Things to See and Do in Tarragona, Reus & nearby

Everything you need to know for 2 or 3 days in Tarragona, Reus and nearby

Tarragona is an often-overlooked gem right on Spain’s Costa Dorada, with splendid Roman remains in every nook and cranny. Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, ‘Tarraco’ became the capital of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior. Today, you can follow the footsteps of ancient Romans, and visit the ruins of their amphitheatres, aqueducts, and city walls scattered everywhere around the city.

The Roman Amphitheatre, with its breathtaking setting right beside the sparkling, azure Mediterranean Sea, once hosted gladiator battles and other public spectacles.
Meanwhile, the Roman Circus, where chariot races thrilled crowds, the Temple district and the Forum have, since medieval times, become integrated and enveloped in the old town.

Roman ruins aside, Tarragona offers a marvellous, low-key alternative to Barcelona – away from the crowds. The city’s blend of ancient history and Mediterranean charm makes it a unique spot to soak in the sun and soak up the culture (and perhaps a drop or two of the local Vermouth).

Often overshadowed by its larger neighbours, Reus an absolute must-see for anyone with an interest in architecture and art. The birthplace of Antoni Gaudí, Reus has a fascinating collection of Modernist buildings that give the city a unique character.
The city is also famous as Spain’s principal maker of Vermouth and no visit is complete without sampling the local produce but be careful, it packs a punch! A lively town, with bustling cafes and squares that are perfect for relaxing in, Reus is a chance to experience an authentic Catalan city without the tourist crowds.

For a true ‘off-the-beaten-track experience head inland to medieval Montblanc and the Cistercian Monasteries of Poblet and Sant Creus. If you’re heading on to Priorat go via the Sierra de Prades for a spectacular scenic route!

Tarragona, Reus and Alt Camp Highlights –

8 things to see and do in Tarragona and nearby

1. Roman Tarragona – do not miss!
2. Tarragona Cathedral
3. Museu Nacional Arquelogic de Tarragona MNAT
4. Balcony of the Mediterranean
5. Pont del Diable
6. Platja del Miracle
7. Platja Arrabassada
8. Cala Fonda

Things to See and Do in Reus

1. Ruta del Modernisme,
2. Gaudi Museum
3. Casa Navas
4. Pere Mata
5. Passeig de la Boca de la Mina
6. Estació Enologica

Things to See and Do in Alt Camp

1. Monblanc
2. Valls
3. Reial Monastir de Santa María de Poblet
4. Museu Municipal d’ Alcover

Practicalities – Frequently asked questions about things to see and do in Tarragona

• How to get to Tarragona?
• When to go to Tarragona?
• How long to stay in Tarragona?
• What to eat in Tarragona?
• What to buy in Tarragona?

Roman Tarragona

Discover Spain’s best Roman remains

Tarragona’s outstanding, World Heritage, Roman remains are possibly the best in Spain and among the best in Europe.

The emblematic ruins of the amphitheatre, set beside the beach, and the city’s Roman walls are easy to see and visit, but for anyone with more than a passing interest we would thoroughly recommend a walking tour.

With the passing of the centuries, Tarragona’s other Roman ruins – which are very substantial – have become intriguingly woven into the fabric of the city. The Cathedral now sits where the Temple of Augustus once stood, the medieval old town occupies the Forum and the Plaça del Font sits at the centre of the Circus. Even so, many parts remain, having been put to other uses over the centuries or uncovered by the archaeologists, and as you wander round the modern city ancient Tarraco reveals itself piece by piece.

Tarragona Cathedral

Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, on the site of an ancient Roman temple of Augustus, The Cathedral of Saint Mary is a fine example of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.

Featuring Catalonia’s largest rose window and a beautiful portico with fine statuary the grandeur of the Cathedral makes a wonderful counterpoint to the medieval old town and the Roman walls which surround it There’s also a museum displaying religious art and artifacts, including a remarkable gold and silver monstrance from the 14th century.

Museu Nacional Arquelogic de Tarragona MNAT

As may be expected Tarragona’s archaeological museum hosts a truly impressive collection and is houses in a beautiful building. At the time of writing the main
museum is under restauration (see exhibits at Tinglado 4 a coverted railway station) but
should be open in early 2025.

https://www.mnat.cat/en/

Balcony of the Mediterranean

Stunning sea views!

Built-in 1929 an iconic, moderniststyle folly extending down from
Passeig de les Palmeres offering stunning sea views – no visit to the
city would be complete without a visit!
Running from the busy Plaça Imperial Tàrraco, the city’s main traffic hub, to the “Balcó del Mediterrani” the Rambla Nova is the city’s main shopping street.

Pont del Diable

The devil’s bridge

If you haven’t had your fill of Roman remains the Ponte de Diable (Ferreres Aqueduct), just a short drive from the city centre, is a marvel of Roman engineering that’s well worth a visit.

Platja del Miracle

The city’s main beach

Tarragona city beach sits a stone’s throw from the city centre just below the amphitheatre and, though not perhaps the most paradisical swathe of sand on the Costa Dorada, is fine for a swim, a sunbathe and a rest from the ‘old stones’.

Platja Arrabassada

Just 2km north of the amphitheatre is a lovely, sandy beach and though still within the city bounds doesn’t feel so urban (and doesn’t get so busy in the season).

Cala Fonda

The Catalan ‘Waikiki’

If you’re taking the car head to Cala Fonda (10km north – known by locals as Waikiki beach), a stunning little cove, as good as any on the Costa Dorada or anywhere in the Spanish Med. As with many Catalan beaches nudism is permitted though not obligatory, and the beach is probably best avoided in high season or on hot weekends (or go early and beat the locals).

Reus – Ruta del Modernisme

Origins of Catalan Modernisme in Gaudi’s birthplace

As Gaudi’s place of birth, Modernist architecture is the USP of Reus and there are several excellent examples dotted around the city centre making for a wonderful treasure hunt.
The Gaudí Centre in the main square is a good place to start and offers an interactive look into the life and work of this genius – the perfect spot to dive into his early influences.

The centre also offers guided walking tours (or DIY maps) of the ‘Ruta del Modernisme’, a fantastic way to discover the town’s architectural gems, including Casa Navàs and Casa Rull, both by Lluís Domènech i Montaner are prime examples – with their stunning facades, colourful mosaics, and intricate ironwork – but there are many buildings on the route, each with its own fascinating history.

On the outskirts of the city Institut Pere Mata, also by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, is spectacular and well worth a visit. The complex was built to provide a therapeutic and humane environment for mental health patients and offers an insight into the social and political implications of the Modernist movement.

Gaudi Museum

The master architect’s life and influences

This modern visitor centre offers a unique look into the life and work of the world-famous architect. The museum not only gives a fascinating insight into Gaudí’s life story but also his inspiration and way of thinking. Interactive exhibits on the third floor offer a close-up view of his emblematic works like the chimneys of La Pedrera, the structure of the Sagrada Familia and the starry dome of Palau Guell.

The ground floor reception has a nice souvenir shop selling tickets, maps and guided tours for the Ruta de Modernisme (see ‘Highlights).

Casa Navas

A masterpiece of craftsmanship and style

Originally built as a luxury home for a textile merchant, right on the main square of Reus, Casa Navàs is a shining example of how art and architecture can come together to create something truly special. Designed by the renowned architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, a contemporary of Gaudí, in the early 20th century, this house is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and style.

The ornate façade, with elaborate windows, intricate stone carvings and delicate stained glass, is quite something but the interior, perfectly preserved, is truly fantastic with its stunning mosaic floors, hand-carved woodwork, and a cacophony of decorative details that reflect the height of Modernist design.

Part of the building was damaged by a bomb during the Spanish Civil War, and its grand tower was lost (leading us to ponder how many other fine buildings were destroyed). Despite this, the house remains a breathtaking example of early 20th-century architecture, and a guided tour is highly recommended to get the most out of your visit.

Pere Mata

The “Pavilion of the Distinguished”

Also designed by the legendary Lluís Domènech i Montaner, this palatial complex was built between 1897 and 1919 as a psychiatric hospital.

The “Pavilion of the Distinguished” is open to the public and feels more like a luxury villa than a hospital. Here again perfect harmony of artistic style and functionality with vibrant stained glass, intricate mosaics, and richly decorated interiors.

On the outskirts of the city, in its own grounds, the Pere Mata is a peaceful sanctuary, and even enjoys distant sea views from the upper windows Built for wealthy patients the hospital is nonetheless an insight into the ‘social project’ of the Modernist architects and their patrons.

Passeig de la Boca de la Mina

Tree-lined walkway

If you’re feeling energetic the Passeig de la Boca de la Mina is a tree-lined walkway which leads from the city centre (behind the train station out to the Pere Mata Institut (2km each-way).

The path is more or less flat, ideal for a leisurely stroll, and has great cultural significance for the people of Reus. It was originally used as a route to transport water from the nearby Mina Spring (hence ‘Boca de la Mina’) into Reus, giving it both practical and cultural significance.

Lined with trees and dotted with benches, along the way you’ll find sculptures, gardens, and informational panels that share stories about its past. At the end of the walk, don’t miss the beautiful Pere Mata Institut (see above).

Estación Enológica

Where modernisme, wine and vermouth combine…

Modernisme, wine and vermouth, all under one roof – this is perhaps one of the best places to understand the essence of Reus and the region as a whole.
The beautiful architecture gives an insight into how the Catalan Modernist movement endeavoured to combine form with function, which you’ll see echoed in the ‘Cathedrals of Wine’ bodegas throughout the province and which is still evident in the Catalan way of thinking to this day.

This building was designed as a college and research centre to understand and develop the local wine culture and educate the winemakers and every detail has been designed to marry with stye and practicality. The laboratory in particular is a beautiful example of functional beauty.

The building can be visited for free – vermouth tasting is 3€ per person

Montblanc

A medieval gem

A medieval gem the stunning medieval walls of Montblanc are fortified with 31 towers. Inside the village visit the fortress-palace of Castlà, the church of Sant Miquel, and Santa Maria la Majo.

Valls

Casteller tradition

Though not as well preserved as Montblanc Valls does have a nice old town. The main attraction here is the strong ‘Casteller’ tradition, human towers of great difficulty – check to see if there’s an event or for more details on this fascinating cultural activity visit the town’s Casteller Museum.

Reial Monastir de Santa María de Poblet

Star of the Cistercian Route

The truly colossal Reial Monastir de Santa María de Poblet dates back to the 14th century and was once the final resting place of the kings or Aragón and Catalonia. The Monastery is the star attraction of the UNESCO World Heritage Cistercian Route in the Alt Camp region of Tarragona which also takes in the monasteries of Santes Creus and Vallbona de les Monges and the medieval town of Montblanc.

Be sure to take a guided tour!

https://www.catalunya.com/en/continguts/patrimoni-cultural/royal-monastery-of-santa-maria-de-poblet-17-16003-354
See also http://www.catvisit.com/en/the-cistercian-route/

Museu Municipal d’ Alcover

Worth a stop if you’re heading inland for the Monasteries (and the scenery) the Museu Municipal d’ Alcover Is a wonderful collection of Triassic fossils housed in Ca Batistó, a beautifully preserved 19th century bourgeois home.

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