What’s it like living in Tarragona?
Beth lives in Tarragona, a beautiful city south of Barcelona famous for it’s Roman ruins. As Beth informs me, Tarragona was the Roman capital of Hispania and has some of the best preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Despite all that, you rarely hear Tarragona mentioned as a place to settle down in Spain. In this interview Beth tells us all about Tarragona.
Name: Beth Little
Age: 56
Country of Origin: USA
Number of years in Spain: almost 2
Hi Beth! I’m wondering what led you to Spain. Why Spain?
During the pandemic, I was living in New Jersey and looking ahead to September 2022 when I was going to be a single empty nester and needed to make some big life changes. At first, I was looking at different locations within the US to relocate. But as I did more research, I started thinking about Europe. I had majored in French and German during university and had been studying Spanish as my “pandemic project.” So I decided to give myself three months to try living overseas as a local and if I was happy, I would come back for the holidays and apply for a visa. I love France and Germany but I had some friends in Spain and I have always felt a connection there, so I chose Spain for my trial run. Obviously, it all worked out and I am incredibly happy here!
How did you end up in Tarragona? It’s a city that never seems to come up as an expat/immigrant option. Did you live somewhere else in Spain prior to Tarragona?
My original plan was to spend the three months in Barcelona (I know you disagree, but it’s my favorite city 🙂). However, several of my Spanish friends suggested that I try living in a smaller city since I would be able to get a better feel of what it’s really like to live in Spain. They suggested both Girona and Tarragona, since they are both about an hour from Barcelona. I researched both and chose Tarragona. And they were right – as soon as I arrived, I knew I was in the right place for me!
What do you like so much about Tarragona?
For me, Tarragona has everything I was looking for. First of all, it’s really beautiful. Tarragona is located right on the Mediterranean and the weather is perfect for me. It was also the Roman capital of Hispania and has some of the best preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy. The population is 140,000 so it’s not too overwhelming but has lots of amenities and community events. There is also an active expat/immigrant community thanks to the large university and the nearby Repsol facilities, but is still a very Spanish/Catalan city.
What’s it like as a foreigner in Tarragona? Is there an expat population? Are there resources for expats?
I have found Tarragona to be really welcoming and an easy place to live as an immigrant. In addition to an active expat/immigrant WhatsApp group and FB page, there is a bar in the Arrabassada neighborhood called The Schoolhouse that hosts a lot of activities for non-natives as well as an English Corner and Spanish Corner every week. I have also met people through walking groups, history tours and my spanish classes. I do have a Spanish partner and have the benefit of spending time with his friends and family also.
On the whole, everyone has been really friendly and great.
What do you do to keep busy Beth? What’s your typical day like in Tarragona?
Right now, I am in Spain on an NLV so I am not working. Last summer, I purchased an apartment in Tarragona so I have been pretty busy overseeing the renovations. Everything is a little different than what I am used to in the United States so it’s been an interesting process and has definitely tested my Spanish! I also take two different Spanish courses – one a more traditional language course and one a conversation course – so four days a week I have two hours of class. In the evenings and weekends, I have been busy exploring Spain and Catalonia with my partner and new friends! So, I am definitely not bored.
Is there anything unique about Tarragona that stands out to you, something that makes it different than most places in Spain or even Catalonia? (example: food, drink, local customs…)
Clearly, the history of Tarragona is fascinating. The Roman ruins are beautiful and very much still a part of the daily life of the city. Last week, Tarragona held a fireworks competition and watching the fireworks reflected in the Mediterranean over the Roman ampitheather was an incredible experience. On the other hand, on any given night you can walk through the old town and watch kids using the Roman arches from the provincial forum as a soccer goal. I love that!
How do you get around? Do you have a car? How’s the public transport?
I do not have a car and can’t imagine having one. I live in the center so I have everything I could ever need close by. Tarragona doesn’t have a metro because of the Roman stones everywhere but it’s a very walkable city and the bus system is great. There is direct bus service to the Barcelona airport from the center as well as both a regular and high speed train station.
How about accommodation? I take it Tarragona is less expensive than places like Barcelona or Sitges? Do people complain about scarcity of housing?
Tarragona is definitely a lot more affordable than Barcelona and even Sitges. Right now, I am renting a two bedroom two bath apartment with views of the Mediterranean for 765 euros while I am waiting to complete the renovations on my apartment. The housing prices seem to be steadily increasing but not as steeply as in some of the more touristy areas so there isn’t as much of a problem here.
Language-wise, how do you get by Beth? Have you learned Catalan? Do you get by with Spanish?
I have been focused on learning Spanish so I haven’t done any formal study of Catalan yet. Once I am more comfortable with my Spanish, I definitely plan on learning Catalan also since I plan on living here permanently and I like learning languages. That being said though, I don’t think you absolutely need to learn Catalan to live in Catalonia. The people here switch easily between Catalan and Spanish (with both foreigners and each other). And obviously there are Spaniards from other areas of Spain living here who don’t speak Catalan. Personally, I have not had any situations in the last two years where I couldn’t communicate with someone in Spanish.
What do you think people should know if considering Tarragona as a possible place to base themselves? Any words of advice?
Tarragona and Catalonia have a long and interesting history and the people here definitely consider themselves both Spanish and Catalan. I think anyone considering a move here would find it helpful to be familiar with the history and politics of Catalonia (both ancient and more recent) and be respectful of the traditions and culture.
Thanks for doing this interview Beth!
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Related: What’s it like living in Sitges?
Related: What’s it like living in Barcelona?
Hi Beth,
We have an apartment in Part Alta and another one floor above that we will be renovating as a retirement place. I agree with everything you said – we love Tarragona. As soon as our house in the US sells and visas are in place we will be there permanently.
Great article. Hello Beth, nice to learn your journey. I am planning a trip to Tarragona in January 2025 to explore this city as a potential place to live as I am preparing for my retirement life. I visited Tarragona 10 years ago and fall in love by the moment I stepped into the ruins of the amphitheater, it was magical. I am taking Spanish classes and gathering information about cost of living and volunteering/part-time work opportunities. I am from Canada and a sunny and breeze destination is in my horizon. I’d love to connect with you, if possible. Gracias!
Hello Linda!
I would be happy to talk with you more about Tarragona. My email is [email protected] 😊
Hi Beth, Why did you choose Spain and not France. Similar story empty nester from NJ living in France now. Was hesitating between the two. Would love to know more about your process in choosing.
Hi Janine –
I love France too and have friends in both countries so I definitely considered France. My impression from visiting both countries is that I thought I would have an easier time integrating into a community in Spain. I don’t know if that’s true or not but luckily for me, I loved Spain!
Great story & brilliant that you’re embracing Spanish life! We’re in Tarragona next week for our hols & looking forward to exploring the area. I was wondering if you could help with some local tips for getting to Camp de Tarragona train station other than by taxi? (as is some way from Tarragona and La Pineda where we’re staying)
Hi Tris! There is a shuttle bus that runs frequently between the central bus station in Tarragona and Camp Tarragona. If you google Busplana Camp Tarragona you should see the pdf schedule. You can buy tickets at the window in the station or with cash on the bus.
Hi Beth – I would love to talk to you about Tarragona – have been last 5 years on the bounce for 2 weeks and feel like it is my special place – would love to buy but could really do with an English speaking expert who lives locally. I appreciate it’s a bit of an ask but please respond if you’re happy to chat. Really enjoyed the interview
I would be happy to talk with you more! I sent you an email 😊
Beth – reaching out again here – I want to be near the beach and you mentioned a beach view apartment, which I’m really interested in for renting all of Sept/Oct to swim a lot and wondering what might be possible – 1 person, only need 1-2 br – I’m looking for quiet as I’m a composer/writer/astrologer, but also looking for some community events or places like yoga studios to facilitate some workshops, would love any insights/references if it’s possible to chat privately, thanks!
I don’t personally know of anything but I would check to see if there are any airbnbs available in the Arrabassada neighborhood.
Great story Beth! My partner Fiona and I are in the process of moving to the area from Ireland. We are looking at Cambrils and Tarragona both. I would love to chat to you if you didn’t mind?
Hi Paul, for privacy concerns I’ve taken your telephone number off your comment. But I’ll make sure Beth sees your comment and I’ll forward your email to her.
I would be happy to talk with you about Tarragona!
Beth – this was very helpful – I want to be near the beach and you mentioned a beach view apartment, which I’m really interested in for renting all of Sept/Oct to swim a lot and wondering what might be possible – 1 person, only need 1-2 br – I’m looking for quiet as I’m a composer/writer/astrologer, but also looking for some community events or places like yoga studios to facilitate some workshops, would love any insights/references if it’s possible to chat privately, thanks!
This is fantastic! We just spent two weeks in Tarragona, which is currently at the top of our list for when both our girls are in college. We absolutely loved it! We got by, but we really need to work on our (California) Spanish.
I love these interviews Heather because I can’t explore Spain all by myself 🙂 So when someone like Beth comes along and introduces a new destination it makes my day.
I’m so glad you loved Tarragona as much as I do. I hope you look me up next time you are here!
I definitely will. I may be there in Jan/Feb while my daughter is in London for Study Abroad.