While most travelers fly to better known Barcelona, those in the know are making a beeline for the vibrant nearby port town of Tarragona. It might not be as big or famous as its neighbor, but it packs a serious punch. Gothic and Roman architecture and historical attractions? Check. Fascinating museums? Check. Winding cobbled lanes in the Old Town, flanked by lively tapas bars? Yep. Easily accessible sun-soaked golden-sand beaches with water sports? Indeed. A packed calendar of colorful festivities and events? But of course. Just don't take too long to book up your Tarragona vacation rental in this hidden Catalonian gem.
If you're going to swing by just 1 cultural attraction, make it the impressive 2nd-century Roman Tarragona Amphitheater, carved into rocks just outside the city, a place which once saw gladiators battle with each other to 15,000 chanting fans. If you wander along the old alleys to the Placa de Santiago Rossinyol, you'll come across the 12th-century Gothic Tarragona Cathedral and the Museu Diocesa, which houses tapestries and Roman artifacts found in the cathedral. Alternatively, the 250-meter Les Ferreres Aqueduct, which spans a forested valley just north of the city, is well worth a visit.
It's not all about the city, as the surrounding province teems with things to do for those looking to escape the bustle of Tarragona. Swathes of sun-soaked golden beaches line the coast and provide travelers with sunbathing and water sports, like windsurfing and kitesurfing. Alternatively, when you stay in a Tarragona vacation rental, you'll have easy access to the Ebro River and all its opportunities for kayaking and rafting, while the nearby interior mountains offer challenging hiking and mountain bike trails. Thrill-seekers can harness up to go climbing or canyon down the national park waterfalls.
Unsurprisingly, the summer sees the hottest weather and biggest influx of travelers. If you're lucky enough to score a Tarragona vacation rental between July and August, expect balmy temperatures that easily reach the low 80s. If you're looking for fewer crowds, try to book a rental a little earlier, between May and June, when the climate can be more comfortable and the queues at Tarragona's attractions much shorter. If you don't mind the odd downpour and cooler weather, you can pick up rentals at knock down prices earlier in spring or in late fall.
While you're not going to spot much in the way of wildlife in Tarragona, other than the odd pigeon, the surrounding Catalonian countryside is alive with species. Where land meets the ocean, the habitats of marshlands and saltwater is a good place for spotting sea birds, as is the Gaia River Delta, where almost 100 species of avifauna have been recorded. Alternatively, the coastal Punta de la Mora Nature Reserve, just a few miles up the coast from your Tarragona vacation rental, has much fauna living within its pine forest and juniper habitats.
The nearest airport is in Reus (REU), located 17.9 mi (28.9 km) from the city center.
If you prefer to travel by train, Capcanes Station, Marçà-Falset Station and Els Guiamets- Serra de Almos Station are the main stations in the area.
Whether you're organizing your next epic adventure with pals or a romantic escape with your sweetheart, one of these top vacation rentals in Tarragona is sure to catch your eye:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Tarragona vacation rental for you.
Give these vacation properties a gold medal! The following weekend getaways in Tarragona have all received high praise from our delighted guests:
You'll find plenty of studio apartments in Tarragona. Obviously they're no mansion, but they pack a big punch when it comes to character, convenience and location. Here are a few top-rated options:
Book yourself an inexpensive cabin or ignore your accountant and live it up in a luxury condo. Vrbo has a great range of short-term rentals to suit any budget in Tarragona. Take a look at these properties for some inspiration:
If you'd like to surprise your special someone, then stay somewhere special! Plan a romantic weekend getaway in Tarragona at one of these escapes and let love bloom:
Forget standing in line at the hotel breakfast buffet or fighting for a deck chair around the pool during your vacation. Rally your favorite people and seriously upgrade your getaway by booking one of these mansions for rent in Tarragona:
If your idea of the perfect getaway is to bring along all your besties, you're going to need a whole lot of space. Luckily, there are plenty of vacation rentals in Tarragona that will house large groups, starting with these sprawling escapes:
If you're planning a huge family reunion or a special event like a graduation in Tarragona, you won't have to worry about leaving anyone out. Vrbo has an excellent range of large vacation rentals that'll fit all the people you love. Here are a couple of terrific examples:
Get set to take your pick and dive right in. Here are a couple of superb house rentals in Tarragona where life is better beside the pool:
The first step to a memorable family getaway is finding the right place to stay. If you'd like a home away from home with room enough for everyone, one of our large family vacation rentals in Tarragona will be just what you've been dreaming of:
Searching for some local excitement? There are lots of family-friendly attractions in Tarragona to pick from, like PortAventura World and Ferrari Land. Aquopolis Costa Dorada is another favorite with visiting families.