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

Friday Fun in Tarragona
Today was a day of relaxed exploration in Tarragona, a welcome change of pace after our previous days filled with historical deep dives. We traded ancient stones for green spaces and charming plazas, creating a day that was as much about enjoying the atmosphere as it was about ticking off sights. It was a day of simple pleasures, delicious food, and quality time with the family.

Our day began, as most do on vacation, with a hearty breakfast. We headed to RESTAURANT BARQUET, a local favorite known for its maritime-themed decor and excellent food. The Michelin-selected restaurant was quite cosy. Maximilian especially loved the fresh pastries, while Jana and I enjoyed strong coffees to kickstart our morning. It's always a good sign when a place is bustling with locals; it speaks volumes about the quality and authenticity of the experience. The affordable prices also impressed me.


Experience the best of Mediterranean cuisine at Restaurant Barquet in Tarragona, where every dish tells a story of local flavors and culinary passion.

With our bellies full, we set off to Parc de Saavedra, a green oasis in the middle of the city. Named in honor of the Tarragona polygraph Eduard Saavedra i Moragas, the park was a delightful surprise. The kids immediately made a beeline for the playground, while Jana and I took a leisurely stroll along the shaded paths. The park, remodeled in 2002, spans 6,000 square meters, providing ample space for relaxation and recreation. It was lovely to see families and locals enjoying the space, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. I managed to snap a few photos, capturing the essence of a perfect summer day. It was a welcome change of pace, and a reminder that sometimes the best travel experiences are the unplanned ones.


Experience tranquility in the heart of Tarragona at Parc de Saavedra, a beautiful urban park filled with lush greenery and cultural treasures.

From the park, we ambled towards Plaça de les Cols, a historic square with a unique charm. Known as Plaça de Santiago Rusiñol, this square has served as a vegetable market since medieval times. The square is steeped in history, with a Gothic arch dating back to the 14th century. It’s easy to imagine merchants and locals haggling over produce in centuries past. Today, the square is a peaceful spot to soak in the atmosphere of Tarragona's old town.


Experience the allure of Tarragona at Plaça de les Cols, where history and modern culture blend seamlessly in a vibrant urban square.

As we wandered through the square, I couldn't help but think about the layers of history beneath our feet. Tarragona, or Tarraco as it was known in Roman times, was a major hub of activity. The Plaça de les Cols has that bit of magic only a few other squares in Catalonia provide. The square has a special significance for the locals.

By lunchtime, we were ready for another culinary adventure. Barhaus was our chosen destination, a restaurant known for its Mediterranean cuisine and charming ambiance. The restaurant is known for its beautiful courtyard filled with plants and flowers. We decided to try several dishes. Jana opted for the salmon tataki, while I chose the cuttlefish rice. Maximilian, of course, went for the kid's menu, which included a delicious pasta dish. The food was superb, each dish a testament to the fresh, local ingredients. I found the prices reasonable.


Experience authentic Mediterranean cuisine at Barhaus in Tarragona – where tradition meets taste in every delightful dish.

Sometimes, the best travel experiences are found in the simple moments: a shared meal, a leisurely walk, and the joy of discovering a new place together.

After lunch, we decided to take a stroll along Passeig Sant Antoni, a promenade offering stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The views from the Mirador de Sant Antoni are especially breathtaking. The gentle sea breeze and the warm sunshine made it a perfect afternoon activity. We paused to take photos, capturing the panoramic vistas of Tarragona's coastline. Maximilian enjoyed running along the promenade, his laughter echoing in the air. It was a moment of pure joy, a memory I knew we would cherish for years to come.


Discover the enchanting Passeig Sant Antoni in Tarragona, a vibrant promenade that showcases the city's history, culture, and stunning coastal views.

As evening approached, we decided to indulge in some pre-dinner drinks at Alquimista Tgn, a cocktail bar known for its lively atmosphere and creative concoctions. It is The 3rd Top rated Pub in Tarragona. The bar’s Alquimista Tgn features tasty dishes. The mojitos were especially refreshing. I opted for a classic gin and tonic, while Jana tried one of their signature cocktails. Maximilian enjoyed a non-alcoholic fruit punch, feeling very grown-up as he sipped his drink. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy, a mix of locals and tourists all enjoying the start of their Friday night.


Experience Tarragona's nightlife at Alquimista Tgn, a lively cocktail bar with exquisite drinks, dancing, and live music in a vibrant atmosphere.

For dinner, we had reservations at Les Coques, a restaurant renowned for its traditional Catalan dishes and elegant setting. The restaurant is set within thick stone walls and features arched entrances and wood-beamed ceilings. All the guests love gorgeous Spanish cuisine at this restaurant. The restaurant has a historical atmosphere. We started with some tapas, sampling local cheeses and cured meats. For the main course, Jana chose the duck confit, while I opted for the seafood paella. Maximilian, ever adventurous, tried a bit of everything. The food was exquisite, each dish a celebration of Catalan cuisine. The beautiful decor and pretty atmosphere let visitors feel relaxed here. The staff was nice. The prices are reasonable. Eddie Lopez said it is a must-go while in Tarragona. It deserves the stars. It was our third visit and all have been very nice. Frommer's guide honored this restaurant with 2 stars.


Experience the essence of Mediterranean cuisine at Les Coques in Tarragona—where tradition meets taste in every delightful dish.

As we savored our meal, we reflected on the day's adventures. From the tranquil Parc de Saavedra to the historic Plaça de les Cols, and the stunning Passeig Sant Antoni, Tarragona had revealed its many charms. We had immersed ourselves in the local culture, savoring the flavors and soaking in the atmosphere. It was a day of simple pleasures, a reminder that sometimes the best travel experiences are the ones where you simply let go and explore. I am glad that we could sample local cheeses and cured meats.

Tomorrow, we’re planning a day trip to the Santa María de Poblet Monastery and Montblanc, a medieval town known for its well-preserved architecture and rich history. We’ll start with breakfast at Restaurant Sentits Plaça de la Font, followed by lunch at Ca l’Eulàlia. In the evening, we’ll return to Tarragona for dinner at Lo Gat. We also plan to visit Abacus Cooperativa, a local shop. I’m looking forward to another day of exploration and discovery, sharing these experiences with my family. I should probably buy a portable charger because I forgot mine.

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. Traveling with my family is the greatest adventure of all, and I am so grateful for these moments of connection and discovery. Until tomorrow, auf wiedersehen!