Things to Do in Tarragona

Sitting peacefully on the rocky Mediterranean shoreline, El Roc de Sant Gaieta is a beautifully preserved Spanish town with Roman-Greco influences. Historically a fishing village, it now is uniquely characterized by its variety of distinctive architectural styles. Borrowing from Gothic, Sicilian, Romanesque, Moorish and Andalusian designs, it was constructed a mere 50 years ago but represents the many diverse styles from across Spain. It was built with materials collected from around the nation with items collected in private homes and estates.

A stroll around the charming town through archways, cloisters, courtyards and passageways leads to the discovery of all the architectural styles mentioned. There are also small streets with bakeries, shops, and galleries, even a local museum. Most impressively, all of this is located on a natural rock formation next to the Mediterranean Sea.

When Barcelona gets a little toasty, forgo the beach and head to the water wonderland at Costa Caribe Aquatic Park. It’s home to 50,000 square meters of splash-filled fun, and sits just over an hour away from Spain’s coastal metropolis.

The park boasts 16 different attractions and slides, the pinnacle of which is Europe’s tallest free-fall waterslide, reaching 31 meters in height! Those who wish to stay a little closer to dry land can tube their way down a river of rushing rapids and waterfalls, slip down the slides of the playground-meets-pirate ship, or dodge waves in the Bermuda Triangle. For a slightly less intrepid experience, take the little ones to Sésamo Beach, a tranquil children’s pool where you’ll find shallow, calm waters. Once you’ve had your fill of getting wet, you can escape to one of the park’s many green areas. Or, if you wish to get out of the sun, head to the indoor zone, where you’ll find all the outdoor fun, but in the cool shade.

Once the sun goes down on the beaches of Salou, there’s still a lot more to see here: a proper magic show. Head to the House of Illusion, a fan-favorite for its evening performances packed with magicians, comedy, mind reading, audience participation, and loads of magic.

The show is more than just magic, too, as it begins in a pre-theater parlor before moving into a grand theater of candle-lit tables. It is there that you not only marvel at the wizardry but also chow down on an all-inclusive meal that comes with an unending flow of wine, beer, and soft drinks. Not hungry? Join the later show, which includes only the eternal supply of drinks, but still with all the entertainment.