It’s been well-documented some Barcelonians are giving the cold shoulder to tourists at this point, but Spain is just too good to pass up!
Like many awesome destinations across the globe, crowds can be a nuisance, but many in Barcelona act like they’re in an exclusive club.
The reality is they know the allure of their amazing city, but some prefer to keep it all themselves as hordes of travelers have invaded their city.
Well, Barcelonians aren’t going to be a fan of mine as I reveal their secret getaway to escape their own crowds.
Spoiler alert: it’s Tarragona – a gorgeous beach city a little over an hour away by train from the busy streets of Barcelona.
Better yet, tourists will be welcomed here with open arms by locals.
Direct Flight Or Day Trip: This City Has Been Overlooked Far Too Long!
Side note: How does Europe have so many airports?!
Seriously!
It’s like every nook and cranny is so much easier to reach than the States. Rant over…
While it may be tempting to fly to Barcelona with seemingly endless flight options, you can travel to a lesser-known airport instead.
Those who do choose to come from Barcelona have multiple options too – the most popular being via train, followed by busses.
Renfe offers straight shots as low as $9. The same goes for Alsa’s buses with tickets slightly lower.
But those wanting to avoid Barcelona entirely can fly into Reus Airport (REU) with connecting flights all cross Europe, such as notable cities like Paris, Dublin, London, and Brussels.
This can potentially save you a decent amount of time rather than hopping a bus or train from Barcelona since the airport is only 20 minutes away from Tarragona.
Plus, many flights are “budget airlines,” which can save you a lot on airfare, meaning you’ll have more to spend in this slice of paradise!
Why Barcelonians Love This Place
To be fair, it’s not only Barcelona pulling out the welcome mat from under tourists’ feet.
Amsterdam, Venice, and Athens, among others, have been a bit moody when it comes to welcoming visitors.
What these cities fail to realize is there’s still going to be large amounts of people even if one foreigner never visited.
Barcelona has a population just shy of 2 million people, which isn’t chump change. 2 million people anyway is a large amount, so to solely blame issues just on tourists seems a bit dramatic on the surface.
Any way you slice it, however, Tarragona has been the secret escape from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona as a less-crowded blue water vacation spot surprisingly packed with intriguing historical sites.
The Colosseum is cool and all but what about former gladiator fighting grounds hugging the scenic coastline?
That’s right, there’s a well-preserved Roman theater backdropped by the vast Balearic Sea.
Tarragona is steeped in history, and it shows in the best of ways exploring the quaint city center.
Make sure to stop by Catedral Tarragona, a national monument dating back to the 12th century. But nowadays, it’s most popular for live music and wine tastings.
Ahh, the joys of Spain.
While Barcelonians certainly know how incomparable Spain’s food and wine scene are, other tourists should definitely arrive hungry and hydrated!
Tip: Don’t skip the Central Market of Tarragona dating back to 195 for fresh, savory local cuisine.
Crowd-Free Soft Sand Beaches
Tarragona boasts beautiful coastlines, becoming even more alluring once you realize how much space you have as this picturesque city has long been just a local’s secret.
There are 3 primary beaches to visit here, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. The pretty soft sand rivals many other popular coastlines.
The easiest to reach is Playa del Miracle right in town, or else you can head to Platja Arrabassada or Paltja Savinosa.
The latter being hyped the most for its pristine delicate sand and clear waters. Just be aware you may see more than you bargained for as nudity is welcomed here.
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