Two Coastal Days Beyond Tarragona
If you have already explored Tarragona, these are two coastal days I like to suggest when you feel like going a little further.
One is about Mediterranean nature, a long beach and an easy walk beside the sea. The other combines Tamarit, lunch overlooking the coast and nearby Altafulla.
Platja Llarga & Bosc de la Marquesa
A long Mediterranean beach, a relaxed vermouth by the sea and one of the most natural stretches of Tarragona's coastline.
Start slowly at Platja Llarga
Platja Llarga is exactly what its name suggests: a wonderfully long beach where it is easy to spend several hours without planning very much at all.
Swim, walk along the sand or simply find a quiet place and enjoy the Mediterranean.
A vermouth at La Sardineta
La Sardineta is one of those informal seaside places that fits naturally into the day. Stop for a drink or a vermouth before continuing along the coast.
At weekends there is often live music around lunchtime. The programme changes, so I always recommend checking their Instagram before going.
Continue into Bosc de la Marquesa
From Platja Llarga you can continue on foot towards Bosc de la Marquesa, where the coast becomes noticeably wilder: Mediterranean pine forest, rocky paths and small coves.
There is no need to turn this into a long hike. Walk for as long as you feel like, stop for a swim if you find a place you love, and simply return the same way.
Take with you: water, sun protection and comfortable footwear. Once you leave Platja Llarga there are stretches without services.
Platja Llarga can be reached from Tarragona by city bus. Before leaving, check the current EMT Tarragona timetable and the time of the last return bus.
Check EMT Tarragona →Tamarit & Altafulla
A castle above the Mediterranean, a beautiful beach, a leisurely meal and the old streets of nearby Altafulla.
Begin beside Tamarit Castle
Tamarit is one of those places where the landscape does most of the work. The castle rises directly above the Mediterranean, with the beach stretching alongside it.
You do not need a complicated itinerary here. Spend some time on the beach, walk along the shore and enjoy the view towards the castle.
Lunch at Restaurant Brisa
If you want to make the day a little more special, Brisa is a lovely place to stop for lunch. Its setting beside the Mediterranean and close to Tamarit Castle is really what makes it memorable.
I would book in advance, especially in summer and at weekends.
Then continue to Altafulla
Afterwards, I would continue to Altafulla rather than returning immediately to Tarragona.
Walk along the seafront, have a coffee or simply wander without much of a plan. If you still feel like exploring, you can also head up towards the older part of the village.
It gives this second coastal day a completely different feeling from Platja Llarga and the forest.
My suggestion: don't try to fit too much into the day. Tamarit and Altafulla are close enough to combine, but both are better enjoyed slowly.
Tamarit and Altafulla are very close to Tarragona. If you are travelling without a car, check the public transport options on the day of your visit, as frequencies can vary depending on the season.
