Tarragona

A start among ancient stones.
Starting city for the second stage.

Panoràmica de Tarragona, amb el circ romà. Autoria: Rafael López Monne
Panoràmica de Tarragona, amb el circ romà. Autoria: Rafael López Monne

Guide to enjoying the Tour in Tarragona

Discover the program of activities organized in the capital of the Tarragonès region.

Tarragona, the starting city for the second stage of the 2026 Tour, is a destination that captivates visitors with its authenticity. Featuring a historic center that preserves Roman structures such as the amphitheater, the circus, and the city walls, it is home to one of the most impressive archaeological complexes in Europe and proudly stands as the only World Heritage city in Catalonia.

Collage Tarragona. Amfiteatre romà de Tarragona. Autoria: Isaias Mena / Balcó del Mediterrani a Tarragona. Autoria: Isaias Mena / Castell del poble medieval de Tamarit. Autoria: Rafa Lopez Monne
Collage Tarragona. Amfiteatre romà de Tarragona. Autoria: Isaias Mena / Balcó del Mediterrani a Tarragona. Autoria: Isaias Mena / Castell del poble medieval de Tamarit. Autoria: Rafa Lopez Monne

Living history by the Mediterranean

With over 2.000 years of history, Tarragona preserves one of the most significant Roman legacies in Europe. Its archaeological complex, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, includes the amphitheater, the circus, the city walls, and the aqueduct, all seamlessly integrated into the urban fabric and open to visitors. You can lose yourself in its cobblestone streets, admire the cathedral from the Plaça de les Cols, or enjoy a stunning sunset from the Balcó del Mediterrani (Balcony of the Mediterranean).

Pont del diable de Tarragona

Surrounded by nature and quality of life

Tarragona combines a rich historical heritage with 15 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline, making it ideal for active tourism. It boasts nature trails, accessible beaches, and green spaces like the Pont del Diable Eco-historic Park, connecting the city to both its coast and its inland landscapes.
It is a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly city, with a growing network of bike lanes and a strategic commitment to sustainable mobility. The historic center can easily be explored on foot, while the surrounding areas offer spectacular routes leading to the coast or the countryside.

Cala Fonda, platja de la costa de Tarragona

Gastronomy with the taste of the sea

Gastronomically, Tarragona tastes like the sea. Seafood cuisine, traditional romesco sauce, rich rice dishes, and fresh fish define its unique identity. Strolling through the Serrallo—the fishermen's quarter—or stopping at a local winery in the Camp de Tarragona region allows you to discover the true essence of Mediterranean culture through authentic products and flavors.

Xef cuinant un plat d’arròs mariner

Experience in hosting major sporting events

Thanks to its experience hosting the 2018 Mediterranean Games (which welcomed over 4,000 athletes from 26 countries competing in 33 disciplines) and a sporting legacy that includes the Mediterranean Ring (Anella Mediterrània), Tarragona has firmly established itself as a leading sports capital. The city has hosted several stages of La Vuelta and will host the Spanish Absolute Athletics Championship (2025) and the Queen's Cup in basketball (2026). Now, in 2026, it adds a new sporting milestone to its history by becoming a starting point for the Tour de France™.

Partit de bàsquet a Tarragona

International projection in sports and culture

In addition to major sporting events, every two years Tarragona hosts the Concurs de Castells, featuring spectacular Catalan human towers up to ten stories high, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The event has become a true international magnet: in 2024, it gathered 400 accredited media professionals from 30 different outlets across 15 countries worldwide.

Concurs de castells a Tarragona. Autoria: David Oliete

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