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From Wikitravel

Tarragona [1] is the first large seaside town south of Barcelona. The town also offers a number of historical sites including churches from several different periods and a well preserved Roman colosseum. The town itself has the usual Spanish assortment of plazas sprinkled with cafes and tapas bars. Tarragona is a good choice if you only have a day or two to get out of Barcelona, otherwise the beaches further south or the remoter seaside villages to the north of Barcelona offer a more unique experience.

On Google Earth fly to: 41 06'56.51"N, 1 14'58.54"E

[edit] Get in

Tarragona is on the main train line between Barcelona (1 hrs) and Alicante (2-3hrs), and also on the main line between Barcelona and Madrid (4 hrs). Note that it's best to buy train tickets a few days ahead during the high season to avoid getting stuck in one place. However, you always have the chance to take a stop-train, which is reasonable when coming from Barcelona (it takes basically the same time). Tarragona also has an airport close in Reus. Reus is mainly served by charter flights and Ryanair. Ryanair calls the destination Reus-Barcelona but it really is the airport of Tarragona.

[edit] Get around

All of Tarragona's sites are within walking distance of the train station. Taxis and local trains can take you further.

[edit][add listing] See

• Tarraco UNESCO World Heritage Site complex of Roman ruins including colosseum.
• Universitat Rovira i Virgili
• The beaches are north of town. Avoid pollution from the town's larger shipping port (one of the biggest in Spain) by walking a ways up the beach. There is a nice walk following the shoreline, about 6-7 km long, where you will find the five main beaches and several smaller ones.
• Churches
• Plazas
• Museum of Archeology
• Casc antic (old part of the city)

[edit] Major Events

• Tarragona International Dixieland Festival. the week before Holy Week, end of march. he unique Dixieland festival in Spain and one of the most important in Europe: 25 bands and 100 concerts.  edit

• Tarragona International Fireworks Displays Competition. first week of July. The most important fireworks contest in the Mediterranean area is held every first week of July in Tarragona, in a wonderful bay -Punta del Miracle-, a place praised by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. The competition selects six international pyrotechnic companies every year.  edit

• Santa Tecla Festival. between 15th and 23rd September. One of the most important Spanish traditional festival, between 15th and 23rd September. It has been celebrated since 1321 and it has been considered of national touristic interest by Spanish government. Human towers, historical parades and fireworks are some of the main activities.  edit

• Tarragona Cultura Contemporania (TCC), [2]. October to April. Concerts, films in Original version, Theatre... L'associació cultural Anima't since 1994 produced a cultural program in Tarragona under the label of Tarragona Cultura Contemporània (TCC) together a program of music and films in original version of the October to April.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

There are not a lot of organized outdoor activities in Tarragona beyond strolling through the town, swimming at the beaches, and people watching in the plazas. One of the most beautiful parts of Tarragona is the old streets (Casc Antic), the ones near the cathedral, do not miss them.

There is a cultural agenda [3]

[edit][add listing] Buy

There are many interesting shops along the Rambla Nova and in the streets around it, as well as in the old part of the city. A lot of typical Catalan stuff can be bought there.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Tarragona has a number of small bars, restaurants, and cafes serving the usual selection of tapas, bocadillos (sandwiches), and local seafood dishes. The best area to browse for tapas and full meals is from The Plaça de la Font along the Carrer Major up to the Cathedral, with Carrer Nau and the Plaça del Rei and Plaça del Fòrum particularly worthwhile.

The Serrallo neighbourhood near the fishing harbour has some excellent fish and seafood restaurants, which are particularly popular for Sunday lunch. There is a market hall just off the Rambla Nova in the middle of town where the basics of a good picnic can be bought cheaply.

[edit][add listing] Drink

The nicest place to spend and evening is in one of Tarragona's many plazas with a glass of beer and plate of tapas. At night if you want to have some drinks and dance you should go to "El Port" (the port), there are a lot of pubs and dance locals there.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Xanascat the National Network of Youth Hostels for all of Catalonia.

• Hotel Ciutat de Tarragona, Plaça Imperial Tarraco 5, tel: +34 977250999 / [4] / e-mail= hoteltgn@sbgrup.com.Modern and centrally located, the best option for business trips, a romantic escapade or to enjoy the beaches and Port Aventura with all your family. Free WI-FI connection in all rooms and common areas, splendid reunion salons and a wide range of Tarragona’s rich gastronomy. Conveniences for a warm stay, private garage, gim, sauna and solarium terrace with pool.
• Hotel SB Express Tarragona, Plaça de les Corts Catalanes 4 , tel: +34 977221050 / [5] / e-mail= ssalas@sbgrup.com.Located at the beginning of the Rambla of Tarragona, near Hospital Joan XXIII, with very easy access to the most important roads, beaches and to Port Aventura. Private garage. Modern, comfortable and functional hotel, spacious rooms suitable for families. Free WI-FI connections in all rooms and common areas. Cafeteria, reunion salons and car rental office.
• Hotel Corona Tortosa, Plaça Corona Aragó s/n , tel: +34 977580433 / [6] / e-mail= mrvillaubi@sbgrup.com. Easy to find and appreciate, the variety of services of the Hotel Corona Tortosa will satisfy your espectations.Free WI-FI connection in all rooms and common areas, splendid reunion salons and a wide range of Ebro's rich gastronomy. The subtropical garden and the splendid swimming pool are the perfect places to combine relaxation with entertainment.

The tourist office at Carrer Fortuny in the New Town and Carrer Major in the Casc Antic can point you to hotel rooms at any budget.

[edit] Stay safe

Be careful if you choose to visit the night clubs of the Puerto Deportivo alone, especially if you are a guy. Foreign visitors have been robbed there.

[edit] Get out

• The nearby holiday resort of Salou is a popular destination.
• Port Aventura One of Europe's largest amusement parks.

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