Guide to Tarragona – Catalunya, Spain

Tarragona, the capital of the province of Tarragona and is situated on the Mediterranean coast in the North East of Spain.

It is the main city on the Costa Dorada and has a notable fishing and yachting port. The main feature of this coastal area is its calm, blue waters, whereas inland the scenery is enhanced by the intense brightness of the sunlight. Here the carob trees, vineyards, hazel, almond and olive trees give an air of grace and beauty.

There still survives a very rich monumental heritage which allows us to admire some important remains from the Roman Empire such as ‘La Muralla‘ which surround the old part of the city, ‘El Forum‘, ‘L’Amfiteatre‘, ‘L’Aqüeducte‘, ‘La Torre dels Escipions’ and ‘L’Arc de Berà‘.

Things to see in Tarragona

To truly appreciate Tarragona we must look to its natural beauty and landscapes. To the South, the Delta del Ebre Nature Park, the second largest wetland area in the western Mediterranean and a unique landscape of great natural wealth. In 1983 it was declared a ‘natural park’.

The Ports de Tortosa – Besseit National Reserve

Intermingled with the cliffs and canyons picturesque waterfalls flow freely. This wild and surprising landscape captivates travellers and mountaineers alike. To the west, the Prades Mountains offer unbelievable views and a thousand nooks and crannies to discover, creating spaces and atmospheres difficult to compare with any other place.

La Serra Del Monstant Mountains

Sometimes known as the ‘Mountain of Peace‘ and the most characteristic mountains in the province of Tarragona where you can observe a wide variety of flora and fauna. Time seems to come to a standstill when you enter this realm of nature due mainly to the fact that the majority of this area is only accessible by foot.

This province is also ideal for practising virtually any sport, especially of the aquatic type such as sailing, windsurfing, rowing, water-skiing and diving.

Visitors also have the opportunity to visit the well-known tourist attractions of Aquopolis and Aqualeon, two well-known entertainment parks with something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Other notable features of this area include buildings in the style of the modernist architects and small towns which serve as social, cultural and commercial centres for the interior counties.

Events and festivals in Tarragona

The counties of Tarragona are packed full of local fiestas and traditions the whole year round.

January – ‘Els tres tombs’, a horse exhibition,
February – The Festes de la Candelera in Valls and Calafell
March – The Diada de la truita amb suc in Ulldemolins, gives visitors a chance to try the local juicy spinach omelets,
April – the infamous Holy Week processions
May – The Aplec de Sant Jeroni in Mora d’Ebre, a performance of the Dance of Sant Crist in Salomo
June – The Fiesta dels Reguers in Tortosa, firework contests and the Summer Festivals in the Camp de Mart Auditorium
July – The Fiesta Popular of Mora la Nova, with performances for children, mythical animals, ‘fire-running’ and dances
August – Month of the main fiestas with open-air dances, fireworks and all kinds of folk dancing held in most of the area’s towns.
September – The Diada of September 11th is Catalunya‘s National Day
October – Human Towers on St. Ursula’s Day
November – The dead are remembered on All Souls Day, celebrating with roast chestnuts and panellets
December – the Feast of the Three Kings, midnight mass and the exchange of gifts. On 31 December l’home dels nassos visits various towns in the region.