In the north of Tarragona, with a population of 16,000 inhabitants, there is Torredembarra. This small town has heritage treasures, magnificent landscapes and gastronomic emblems that are well worth discovering. It is one of the many hidden jewels of the Costa Dorada with Blue Flag beaches, hidden coves, an impressive lighthouse and medieval buildings, among many other things. If you want to plan your visit to Torredembarra take notes of this article, as we tell you the things you can’t miss in this small town.
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History
This town combines a past full of history and a present full of tourist attractions. Of Roman origin, it has a Roman nucleus that began to stand out with the arrival of the Arabs in the Peninsula, who dominated the area until the 11th century. After passing through the hands of several Catalan noble families, a castle and walls were built around the town.
A historical event that marked the town was the battle of Torredembarra, where in 1713 troops of Philip V clashed with the supporters of the Austrian Crown. Subsequently, its port became more popular and opened up to trade with America.
Looking back at more modern history, the relationship of the inhabitants with the sea still endures, being the place from where the dangers, corsairs and pirates used to come in the old days. For this reason, the urban centre began to develop inland, safe from these threats. On the beach, there were only warehouses and small houses or shelters, known as “botigues“, which began to consolidate what is known today as the Baix a Mar neighbourhood. At that time, most of the inhabitants were fishermen and you can still breathe this atmosphere.
Torredembarra is located just an hour’s drive south from Barcelona, so it is easily accessible for a quick visit. Here are some of the places not to be missed when visiting this province of Tarragona, located on the Costa Dorada.
Torredembarra Lighthouse
Let’s start with the jewel in the crown. The Torredembarra Lighthouse was inaugurated in 2000 and became the last lighthouse to be built on the Iberian Peninsula. Its 5 bursts of light every 30 seconds can be seen for 20 nautical miles and indicates to vessels in the seas around Torredembarra. It is the tallest lighthouse in Catalonia and has become an icon of the municipality. Guided tours can be booked to get a panoramic view of the Baix a Mar neighbourhood, the town and its port.
Baix a Mar neighbourhood
Baix a Mar beach is located in the old fishermen’s quarter. It is located between the maritime club and the Narcís Monturiol square, and has a sports area where you can play beach tennis (a very popular sport in this municipality) and beach football, among other leisure activities. In the past, the sand used to reach the doors of the old houses and warehouses, but now there is a wide promenade with a wide range of restaurants and bars where you can sit and eat overlooking the sea. The Church of Sant Joan Baptista, which is in the centre of this old neighbourhood, and Can Bofill, flanked by a garden full of palm trees, are worth mentioning.
Muntanyans Beach
Beach of Muntanyans can still be enjoyed in the same way as it used to be, as the landscape has been preserved over the years. It is made up of dunes and salt marshes where you can relax, go hiking and observe the different animals and plants that live there. It is up to 2 km long and has a nudist area.
Canyadell Cove
If you want to enjoy a film-like sunset, don’t hesitate to visit Cala Canyadell at sunset. This hidden beach, only 60 metres long, is located between rocky walls and cliffs that rise up to 25 metres high. It is very close to the lighthouse, which can be reached on foot, and marks the boundary with Altafulla, its neighbouring town.
Paella Beach
All the beaches in this municipality are made up of fine, golden sand, although Paella Beach is known for its 90-metre-long, one-kilometre-long beach. It is located right next to the marina and fishing port, and has a fish market where fish is auctioned daily. In this area you will also find a wide variety of restaurants and nightlife. Its calm, shallow waters make it ideal for playing with children.
Old quarter
The old quarter of Torredembarra has several medieval buildings and other buildings that are worth visiting. Among them, the Torre de la Vila is one of the oldest buildings in the town. You can also visit the parish church of Sant Pere, in Baroque style, and the Town Hall building, located on the site of an old 11th century castle.
Restaurant L’Ham
Far from being a commercial restaurant, L’Ham is a local and family-run establishment that offers its delicious dishes where you can enjoy them on the beach with friends, family or your partner. Their speciality is rice dishes, especially seafood paella, although they also have different tapas and menus.
El Bloc
One of the curiosities that you will notice when strolling through this town on the Costa Daurada is a strange platform located in the middle of the sea, in front of the Church of Sant Joan Baptista. This is El Bloc. In the past, this platform had a pyramid-shaped structure which, thanks to its pulleys, was used to moor and unmoor boats from the beach. It was later replaced by another structure in the shape of an alpha and omega. It is currently being remodelled, but the platform is still present and can even be reached by swimming.
Don’t hesitate any longer and come and discover Torredembarra on the Costa Dorada. Don’t forget that we will take you from Barcelona airport, Reus airport, Girona airport or the AVE Camp de Tarragona train station. Book your transfer now and enjoy this corner of the Costa Dorada.
