Cooler temperatures (let’s call these liveable temperatures) and fewer tourists make Autumn the ideal time to explore Tarragona’s historical sites and scenic coastline.
Tarragona sights: what we saw and what we loved
Tarragona is a treasure trove of history and beauty, and exploring its sights left us completely in awe. From ancient Roman ruins to picturesque coastal views, the city offers a perfect blend of culture and scenery. Here are a few of our favorite spots that made our visit unforgettable.
The Amphitheater of Tarraco
One of our first stops was the Amphitheatre of Tarragona, a Roman arena perched dramatically by the sea. Walking through the ruins, we could almost picture the grand spectacles that once took place here.
The amphitheater’s setting, with the Mediterranean Sea as its backdrop, made it even more impressive, and we spent a while just soaking in the views and imagining the history embedded in the stones beneath our feet.
The Roman Circus of Tarragona
Another highlight was the Circ Romà, the ancient Roman circus where chariot races were once held. The sheer size of the site was staggering, and we enjoyed wandering through the tunnels and standing in the places where spectators would have cheered thousands of years ago. The views from the upper levels were fantastic, offering a glimpse of Tarragona’s mix of ancient and modern life.
The Tarragona Cathedral
We also took time to explore the Tarragona Cathedral, which stands at the heart of the old town. Its intricate mix of Romanesque and Gothic design made it a stunning centerpiece of the city. Inside, we were struck by the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful stained glass that bathed the interior in soft, colorful light.
Visiting the Roman Aqueduct in Tarragona
During our trip to Tarragona, one of the highlights was visiting the Roman Aqueduct, also known as Pont del Diable (Devil’s Bridge). Just a short drive from the city center, this stunning ancient structure gave us a glimpse into the incredible engineering of the Roman Empire and the deep history that permeates the region.
As we approached the aqueduct, we were immediately struck by its size and the beauty of the surrounding natural landscape. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery, the aqueduct’s towering arches seemed to rise seamlessly from the earth, creating a breathtaking scene that felt like we had stepped back in time.
Tarragona Roman Walls: a walk through ancient history
One of the most fascinating parts of our visit to Tarragona was exploring the Roman Walls that have stood for over 2,000 years. These ancient fortifications, originally built in the 3rd century BC, are some of the oldest Roman walls in existence, and walking alongside them gave us a real sense of Tarragona’s deep historical roots.
Stretching around the city’s old town, the Muralla Romana is incredibly well-preserved. As we strolled along the paths, we marveled at the massive stone blocks that were once a crucial defense for the Roman colony of Tarraco. There are also sections where you can climb up for a view over the city, with some parts even offering glimpses of the Mediterranean in the distance.
What we loved most was how these ancient walls seamlessly blended with the more modern parts of Tarragona. It’s a unique experience to walk through a city where Roman history feels alive at every turn. For any history lover, the Tarragona Roman Walls are an essential stop—an incredible reminder of the lasting legacy of the Roman Empire in Spain.
Also, for some reason, the wall was inhabited by many cats, so many of our pictures at this spot feature playful felines in various shapes and sizes, lounging in the sunlight, waiting to be petted, or getting annoyed for getting said pets for too long. This has also represented a highlight for us because meeting four-legged friends during our holidays is always a bonus. Don’t worry, they seemed to be very well cared for, with hidden cat houses, catfood and water arranged along the edges of the historical walls.
Tarragona city center: exploring the Old Town
We spent an afternoon wandering through the medieval streets of Part Alta, Tarragona’s charming old town. The narrow alleyways, lined with beautiful stone houses, quaint shops, and cozy local cafes, felt like stepping into a different era. Each turn revealed something new, whether it was a hidden courtyard or a shop filled with local artisan goods.
Finally, a walk along the Balcony of the Mediterranean was the perfect way to end our day of sightseeing. This scenic promenade offers sweeping views of the coast, and as we looked out over the glittering sea, we understood why locals say it’s good luck to "touch the iron railing."
Tarragona Beach: seaside strolls and relaxation
One of my favorite things about Tarragona is how close it is to the sea. After a day of exploring the city's historical sites, we made our way down to Platja del Miracle, a stunning sandy beach that feels especially peaceful in the autumn months. With fewer crowds, it was the perfect spot to unwind. The warm Mediterranean breeze and the sound of the waves created a relaxing contrast to the bustling streets of Barcelona.
Platja del Miracle is a free beach, but there are lifeguards on duty all day long and flags offer information about whether it is safe to enjoy the waves or not. During our one-week stay, there was only one day when the yellow flag was up, which meant that you could swim but with caution due to the bigger waves. Honestly, this was the best day for swimming, and we had a lot of fun rolling with the waves, jumping as they came crashing toward the beach, and laughing when we mistimed our jumps.
The sand at Platja del Miracle was fine and golden, the seawater warm and aqua blue, and the warm weather culminated at around 28 - 29 °C. We bought a large parasol for 20€, and we used it all week long because there are no pre-arranged sunbeds and parasols at this beach.
Because it was September, there were fewer people on the beach and we felt like we had our own space and could live in our little world. We read, we swam and we slept under the blue skies, shaded by our colorful beach umbrella. To be perfectly honest, we did use level 50 SPF cream and would recommend this for people who are not exposed to the sun over the year, because the UV lights are still strong during September and it is very easy to develop a sun allergy which will then mess up your perfect holiday.
Tarragona Weather in September: ideal for exploring and swimming
When we visited Tarragona in September, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. The summer heat had softened, but it was still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors. With temperatures ranging from 24°C to 27°C, it was comfortable for sightseeing, beach days, and evening strolls along the Balcony of the Mediterranean.
The Mediterranean breeze kept things refreshing, especially by the water, and we were grateful for the mix of sunny days and pleasant, cooler evenings. It made wandering through the old town, exploring Roman ruins, and even spending time at the beach an absolute delight. September really gave us the best of both worlds—summer warmth without the intense heat.
Trying regional food in Tarragona
One of the highlights of our stay in Tarragona was indulging in the regional cuisine. Catalonia has a rich culinary tradition, and Tarragona’s coastal location meant we had access to some of the freshest seafood we’ve ever tasted.
We made sure to try fideuà, a local dish similar to paella but made with short noodles instead of rice, typically served with seafood like prawns and cuttlefish. It was the perfect balance of flavors, especially with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a glass of local white wine. We also enjoyed calçots, a type of green onion, grilled and served with romesco sauce, a delicious blend of nuts, roasted red peppers, and olive oil.
One evening, we ventured into a cozy taverna where we were treated to esqueixada, a refreshing salad of salted cod, tomatoes, onions, and olives, all drizzled with olive oil. Paired with crusty bread and a view of the sunset, it was a simple yet unforgettable meal.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying crema catalana, a Catalan version of crème brûlée, with its silky smooth custard and caramelized sugar topping. Every bite was a sweet reminder of the region’s love for food.
While Tarragona's local cuisine was a major highlight of our trip, we couldn’t resist the chance to try some delicious Argentinian steak at Baires Bar. The steak was perfectly grilled, tender, and full of flavor, served with traditional chimichurri sauce. It was a delightful surprise to find such an authentic Argentinian meal in the heart of Catalonia, and it added a nice international twist to our dining experience.
We also made sure to sample the region's cured sheep and goat cheeses, which were simply amazing. Served with a side of olives and bread, the cheeses had a rich, earthy flavor, showcasing the craftsmanship of Catalonia’s local cheesemakers. Pairing these cheeses with local wines made for the perfect tapas experience.
Stay in holiday home in Salou, one of the best spots in the province of Tarragona.
