The 10 Best Excursions Tarragona: Your Essential Guide

Tarragona is a province brimming with history and natural beauty, from sun-drenched golden beaches to ancient Roman ruins and medieval monuments. Whether you are looking for a day trip from Barcelona or a proper explore of the region, these are the best excursions Tarragona has to offer. The province provides such a wealth of choices that it can be tricky to know where to start, but we have hand-picked the top 10 destinations to ensure your visit is truly memorable.

1. The Roman Legacy of Tarraco

One simply cannot discuss the best excursions Tarragona without starting with its capital. The Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco is a UNESCO World Heritage site and feels like a walk-through museum.

• A Wander: Take a stroll through the Part Alta (the Old Town) to see how Roman walls have been integrated into modern-day homes.
• The Highlights: The Roman amphitheatre overlooking the sea and the Ferreres Aqueduct (also known as the Devil’s Bridge).

2. Montblanc: A Medieval Stronghold

Montblanc is a must-visit if you have a penchant for walled cities and narrow, winding streets. It is famously the setting for the legend of Saint George and the Dragon. It’s a delight to climb its defensive towers for a view over the valley. For more inspiration, you might also fancy our guide to the 10 most beautiful villages on the Costa Dorada.

Comparison: Top Excursions in Tarragona

Destination	Best For	Why Visit?
Ebro Delta	Nature & Wildlife	Flamingos, vast rice paddies and wild beaches.
Siurana	Scenery & Views	A cliff-top village with dizzying views.
Reus	Culture & Shopping	The birthplace of Gaudí and the home of vermouth.
Poblet Monastery	History & Peace	A stunning royal pantheon and Cistercian architecture.

3. Siurana: A Village on the Edge

Siurana is a tiny inland village that looks exactly like a postcard. Perched atop a limestone cliff with a 200-metre drop, it offers one of the best excursions Tarragona can provide for photographers. It is world-renowned for its olive oil and its legends of Moorish princesses.

4. The Cistercian Route & Poblet Monastery

This tourist route links the three most important Cistercian monasteries in Catalonia. The Monastery of Poblet is particularly grand, serving as the burial place for the ancient Kings of Aragon. It’s a brilliant day out for those seeking a bit of peace and quiet amongst world-class architecture.

5. The Ebro Delta: A Natural Wonder

The Ebro Delta is a unique protected space and one of the best excursions Tarragona offers for nature lovers.

• Activities: Hire a bicycle to ride through the rice fields or take a boat trip to the mouth of the river.
• Foodie Tip: You must try the local rice dishes or the smoked eel, which is a real delicacy in the area.

6. Reus: Modernism and the Best Vermouth

Just 15 km from Tarragona lies Reus, a vibrant city famous for its Modernist buildings and for being the birthplace of Antoni Gaudí. It’s perfect for a spot of shopping followed by a traditional “vermut” on a sunny terrace.

7. The Montsant Mountain Range

For the keen hikers, the Montsant Natural Park is a spiritual and rugged landscape. Here you can find the ruins of the Escaladei Charterhouse, the first of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula.

8. Parc Samà: A Romantic Botanical Garden

Located near Cambrils, Parc Samà is a 19th-century colonial-style park. It is one of the best excursions Tarragona has for families, featuring peacocks, deer, and exotic plants in a beautifully designed romantic garden.

9. Tortosa: Cathedral and the River Ebro

Tortosa is a city steeped in history. Its Gothic Cathedral is a masterpiece, and the views from the castle over the river are splendid. It’s also the gateway to the Green Way (Vía Verde), an old railway line turned into a stunning 49 km cycle path.

10. The Baix Ebre Green Way

For an active day out, this cycle route takes you through tunnels and over viaducts following the river. It’s flat, safe, and easily one of the most scenic ways to discover the southern part of the province.

Planning Your Trip

If you’re planning on staying for a while to tick off all 10, do have a look at our holiday rentals on the Costa Dorada for the perfect home away from home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is the best excursion for families? Parc Samà and the Ebro Delta are the top choices. Both offer plenty of space for children to run about and unique activities like boat trips or animal spotting.

Do I need a car to get around? While you can reach Tarragona, Reus, and Tortosa easily by train, you’ll definitely need a car for the more remote spots like Siurana, Montsant, or the Cistercian monasteries.

Can I visit multiple spots in one day? Certainly. Reus and Tarragona are very close together. You could also easily combine a morning in Montblanc with an afternoon at Poblet Monastery.

Are there options for longer stays? Many visitors opt for long-term stays so they can take their time exploring one or two of these excursions each week.