Tarragona, south of Barcelona along the Costa Daurada, was one of the most important cities in Roman Hispania — the capital of the province of Tarraconensis and a place where emperors Augustus and Hadrian both spent time. The Roman remains are extensive and earned UNESCO World Heritage status.
The old town sits on a hill above the sea. The Balcó del Mediterrani at the end of the Rambla Nova offers a sweeping view over the beach and the port below — the locals say you should touch the iron railing for luck. Behind the viewpoint, the narrow streets of the medieval quarter wind around the cathedral, which mixes Romanesque and Gothic elements.
The main Rambla has handsome modernista buildings, and the atmosphere is lively without the crushing crowds of Barcelona. The remains of the old Jewish quarter (Call Jueu) in the medieval town are worth exploring.
The Roman amphitheatre, right on the seafront, is the most dramatic ruin. The Roman circus (used for chariot racing) and the aqueduct on the outskirts of town are also impressive. The Museu Nacional Arqueològic has a fine collection of Roman mosaics and artefacts.