Balcó del Mediterrani

Cliff-top viewpoint at the end of the Rambla — touch the iron railing for luck

Address End of Rambla Nova, 43003 Tarragona
Admission Free

The end of the Rambla Nova ends in a small balcony perched on the edge of the limestone cliff, 25 metres directly above the Mediterranean. The view takes in the Roman amphitheatre below, the long sweep of Platja del Miracle beach to the east, the port of Tarragona, and — on clear days — the silhouette of the Costa Daurada coast running south towards Salou.

A short, simple, essential stop. Come at sunset when the iron railing fills with locals doing their evening paseo, runners, and lovers. The brasseries along the surrounding plaça are a serviceable place for a glass of cava with the view.

things to do sight
A story
The phrase "tocar ferro" — to touch iron — is a Catalan expression for warding off bad luck, equivalent to the English "touch wood." At the Balcó, the iron railing at the cliff edge has become the place to do it: local tradition holds that touching the railings here brings good luck, and the iron is worn smooth by a century of palms.

Other places in Things to Do