Once the capital of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior, Tarragona — ancient Tàrraco — retains one of the most impressive collections of Roman monuments outside Italy. The amphitheatre overlooking the sea, the circus where chariot races thundered, the provincial forum and the colonial forum are all within walking distance of each other in the compact city centre. Together, they form the UNESCO Archaeological Ensemble of Tàrraco, inscribed in 2000.
Beyond the Roman layer, Tarragona's medieval quarter crowns the hill with the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria, whose cloister is a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic art. The Rambla Nova, the city's elegant main boulevard, stretches from the Plaça Imperial Tàrraco to the Balcó del Mediterrani, a panoramic terrace above the sea that Tarragonins claim offers the most beautiful view on the coast.
Tarragona is equally celebrated for its food. The Serrallo fishing quarter serves some of the freshest seafood on the Mediterranean, and the city is the birthplace of romesco sauce, the smoky almond-and-pepper condiment now found throughout Catalan cooking. The Mercat Central sells local olive oil, honey, dried fruits and cheeses, and the surrounding streets are packed with tapas bars where a long, leisurely lunch is practically compulsory.
The city's cultural calendar is anchored by two major events: Tarraco Viva in May, a festival of Roman re-enactments held in the actual ancient ruins, and the Festa Major de Santa Tecla in September, ten days of human towers (castells), fire runs (correfocs), traditional dances and concerts that rank among Catalonia's greatest celebrations.
From Camping La Noria, Tarragona is 15 km — a 15-minute drive or a 12-minute Rodalies R17 train ride. It is the most accessible and culturally rich day trip you can make from the campsite, and many families return two or three times during a single stay.
