Tarragona's Little Secret ...

Have you heard of Tarragona? Well, my Spanish crusade continued during the first week of July, desperately seeking a new adventure I chose Tarragona as my next target! It's a damn good job I have a sense of direction because my journey from Barcelona to Tarragona via Sitges proved to be rather problematic but ended well nonetheless. Let's get lost in this medieval gem of a Spanish town, shall we? 

Roman?! Roman, you say?! Well yes, Tarragona has a Roman flare about it. Captured to the left is the Amphitheatre that I found at the top of the hill, close to Rambla Vella. It was amazing to see such a contrast between locations as that very morning I had left behind Barcelona for the seaside town of Sitges, to then discovering this Roman marvel so It was a pleasant surprise. I decided to admire this ancient point of interest from a distance as I had so much to see in such a short space of time. Being so far up from the sea was great as I could gaze into the distance, the mediterranean sea on a sunny day is a view that can't be complained about! 

Did I forget to mention that Tarragona is really easy to access by train from Barcelona Sants Station by using Renfe Media Distancia trains, be warned if you're traveling from Sitges as I discovered at my own peril! After my stressful journey I was completely satisfied that Tarragona was definitely serving mediterranean realness! Don't worry about walking lots, this town is centred around small sections that are really accessible without a map. Talking about not needing a map, it was lovely just to take a chance and walk down a new unfamiliar street for Tarragona is a safe and friendly town. So, all in all I did love the Amphitheatre because it was in good condition, so a good start of my Tarragona visit! 

Tarragona's old town took me back to somewhere that I love, somewhere that I visited last September. I felt like I was back walking through the streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico! With the 'Plaça De La Font' in front of me and the alfresco restaurants dotted along the street I was in heaven! Forget any preconceptions you had about Spain because this town breaks the mold, leave the buckets and spades for later! I do suppose that invasions can eventually be beautiful, I think it's a stunning blueprint for a new territory! 

The weather was beautiful, not to hot but just right so all my worries had gone! Tarragona's old town was just mystifying, I want to go back their now! From the hustle and bustle of Barcelona it was bizarre but super to feel the calm that Tarragona's old town brought to my trip. I decided not to eat at one of the restaurants pictured as I wanted to walk a little bit further to discover more, but I know if I didn;t fidn anywhere better I would have been back to the 'Plaça De La Font'Anyway, I must tell you a secret because I never originally intended to visit Tarragona, due to family recommending this town I just couldn't resist a jaunt to this sensational town! So for a bit of Spanish colonial chique I suggest you get yourselves to Tarragona now! 

Welcome to Rambla Nova! A formidable yet charming street that runs through the center of Tarragona's town center. It's the center of the 'nouveau riche' with posh designer shops, far out of my budget as I'm just a young budget traveler. The abundance of trees accentuated the breeze as it cooled down the heated afternoon, perfection! The Rambla Nova De Tarragona had such a lovely vibe, chilled yet the local people still went about their business without a fuss. If truth be told I didn't really notcie the tourists, something that I love because some of us can be a rowdy and shameless bunch of folk! Not me for I'm good like that! By this time I was so hungry, so much so I nearly ate a Dominos Pizza, such a no no! When in Spain its best to be adventurous and enjoy the local cuisine. Disaster averted! 

In the distance of the photo on the left is pathway to 'El Balcón del Mediterráneo', another reference to the Roman Era. Forgive if you do not understand my Spanish talk, the above place translated into English as 'The Balcony of The Mediterranean'. I rest my case, Tarragona is a town I will never forget! Onto the subject of food, we all love a bargain and to eat well without feeling guilty about the pricetag but Tarragona ticks all of those dreaded boxes. As the time grew closer for me to get my train back to Sitges I found a lovely little street-side restaurant that had special deals on their food and beer, a perfect combination! I ate two delicious courses and drank to ice cold 'Mahon' beers for as little as £12.00! 

Tarragona ... Keep On Serving 'Mediterranean Realness!' Joseph Harrison