Tarragona in Spain – Roman history on the Mediterranean

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Tarragona is a historic coastal city in Catalonia, where Roman ruins meet medieval alleys, outdoor cafes and beaches on the Mediterranean. The city is especially known for its impressive remains from the Roman era, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visited Tarragona during our motorhome trip through Spain and discovered a city that combines history, city life and the beach in a really nice way.

Tarragona on the Mediterranean

It is no coincidence that Tarragona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking around the city, it is impossible to miss the remains of the Roman era. They are everywhere and it's very clear that modern Tarragona is built on the basis of the Roman Empire. on top of its ancient predecessor.

Tarragona is located on the Costa Daurada in Catalonia, about 100 kilometers south of Barcelona. The city is easy to reach along the Mediterranean coast and is a good stop on a road trip between Barcelona and Valencia.

Tarragona – a city with Roman history

Tarragona was called Tarraco During Roman times, Tarraco developed into one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire on the Iberian Peninsula. In 26–25 BC, Emperor Augustus stayed here while leading the Roman campaigns on the peninsula. Tarraco became the capital of the large Roman province of Hispania Citerior, later Hispania Tarraconensis.

Roman attractions in Tarragona

The Roman Amphitheater

One of Tarragona's most spectacular remains is the Roman amphitheater, located right next to the Mediterranean Sea. The arena was built in the early 1st century AD and was used for gladiatorial games and other public performances. The combination of the ancient ruins and the view of the sea makes this one of the city's most special places.

The Roman city walls

Parts of Tarragona's Roman city walls still remain. Along the Passeig Arqueològic you can walk alongside the walls and see some of the oldest Roman remains in the city.

The Roman circus area

In the middle of modern Tarragona are the remains of the Roman circus, where horse and chariot races were held. Parts of the structure lie beneath the modern buildings, which really shows how the modern city has grown on top of ancient Tarraco.

Balcó del Mediterrani – sea view

At the end of the main street, Rambla Nova, is the Balcó del Mediterrani viewpoint, about 40 meters above the sea. From here you have views of the Mediterranean Sea, the beach and parts of the Roman amphitheatre. A local tradition is to to play iron – ”touch the iron” – on the observation deck railing for luck.

Stroll in the old town of Part Alta

Tarragona's historic center, Part Alta, is one of the most pleasant parts of the city to explore on foot. Here, narrow alleys wind between old stone houses, small squares, restaurants and outdoor cafes. In the middle of the neighborhoods also stands Tarragona's cathedral, Catedral de Santa Tecla, which began construction in the 12th century.

Tarragona is a charming city to walk around, and there are lots of nice outdoor cafes. We stumbled into one place by chance and were surprised by a really good 3-course lunch.

For starters we had steamed mussels and then we were served pork fillet with gorgonzola sauce and grilled vegetables. The meal ended with a really good cheesecake. For this we had to pay a modest price, and we were very satisfied.

Easter celebrations in Tarragona

We also happened to visit Tarragona during Easter week, Semana Santa, when the city was filled with religious processions. It was one of our strongest experiences from the visit, with long processions, traditional costumes, music and a festive atmosphere.

READ MORE: Easter in Spain - a mighty display!

Beach life in Tarragona

Tarragona is also a good choice for those who want to combine sightseeing with sun and swimming. The closest place to the city centre is Miracle Beach, a long sandy beach below the railway and the Roman amphitheater. Further along the coast there are several other beaches and small coves. Among them is a very nice beach at the Torre de la Mora campsite.

Tarragona with a campervan – Camping Torre de la Mora

We stayed with our camper at a campsite in Tarragona called Torre de la Mora. The campsite is nicely located on a sandy beach and you can easily get into town by bus.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Starting from Tarragona, you can get to many other exciting and beautiful places in Spain. Here you will find more tips:

• Things to do in Valencia
• Things to do in Benidorm
• Things to do in Barcelona
• Empuriabrava