The Forgotten Roman Playground

Tarragona. I'm guessing most, if not all of you have never heard of it; I hadn't. I learned about the small coastal city while I was on the Sandeman’s free tour in Barcelona. We were looking at the four Roman columns that still standing when the guide mentioned an amphitheater down the coast where the Romans used to hold circuses. It was in a small city called Tarragona, about an hour and a half train ride south. He described the aqueducts that are still in use, the small town feel and the beautiful local beaches. I was sold.

Once I had a decent dose of Barcelona I set out down the coast by train to this forgotten Roman playground. It was easy enough to get to my hostel, On The Road, from the train station by bus. Truth be told, it would only have been a 15 minute walk, which I've done before to get to a hostel.

When I turned off the major road on to the small side street the hostel was on, there was no question in my mind whether I would like it here or not. The street was exactly how I pictured a Spanish neighborhood would look like. Tall buildings on either side with balconies lining the walls, flags and laundry hung side by side and strung across the middle were a dozen Tarragona and Catalonia flags. A few people casually walked down the street chatting and two boys were kicking around a football. The aromas wafting into the street from the restaurant below the hostel made my mouth water.

On The Road is a quaint and welcoming hostel. I was given a bottom bunk next to the window that lead to a balcony overlooking the street below. After getting settled in and getting directions I headed down to the beach. On the way to the beach there was an overlook facing the sea. The view took my breath. The saying "go the extra mile, it's never crowded there" came to mind. There were a few people strolling in the park below and I could see the beach was scattered with people, but neither were overrun with tourists. The sea was the most beautiful and pure turquoise and deep blue. It was picture perfect.

It's hard to be unbiased about the quality of sand on a beach after going to Whitsundays in Australia, but the sand on the main beach is still quite nice. Per usual the sand was hot, although it didn't burn the bottom of my feet like some beaches. It was a bit grainy at times, which is bit of a disappointment for someone who is used to the soft sands of Pismo Beach. Still, it was comfortable to lay on, especially since it didn't radiate heat like the beaches in Australia and Thailand.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this beach was the sea breeze. Often times I have a problem of getting too hot when I'm laying on the sand, but with the consistent air flow and the sand not radiating excessive amounts of heat I was so comfortable I found myself snoozing a couple times. The water though was absolutely divine. Surprisingly it surpassed Australia, not by too much though. It was the perfect temperature; cold enough to feel refreshing, no matter how long you stay in, yet it wasn't uncomfortably cold where you need to slowly adjust.

Just like Barcelona there were more restaurants than necessary, each serving its own array of delicious menus. Rambla Nova is the main street in the city; it is the typical Spanish rambla lined with restaurants and shops on both sides, and a park like strip in the middle. Plaça de la Font is not far away and is also filled with similarly priced restaurants. My first night there I ate at Piscooabis in Plaça de la Font and had a delicious California salad, ironic I know, and Adalusian squid.

However, if you are willing to go the extra mile, literally it's a mile from Plaça de la Font, you will find a line of restaurants frequented by locals with the most delicious and reasonably priced food in the city. I decided to eat at L'arrosseria.

Best decision I could have made. I walked away stuffed with the most scrumptious food and left overs for later, for the same cost as an only decently good meal in Barcelona.

There are only two hostels in the city of Tarragona, both of which are very affordable. I would recommend booking in advance during the high season, especially August, so you don't show up to a full hostel or have to cut your trip short because the hostel gets book while you are going day by day reservations.


Overall my three days in Tarragona were some of the best I have had on my travels. Between the relaxed atmosphere and the gorgeous, uncrowded beach, Tarragona is a must visit in Spain.