Tarragona is easily seen in a day. It holds the largest Roman complex in Catalonia, all in a compact old town overlooking the sea. This route covers Roman Tarraco without rushing, and flags PortAventura for anyone travelling with family.
Getting there
By train from Barcelona in 1h-1h 15min; the station is by the old town. It's an easy day trip from Barcelona or a base on the Costa Daurada.
The one-day route
Start at the Roman Amphitheatre, by the sea, the city's most famous image. Continue to the circus and the Plaça del Fòrum, climb to the medieval Cathedral atop the old town and look out from the Balcó del Mediterrani, the viewpoint over the port. If you have a car, don't miss the Les Ferreres Aqueduct (Devil's Bridge) on the outskirts.
With kids: PortAventura
A few kilometres away, in Salou, PortAventura World (with Ferrari Land) is one of the largest parks in Europe: a full day for families.
Where to eat
Fish and seafood from El Serrallo (the fishermen's quarter) and rice dishes. Avoid the more touristy terraces on the Rambla Nova at peak times.
In one sentence
Tarragona in a day is Rome by the Mediterranean: amphitheatre, circus and walls in a compact old town, with the beach and PortAventura a step away.