your blog. Thank you for sharing, cannot wait for the next exiting post.
xxx
http://www.bridesonamission.com
Thank you, Nora!
looks amazing
Wonder Cottage
Thanks!
I have never been to Spain. I really want to go! What would you recommend as the first city to visit? (I love the water but I am allergic to sun so I can’t be out there in the sun) but coastal towns I LOVE. I also love experiencing unique cuisine and shopping. Most of all I love sites and history. What do you think – I’ve always want to go to Barcelona. OMG Portugal looks beautiful. I loved London when I visited and Paris. I went to Berlin and Brussels. Loved Berlin. Brussels was pretty but super boring for me.
Tell me your thoughts on locations?
Janine
xoxox
http://abeautifulwhim.com
I´d start with Barcelona. It is so touristic, but you just can´t miss the Gaudi artworks – everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. Madrid, Toledo, Salamanca could be visited together and they have amazing architecture. Valencia is great and there is a fast train AVE 1h.42 from Madrid. The South of Spain has many impressive historic sites – Sevilla, Granaga, Cordoba, Ronda, Cadiz.
I´d say Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, Sevilla, Granada are MUST SEE. But it would be hard to do them all in one visit.
Personally, I love the North of Spain – but it´s more about doing a road trip, visiting small towns, and enjoying the amazing nature and ocean. And you should visit the top cities first. Places like San Sebastian, Cudillero, San Vicente de la Barquera, Gaztelugatxe, Santillana Del Mar, Playa del Silencio etc. (there are sooooo many) – absolutely stunning .
This place feels so warm, love it! We really have to go there, one day 😀
Wishing you a positive day,
xx
Patricia & Miguel
http://www.freeoversea.com
Thank you, Patricia & Miguel!
What a beautiful area! I love these ruins and it’s so great that you can cover a variety of attractions in a day. I haven’t heard of Tarragona but it looks so charming that i need to add it to my travel wish list. Fantastic photos!
Thank you so much, Mary!
I did not know much about this town but it looks and sounds like a great place to spend a day or two. Pretty views of the Mediterranean coast, sunshine, and tapas and drinks would be all right with me!
Thanks, Deborah! You’ve summed it up perfectly!
My husband would love visiting here. Roman ruins are certainly his favorite thing. (I think he secretly wants Roman armor to wear around the house…) I’ll have to save this to reference when we start planning our next trip that direction! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks, Sara! lol I´m also obsessed with Romans!
I had not heard of Tarragona until recently and it looks really interesting. I love all the ruins and the view of the coastline is lovely. Would love to spend a day there. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Thanks, Anisa! The fact that it´s still relatively unknown internationally is the best part!
Wow! They certainly don’t build them like that anymore! What fantastic views and those city walls are incredible! You’re absolutely right, the Romans knew exactly what they were doing when they chose where to place their cites. Great read. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Thanks, they knew indeed 😉
What a beautiful Roman city! The history is really fascinating and those views are amazing! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Thanks for stopping by, Lolo!
Yes the Romans certainly knew how to build a City! Not only for their beauty, but there are many structures still standing today which is just so impressive. I love visiting ancient sights and cities, Tarragona would suit me. Thanks for bringing this place to my attention – pinned. #FeetDoTravel
Love the city of Tarragona. A city I have never heard of but one I would love to visit. These Roman Ruins look like they belong in Italy. Great photos of this beautifully walled old city. Pinned for later when I revisit Spain. Thanks for sharing #feetdotravel
I love finding old Roman architecture — even if it’s just a wall, as I’ve found in England. These are ruins worth exploring. Your photos are inspiring — pinning for future travel plans!
Clearly my kind of city and yet somehow it wasn’t on my list of Spain destinations, but it sure is now! Glad to hear there is more than just the Roman ruins but that would have been enough for me 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Just wow – great photos and what a great travel find! We saw a tour to Tarragona when we were in Barcelona, but didn’t know enough about it to know we should have gone! Next time, for sure. The ruins are fantastic, but that beach! It’s a win-win for us – two of our top faves! Thanks for putting Tarragona clearly on our radar, and for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
I love historical cities! The Cathedral of Santa Tecla looks impressive. The mixture of different architectural styles give it so much character.