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Taking a Day Trip to Tarragona
Find out all the best travel activities to do if you decide on taking a day trip to Tarragona, including where to eat, stay and how to get there from Salou.
This is a featured article by travel blogger Katie. She is a cake and travel addicted blogger who spent February and March 2013 travelling around Europe. You can follow her trip on Twitter. Ever since visiting Hadrian’s Wall as a child I have been fascinated with the history of the Roman Empire. After watching the BBC series Rome on television, I was excited to find out that the ancient Roman city of Tarraco, or Tarragona as it is called today, is just 11 kilometres up the coast from Salou where I had just made plans to visit as part of a larger trip I was taking round Spain. So I was definitely looking forward to taking a day trip to Tarragona during my stay in Salou.
The View over Tarragona – Taking a Day Trip to Tarragona – Photo by Ramon Baile
Taking a day trip to Tarragona
While I love the feeling of being able to go wherever the mood takes me on my travels, I do like to plan some parts up front. I worry that otherwise I’d end up spending too much time planning and booking accommodation rather than actually enjoying myself. I chose a hotel called Hotel California Palace, which I thought would be an interesting conversation if anyone asked me which hotel I had stayed at. Plus I know it must be a really common name for a hotel following the Eagles hit song, but shouldn’t everyone spend at least one night in their life at a Hotel California?
All joking aside the price was right and the hotel’s central location close to the railway station meant I could easily pop up to Tarragona for the day and explore the Roman ruins knowing that both Hadrian, whose wall I so admired as a child had along with Augustus had spent time in Rome’s Iberian capital. For the first few days in Salou I just relaxed around the swimming pool working on my tan while enjoying not having to do anything, I had decided to make my day trip to Tarragona on Thursday, as I had heard that was when they had their weekly market, and from past experiences on visiting Spain I found that that was always the day that had more things happening, plus with Tarragona not being touristy like Salou I thought I might be able to pick up something unusual to take back home as a souvenir.
As I already said the railway station was close to the hotel and with frequent commuter trains’ making the 12-minute journey to Tarragona there was not too much planning needed. On arrival in Tarragona I strolled down the wide promenade called the Rambla Nova to the beautiful iron railings that they call “The Balcony of the Mediterranean” which you are supposed to touch for good luck. The view is magnificent overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and the golden sand of Miracle Beach but what makes the view special is that if you look to the left you will see the second-century Roman amphitheatre where up to 15,000 citizens cheered for their favourite gladiator or witnessed the martyrdom of Christians in the third century.
Taking a Day Trip to Tarragona – Photo by Tchacky
New Roman finds are being discovered all the time in Tarragona as the people that came after the Romans just kept building on top of the foundations the Romans had laid down. Next I went to visit the praetorium (Roman governor’s residence) and the largest circus in the Roman Empire built for chariot races by the Emperor Domitian to make up the forum that you can still follow the route of throughout the city. I was surprised to find that Tarragona was not as touristy as I thought it would be seeing as it was rated Michelins top 3-star award for sightseeing, and also the fact it was a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I found the whole Roman experience absolutely fascinating, and had by now given up the idea of buying a souvenir from the market, as it was mostly fruit and veg along with cheap clothes from China which was not quite what I was looking for so decided to find a nice place for lunch before heading back to Salou. I have since discovered that Tarragona has several market days, and Thursday was the clothing market. I found a great place to eat in the Plaça de la Font which feels as if you are sitting in the heart of the old city called Lola Tapas where I dined on fried calamari with a Russian salad. Along with an excellent glass of the house red before walking back to the station and heading back to Salou. I really enjoyed my day in Tarragona as it is easy to walk around in and you can actually start to imagine what it must have been like in the days of the Roman Empire.
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Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar
Find out why Sand boarding, Diving and Safaris through the desert are included in the Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar.
Qatar is a country of reinvention. Shimmering towerblocks rise against a desert horizon, and maze-like souks thrive next to 21st-century shopping palaces. It’s also one of the more accessible countries of the Arab Gulf, with a welcoming reputation towards visitors and plenty of attractions to keep them coming. Some of the best holiday activities you’ll find in Qatar are the adventurous kind. And these are the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar.
Sunset in Qatar – Photo by wj2012
Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar
Diving expeditions
The Gulf Sea is famed for its crystal waters and the exuberant marine life which lurks just beneath the surface. Messaid is a good jumping-off point where you’ll find angelfish and barracuda, while those intrigued by underwater wrecks will love the Hall Island dive site at Al-Sharqi, where bright clownfish circle the abandoned boat.
Sand Adventures
Many of the sports here have been adapted from colder climates, so instead of skiing down a mountain piste, try Khor Al Adaid beach to glide down the impressive dunes on a sand-board. Alternatively, race your blo-kart along the sands of Al Wakrah, south of capital Doha, to experience the thrill of wind-sailing on dry land.
Sand Boarding – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by ground zero
Al Jassasiya
The ancient carvings of Al Jassasiya lie to the north near Al Shamal, amid a truly remote landscape of village ruins and limestone. Hire a 4×4 of your own and make the journey to see the 900 petroglyphs which riddle the rocks here. The carvings denote flowers, animals, fleets of shows, or traditional Arab boats, and to this day, their origins remain a mystery.
Sunset Cruise
When the time comes for a more relaxed excursion, you can do no better than a sunset cruise onboard a wooden dhow as you drift past the super-modern Doha seafront of Al-Corniche and the old harbor at Al Khor. If you’re still hankering after some adventure, rent a smaller vessel and go for a fishing trip the following day.
Desert Safaris
Much of the inland desert in Qatar remains inaccessible on foot, but fortunately, that’s where a 4×4 comes in very handy for a safari trip you won’t easily forget. There are numerous options available from Doha, including day-long excursions, bumping, and rolling to the inland sea at Khor Al Adaid. Or make the trip at dusk for a spot of star-gazing before you settle in Bedouin-style tents for the night.
Desert Safari – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by robertpaulyoung
Most activities can be arranged via a tour company. Although cash has been the predominant payment method in Qatar, this is beginning to change, which is good news for tourists since HSBC offers protection against loss or theft. If you’re planning on taking part in several activities, it can be handy to have some plastic on you to avoid expensive traveler’s cheques, plus credit cards from HSBC and other familiar providers also enable easy access to money at the ATMs. However, it’s wise to exercise caution, using only official bank machines here and sticking with local currency at the market and in smaller shops.
There’s no doubt that Qatar offers some world-class cultural attractions beyond the more energetic highlights, and while you’re in the country, set aside some time for the historic Al Zubarah fort or browse the recreated 19th-century Souk-Waqif, in Doha.
This country has been undervalued in the past but is now coming to the world’s attention. With its desert adventures, ancient sites, and thriving culture, this attention is thoroughly deserved.
This is a travel feature by world traveler, Jose Capelo. He loves exploring the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar and has spent many trips exploring the wild deserts of Qatar.
Bondi is well known for sun, surf, and fun, but what can you do if you find yourself there in the colder months from June to August? Here are a few suggestions for things to do in Sydney’s most popular suburb when the temperature drops.
8 Things to do in Bondi in Winter
1. Go on an art tour
If the weather doesn’t allow for the typical outdoorsy activities Bondi is known for, a tour of some of its first-rate art galleries can be a great way to spend an afternoon. Don’t miss the Cooee Aboriginal Art Gallery, dedicated to promoting Indigenous art, and the Bondi Art Lounge, where you can view works from local artists or even take a beginner class and create a masterpiece of your own.
2. Take a hike
In crisp cool temperatures, a hike along the coastal cliffs with a view of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean below can’t be beaten. One of the most popular hikes is the Bondi to Coogee Walk, which is 6 km and takes you through Sydney’s eastern suburbs and past plenty of cafes, restaurants, and kiosks where you can stop to rest and take in the sights.
3. Head to Bondi Icebergs for some winter swimming
Even during winter, swimming is not entirely out of the question in Bondi. The Oceanside pool at Bondi Icebergs Club is open year-round, and the winter swims every Sunday from May to September have become a time-honored tradition. Although club members must complete at least three winter swims a year to retain their lofty membership title, non-members who are up for the challenge can pay a one-time fee to use the pool and sauna.
4. Strap on your skates and visit the only beachside skating rink in Australia
If winter swimming is a step too far for you, why not skate instead? Bondi has Australia’s only beachside ice rink, and the ocean view in the background makes for a striking contrast. The ice rink is open from June 27 to July 13, and aside from hosting skating sessions that are open to the public, it also features spectacular ice shows from Stars On Ice.
5. Settle in for brunch at one of Bondi’s decadent cafes
Winter wouldn’t be the same without a few indulgences, and after all your skating and hiking, you’ve probably earned a hearty brunch anyway. Fortunately, Bondi is full of great brunch options, from Trio Café with delicacies like poached eggs with truffle oil and char-grilled halloumi; to the rustic Brown Sugar, where you can indulge in classic comfort food like buttermilk pancakes and English muffins with bacon.
6. Join a cooking class, dodge ball game, or salsa lesson
During the winter, it may seem like most people have gone off to hibernate, but if you know where to look, you can still find plenty of social things to do. Start by checking out the Bondi community page on Gumtree. You can find like-minded individuals to explore the area with or even join a group for fun activities like hiking, biking, or cooking.
7. Score some vintage fashion at Bondi Markets
The Bondi Markets, held every Sunday on Bondi Beach, are known in Sydney for being the best place to shop for vintage clothing and accessories and hip new fashions from emerging designers. Aside from style, you can also shop for art, furniture, flowers, books, local produce, and delicious street eats. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great place to do some people-watching and see the Bondi locals in their element.
8. Stop by the Bondi Pavilion
The Bondi Pavilion is one of the suburb’s oldest landmarks dating back to 1928 when it first opened, featuring grand dining rooms, a lounge, a ballroom, and the Turkish and Hot Sea Water Baths. Today, it’s used as an art and cultural center and is home to a theatre group, recording studio, and art gallery. There’s always something going on here, from pottery classes to festivals to open-air cinemas, so check it out if you have a chance.
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
