Tarragonès, the home of calçots

An authentic calçotada: eating with your hands has never been such a good idea

A glowing grill, tender onions roasted over the flames, romesco sauce, bibs on, wine on the table and a real appetite for enjoying yourself without any fuss. That’s a calçotada, one of Catalonia’s most popular winter food traditions.

Never tried one? A calçotada centres on calçots, sweet, mild onions that are grilled over hot coals, peeled by hand and dipped in romesco sauce. It’s not just about the flavour, but the experience: informal, fun and made for sharing. With this offer, it’s easier than ever to enjoy one.

Enjoy this experience at Restaurante Les Arades, awarded second place in the Valls Calçotada Sauce Competition by the Tarragona Provincial Council. The restaurant is in Vilabella, close to Valls, the undisputed capital of calçotadas. Travel to the restaurant is at your own expense.

What does the calçotada menu include?

• 15 calçots per person, served with romesco sauce
• Grilled Catalan sausage, pork belly and black pudding, served with beans
• Bread
• Water and wine
• Crema catalana

For just 14 € extra, you can upgrade your menu to include grilled lamb with a baked potato, dessert (orange, flan or ice cream), coffee and a liqueur. You can add this during the booking process.

When can you enjoy the calçotada?

Make a note of the dates and get ready to enjoy an authentic Catalan calçotada!

Available dates:

• From 5 to 20 December: every Saturday and Sunday.
• From 9 January to 28 March: every Saturday and Sunday.

Which day will you enjoy the calçotada?

If your first hotel night is on a Sunday, you’ll enjoy the calçotada on the day you arrive. In all other cases, it will take place the following day, provided it falls within the available dates.

Flavour, tradition and fun, an experience you have to try at least once.

For groups of 6 or more, bookings can be made on any day of the week. You can book as a group through our contact section or by calling 902 575 890.

Hotel El Morell: a peaceful stay in authentic Catalan countryside

• Located in the quiet village of El Morell, this hotel offers a simple, cosy atmosphere perfect for travellers who enjoy rural surroundings and calm moments. Its rooms provide the essentials for a comfortable rest, making it an excellent choice for a short countryside break.

• What guests appreciate most is the tranquillity of the area and the easy access to Tarragona, Reus or the charming villages nearby: ideal if you want to discover Catalonia beyond the coast. Its friendly service and convenient location make stays feel relaxed and effortless.

A great match for those looking to unwind in a peaceful setting while staying close to some of the region’s most interesting cultural and gastronomic spots.

Looking for a peaceful spot steeped in history, just a stone's throw from the Costa Daurada? Only 9 km from Tarragona, El Morell has more secrets than you might expect.

5 things you probably didn't know about El Morell

1. It's over 850 years old

It was founded in 1173, when the Archbishop of Tarragona and King Alfonso II of Aragon granted these lands to be settled.

2. The Romans passed through here

The Roman road linking Tarraco and Lleida crossed the area. A Roman milestone found here is now on display at the Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona.

3. Its castle is the town hall

The Casal dels Montoliu, known locally as "el Castell", was built in the 18th century on the foundations of a medieval castle. Right next to it, the Church of Sant Martí and the remains of the old town walls complete the historic centre.

4. It has smelled of vermouth since 1884

This is home to Yzaguirre vermouth, still made to its original recipe. The winery runs guided tours with tastings, the perfect plan for a Spanish-style aperitif.

5. It comes "in pieces"

The municipality has two exclaves to the west, separate from the main village. A real quirk on the map.

When to go?

If you love a festive atmosphere, note its two main festivals: the summer one at the end of July, and Sant Martí, around 11 November.

Peace, history and the Mediterranean just minutes away. Book your break in El Morell and discover the most authentic side of the Costa Daurada.

Tarragona is the cultural heart of the Costa Daurada. Once Tarraco, one of the most important cities of Roman Hispania, it now has its archaeological ensemble listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can feel it everywhere: an amphitheatre overlooking the sea, sections of Roman wall wrapped around a medieval old town and a seafront buzzing with Mediterranean life.

It's a city that suits every kind of trip. Couples will love the sunset strolls and the old town's terraces, families can mix history with beach time, and anyone with a taste for the past will find two thousand years of it within walking distance.

Make sure you visit:

Begin at the Roman Amphitheatre, set right above the beach, where gladiators once fought with the Mediterranean as a backdrop. From there, walk up to the Roman Circus and the Pretori tower, whose rooftop gives you one of the best views over the city. Allow at least half a day for this route; mornings are ideal, especially in summer.

Next, follow the Passeig Arqueològic, a peaceful path running alongside the Roman walls, then lose yourself in the Part Alta until you reach the Cathedral of Santa Maria, a beautiful blend of Romanesque and Gothic with a lovely cloister. Before you leave, head a few kilometres out of town to the Pont del Diable, a Roman aqueduct hidden among pine trees.

Beaches we think you'll like:

Platja del Miracle is the city beach, just below the amphitheatre, so you can go from Roman ruins to the sea in minutes. A little further along, L'Arrabassada is a favourite with locals, with golden sand and a relaxed atmosphere.

If you're travelling with children, Platja Llarga lives up to its name: a long, wide stretch of sand with shallow water. And for something quieter, La Savinosa is a small cove close to the centre, away from the bustle.

Family-friendly activities:

History is surprisingly fun here. At the Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona, children can see Roman mosaics and everyday objects up close, and in May the Tarraco Viva festival brings legionaries, gladiators and Roman cooking to the streets.

In the late afternoon, stroll along the Rambla Nova to the Balcó del Mediterrani and join the local tradition of touching the iron railing for good luck. Then wander down to El Serrallo, the fishermen's quarter, to watch the boats come in. If you visit in September, the Santa Tecla festival fills the city with human towers, giants and fire runs.

Local delicacies you have to try:

Tarragona's cooking is all about the sea. In El Serrallo, order an arròs negre made with squid ink or a rossejat, a toasted rice or noodle dish, and don't leave without tasting romesco, the region's famous sauce of peppers, nuts and garlic, often served with fish.

For a relaxed lunch, try Barquet, known for traditional rice and seafood dishes, or La Xarxa in El Serrallo, recognised with a Michelin Bib Gourmand. In winter, join the locals for calçots from nearby Valls, and round off any evening with a glass of vermouth from El Morell or a red from the Priorat.

Make the most of your visit:

Tarragona is a great base for discovering the culture, wine and coast of the Camp de Tarragona. These are our favourite trips within easy reach:

• El Morell (15 minutes): a quiet village with a castle that is now the town hall and the Yzaguirre vermouth winery.
• Reus (20 minutes): Gaudí's birthplace, full of Modernista buildings and vermouth bars.
• Poblet Monastery (45 minutes): a UNESCO-listed Cistercian monastery in beautiful countryside.
• PortAventura World (20 minutes): theme parks for a fun family day out.