Things to See and Do in Tarragona, Reus & nearby

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

Photo of Tarragona amphitheatreThe 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.

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.

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.

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).

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/

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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

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.

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/

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.

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.