I have one day for a side trip from Barcelona. i was thinking of Tarragona.
Any advice on a self guided visit? .thinking to go by bus, but advice appreciated. Are roman sights accessible? Via bus from Barcelona in January???
Thx in advance.
Posted by
California Central Coast
97 posts
Last December we used these brochures from Tarragona tourism to plan our day trip from Barcelona. We travelled by train. The travel details provided by Tarragona tourism are here.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2455 posts
JS, I myself spent 9 days in Barcelona in 2016, and made 3 day trips. I found Tarragona the least interesting and enjoyable. I liked better: (1) Figueres (Dali Museum) and Girona in one day, by train from Barcelona; and (2) a bus tour called “Medieval Villages of Catalunya” which visited Besalu, Rupit, and Tavernet, a wonderful day. I went to Tarragona and back by train.
Posted by
3247 posts
We were in Tarragona a week ago today and absolutely loved it. We also made three day trips from Barcelona - Priorat Wine Country, Tarragona and Sitges, and Girona and the Costa Brava. Honestly, it is impossible for me to pick a favorite.
For Tarragona, we arranged for a private guide through Spanish Trails. I can't comment on a self-guided visit, but I think it would be great if you could hire a guide or take a small-group tour if there's room in your budget. The beautiful location of the theatre by the sea and the extensive tunnels were highlights. Our guide pointed out pieces of Roman statuary and tributes that were used in medieval times in the construction of buildings. Fascinating.
The cathedral is built on top of a Roman temple to Jupiter, and ruins of the Roman temple were recently discovered during a renovation. The same renovation also uncovered some 14th century (I think) frescoes.
Tarragona's ruins aren't as spectacular as the ones you see in Rome or Provence. But you won't have to fight the crowds to enjoy what you're seeing.