This is an 18 Km MEDIUM linear coastal walk via the GR-92 trail starting from Torredembarra and ending in Tarragona. In Altafula there is an open air museum of a farming vila Roman ruin. The route passes via Tamarit Castle with some interesting small coves and large beaches in between as well as the famous Cala Waikiki beach.
From RENFE Torredembarra walking along to the seafront to the marina take the path going up parallel to the coastline and follow it to the Punta de la Galera lighthouse and viewpoint. Further along the path is a headland viewpoint of Playa de Capellans i Canyadell. The rocks here have some ponds cut into them that are Roman Fishing pits.
Staying parallel to the coast on the waterfront path pass a ruined stone building and get to the town of Altafulla. This town was once a Roman settlement called Vila dels Munts. Today it is ruins with a museum.
Crossing the spectacular beaches of Altafulla and Tamarit we pass via a concrete bunker and see Tamarit castle. This is not open to the public but does rent space for events such as weddings.
Follow the path round the back of the castle passing some Iberian caves and ruins and head on towards la Mara beach. At the other side walk through the campsite to the stone watch tower and take the path leading into the forest.
Along this path is Cala Waikiki beach. A fantastic remote place with a gently sloping beach and perfect clear blue water. This is not the typical tourist beach in a town that is manned by lifeguards and suffering from litter and noise but a hidden gem and secret beach
Next we enter Playa Larga or long beach. Aptly named as it stretches for several kilometres and has many restaurants, bars and cafes. Last time I completed this route I ate at Mirall d' Estiu Restaurant.
At the other end we climb out of the beach onto a rocky path parallel to the coast and taking us via several small beaches before the abandoned Hospital de Arrabassada. This is closed to the public and patrolled by security.
Hospital de Arrabassada has a dark history. It was a tuberculosis hospital and also a hospital for soldiers during the civil war then an orphanage where children were reportedly abused. There have been plans to restore it but no one can decide what to do with the buildings.
Continuing along the coast we follow the rock path passing a few more viewpoints before arriving at Tarragona.
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Allow 6-9 hours to complete the route depending on how much time is spent swimming.
My recommended paces to swim are Platja de Canyadell, in front of Tamarit castle, Playa de la Mora, Cala Fonda (known as Waikiki beach and Playa El Miracle in Tarragona.
For lunch there is a beach front restaurant called Mirall d’Estiu on Platja Llarga near Tarragona which does great seafood and meat dishes.
In general Dogs are not permitted on beaches in the summer season between 1st June to the last Sunday in September, except in designated dog zones. This route involves walking along beaches, none of which are designated dog zones so complete the route with your dog outside of the summer season.
This route is a combination of sandy beaches and rocky paths through pine forests so in the spring or early autumn you may see poisonous Pine Processionary Caterpillars. The route will not present any difficulties for your dog.
This route involves walking along beaches and close to the shore so I put things that I want to remain dry inside dry bag inside my rucksack. I keep my phone inside an IPX8 case so I can take photos from the sea.
Take 2 - 3 litres of water.
Address: Estacio de RENFE, Torredembarra. 43830
Torredembarra and Tarragona are served by the R14, R15, R16 and R17 REGIOANL RENFE train lines. See the train map in the documents section.
The last train departs Tarragona around 22:00h from Tarragona so there is plenty of time to complete this route without stressing about time or cutting short swimming in the beautiful beaches and coves.
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A linear Costal walk in Tarragona via Beaches, light houses, watchtower, Roman Ruins Vila dels Munts, Tamarit Castle and Abandoned Hospital de Arrabassada.
Distance: 17.97 Km
Difficulty: Moderate
Return Travel Fare: €16.10
Transport Network: Regional
