2026 - August - Tarragona

Tarragona is one of those places that is often underestimated as a vacation destination. Fortunately, I think, because who needs tourist crowds? 

The city is absolutely worth seeing. There is access to a sandy beach with an elevator leading up to the city. At the top, you can gaze down at the beach from what is called the balcony. If you turn around to face the city, you can stroll leisurely along the Ramblas. The Ramblas is a wide street with a spacious pedestrian zone in the middle and only narrow lanes for cars on either side. Various shops invite you to shop and there are benches for resting. While walking, you will also encounter the famous monument of the human pyramid. After all, Tarragona is one of the main places for this tradition. 

But there is also a wealth of culture awaiting the inquisitive. For example, you can marvel at the Roman heritage of the city, such as the amphitheater with a view of the sea and the remains of the ancient Roman circus (Circo Romano). Of course, almost every time the ground is broken, something old is uncovered. The city of Tarragona actually carries the Roman name in its title, as the Roman name was Tarraco, officially Colonia Iulia Urbs Triumphalis Tarraco. Even Emperor Augustus planned his campaigns from here between 27 and 25 BC and lived in the city. During our tour, we also admired the impressive fortifications, for which the 5 Euros entry fee is absolutely worth it. 

Even the beautiful cathedral of Tarragona stands on Roman foundations. In one room of the cathedral, you can even admire excavation parts of it. But the cathedral has so much more to offer. The 12 Euros entrance fee for adults is well invested. I could have easily taken 1,000 pictures here, as extensive are the spaces and the many treasures inside and out. A very special surprise awaited us in the outdoor area of the complex, where we saw two live turtles. At first, we thought they were decorations, and it was really cute how they basked in the sun, which brought us great joy. One single day is actually not enough to explore everything. 

Because of all this, Tarragona received the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for the spectacular “Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco.” 

So a visit is definitely worthwhile, just don’t all come at once, because as mentioned, who needs tourist crowds?