Family Adventure in Tarragona: History and Culture Unveiled

Day 3: A Day of Ancient Wonders and Modern Delights in Tarragona

Explore Tarragona's historic heart, from Roman towers to vibrant squares, and savor the city's culinary scene with family.

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Tarragona's Timeless Charm


Today was a beautiful blend of history and modern life, wandering through Tarragona with James and Eglė. We immersed ourselves in the city's rich past and enjoyed its vibrant present. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel – to connect with history, culture, and family, all in one unforgettable experience.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at La Caleta Restaurant Tarragona. The Mediterranean cuisine was a delightful start, offering a taste of the local flavors that I was eager to explore further. The restaurant had a warm, inviting atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of sightseeing.

Discover exquisite Mediterranean dining with breathtaking ocean views at La Caleta Restaurant in Tarragona.
Discover exquisite Mediterranean dining with breathtaking ocean views at La Caleta Restaurant in Tarragona.

Our first stop was the Torre del Pretori o Castell del Rei. Climbing this ancient Roman tower gave us a real sense of Tarragona's history. The views from the top were breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the city, including the amphitheater and the old town with its majestic cathedral. Eglė was particularly fascinated by the underground Roman tunnels, imagining what it must have been like for the Romans walking beneath the hippodrome.

Explore Tarragona's rich Roman heritage at Torre del Pretori, a captivating local history museum showcasing ancient artifacts and stories.
Explore Tarragona's rich Roman heritage at Torre del Pretori, a captivating local history museum showcasing ancient artifacts and stories.

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


Next, we strolled along to the Mediterranean Balcony. The views of the Mediterranean Sea were simply stunning. It was easy to see why this spot is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. We joined the tradition of touching the iron railings, hoping for a bit of good luck. James took some wonderful photos of Eglė and me with the sea as our backdrop. The fresh sea air and the sound of the waves were so invigorating.

Experience unparalleled panoramic views of Tarragona and the Mediterranean Sea at the stunning Mediterranean Balcony.
Experience unparalleled panoramic views of Tarragona and the Mediterranean Sea at the stunning Mediterranean Balcony.

From the Balcony, we made our way to the Plaça de la Font. This vibrant square is the heart of Tarragona, bustling with life. We admired the Ajuntament (City Hall) and soaked in the lively atmosphere. The square was filled with people enjoying the mild December weather, and there was a palpable sense of community.

Discover the vibrant Plaça de la Font in Tarragona, a lively square brimming with history, culture, and delectable culinary delights.
Discover the vibrant Plaça de la Font in Tarragona, a lively square brimming with history, culture, and delectable culinary delights.

For lunch, we decided on RESTAURANT BARQUET. This restaurant offered a delightful culinary experience with a focus on rice dishes. We shared a delicious paella, savoring the flavors of the Mediterranean. James and I appreciated the traditional yet modern ambiance.

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

After lunch, Eglė was keen to do some shopping, so we headed to El Corte Inglés. This department store had everything from fashion to home goods, and Eglė enjoyed browsing the various departments. I managed to find a lovely scarf for myself, a perfect souvenir of our trip.

Explore the ultimate shopping experience at El Corte Inglés, Tarragona's premier destination for fashion, electronics, and local culture.
Explore the ultimate shopping experience at El Corte Inglés, Tarragona's premier destination for fashion, electronics, and local culture.

As the day drew to a close, we had dinner at La Mossegada. This restaurant offered a cozy atmosphere and delicious Mediterranean and Spanish cuisines. We enjoyed some tapas and wine, reminiscing about the day's adventures. The comfortable setting and beautiful decor made it a perfect spot to unwind.

Discover authentic Mediterranean flavors at La Mossegada in Tarragona – where every dish tells a story.
Discover authentic Mediterranean flavors at La Mossegada in Tarragona – where every dish tells a story.

Reflecting on the day, I realized how much Tarragona has to offer. From ancient Roman ruins to modern shopping and dining, there's something for everyone. I was also happy to learn that Tarragona is celebrating Tarraco’s anniversary as a World Heritage Site at the end of November, and that the REC, Tarragona International Film Festival is running. It’s wonderful to see the city embracing its history and culture.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Muralla Romana, Museu del Port de Tarragona, and Museo de Arte Moderno de Tarragona. I am particularly excited about visiting the Museu del Port, as I am keen to learn more about the city's maritime history. We might even check out Mala Bar in the evening.

As I sit here writing, I am grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. Tarragona has truly captured my heart, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Until then, доброй ночи!

I am also glad that I remembered to pack my comfortable walking shoes, but I am still kicking myself for forgetting the raincoat and portable phone charger! I hope there is no rain tomorrow!

I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you all!

Go to day 2 A Day of Divine History: Exploring Tarragona's Ancient Wonders
Go to day 4 A Day Immersed in Tarragona's Rich Tapestry
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Family Adventure in Tarragona: History and Culture Unveiled

Discover Tarragona's rich history and vibrant culture on a family adventure, exploring ancient ruins, charming streets, and local delights.

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Meet this Featured Explorer

Daiva Petrauskas
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Administrative Assistant
  • Country icon Country: Canada
  • Age icon Age: 47

Labas! I'm Daiva, a Lithuanian-Canadian travel enthusiast with a passion for exploring the world, one cultural gem at a time. Originally from Kėdainiai, Lithuania, I now call Toronto, Canada, home. Here, I live with my wonderful husband, James, and our bright daughter, Eglė. While I work as an administrative assistant, my true calling is travel. I created this blog to share my family's adventures, provide practical travel tips, and inspire you to embark on your own journeys. Whether you're a budget-conscious traveler, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking authentic experiences, I hope my stories will ignite your wanderlust. Join me as I uncover the beauty and diversity of our world, one trip at a time!

Interests:
  • History
  • Culture
  • Photography
  • Culinary Arts
  • Gardening
More about Daiva Petrauskas

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