Now that you’ve immersed yourself in the ancient wonders of Tarragona and traced all the remains of Roman history, it’s time to extend your curiosity and exploration beyond this amazing city. Thanks to its location, Tarragona isn’t only a great city break or holiday destination. It’s also a great starting point for discovering Catalonia and even some parts of the Valencian Community! Scenic landscapes with mighty mountains and lovely beaches, sleepy medieval villages, historic towns, vibrant cities, architectural wonders, outdoor adventures, delicious food, unique festivals… You’ll find all of that near Tarragona. Ready to explore? Vamos, let us show you the best day trips from Tarragona, Spain.
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Tarragona, Spain
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Transport on day trips from Tarragona
In our opinion, the best and fastest way of getting to the soon-mentioned places is definitely by car. If you don’t travel with your car, you can easily rent the best one for your needs through the Rental Cars website.
Many of the places are also accessible by public transport, by trains or buses. You can search for the connections that might interest you on the rome2rio website.
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details. For a wide selection and well-reviewed tour options be sure to visit GetYourGuide or Viator.
Note. In this post, we’ll only mention places that are only max 2 hours away from Tarragona, if you’ll be driving by car. Keep in mind that using other means of transport may take longer.
Best day trips from Tarragona, Spain
Siurana
Siurana is located only about 50km inland from Tarragona. It’s a tiny, remote, and slightly forgotten village that sits at the top of the high mountain. Siurana was the last Moorish stronghold in Catalonia that was unconquered for hundreds of years and witnessed many battles. Nowadays, in this village you might not find many things to do, but those that the village can offer will take you on a fascinating journey back in time to the Middle Ages. Breathtaking viewpoints, old stone town, and castle ruins are waiting for you.
While in Siurana, you can also visit Cornudella de Montsant town which is located at the foot of the village, only about 8km away. It’s a small and charming historic town surrounded by vineyards. There you can stroll among its old town’s streets or enter one or two wine cellars to taste regional wines. We loved Siurana and its surroundings and we think it’s one of the best day trips from Tarragona that you simply cannot miss.
Learn more: Siurana, Spain – Medieval Village In Catalonia
Sitges
Sitges is located about 60km from Tarragona. If you’re looking for a place with scenic beaches (including nudist ones!), a quaint old town perfect to wander aimlessly, a relaxed vibe, lively festivals, or wild all-night-long parties – it will be a great choice for you. No matter if you’re a party-seeker or just looking for a picturesque day trip from Tarragona – this town should satisfy all your interests and needs. Also, Sitges is one of the most liberal and open-minded cities in the world with an amazing LGBT-friendly atmosphere.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Sitges, Spain
Montserrat
Montserrat is located about 100km from Tarragona. It’s the most important mountain range in Catalonia which has been a popular pilgrimage site for centuries. It’s home to a Benedictine Monastery that hosts the ancient wooden statue of the Virgin of Montserrat – La Moreneta, which apparently grants wishes to those who touch or kiss her orb. But don’t worry if you’re not a religious person! Montserrat offers memorable experiences for everyone. Besides spiritual experiences, there you can find peaceful moments, fresh mountain air, great climbing and hiking routes with striking views, mesmerizing music, and tasty food.
Learn more: Day Trip To Montserrat, Spain Near Barcelona
Girona
Girona is located about 185km from Tarragona. In our opinion, it’s one of the most enchanting places in Catalonia. There you’ll find one of the best preserved Jewish Quarter in the world, medieval walls with great views over the city and its surroundings, colorful houses hanging by the river, and an old town full of winding streets and historic landmarks. Oh! And many filming locations of Game of Thrones that fans of the series will love. Girona is without a doubt one of the best day trips from Tarragona, even if not the shortest one. It’s perfect for a picturesque and quiet getaway.
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Girona Old Town, Spain In One Day
Explore local attractions
Reus
Reus is located only about 15km from Tarragona which makes it a great and short day trip idea. This inconspicuous town, which by the way is also Antoni Gaudi’s birthplace, is a real heaven for modernist architecture lovers. If you’re one of them, prepare your jaw as it will drop not only once or twice… Reus is a town full of gorgeous architecture, history, and cozy streets perfect for lazy strolls. We’re sure that not only history or architecture buffs will love it, and it will surprise many with its beauty and charm (we were!). Oh, and it’s also the best place to taste vermouth, an aromatized, fortified wine flavored with various herbs.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Reus In Spain, Gaudi’s Birthplace
Peniscola
Peniscola is located about 130km from Tarragona. Prepare yourself as this white village with a typical Mediterranean vibe can literally steal your heart! Whitewashed houses with blue ornaments and decorated with flowers, narrow cobblestone streets, charming squares, house entirely covered in shells, a castle, and lovely beaches are waiting for you there. No wonder in 2013 Peniscola was named one of the most beautiful villages in Spain! Peniscola looks like a perfect day trip from Tarragona, doesn’t it?
Learn more: One Day In Peniscola, Spain – The Best Things To Do
Cambrils
Cambrils is located only 20km from Tarragona. If you’re looking for a small town with a chilled vibe without huge crowds, amazing beaches, and breathtaking views – Cambrils will be a perfect choice for you. What’s more, if you’re a food lover you’ll find yourself in heaven too, as Cambrils is considered the gastronomy capital of Costa Dorada! Mmm, yummy! During summer months it’s a popular holiday spot which can also be a great beach day trip. You can easily combine your trip to Cambrils with Salou, which is located only 10km away.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do in Cambrils, Spain
Salou & PortAventura Park
Salou is located 15km from Tarragona. Town is best known for being one of the most popular holiday resorts on Costa Dorada which offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. There you’ll find nice views, sandy beaches, exciting attractions, and lively nightlife. But many people visit Salou only to feel some thrill and adrenaline rush in PortAventura World – a world-renowned theme park featuring a diverse array of attractions from heart-pounding roller coasters to captivating live shows. Will it be your excuse for a day trip from Tarragona?
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Salou, Spain
Penedes Wine Region
Penedes is a Spanish protected designation of origin (PDO) for wines in Catalonia. Its capital, Vilafranca del Penedes, is located about 55km from Tarragona. Penedes wine region is considered one of the country’s best wine-producing areas and one of the most ancient viticultural regions in Europe. It’s best known for Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine similar to French Champagne. There you can visit as many wineries as you wish and take part in cellar tours and wine tasting. You also can follow Penedes Wine Route! This proposition for a day trip from Tarragona is a real treat for wine lovers!
Morella & Ares del Maestrat
Morella is located about 160 km from Tarragona. It’s a wonderfully preserved small medieval town surrounded by medieval stone walls. At the top, at an altitude of over 1000m a.s.l., an impressive castle looks over the village. Morella looks just amazing, both from a distance and from within its walls. In 2013 it was voted one of the prettiest villages in Spain so it would be a shame not to see it!
Learn more: 7 Best Things To Do In Morella, Spain
While in the area, you can also visit Ares del Maestrat, located only 25km from Morella. It’s a tiny village situated at the altitude of 1195 m.a.s.l., which gives it the title of the second highest town in the Valencian Community! There you’ll find amazing views over the town and its surroundings and charming stone old town. If you’re looking for a unique day trip from Tarragona, you definitely should direct your steps to Morella and Ares.
Learn more: Ares del Maestrat, Spain – Remote Village Near Castellon
Explore local attractions
Other great day trips from Tarragona
Do you still need more ideas for a day trips from Tarragona? We got you! Here are some we had on our bucket list but during our last stay we just didn’t have more time for. But we definitely will visit next time!
Barcelona
Barcelona, a jewel of Catalonia, is a city that probably needs no introduction. It attracts travelers with a captivating combination of history, architectural wonders, and vibrant Mediterranean life. Can Barcelona be seen in just one day? No way! You could spend days in this city and still have things to do left. But if you want to feel the city vibe and admire only a few of the most important city attractions – it’s doable. While there, you can for example stroll down the iconic La Rambla, admire surreal Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces like Sagrada Familia or Park Güell, get lost in the Gothic Quarter, or go for tapas tastings.
Montblanc
Montblanc is located about 30km from Tarragona. It’s a charming Catalan medieval town, enclosed by well-preserved walls. Inside you’ll find many delightful cobblestone streets and squares filled with historic buildings, like Gothic Church of Saint Mary, Church of Sant Miquel, or Montblanc Castle. On the top, fantastic panoramic views are waiting! Montblanc is a perfect destination to escape Tarragona and spend some time in a peaceful and picturesque place.
Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar is located about 190km from Tarragona. It’s a medieval coastal town that will transport you back in time hundreds of years. Tossa’s historic part is enclosed within medieval walls and filled with narrow cobblestone streets, old buildings, and ancient watchtowers. From there you can also admire breathtaking panoramic views over the sea and town surroundings. In addition to its historical charm, Tossa de Mar boasts beautiful golden sand beaches perfect for relaxing and sunbathing.
Cardona
Cardona is located about 130km from Tarragona. It’s a medieval town dominated by a stunning 9th-century medieval fortress, Castell de Cardona, from which you can admire magnificent views over the surrounding countryside. Cardona old town is a labyrinth of streets and squares perfect for wandering and admiring ancient buildings like the Gothic church of Sant Miquel. The town is also home to the fascinating Salt Mountain Cultural Park, a former salt mine.
Ebro Delta Natural Park
Ebro Delta Natural Park (es. Parc Natural del Delta de l’Ebre) is located about 80km from Tarragona, at the mouth of the Ebro River. It’s Catalonia’s largest wetland nature reserve featuring a great variety of landscapes that create up to 80 types of environments in which all types of flora and fauna can be found! In Ebro Delta Natural Park you’ll find rivers, dunes, lagoons, wild beaches, rice fields, marshes, as well as many bird species. It’s a perfect place for spending some quiet and valuable time in nature.
Best day trips from Tarragona, Spain – Summing up
As you can see now, there are so many beautiful places to discover near Tarragona. Historic towns, medieval villages, peaceful natural sites, vibrant cities… If you’re staying longer in the city you definitely won’t be bored. You’ll find perfect things to do and places to discover for yourself for sure. We hope our post was helpful, and now you’re one step closer to choosing your best day trips from Tarragona. Enjoy the time during your trips and share your experiences in the comments. We’re curious about the places you chose!
Our opinion about day trips from Tarragona & TOP3
So far we’ve spent 2 months in Catalonia, living in Salou, just a few steps from Tarragona. Even if the area didn’t make it to our favorite regions in Spain (Andalusia and Asturias are still our favorites), we enjoyed our time there. During that time we had a nice opportunity to visit quite a large part of Catalonia and got to know it pretty well.
We really enjoyed our trips during which we explored the mentioned villages, towns, cities, and natural sites. We stayed there during May and June, and there were still no wild crowds and we explored most of the places in peace (thankfully!).
What are our TOP3 day trips from Tarragona? Girona is our unquestionable number one. Next are Sitges, and Siurana. But we also really loved Peniscola!
