Tarragona is a province in Catalonia, boasting a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea, known as the Costa Dorada. Along this coast, Tarragona beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain.

This list of Tarragona beaches starts from the city itself. We’ll explore the best Tarragona beaches to the north first; then head south to the Salou and Cambrils beaches.

Tarragona Beaches North of Tarragona City

1. La Arrabassada

This beach obtained the 2023 Blue Flag Award, indicating high water quality and safety standards. Located approximately 2 km from the center of Tarragona, it stretches about 600 m long and 60 m wide, boasting fine sand.

The trees and low rocks flanking the beach offer a picturesque view, complemented by a pleasant walking path along the shoreline.

During the summer months, La Arrabassada provides all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable beach day, including hammock rentals and beach bars. It is also popular among surfers.

I highly recommend this beach. Safe, clean, picturesque and with so clear waters that I could even see little fish on them. There are nice beach bars and easy parking available.

To access La Arrabassada Beach:

Access: Pg. Rafael Casanova / N-340. By car, take the N-340a road, at the end of Via Augusta. Parking facilities are available.

2. La Savinosa

Situated after Arrabassada, this beach also boasts a 2023 Blue Flag Award. It spans 350 meters in length and 50 meters in width, offering clean waters that are ideal for snorkeling.

Facilities include toilets, showers, and a beach bar; however, there are no rental services for hammocks or parasols, nor are there playgrounds or sports areas.

La Savinosa is traditionally known as a nudist beach, though in recent years, it has seen an increasing number of ‘textile’ bathers. Nudist visitors tend to gather on one side of the beach, while ‘textile’ bathers have been increasing in number.

I found the beach very clean and the waters very shallow for enjoying bathing. Here, I would also see fish in the water. There is a very good ‘chiringuito,’ which is what Spaniards call the bars on the beach.

To access La Savinosa Beach:

Take the N-340a road by car. Parking is available.

3. Cala Romana

Next to La Savinosa, we come across Cala Romana. This beautiful golden sand cove is almost 60 meters long and 60 meters wide, nestled between rocks. Surrounded by a pine tree forest, it offers a nice environment for visitors who can also receive shade and enjoy a picnic day.

In general, this beach offers a very tranquil environment. However, no other services or facilities are offered except footwashes.

To access Cala Romana:

You can easily access this beach on foot or by public bus. There is no parking area.

4. Playa Llarga

This is the longest beach in Tarragona, stretching almost 3 km in length and 60 m in width. It is located 4 km from the city center in a wooded and sparsely urbanized area. Playa Llarga offers fine-grained sand and crystal-clear waters.

The beach boasts marshes and protected dunes, providing a wild ambiance. It also features a sailing school, kayak rentals, and excursions.

Amenities include beach bars, toilets, showers, lifeguard stations, and rental of sunbeds and umbrellas.

I took a very long walk along the beach. In fact, it’s ideal for long walks. The environment is nice, particularly with several places to get food.

To access Playa Llarga:

It’s easy to arrive by car via N-340a, at km 1167.

5. Cala Fonda/Waikiki

Cala Fonda, also known as Waikiki Beach, is considered the most beautiful among the four belonging to the municipality of Tarragona and is located 6 km north of the city.

This pristine cove is surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation, nestled within the Marquesa forest—an area of significant ecological value. Spanning around 200 meters in length and 20 meters in width, it features golden sands and tranquil, shallow waters.

As a secluded gem, Cala Fonda does not offer any services, so visitors should bring everything they need for the day.

Cala Fonda is officially designated as a nudist beach in Tarragona. However, in high season, you may find textile bathers.

To reach Cala Fonda:

If arriving from the south, such as Salou, one can walk from Playa Llarga. There is a signposted path surrounded by natural vegetation. From the north, near the Torre de la Mora campsite, visitors can park their cars. From there, they can embark on a 20-minute walk to reach Cala de la Roca Plana before continuing on to Cala Fonda.

6. Cala de Roca Plana

The next point on the way to the north is Cala de Roca Plana, a sandy cove also known as Calabecs. It’s within a natural park with beautiful natural surroundings and crystal clear, calm waters.

This cove is a nudist beach about 200 meters long and 20 meters wide. The location is completely isolated and lacks any type of service. Although it’s difficult to arrive, the beauty of the place makes it worthwhile.

To reach Cala de Roca Plana:

Take urban bus line 9. By car, take via N-340 or N.II to Playa de la Mora. Follow signs to the “Torre de la Mora” campsite. Park near the sign indicating “path / private property.” Walk to the sign for Punta de la Mora and from there, follow the indicated tracks and paths to Roca Plana. It’s not an easy walk.

7. La Mora Beach

This is a lovely beach, particularly because the waters are so transparent and calm. Since they gradually cover the area, it’s perfect for families with children. La Mora truly deserves its 2023 Blue Flag certification.

Unlike the previous ones, this semi-urban beach has a promenade. It’s equipped with every necessary service, including amphibious chairs, sports and children’s areas. There is also a yacht club and some restaurants.

Here, I also loved the fact that the waters hardly covered; they were shallow and clean.

To reach La Mora Beach:

Take urban bus Line 9. By car, take the N-40 via with the exit at La Mora Urbanization. There is parking for 100 cars. The access by foot is easy, and there is access for disabled individuals.

8. Tamarit Beach

This is a protected beach in a non-urban area, which has also been awarded the 2023 Blue Flag Certification.

It takes its name from the 11th-century Romanesque-style Tamarit Castle, built in front of the sea.

With an extension of 1.1 km and a width of about 40 m, this beach offers calm waters. It’s surrounded by a beautiful pine tree forest.

During the summer season, there are lifeguards. Other services include showers and access for people with mobility disabilities.

To get to Tamarit Beach:

You can reach it by urban bus, which will leave you at the beginning of the road to the castle. From there, it’s about a 1 km walk to the beach. By car, take the N-340 highway with the exit in Tamarit. There is a parking lot available.

9. Altafulla Beach

This 1 km long beach holds the 2023 Blue Flag Award, certifying the quality of its waters. With fine golden sand, this beach is fully equipped, including access for people with disabilities.

There is a playground for kids, a sports area, and a yacht club. At the club, you can arrange for the practice of several water sports such as sailing, paddle surfing, kayaking, and windsurfing.

In the 1700s, fishermen and merchants built small storage buildings on the beach to store goods for trade. One hundred years ago, these old warehouses were turned into houses, creating the Botigues de Mar neighborhood, mainly used as summer homes.

I recommend walking along the promenade and exploring the picturesque Botigues de Mar neighborhood with its white houses. There are nice outdoor cafes and restaurants along the way.

You can also enjoy walking along the beach until you reach the Tamarit Castle.

To get to Altafulla beach:

There is an urban bus available. By car, take the N-340 highway. Parking is available. Access on foot is very easy.

Tarragona Beaches South of Tarragona City: Salou and Cambrils

Salou

1. Levante Beach

This long semi-urban beach in Salou extends for more than 1 km and offers everything you may expect from a good beach. It was awarded the 2023 Blue Flag Award.

The beach is very wide, about 80 meters, and boasts golden sand, calm, and shallow waters. Along its length, it offers a wide range of services.

In summer, the rate of occupancy is very high. Salou’s beaches are very popular, especially among young tourists from other European countries.

When in Salou, I enjoy walking along its promenade, known as Passeig Jaume I, named after a Spanish king. There are some beautiful old mansions, outdoor restaurants, souvenir shops, and bars. There are also playgrounds for kids and ornamental fountains offering great shows of lights and water.

To get to Levante Beach:

By Bus Plana, there are several stops. By car, take the Tarragona-Salou road. There is parking for about 100 cars.

2. Poniente Beach

This is the beach next to Levante. It also measures more than 1 km and is about 40 m wide. It boasts the same quality of water and sand as its neighbor.

This beach sees a high level of occupancy in the high season. It’s fully equipped with everything needed to spend a great day at the beach. You can also enjoy various water sports and dine at any of the several beach bars along the coast.

The promenade along this beach is not as crowded as the one in Levante. Many people enjoy walking to the nearby Vilafortuny beach or biking all the way to Cambrils.

To get to Poniente Beach:

Take the urban bus of the Plana line. By car, take the Tarragona-Salou road.

Cambrils

1. Cap de Sant Pere Beach

This is the first beach belonging to Cambrils when coming south from Salou. It extends for more than 1 km but is quite narrow.

Cap de Sant Pere can be very crowded in summer since it’s not only in an urban area but also faces numerous hotels and buildings along the coast.

The beach is equipped with showers and offers rentals of hammocks and parasols.

To get to Cap de Sant Pere:

By bus: The Plana bus line Salou-Cambrils has a stop in front of the beach. By car: It’s only a 5-km drive from Cambrils. The beach is next to the roundabout with the sign of Salou. There is parking for up to 100 cars. Access on foot is easy, but there is no access for disabled individuals.

2. Vilafortuny

This wide and long beach, extending for 1.5 km, has golden sand and beautiful waters. It’s very well-equipped, family-friendly, and has access for people with restricted mobility. It was granted the 2023 Blue Flag Award.

I recommend taking a walk to a nearby 12th-century castle. Although entrance is not possible, at least it makes for a nice walk. I was told that it opens only for private events.

Vilafortuny is easily accessible on foot or by car.

3. L’ Esquirol

Next to Vilafortuny and in the direction of the town of Cambrils lies L’Esquirol beach. With golden sand, it extends for about one km.

This beach is well-known among water sports enthusiasts. If you are one of them, visit the Wind Cambrils sailing school, where you can practice windsurfing and paddleboarding, among other sports.

In summer, kids will have fun in a playground with a variety of games, and they can even play mini golf. Facilities are available for people with reduced mobility.

L’Esquirol is easily accessible on foot or by car, with parking available.

4. El Cavet

This is one of my favorite beaches in Cambrils and was also awarded the 2023 Blue Flag Award. It’s narrow and less than 600 m long.

Although it is a sandy beach, it has some rocky stretches, ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.

As a Blue Flag beach, El Cavet offers all necessary services, including access ramps for people with reduced mobility.

Access is easy by car, walking, or by bike through the bike lane that connects the entire coast of Cambrils.

5. Regueral

This beach faces the center of Cambrils. It’s approximately 70 meters wide and 1.2 kilometers long, making it the biggest and longest among all the beaches in the area of Cambrils. With its excellent water quality, sandy shores, and comprehensive services, it has also been awarded the 2023 Blue Flag.

Adjacent to the beach and along the promenades, there is a wide array of restaurants and outdoor terraces. Visitors can choose from a diverse range of cuisines, including Mediterranean, seafood specialties, and oriental cuisine.

Next to Regueral lies the Nautical Club and yachts, which form the typical postcard scene of Cambrils. Various types of excursions and sea sport activities can be arranged here.

6. Horta de Santa Maria

After Regueral, you will come across a small beach adapted for pets. Then comes Horta de Santa Maria. This is an urban beach with very calm waters protected from the waves by breakwaters.

It is well-equipped and has ramps for people with mobility issues. Along the beach runs a promenade bordered with palm trees. This promenade connects all the beaches and provides a delightful walk. Benches are available along the way for walkers to rest.

7. La Llosa

This is my second favorite beach in Cambrils, after El Cavet, and is also one of the four Cambrils beaches awarded the 2023 Blue Flag Certification.

This beautiful beach owes the calmness of its waters to natural breakwaters which protect it. The waters are crystal clear, making it the perfect spot for families with kids.

La Llosa offers every service and meets all the conditions of a Blue Flag beach award. People with mobility problems can enjoy the water with the help of an amphibious chair.

8. L’ Ardiaca

This is the last beach of Cambrils along the promenade. It’s about 30 meters wide and 1.7 kilometers long. It’s frequented mostly by locals from the urbanization from which it takes its name.

L’Ardiaca is equipped with showers and offers rental of parasols and lounges. There are areas for kids and sports, and it also has access for people with mobility problems.