Getaway to the Costa Daurada: From Tárraco to medieval castles

As soon as you arrive in the lands of Tarragona, you can immerse yourself in history, with a visit to the Vil·la Romana de Centcelles. Six kilometres from the city and run by Tarragona’s Nation Museum of Archaeology, the town has been declared a UNESCO Site of Human Heritage. We recommend you take a guided tour so as not to miss any details of its history as a unique example of the oldest preserved early Christian archaeology of the Roman world. Children will also enjoy Centcelles, where there is a range of activities available for them, including workshops and story-telling with mosaics.

The tour of the historic town makes the perfect aperitif to an evening meal in Tarragona, where you can choose between dozens of restaurants specialising in local Mediterranean cuisine, in a beautiful architectural setting.

Tarragona’s Anella Verda route stretches for 34 kilometres and takes you through its magnificent natural setting, formed by the courses of the Francolí and Gaià rivers and the coastal paths. You can walk or cycle the route, and part of it is also open to cars, with several connections for public transport along the way, so you can choose your preferred method of exploring and the time you want to spend, and enjoy the Anella as much as you like. Our recommendation is to start at the Francolí river park and go upriver to the Pont del Diable park (which is also known as the Ironmongers’ Aqueduct and is a UNESCO site). The eco history park at the Pont del Diable also organises plenty of activities, which include guided visits and games for children, and it makes a fun place to spend a morning or afternoon.

Another good place to stop on the Anella Verda route is the Mèdol quarry, which was one of several that provided the stone 2,000 years ago for the great architectural works of Tárraco. The quarry is now run by the Tarragona History Museum, free to visit, and open every day from 9am to 4pm. Its most impressive sight is a huge pit more than 20 metres deep, which gives you some idea of the original depth before the quarry was fully exploited.

The Anella Verda route is lined with towers, farm buildings, countryside and cove beaches, with surprises and something for everyone who explores it.

For your last day we have left the castles of the Baix Gaià walk, which will give you a taste of the heritage of the area, and which date back to the 10th century. In those days the Gaià river marked the border between the counties of Barcelona and El Andalus, and the way was lined with castles, including Altafulla, Catllar, La Nou de Gaià, Montornès, Montoliu, Vespella, Ferran and Tamarit. The walk passes through all eight of these sites, along the river and the GR-92 trail, and is suitable for walking or mountain biking. As with the Anella Verda route, you can choose to do as much of the walk as you like. Parts of it can be quite strenuous, so preparation and an awareness of the capabilities of your group are important.

If you still have time before you have to head off, it’s worth visiting Creixell, where you can see its 10th-century castle, its virgin beach, and the local plant and wildlife. The perfect place to end your visit to the Costa Daurada.