Visit Tarragona
Tarragona is located in Catalonia, one of Spain’s most important autonomous communities, with a strong cultural identity, its own language (Catalan), and a great historical tradition. Tarragona is the second most important city in the region after Barcelona and is positioned:
- Approximately 120 km south of Barcelona
- On the Costa Daurada (Golden Coast), one of Catalonia’s most beautiful coasts
- Close to the border with the Valencian Community
Stopovers and overnight stays
The most practical solution for visiting Tarragona and the Port Aventura theme park is to park in Salou, where there is an excellent parking area dedicated to campers, easily connected to Tarragona via regional train.
Recommended areas
🅿️ Área de Autocaravanas Salou
Av. de Joan Fuster, 14, 43840 Salou, Tarragona, Spain No services, just a dirt parking lot but strategically located for visiting the theme park and the city of Tarragona. From Salou train station (only 500 meters from the parking area), you can take the regional train (Tarragona-Salou line), which will take you directly to the center of Tarragona in about 15-20 minutes. Trains run every 20-30 minutes during the day. This is the most convenient and sustainable solution
GPS: 41.084179, 1.143782
Av. de Joan Fuster, 14, 43840 Salou, Tarragona, Spain No services, just a dirt parking lot but strategically located for visiting the theme park and the city of Tarragona. From Salou train station (only 500 meters from the parking area), you can take the regional train (Tarragona-Salou line), which will take you directly to the center of Tarragona in about 15-20 minutes. Trains run every 20-30 minutes during the day. This is the most convenient and sustainable solution
GPS: 41.084179, 1.143782
“Tarragona Cathedral”
“Pça. dels Sedassos”
Getting Around
Once the camper is parked, getting around Tarragona is simple and convenient.
Public Transport:
Urban buses: The TRAM network (public buses) covers the entire city. A single ticket costs about €1.50, while the day pass is around €4.50. The main lines connect the port, the train station, the beaches, and the historical center. Train: Tarragona has a well-connected main station. Useful if you want to take trips to neighboring areas (Barcelona is about 1 hour away).On Foot
Tarragona is a very pedestrian-friendly city, especially in the Paseo Marítimo (promenade) area and in the medieval alleyways of the center. I recommend dedicating at least 3-4 hours on foot to explore the historical center. The distances are short and the atmosphere is charming.By Bicycle
Tarragona has well-marked cycle paths, especially along the coast. You can rent bicycles at the “Bicing” points scattered throughout the city (about €5-10 per day). The Via del Marre is perfect for those who love cycling by the sea.
“Acueducto de las Ferreras”
“Roman Walls – first gate of Augustus”
Points of Interest (PoI)
Once you have stopped at the Área de Autocaravanas in Salou, you will have the advantage of a strategic location that will allow you to choose how to organize your days. If you are passionate about history and culture, you can easily reach Tarragona in just 15-20 minutes by train, exploring the masterpieces of Roman and medieval architecture. If, however, your passion is for thrills and family fun, PortAventura is just a few kilometers away, one of the largest amusement parks in Europe. And if you simply want to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea, the splendid beaches of Salou (Playa Larga and others) are easily reachable on foot or with short trips. The versatility of this location allows you to mix culture, adrenaline, and relaxation, creating your ideal itinerary without moving your camper.
1
Tarragona – Historical Center and Roman Heritage
How to Get There from the Salou Parking Lot: From the Área de Autocaravanas parking lot in Salou, head towards the train station (500 m on foot). Take the regional train towards Tarragona (Tarragona-Salou line): the journey takes about 15-20 minutes and will drop you directly in the city center, at the Tarragona-Sants station. From there, the historical center is just a short walk away. What to Visit: Once you get off the train, you will have immediate access to Tarragona's main historical monuments
2
Tarragona - Roman Amphitheater (Amfiteatre)
Tarragona Built in the 2nd century AD, it could accommodate up to 14,000 spectators. Today, even though partially excavated, it offers an extraordinary view with the Mediterranean Sea in the background. Visit it at sunset for an unforgettable experience. Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (summer) | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (winter) | Ticket: €3.50 📍GPS: 41.114504, 1.258573
3
Tarragona Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
Address: Plaça de la Catedral, 1, 43003 Tarragona A masterpiece of Catalan Gothic architecture built between the 12th and 16th centuries. Inside, it houses works of art and the diocesan museum. From the side stairs, you can ascend for a 360° view of the city and the coast. Hours: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Ticket: €4.00 📍GPS: 41.118718, 1.257772
4
PortAventura World – Theme Park
Address: Av. de los Andes, s/n, 43840 Salou, Tarragona, Spain Distance from parking: Approximately 1 km PortAventura is one of the largest theme parks in Europe. It combines adrenaline, shows, and immersive theming. If you are passionate about roller coasters and attractions for the whole family, it is worth dedicating an entire day to it. The park is divided into different themed areas: Far West, China, Polynesia, Spain, and Mechanics. During the summer, it hosts shows and fireworks. Hours: Vary depending on the season (generally 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM/10:00 PM) Tickets: Starting from €35 (online) up to €60 (ticket office); reductions for children Recommended Time: 1 full day Tip: If you visit PortAventura, buy your tickets online in advance to save money and skip the access queues. 📍GPS: 41.087490, 1.152597
5
Playa Larga Beach
Address: Playa Larga, Salou (same municipality as the parking lot) Distance from parking: 2 km on foot or by bike One of the most beautiful and less crowded beaches on the Costa Daurada. Golden sand, crystalline waters, and a long stretch of sand perfect for spending a relaxing day. Unlike other tourist beaches, Playa Larga maintains a quiet atmosphere even in high season. Ideal for swimming, reading a book in the sun, or simply resting after visiting Tarragona. Services: Sunbeds for rent, public showers, beach bars Access: Free Tip: Go early in the morning to find the best spots and avoid the most intense heat.📍GPS: 41.065808, 1.154130
Seasonal Events
Castellers de Tarragona
Where: Tarragona
When: September
What: One of the city's most fascinating events. During the Santa Tecla Festivals, hundreds of people form human towers (castells) in the main square. It is a unique spectacle of its kind, full of tradition and adrenaline.
Santa Tecla Festa Major
Where: Tarragona
When: September 23rd/24th
What: Tarragona's patron saint festival featuring processions, concerts, artisan markets, and fireworks.
Tarragona Carnival
Where: Tarragona
When: February/March
What: Colorful parades, costumes, and fun in the city streets.
Wine Festival
Where: Priorat
When: September
What: Wine tastings from the Priorat region, with food stalls and live music.
Typical Dishes and Local Products
La romesco è una salsa tradizionale della Catalogna, tipica di Tarragona. È cremosa, leggermente piccante e versatile: perfetta per accompagnare pesce, verdure grigliate o semplicemente per intingere pane. Ecco come prepararla in camper.
Ecco la traduzione in inglese, mantenendo l’uso dei tag HTML e la struttura delle liste:
The romesco is a traditional Catalan sauce, typical of Tarragona. It is creamy, slightly spicy, and versatile: perfect for accompanying fish, grilled vegetables, or simply for dipping bread. Here is how to prepare it in a camper.
The Romesco Recipe
Ingredients for 4 people:
- 200 g roasted red peppers (or canned)
- 100 g sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 50 g blanched almonds
- 30 g toasted hazelnuts
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 150 ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon chili pepper (optional)
Procedure:
Preparation of ingredients: If using fresh peppers, roast them directly over the camper’s flame or on a griddle until the skin blackens. Place them in a plastic bag for 5 minutes so the steam softens them. Remove the charred skin and seeds.
Toast the nuts: In a dry pan, lightly toast the almonds and hazelnuts for 2-3 minutes. This step intensifies the flavor. Let them cool.
Basic blend: In a blender (or mortar if you prefer a more authentic experience), pour the peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, toasted nuts, and garlic. Start blending, adding a drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
Add spices: When the mixture is almost creamy, add the paprika, vinegar, and chili pepper. Blend briefly again.
Finishing: Pour the rest of the oil slowly as you continue to blend, until the sauce reaches a creamy but not too liquid consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
Storage: Romesco can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days (or in the freezer for up to a month).
Camper Tip:
If you don’t have a blender, you can use a mortar or even a battery-powered mixer. For an even more authentic version, do not hesitate to leave a few larger pieces: the authentic sauce is not perfectly smooth!
Useful Tips
Tarragona è una città che merita almeno 2-3 giorni di sosta. Combina storia affascinante, bellezze naturali e autenticità catalana. È perfetta per camperisti che amano esplorare patrimoni culturali senza rinunciare alle comodità e alle spiagge. La vicinanza a Barcellona la rende un’ottima tappa in un itinerario più ampio lungo la Costa Daurada.
Se visitate Tarragona in bassa stagione (aprile-maggio o settembre-ottobre), eviterete le folle e potrete godervi pienamente l’atmosfera della città.
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April 28, 2025
