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Tarragona Spain is one of the smaller cities in the Catalonia region but it’s without a doubt one of the gem cities along the Costa Dorada and one of the best places in the Mediterranean.

If you are wondering what to expect here, Tarragona Spain is actually not far from Barcelona Spain, and it is famed for its Roman Amphitheater, and Roman necropolis, which are two of Spain's top tourist sites.


If you’re planning when to visit Tarragona Spain, one of the best times, in my opinion to visit the city it’s during a festival or event such as Santa Tecla festivity where you’ll get to see the famous body of towers (Castellers) the region is famed for.

Things to do in Tarragona Spain: Nearby Activities

Excursion

One of the best things you can do during your trip to Tarragona Spain, it’s to explore the outdoors.

One of the best places for this is at the Sierra de Montsant Park (Parque Natural Sierra De Montsant), located just outside of Montsant wine region (around 50 minutes by car).

There is a visitor center in La Morera village, which is really the best starting point for finding trails that lead into the park.

Wine Tour

If you love wine and fancy exploring Tarragona’s wine region to sample some fine wine, you can add a winery tour to the list of things to do in Tarragona Spain.

One of the most popular wine regions is the Priorat wine region, which is home around 8 wineries with wine tasting cellars

For instance, you could visit either Alvaro Palacios winery or Capafons Ossó, both located near the Montsant wine region, around 30 miles west of Tarragona’s city center.

Port Aventura & Caribe Park

Visiting both Port Aventura & Caribe Aquatic Park are two of the most popular things to do in Tarragona Spain during the summer months.

Port Aventura is a theme park with fun high-speed rides, while Caribe Park is a water park. They’re both located near the Salou beach resort, just fives miles away from Tarragona's city center (around 10 minutes by car).

Out of the two, Caribe Aquatic Park is the most affordable park costing around $29 (23 Euros) to get in.

Having said this, if you’re planning to visit Caribe Park during the summer, I would recommend getting there as early as you can to avoid the large queues.

Also, make sure you get one of the floating rings, straight away, because once they run out you won’t be able to get on some of the water rides.

Boat Rental

Another great activity worth adding to your itinerary it’s boat rental, and you could either rent a charter, a sailing boat or a canoe.

If you’re not an experienced sailor, there are rental companies that organize sailing trips to explore the bays of the Costa Dorada.

Aqualeon Park

Another popular theme park attraction nearby Tarragona it’s Aqualeon Park, which is both a safari park and a water park.

The park itself is just 20 miles northeast of Tarragona Spain but it’s worth the trip, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Apart from fun water slides, the little ones will get to pet animals and enjoy a mini-safari tour at the premises.

Things to do in Tarragona Spain: Places of Interest

Tarragona Archaeological Museum

The Tarragona Archaeological Museum is located right in front of Parc Central, and if you are interested in ancient history, you’ll find this place interesting.

This museum basically is an archeological site where you can see over fifty 8th century Roman necropolis along with items such as pottery items and gold coins at the museum.

Tarragona Cathedral

The Tarragona Cathedral is located nearby the Roman necropolis and offers a pleasant view to marvel at. There is a small square right by the cathedral where you can sit down and do some people watching.

If you wish to enter the cathedral, there is a small entry fee but it is worth it, just to see the lovely interior decorations.

Roman Amphitheater

The Roman Amphitheater (Amfiteatro Romano) is located at the end of Rambla Vella, overlooking the coast of Tarragona.

This is one of the most pleasant attractions in Tarragona because of the lovely views you can get of the sea.

Once in the Amphitheater, you can walk around the main arena and sit on the stone seats and really get an idea what it might've been like during Roman times.

Things to do in Tarragona Spain: Shopping & Eating out

One of the main shopping hotspots in Tarragona is along Rambla Nova which is a two-way street filled with small shops, resturants and regular markets.

On Wednesdays and Sundays, there is a flea-market held on Rambla Nova where you can buy souvenir gifts, handmade items, etc.

Two other flea-markets worth checking out include Corsini Square flea-market , held every Tuesday and Thursdays, and an antiques market held every Sunday, right outside Tarragona Cathedral.

For retail shopping, head to Parc Central shopping center which has many department stores and a food court where you can enjoy a meal.

Alternatively, the nearby town of Cambrills has another shopping center called Cebado Tarragona Parc Central, located on Avinguda Cardenal Vidal Street.

Things to do in Tarragona Spain: Nightlife & Entertainment

The old part of Tarragona is the heart of the city's nightlife. For instance, in the marina and Tarragona Port you’ll find many bars, restaurants and discos, such as Disco Totem, located along Rambla Vella such as Disco Totem.

If you’re traveling with kids, north of Rambla Nova has many lovely pizzerias and restaurants more suitable for families.

Things to do in Tarragona Spain: Events &n Festivals

St. Tecla Festival

St Tecla or Santa Tecla festival is one of the most popular events of the calendar year in Tarragona Spain running in early September. The event boasts fun competitions, live entertainment and fireworks.

Tarragona Firework Competition

If you love fireworks, this is one event not to be missed. The Tarragona Firework display is held in early July at Punta del Miracle bay. It features local and international pyrotechnic companies competing for the number one prize of ‘best firework display’

Tarragona Carnival

If you’re planning a late winter vacation to Tarragona Spain, the Tarragona Carnival gears up in early February, featuring a street parade and live entertainment.

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Sassari Sardinia is located on the northern part of the island; around three hours drive from the major city of Cagliari Sardinia, in the south.


If you’re planning on traveling to Sassari Sardinia, summer is one of the best times to be here, not only because of the pleasant dry weather but also because the summer season runs into October, with temperatures still averaging 30°C.

If you’re on a budget, you can find better deals on airfare and cheaper hotel accommodation on late September, as well as fewer crowds.

Things to do in Sassari Sardinia: Outdoor Activities

Water Activities

Beaches

If you’re wondering about the nearest beach to Sassari Sardinia, the coast of Sorso is just a short drive away, and offers some of the best vacation spots in Europe.

A few of these beaches include: Marina di Sorso Beach, Eden Beach and Platamona Beach, all lovely sand beaches with over six miles of shore line.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

If you love snorkeling and scuba dining, the area around Neptune’s Grotto, near the town of Alghero, feature an array of underwater caves such as Nereo Cave, which you can dive into.

Excursions

Town of Sorso

Adding a couple of excursion to your itinerary during your Sassari Sardinia vacation, it’s a great way to get to know the area around.

For instance, you can take a walking tour of the town of Sorso which is only a half-hour drive from Sassari Sardinia.

The town boasts beautifully preserved medieval houses and a couple of churches such as the Church of Noli Me Tollere and the Church of St. Pantaleo.

Asinara National Park

Taking an excursion to Asinara National Park is one of the most popular things to do in Sassari Sardinia due to the amount of activities on offer at the park.

The park teems with beautiful wildlife that can be explored on guided tours that the park offers, either on foot, jeep or by bus.

Apart from exploring the park, you can also enjoy fishing, cycling, horseback riding, and boat tours.

Neptune's Grotto

Neptune's Grotto is located west of Sassari Sardinia, around fifty minutes drive along the SS291 road.

The cave is actually located near the town of Alghero, and the entrance to the grotto lies on the foot of the cliffs of Capo Caccia.

The cave is open the public for tours and once inside, you can admire the beautifully formed stalactites and stalagmites formations.

Day Trips

The north of Sardinia is an excellent holiday for exploring the south of France and the east of Spain.

Sassari Sardinia is only a short drive from Porto Torres harbor which have connecting ferries to and from Barcelona Spain, Nice France, Propiano and Ajaccio.

Things to do in Sassari Sardinia: Places of Interest

One of the best ways to explore the town of Sassari is by taking a self-guided tour of the town, as most of the landmarks and museums are found near each other. Some of these places include:

- The Church of St. Peter (Chiesa Di San Pietro Di Silki)

- Cathedral of St. Nicolas or (Duomo Di San Nicola)

- St. Mary of Betlem Church (Santa Maria Di Betlem)

- University of Sardinia (Universita Degli Studi Di Sassari)

- Museum archeological of GA Sanna

- Mus'a Museum (Museo Mus'a - Pinacoteca Al Canopoleno)

- Museum Etnographic Francesco Bande (Museo Etnografico Francesco Bande)

Apart from the town’s attractions, the Monte d'Accoddi is perhaps one of the most popular things to do in Sassari Sardinia.

Monte d'Accoddi is a 4th millennium BC archeological site that consists of a stone structure that resembles a step pyramid or altar.

The site is only thirty minutes drive west of Sassari Sardinia and worth the short drive if you’re interested in ancient ruins.

Things to do in Sassari Sardinia: Shopping & Foods

The shopping scene in Sassari Sardinia consists of charming little shops and stores which are mainly geared towards tourists so you’ll find plenty of lovely souvenirs gifts to buy.

Food markets run every day in Sassari Sardinia, offering fresh produce like vegetables, fish, cheeses, etc.

If you’re looking to get things like handmade goods like jewelry and bags, flea-markets only happen once a month at either Piazza (Square) Carlo Alberto or Piazza Santa Caterina, and they’re usually held the last Sunday of every month.

Things to do in Sassari Sardinia: Nightlife & Entertainment

The nightlife is Sassari is actually on par with Cagliari Sardinia and you can expect to find many bars, pubs and restaurants offering live entertainment like karaoke nights, as well as a few discos such as Wally Disco, located on the heart of Sassari Sardinia, on Via (Street) Milano.



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Palermo is one of the largest cities in Italy and one of the most culturally diverse cities in Europe. If you are traveling to Palermo for the fist time, the city features a magnificent historical blend of North European and Arab influences.

Things tourists miss doing while in Italy

Apart from the many things to do in Palermo Sicily, the island is an ideal base for exploring southern Italy attractions, Cagliari Sardinia, as well as things to do in Tunis Tunisia.

Things to do in Palermo Sicily: Aeolian Islands Day Trip

Taking a day trip to the Aeolian Islands is one of the most popular things to do in Palermo Sicily.

The Aeolian Islands (Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi, Panarea, Basiluzzo and Lipari) are located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, north of Sicily, and since there are ferries servicing the islands from Palermo, the islands make for a great day trip.

One of the most popular of the Aeolian Islands is Salina due to its stunning landscapes that feature six volcanoes. Also, Salina is home several Roman tombs that have being excavated on slopes of the Fossa.

Things to do in Palermo Sicily: Places of Interest

Palermo Old Quarter

Taking a stroll along the city’s Old Quarter and marveling at the fine architectural buildings is one of the popular things to in Palermo Sicily.

The main points of interest in the Old Quarter (Old Town) are Piazza Vigliena, where you’ll find beautiful fountains and statues; and Piazza del Duomo, home to the impressive Duomo Cathedral, which is one of the largest in the world.

Kalsa District

The Kalsa District, also located in the Old Quarter of Palermo, is one of the best places in Italy to appreciate 11th century Arab architecture.

The district is characterized by its small winding streets typical of Medinas found in countries such as Morocco.

There is a myriad of landmarks to be seen here and some of them include the Magione church (west side of piazza Magione) and the Greek Gate (east side of Piazza Kalsa).

Archeological Museum

The Archeological Museum is another interesting stop, if you are interested in old artifacts. The museum is also famed for housing the ‘The Palermo Stone’ which dates back to Ancient Egypt.

Massimo Theater

Those of you fans of the Godfather movies will enjoy a visit to the Massimo Theater, as it is where parts of Godfather III were shot.

Things to do in Palermo Sicily: Shopping

Exploring the city’s street markets is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular things to do in Palermo Sicily.

If you are looking to buy local produce and enjoy souvenir shopping, La Vucciria Market and the Mercato do Capo are great places to find anything from fresh vegetables and fish to leather items and handmade goods.

Things to do in Palermo Sicily: Nightlife, Entertainment & Eating Out

Nightlife

Palermo’s nightlife revolves mainly in the city center around Piazzas where you’ll find bars and cafes with outdoor seating. For instance, Piazza Castelnuovo and Piazza Verdi are popular Piazzas where local and tourists hang for a drink.

Entertainment

Opera is high in the entertainment agenda in Palermo and Massimo Theater is one of the larges venues where you can enjoy classical music.

Apart, from Opera, Palermo is also home to smaller venues such as Biondo Theater where you can enjoy classical and jazz music.

Eating Out

As many other Italian cities, eating out is one of the popular things to do in Palermo Sicily. The city has a wide range of cuisines ranging from different types of eateries that include European style and North African style restaurants, as well as traditional Italian pizzerias.

Things to do in Palermo Sicily: Events & Festivals

Verdura Festival

The Verdura Festival, held in July at the Massimo Theater, is one of the most popular summer festivals in Palermo offering a variety of music ranging from classical, rock and Spanish flamenco.

Palermo EcoVision Festival

The Palermo EcoVision Festival, held in June, is a summer film event where attendees can watch unknown films from around the world.

San Giuseppe Feast Festival

The San Giuseppe Feast Festival, held in March, is a popular event where families get together and a great time to sample the finest cakes and pastries in Palermo.


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If you fly to Mallorca Spain between June and August be aware that it is peak season and the busiest time for hotels in Mallorca. Therefore, book your hotel in Mallorca and car rental in advance.

If you want to beat the crowds and get cheaper hotel accommodation, I would suggest to travel during the winter months (temperatures are not too bad reaching near 20 ºC).

Things to do in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:

* Take a Palma de Mallorca city tour which features stops at Bellver Castle and La Seo Cathedral.

* Take a one-day excursion to Palma de Mallorca’s countryside. During the excursion you can visit the Carthusian monastery at Valdemosa.

* Visit the Peraires Pier where you’ll be able to purchase Mallorcan pearls and other handcrafted artwork.

* Visit the Mallorca Museum which features a great collection of mediaeval and eighteenth century arts.

* Visit Cabo Formentor for great scenic views of the north of Palma de Mallorca Spain.

* Tour ‘Las cuevas del Drach’ (the caves of Drach) where you’ll be able to explore this amazing cave system and natural lake.

* Experience the Sant Joan festival held on 23rd of June and it celebrates the coming of summer with bonfires on the beach.

* Visit the Spanish Contemporary Art museum or ‘Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani’, which features art works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí.

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