Discover the most beautiful villages of the Tarragona province

The wider Tarragona province never fails to impress those who take the time to venture beyond the boundaries of the famous Roman city. You’ll find not only stunning sandy beaches—the kind that have put the Costa Dorada on the map!—but also quaint medieval villages, peaceful mountain retreats and thriving fishing villages that have managed to preserve their authenticity and resist the temptation of modernity. Deciding on the most beautiful village in the Tarragona province is no easy task, as they’re all unique in their own special way. This blog will propose a whistle-stop tour, allowing you to enjoy the wonders of these coastal and inland destinations and immerse yourself in their rich history, gastronomy and culture.

By visiting these villages, you’ll be exploring a world of unparalleled tradition and authenticity. Whether you’re travelling with your partner, best friends or nearest and dearest, you’ll definitely find something to enjoy.

Tarragona’s most charming coastal villages

When someone mentions the Costa Dorada, there’s a fair chance your mind will conjure up images of its never-ending beaches, deep blue waters and impressive tourist offering. However, this stretch of the Mediterranean is also highly regarded for the authenticity of its villages. Against all the odds, many have managed to retain their true essence deep into the 21^st century. Some have preserved their seafaring traditions, while others have made a conscious and collective effort to highlight their historical and cultural heritage. So, if you’re wondering what to see along the Tarragona coastline, here are some of our recommendations:

Altafulla

Altafulla is one of those special villages that manages to embrace modern sea-side living without losing sight of its history and traditions. Its old town, characterised by cobbled streets and stone houses, is presided over by an impressive castle. Just a stone’s throw away, the peaceful Les Botigues de Mar beach invites families and beachgoers to sprawl out on its sands and take a dip in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Altafulla also enjoys excellent public transport connections with the provincial capital, making it one of the best villages close to Tarragona to visit on a day trip.

Torredembarra

If you’re looking for beaches that extend for as far as the eye can see, you should definitely swing by Torredembarra. Its main beach, one of the longest in the Tarragona province, is flanked by a promenade that is perfect for family strolls. You and your loved ones will be able to walk right up to the iconic Torredembarra lighthouse, which is one of the tallest in Catalonia. Back inland, Torredembarra’s old town is notable for the lively Plaça de la Vila and the network of bustling streets that surround it. It’s widely considered to be one of the most peaceful coastal villages in the Tarragona province, striking the perfect balance between leisure and relaxation.

L’Ametlla de Mar

L’Ametlla de Mar enjoys a reputation of being one of the most beautiful coastal villages in the Tarragona province. Its coves are a genuine paradise for snorkellers, swimmers and anyone looking to spend the day away from the crowds. L’Ametlla de Mar is the ideal place to experience the authentic Mediterranean vibe in a setting that is relaxed and welcoming in equal measure.

L’Ampolla

Found at the entrance to the Ebro Delta, L’Ampolla is the perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Its stretches of sandy beaches are interspersed with small rocky coves, meaning there’s something for all kinds of beachgoers. Its natural park, meanwhile, is pierced by a network of trails offering incredible views across the region. If you love checking out the local gastronomy during your trips, you’ll be pleased to read that L’Ampolla is widely regarded as one of the best places to try seafood paella dishes and Delta mussels (a true local delicacy!). If you stop and think about everything that L’Ampolla has to offer, you’ll likely agree that it should sit towards the top of any list of villages to visit in the Tarragona province.

Cambrils

Cambrils has developed a reputation for fantastic gastronomy. Widely recognised as the culinary capital of the Costa Dorada, there’s no better place to sample the region’s finest fish and rice dishes. Its marina and lengthy seafront promenade are ideal for families and couples looking to enjoy a pleasant morning stroll. After lunch, you can head to the beach which offers a broad range of services and amenities. If you still have time on your hands after visiting Cambrils, there are a number of villages close to Cambrils  that are also worth visiting.

Beautiful mountain and medieval villages

Tarragona is also home to several undiscovered inland treasures that rarely appear in tourist guides, but which never fail to captivate those who visit. Tarragona’s medieval villages are renowned for their walls, castles and cobbled streets that have remained nearly intact for the best part of two-thousand years. Here are a few inland villages that we strongly recommend visiting during your next trip to the Tarragona province:

Siurana

The clifftop village of Siurana—which was under Moorish control from the 8^th century until the mid-12^th century, when it was the last Muslim stronghold in Catalonia—offers breathtaking views of the local reservoir and the nearby Priorat mountains. Nowadays, the municipality is highly regarded among rock climbers and nature-lovers, with some travelling from faraway countries to enjoy its stunning natural features. It is unquestionably one of Tarragona’s most impressive mountain villages.

Montblanc

The medieval village of Montblanc is one of those magical places that looks like it has been frozen in time. Its walls enclose an old town that is brimming with churches and squares, perfect for leisurely exploration. Each year, Montblanc hosts the Medieval Week of Saint George, which culminates with a reenactment of the Saint’s legend. This festival draws thousands of visitors every year and helps to consolidate Montblanc’s position on our list of the most charming villages in Tarragona.

Prades

Sometimes called “Vila Vermella” (Red Village) for the distinctive hue of its stone houses, the peaceful village of Prades enjoys a stunning location immersed in natural surroundings. Its charming Plaça Major, which boasts a beautiful Renaissance fountain in its centre, is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. It also marks the departure point for several hiking trails, which represent a unique opportunity to experience the natural wonders of its nearby mountains.

Miravet

Standing on the banks of the River Ebro, Miravet is known for its impressive castle and authentic old town. Here, we recommend taking a leisurely walk along the Ebro and admiring how the reflections of the riverside buildings shimmer in the water. If you need to cross this major artery, you’ll be able to take a traditional Pas de Barca ferry to get from one bank of the Ebro to the other. Miravet is one of Tarragona’s most distinctive villages, and we highly recommend paying it a visit.

What is there to do in the coastal villages of the Tarragona province?

There is much more to do in Tarragona’s most beautiful villages than walk along the beach. Each place mentioned in this blog offers experiences that shine a light on the rich local culture, history and cuisine. Here are a few things that you can expect to find during your next trip to the province:

Culture and heritage routes

The coastal villages of Altafulla and Torredembarra perfectly embody how history is respected along this slice of the Mediterranean. The castles, towers and neighbourhoods of these municipalities tell fascinating tales that are cherished by locals and waiting to be discovered by inquisitive visitors.

The ancient walls and castles of Montblanc and Miravet, meanwhile, turn these villages into open-air history lessons that encourage visitors to embark on a journey back in time to learn about the origins of these incredible municipalities.

Local cuisine and markets

Gastronomy is another major attraction of the Tarragona province. In Cambrils, you’ll have the opportunity to savour some of the finest rice dishes available on the Costa Dorada. L’Ampolla, meanwhile, is better known for its delicious Delta mussels.

The local markets of the Tarragona province are bursting with incredible fresh produce. While they’re renowned for their olive oil and fresh fruits and vegetables, you’ll also find an amazing range of local Priorat wines and authentic baked goods and sweet treats. Trying the local cuisine is a top summer plan  for those visiting Tarragona in the hottest months of the year (but trust us, it’s fantastic at all times of year!)

Route through the main villages of the Tarragona province

If you’re looking to embark on a comprehensive route through the most beautiful villages of the Tarragona province, we recommend beginning with the coastal villages of Altafulla, Torredembarra and Cambrils before heading inland to check out Montblanc, Prades and Siurana. In a single day, you’ll go from swimming in a secluded cove to wandering along the cobbled streets of a walled medieval town!

If you’re visiting this corner of Spain as part of a group, we recommend checking out our blog on plans for trips with friends. If your partner is coming too, you might choose to combine these plans with a romantic couple’s activity that allows you to see the very best of the Costa Dorada with that special person in your life.

PortAventura: a must-visit destination on any coastal route

We’ve already provided a long list of charming villages in the Tarragona province, but there’s one place you simply have to visit: PortAventura World. Our resort, located just minutes from the shore, would bring added value to any route through the province.

You’ll find a vast range of rides and attractions, themed shows and dining options, meaning there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting with your partner, friends or family, it’s a perfect plan for your next trip to this corner of Catalonia. Before you come, we recommend taking a quick look at our tips for visiting PortAventura World  so that you can make the most of your day.

FAQs on villages along the Tarragona coastline