Imagine boarding a high-speed train and seeing how, in just a few hours, the landscape transforms into the blue of the Mediterranean, without effort or fatigue from driving. On board iryo, with spacious areas, gastronomy, and flexible schedules, the journey becomes the best option to start your vacation and access many of Spain’s holiday destinations. Now imagine that the destination you are heading to is Tarragona and its Costa Dorada, with so many places to discover and experiences to live in this area of the Catalan coast. There, the fine sand takes on a characteristic golden tone under the sun; hence its name.
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The result is a trip to a place known for its mild Mediterranean climate, its exceptional historical heritage, and its great offer of leisure and nature, where traveling by train elevates the experience. Because true vacations begin on the journey to the destination itself. The iryo route to Camp de Tarragona station allows you to visit both the city and explore the different spots of the Costa Dorada. In addition, the five daily frequencies per direction offered guarantee greater flexibility to organize your trip. Added to this is the possibility of continuing the journey thanks to iryo Conecta, a multimodal solution that facilitates connections with other means of transport to comfortably reach some of the most desired places nearby, optimizing travel times. A few hours later, the destination that is once again established as one of the favorites for vacations will be waiting for you. There are plenty of reasons to choose it.
A journey through time
Tarragona is not only visited, it is lived through the centuries of history that inhabit it. The city is an open-air museum where the Roman past merges with the current vibrant Mediterranean life. The Tarragona Amphitheater is unique in the world for being excavated next to the sea. It was built in the early 2nd century AD and was a venue for shows where wild beast fights, hunts, public executions, and gladiator combats took place. A few steps away is the Roman Circus, intended for horse and chariot races. It was built in the 1st century and has the peculiarity of being located within the city, so its architectural features are special. It is considered one of the best-preserved circuses in the West, despite part of its structure still being hidden under old 19th-century buildings.
Getting lost in the secrets of the Part Alta, the old town of the city, means entering a maze of medieval alleys that hide artisan shops, painted facades, and remains of walls. At the highest part is the imposing Cathedral, the most emblematic building of the city which also contains the richest collection of medieval art in Tarragona.
Don’t forget to touch iron at the Mediterranean Balcony, a tradition that brings good luck to the people of Tarragona
The vermouth ritual at Plaza de la Font is a must. This elongated square occupies the center of the old Roman Circus and today is the social heart of the city. Sitting on one of its terraces to have a local aperitif is a necessary stop to blend in with the Tarragonese atmosphere.
La Rambla Nova, Tarragona’s main promenade – with more than 150 years of existence and the largest number of modern shops integrated into a unique architectural space due to its buildings and history – and the Central Market, located a short distance away in an important modernist building where you can buy fresh and seasonal products, also deserve a visit. Don’t forget to touch iron at the Mediterranean Balcony. You will fulfill the local tradition of walking to the end of La Rambla Nova to look out from this viewpoint 42 meters above sea level. The people of Tarragona say that “tocar ferro” (touching its iron railing) brings good luck and connects directly with the energy of the sea.
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The Tarragona Coast
Another great attraction of the city is its 15 kilometers of coastline that give rise to beaches and attractive coves with crystal-clear waters and easy access. Such as the beaches of l’Arrabassada, Savinosa, or Miracle (which are near the center) or Llarga Beach and Capellans Beach (which are further north).
Once you know the city of Tarragona, the Costa Dorada awaits you. The coastal strip of the province extends geographically from the mouth of the Foix River (border with the province of Barcelona) to the spectacular natural environment of the Ebro Delta. It covers a linear route of more than 90 kilometers of coast with more than 60 beaches and coves, and 20 fishing towns. Continuing the journey to these points of the Costa Dorada is very easy, with connections designed to make travel comfortable and efficient.
Salou, Cambrils, and La Pineda stand out for their long beaches, crystal-clear, warm, and shallow waters, ideal for walking along the shore. If you are looking for something more intimate, the coast hides spectacular coves surrounded by pine trees and cliffs, such as Cala Font or Cala Crancs.
At the southern end of the coast, you will discover the natural treasure that is the Ebro Delta. A landscape where the Ebro River merges with the sea and also a biodiversity sanctuary perfect for renting a bike, getting lost among the vast rice fields, and observing colonies of pink flamingos at sunset. Besides offering you a swim on its beaches.
Tarragona and the Costa Dorada bring together all the elements to enjoy a memorable summer vacation, with a comfortable and efficient train connection that accompanies the experience. Iryo, the first private high-speed operator in Spain by number of frequencies, makes it possible with prices accessible to all; its four fares (from the most competitive to the most premium) include hand and cabin luggage, as well as many other services adapted to each traveler depending on the chosen fare.
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