Exploring Tarragona: A Family Adventure in Spain's Historical Gem

Day 8: A Farewell to Tarragona: Beach Bliss, Cultural Gems, and Delicious Discoveries

Reflecting on our Tarragona adventure: beaches, monuments, and culinary delights create cherished family memories in Spain.

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Adieu, Tarragona!


As our Tarragona adventure draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we’ve shared as a family. Today was all about soaking in the last moments of this beautiful city, from its sun-kissed beaches to its vibrant cultural scene and, of course, its delectable cuisine. It’s amazing how a place can capture your heart in just eight days, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Our final day began with a delightful breakfast at Restaurant La Tagliatella. Jana, Maximilian, and I enjoyed a leisurely meal, reminiscing about our favorite moments from the week. I opted for a strong coffee and a light pastry, while Maximilian devoured a stack of pancakes with gusto. Jana enjoyed some fruit and yogurt. The friendly atmosphere and delicious food set the perfect tone for our last day in Tarragona. I must say, this place surprised me, as I later found out that it's a chain, because there was nothing standard about it. The recipes seem to be revisited from a Spanish perspective, which makes it special.

Savor authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant La Tagliatella in Tarragona - where every dish is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors.
Savor authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant La Tagliatella in Tarragona - where every dish is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we headed to Platja dels Capellans. This serene beach is known for its tranquility, and it was the ideal spot for a relaxing morning. The sun was warm, the sky was clear, and the Mediterranean Sea sparkled invitingly. Maximilian was thrilled to spend some time building sandcastles and splashing in the water. Jana and I took a leisurely stroll along the shore, collecting seashells and enjoying the stunning views. The coastal path offered breathtaking scenery, making it a perfect spot for photography. Although the beach is a bit rocky, we found a small sandy area where Maximilian could play. It was a peaceful and picturesque way to start our day, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Experience the tranquil beauty of Platja dels Capellans, a hidden beach gem in Tarragona ideal for relaxation and family fun by the Mediterranean.
Experience the tranquil beauty of Platja dels Capellans, a hidden beach gem in Tarragona ideal for relaxation and family fun by the Mediterranean.

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask.


After our beach visit, we decided to explore Rambla Nova. This bustling promenade is the heart of Tarragona, lined with shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks. We strolled along the wide pedestrian zone, taking in the vibrant atmosphere. Maximilian was fascinated by the various sculptures and fountains that dotted the street. I was particularly intrigued by the statue of the old man sitting, which seemed to be a local favorite for taking selfies. Jana enjoyed browsing the local shops, filled with clothing, shoes, and souvenirs.

Explore Rambla Nova in Tarragona, a bustling promenade rich in history, shopping, and local dining that captures the essence of Mediterranean culture.
Explore Rambla Nova in Tarragona, a bustling promenade rich in history, shopping, and local dining that captures the essence of Mediterranean culture.

Our exploration led us to the Monument to the Castellers. This magnificent sculpture pays homage to the Catalan tradition of building human towers, a practice recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The monument is incredibly detailed, capturing the essence of this vibrant cultural practice. Maximilian was amazed by the dynamic poses of the figures, and we spent some time discussing the history and significance of the castellers. It was a powerful reminder of the community spirit and teamwork that are integral to Catalan culture. The monument is located along Rambla Nova, making it a focal point for both locals and tourists.

Discover the Monument to the Castellers in Tarragona, a stunning tribute to the Catalan tradition of human towers, blending culture and artistry.
Discover the Monument to the Castellers in Tarragona, a stunning tribute to the Catalan tradition of human towers, blending culture and artistry.

For lunch, we ventured to Vadegust, a restaurant recommended for its Mediterranean cuisine. We indulged in a variety of dishes, including octopus, monkfish, and black rice. Maximilian particularly enjoyed the gelato, while Jana and I savored the seafood paella. The wine list was extensive, and we found a delightful local wine to complement our meal. The atmosphere was quiet and the decor was spectacular. The staff was efficient, and the service was excellent. It was a truly memorable dining experience and the prices were affordable.

Experience authentic Mediterranean cuisine at Vadegust in Tarragona - where every meal is a celebration of flavor and culture.
Experience authentic Mediterranean cuisine at Vadegust in Tarragona - where every meal is a celebration of flavor and culture.

In the afternoon, Jana was keen to do some last-minute shopping, so we headed to Les Gavarres. This large shopping mall offered a variety of stores, including a Carrefour hypermarket and a Decathlon branch. Maximilian was thrilled to visit the games room, while Jana browsed the clothing outlets. I appreciated the convenience of having everything in one place, and we were able to find a few souvenirs to take home. It was a practical and efficient way to spend the afternoon, ensuring we had everything we needed for our journey back to Brno.

Discover the vibrant shopping experience at Les Gavarres in Tarragona, featuring diverse stores, delightful dining, and entertainment for everyone.
Discover the vibrant shopping experience at Les Gavarres in Tarragona, featuring diverse stores, delightful dining, and entertainment for everyone.

As the day drew to a close, we decided to have our final dinner at El Galliner de l'Antiquari. This restaurant is known for fusing Catalan gastronomic tradition with modern techniques. The location exudes old-world charm that is both captivating and inviting to customers. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including grilled octopus, vegetables with teriyaki sauce, and cod. The service was good, and the cutlery was unique. The restaurant has a cozy and elegant atmosphere, with a décor that combines traditional and contemporary elements. It was the perfect setting for our farewell dinner, a memorable culinary experience that delighted all the senses.

Discover authentic Mediterranean flavors at El Galliner de l'Antiquari in Tarragona - where culinary tradition meets modern flair.
Discover authentic Mediterranean flavors at El Galliner de l'Antiquari in Tarragona - where culinary tradition meets modern flair.

Before heading back to the hotel, we took one last stroll along Platja dels Capellans, enjoying the cool evening breeze and the sound of the waves. The beach was quiet and peaceful, and we took a moment to reflect on our incredible week in Tarragona. Maximilian collected a few more seashells, and we promised to return someday.

As I sit here in our hotel room, packing our bags and preparing for our journey home, I am filled with gratitude for the memories we’ve created in Tarragona. From the ancient Roman ruins to the beautiful beaches and the delicious cuisine, this city has offered us a perfect blend of cultural exploration and family fun. I am grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with Jana and Maximilian, and I know that we will cherish these memories for years to come. Tarragona, you have captured our hearts, and we will never forget our adventure in your beautiful city. Brno, we're coming home!

Tomorrow, we embark on our journey back to Brno, filled with stories and souvenirs from our Tarragona adventure. It’s always bittersweet to leave a place you’ve grown to love, but the memories we’ve made here will stay with us forever. Until next time, Spain!

Go to day 7 A Day of Monasteries and Medieval Towns: Discovering Catalonia's Hidden Gems
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Exploring Tarragona: A Family Adventure in Spain's Historical Gem

Discover Tarragona with the family: explore Roman ruins, enjoy Mediterranean beaches, and indulge in local cuisine for an unforgettable Spanish adventure.

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Meet this Featured Explorer

Christian Berger
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Software Engineer
  • Country icon Country: Czech Republic
  • Age icon Age: 42

Guten Tag! I'm Christian, a software engineer by day and a travel enthusiast by night (and weekends!). Originally from Germany but now living in the Czech Republic with my lovely wife, Jana, and our energetic son, Maximilian, I'm passionate about exploring Europe and beyond. This blog is where I share our family's travel adventures, offering practical tips, historical insights, and personal anecdotes to help you plan your own memorable journeys. Whether you're interested in cultural immersion, family-friendly activities, or just need some inspiration, I hope you find something here to fuel your wanderlust.

Interests:
  • Technology
  • History
  • Photography
  • European Culture
  • Hiking
More about Christian Berger

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