Day Trips & Excursions: Tarragona

Nearby Destinations

Discover accessible locations within day-trip distance from Tarragona, each presenting its own unique character and attractions.

PortAventura World & Ferrari Land (Salou/Vila-seca): Spain's largest theme park, 15-20 minutes away by train, bus, or car. Reus: Birthplace of Antoni Gaudí, 15-20 minutes by bus or car. Altafulla: Medieval village with a castle, Roman villa, and beach, 10-15 minutes by train. Barcelona: World-renowned city, 1 hour 15 minutes by regional train, 30 minutes by high-speed train.

Travel Insights

Transportation: PortAventura, Reus, Altafulla use frequent regional trains (Rodalies R16) and local buses (Empresa Plana). Sitges and Barcelona have direct regional trains (R2 Sud, R16). High-speed trains from Camp de Tarragona station go faster to Barcelona.
Independent Travel: Most listed destinations are easy to access independently due to public transport, offering schedule freedom.
Organized Tours: Consider a guided excursion for areas like the Priorat wine region or Ruta del Cister monasteries; public transport access here is less frequent.
Suggested Duration: PortAventura needs a full day (8+ hours). Reus: half to full day. Altafulla: half day. Sitges: full day. Barcelona: full day for highlights, several days for extensive exploration.

Natural Escapes

Explore the natural beauty surrounding Tarragona, from wetlands to mountains and stunning coastlines.

Parks and Reserves

The region presents diverse protected areas, each offering a distinct natural experience.

Highlighted Areas

Delta de l'Ebre Natural Park: A vast wetland (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) with rice paddies, dunes, and lagoons, famous for birdwatching, about an hour south.
Parc Natural de la Serra de Montsant: An inland mountain range (about an hour away) with rugged landscapes, hiking, and rock climbing.
Priorat wine region: Known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages, offering scenic views, especially during harvest.

Coastal and Mountain Views

Experience the variety of landscapes, from secluded coves to refreshing mountain trails.

Natural Features

Coves north of Tarragona: Cala Fonda (Waikiki) and Cala Jovera are beautiful, unspoiled beaches for a secluded experience.
Prades Mountains: Offer cooler temperatures and hiking trails, a suitable escape during hot summer days.
Coastal walks: The Camí de Ronda trail presents stunning sea views along cliffs and coves.

Affiliate Travel Options

Explore & Book Excursions

Find and book a wide array of day trips and activities in and around Tarragona with GetYourGuide.
Options range from theme park visits to wine tours, making it easy to plan your regional excursions.
Always check booking conditions and cancellation policies.
Activity availability may vary by season.

Seamless Planning

Discover unique experiences and hidden gems across the region.
Secure your spots for popular attractions ahead of time, especially during peak seasons.
Third-party terms and conditions apply.
Prices are subject to change.

Travel Distances and Times

Tarragona to PortAventura World15-20 min
Tarragona to Reus15-20 min
Tarragona to Altafulla10-15 min
Tarragona to Sitges~45 min

Tarragona to Barcelona (regional train)1h 15min
Camp de Tarragona to Barcelona (high-speed train)~30 min
Tarragona to Delta de l'Ebre Natural Park~1 hour
Tarragona to Priorat wine region~1 hour

Travel Tip

For efficient regional travel, consider renting a car, especially for destinations like the Priorat wine region or the Ebro Delta, where public transport options are less frequent.

Cultural Excursions

Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the Tarragona region.

Historical Wonders

Monastery of Poblet (UNESCO World Heritage): Cistercian monastery and royal pantheon, 45 minutes drive away. Monastery of Santes Creus (UNESCO World Heritage): Another Cistercian monastery, 30 minutes drive away. Villa Romana de Centcelles: Late Roman villa with mosaic dome, 10 minutes from Tarragona. Arc de Berà: Roman triumphal arch, 20 minutes north.

Rural Charm

Visit villages in the Priorat wine region, like Gratallops or Porrera. They offer wine tasting and a rural experience. Small, local restaurants often serve traditional cuisine, providing a taste of regional flavors.

Pilgrimage Sites

Monastery of Montserrat: About 1.5-2 hours by train or car. This significant spiritual and cultural site in Catalonia houses the Black Madonna and presents stunning mountain views, making it a worthy destination for a dedicated visit.

Multi-Day Extensions

Expand your journey with recommendations for adding 1-3 days to your itinerary, exploring more of Spain or Catalonia.

Extended Stay Options

Barcelona & Montserrat: Combine your Tarragona visit with a few days in Barcelona. Include a day trip to Montserrat for cultural and scenic rewards.
Priorat Wine Region: Dedicate 1-2 days to vineyards, wine tasting, and rural landscape enjoyment.
Delta de l'Ebre: Spend 1-2 days for in-depth birdwatching, cycling, and exploring the unique ecosystem. This period provides time for its diverse wildlife.

Longer Regional Journeys

Consider logical next destinations and suitable transportation connections for extended regional travel within Spain.

Connecting Your Journey

Valencia: Travel south along the coast by train (AVE from Camp de Tarragona). Valencia presents modern architecture, historical sites, and a lively food scene.
Transportation: Tarragona presents good train and bus connections to major Spanish cities. Car rental is recommended for rural areas like Priorat or the Ebro Delta.
Coastal Route: Begin in Tarragona, then move to Sitges, Barcelona, and continue up to the Costa Brava. This route features beaches and charming towns.

Extended Travel Considerations

Train travel in SpainEfficient & broad network

Car rental for rural areasRecommended for flexibility

High-speed rail to ValenciaFrom Camp de Tarragona

Explore Pyrenees/AndorraNorth of Barcelona

Wine & Monasteries RoutePriorat & Ruta del Cister

Costa Brava extensionNorth of Barcelona

Planning Ahead

Consider early booking for high-speed train tickets for better rates.
Always check current train schedules and ticket availability.
Rural roads may differ in quality; drive with caution.
Ensure international driving permits are valid if renting a car.
Travel insurance for extended trips is a sound choice.

Multi-Day Extension Details

Recommendations for adding 1-3 days to your itinerary to explore more of Spain or Catalonia.

Barcelona & Montserrat

Combine your Tarragona visit with a few days in Barcelona. Include a day trip to Montserrat, a spiritual and cultural site with mountain views.

Aspects

Explore Barcelona's iconic attractions like Sagrada Familia and Gothic Quarter.
Experience the spiritual atmosphere and natural beauty of Montserrat.
Easy train access from Tarragona to Barcelona and then to Montserrat.

Priorat Wine Region

Dedicate 1-2 days to exploring vineyards, tasting wine, and enjoying the rural landscape. Stay in a local guesthouse for an authentic experience.

Experience Highlights

Visit renowned wineries and sample world-class Priorat wines.
Enjoy scenic drives through rolling hills and picturesque villages.
Stay in charming rural accommodations for a true local feel.

Delta de l'Ebre

Spend 1-2 days for in-depth birdwatching, cycling, and exploring the unique ecosystem. This allows more time to see its diverse wildlife.

Activities

Engage in extensive birdwatching, especially for flamingos and herons.
Cycle along flat paths through rice paddies and lagoons.
Discover the unique wetland ecosystem and its varied flora and fauna.

Suggested Routes

Discover recommended routes for longer regional travel, connecting Tarragona to other captivating parts of Spain.

Regional Travel Paths

Coastal Route: Travel from Tarragona to Sitges, Barcelona, and then along the Costa Brava for beaches and charming towns.
Wine & Monasteries Route: Begin in Tarragona, explore the Priorat wine region, and visit the Ruta del Cister monasteries for cultural and culinary insights.
Logical Next Destinations: Consider Valencia to the south by train, or Andorra/Pyrenees to the north for mountains, hiking, or skiing.

Travel Logistics

Planning your extended journey from Tarragona presents practical considerations for smooth transit.

Train Connections

Tarragona presents good train and bus connections to major Spanish cities. High-speed rail connections are available.

Car Rental

Car rental is recommended for exploring rural areas like Priorat or the Ebro Delta, where public transport options are less frequent.

Flight Compensation

For any flight disruptions, Compensair assists with compensation claims.

Additional Tip

Consider booking train tickets for major cities in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure preferred times and potentially better prices.

Day Trips & Excursions