Things to do in  Tarragona

If there’s one sight that will successfully peel you away from Tarragona’s beach, it will be the neighboring Tarragona Amphitheatre (Amfiteatre de Tarragona). This ancient seaside stadium, constructed in the 2nd century AD, once fit up to 15,000 spectators to cheer on everything from gladiatorial battles to public executions.

Rising above the Tarragona countryside, the 2-tiered Les Ferreres Aqueduct (Pont del Diable) is one of the area’s most remarkable Roman ruins. Once used to transport water to the ancient city of Tarraco (now Tarragona), today the aqueduct is surrounded by wooded trails, and the walkway along the top offers sweeping views.

Cava is one of Catalonia’s greatest exports, so take the time to sample some at Freixenet Winery, located in the Penedès wine region. This century-old winery is among the country’s largest and best-known cava producers, and is conveniently located within easy day-trip distance of Barcelona. Here, you can learn about the history and production of cava, and discover both its storied cellars and its tasting room.

The original of three theme parks on Spain’s Costa Dorada, PortAventura Park features more than 40 rides and attractions. It’s part of the larger PortAventura World—a resort complex that also includes Caribe Aquatic Park and Ferrari Land, the resort’s newest addition and home to one of Europe’s highest and fastest roller coasters.

Go full throttle at Ferrari Land, the only theme park in Europe devoted to all things Ferrari. Located next to PortAventura theme park outside Barcelona and itself part of PortAventura World, Ferrari Land offers high-speed thrills—including Europe’s highest and fastest vertical accelerator—cutting-edge racing simulators, test tracks, and more.

Once the sun goes down on the beaches of Salou, head to the House of Illusion to catch its popular magic show. This fan favorite offers evening performances with theatrical magicians, family-friendly comedy, and light-hearted mind-reading acts. Opt for the earlier dinner show or the late evening slot for drinks and entertainment.

While it looks like yet another classic Mediterranean fishing village, El Roc de Sant Gaietà is a recent addition to the coast up from the city of Tarragona. This scenic village on the Costa Dorada incorporates a mix of Romanesque, Arabic, and Gothic architecture to give its 20th-century waterfront a sense of history.

A trip to Barcelona isn’t complete without sampling some of Catalonia’s renowned wines, and Familia Torres—Spain’s largest winery—is the perfect place to start. A sprawling vineyard that reaches across the Penedès region, the winery is owned by the Torres family, whose winemaking legacy dates back more than 140 years.

Find a family-friendly place to play at this Costa Dorada water park. With its 16 pools and attractions, the PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park features lush, Caribbean-inspired pools and greenery. Visitors of all ages can explore the indoor-outdoor campus, with options that range from a laid-back lazy river to adventurous slides and waves.

The municipality of Sant Sadurni d'Anoia is the center of production for cava, Spain’s version of Champagne. The area is home to some 100 wineries specializing in the production and export of the sparkling wine, and travelers can visit vineyards, tour production facilities, and taste some of Spain’s best cavas at their source.

At the MónNatura Delta de l’Ebre Nature Reserve—one of Western Europe’s largest wetlands—you can see the restored La Tancada salt works, try your hand at traditional fishing, and, with luck, spot flamingos and other wetland birds. Plus, the observatory offers 360-degree views of the salt pans.

Water slides, tube slides, and swimming pools fill the six themed zones at Aquópolis Costa Dorada, a water park near the town of Salou on Spain’s Costa Dorada. Park attractions suited to both adults and children provide an opportunity for thrills and fun while cooling off from the summer heat.