tarragona

Tarragona, the capital of the province of the same name is situated on the Mediterranean coast in the northeast of Spain. It is the main city on the Costa Daurada, and has a notable fishing and yachting port. The main feature of the coastal area is its calm, blue waters, whereas inland the scenery is enhanced by the intense brightness of the sunlight. Here the carob trees, vineyards, hazel, almond and olive trees give an air of grace and beauty.

There still survives a very rich monumental heritage that allows us to admire some remains from the Roman Empire such as "La Muralla", which surrounds the old part of the city, "El Forum", "L'Amfiteatre", "L'Aqüeducte", "La Torre dels Escipions" and "L'Arc de Berà. Other features of this area are buildings in the style of the modernist architects and small towns which serve as social, cultural and commercial centers for the interior counties.

When truly appreciating Tarragona we must look to its natural beauty and landscapes. To the south, the Delta del Ebre Nature Park; the second largest wetland area in the western Mediterranean, it is a unique landscape of great natural wealth and in 1983 it was declared a "natural park", the Ports de Tortosa-Besseit National Reserve; where intermingled with the cliffs and canyons picturesque waterfalls flow freely, this wild and surprising landscape captivates travelers and mountaineers alike, and to the west, the Prades Mountains; offer unbelievable views and a thousand nooks and crannies to discover, creating spaces and atmospheres difficult to compare with any other place. Last but certainly not least are the La Serra Del Monstant Mountains; sometimes known as the "Mountain of Peace" observe the flora and fauna of these distant and wild mountains. These are the most characteristic mountains in the province of Tarragona. Time seems to come to a standstill when you enter this realm of nature due mainly to the fact that the majority of this area is only accessible on foot.

This province is also ideal for practising any sport, especially the aquatic ones, such as sailing, windsurfing, rowing, water-skiing and diving. Visitors also have the opportunity to visit the well known tourist attractions of Aquopolis & Aqualeon, two famous entertainment parks with something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

The counties of Tarragona are full of real tourist "Mecca's" and the inhabitants celebrate their local fiestas and traditions the whole year round.

Beginning in January with "Els tres tombs", a horse exhibition,

February; The Festes de la Candelera in Valls and Calafell,

March; The Diada de la truita amb suc in Ulldemolins gives visitors a chance to try the local juicy spinach omelets,

April; hosts the infamous Holy Week processions,

May; The Aplec de Sant Jeroni in Mora d'Ebre; A performance of the Dance of Sant Crist in Salomo

June; The Fiesta dels Reguers in Tortosa. Also firework contests and the Summer Festivals in the Camp de Mart Auditorium.

July: The Fiesta Popular of Mora la Nova has performances for children, mythical animals, "fire-running" and dances;

August ; This is the month of the main fiestas with open-air dances, fireworks and all kinds of folk dancing held in most of the area's towns.

September; The Diada of September 11th is Catalonia's National Day

October; Human Towers on St. Ursula's Day

November; celebrating with roast chestnuts and panellets. The dead are remembered on All Souls Day

December; celebrating Christmas, the Feast of the Three Kings, midnight mass and the exchange of gifts. On 31 December l'home dels nassos visits various towns in the region.

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