Tarragona can be considered as the first capital that Spain ever had. The first time that the whole of Spain (including Portugal by that time) was a political unit was under the Roman Empire, when it was a province called Hispania. Well, Tarraco (Latin name of Tarragona) was the capital and most important city in Hispania. There is a long time ago that this happened and the city is not so important any more, but it is a very interesting place for a visit: the Roman ruins, the beaches, the Medieval town and the shopping areas are great.
Tarragona is the capital of a province in Southern Catalonia. It is very famous for its summer resorts in the "Costa Daurada" (Golden Coast). Salou and Cambrils are the most famous. But apart from them, these are the things I would suggest that you shouldn't miss if you come to Tarragona:
- The Priorat region: this forgotten region has become fashionable lately because here are being produced some of the best wines in Spain. There are many picturesque villages and landscapes, for instance Siurana and the ruins of the monastery Aula Dei.
- Tortosa: visit its beautiful unfinished cathedral, the old town on the river Ebro and the Arab castle. The latter has been turned into a comfortable Parador and offers the best view of the town.
- The Ebro Delta. The Ebro is the most powerful river in Spain. Its delta is a protected area important for many species of birds. It is threatened though by intensive agriculture and, mainly, for plans to divert water from the river to other regions. Actually, so many reservoirs have been built in the river, that the delta is already losing the battle against the sea, for the river does not transport sufficient sediments any more. It looses some cm. per year.
- The monasteries: Poblet, Vallbona de les Monges and Santes Creus.
- Montblanc: a Medieval town near the monastery of Poblet, with a beautiful church and a well preserved wall.
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