Things to do in Cambrils

Once you see Cambrils Beach, you’ll understand why thousands of vacationers come to Catalonia. Technically two beaches, Playa de Regueral and Playa Plat d’en Forès, this city beach is popular with locals and tourists. It is located a convenient distance from the town center and amenities. Load up a beach bag and come down to the water ready for a day out. Once you put your feet in the soft beach sand, you may not want to leave.

Now mostly used for weddings and galas, the Castle Vilafortuny was once on the front row of history. Built in the 12th century, about when the union of Catalonia and the Kingdom of Aragon marked the beginning of the expulsion of the Moors from Spain, the stone walls have stood through generations of upheaval. Walk to its location, not far from Cambrils, to see a small piece of the history of Spain.

La Llosa Roman Villa once stood on slightly raised ground overlooking the sea. The home of a wealthy Roman, this rather large villa was near the Via Augusta that ran from Cadiz to Narbonne, France. It was occupied from the 1st to the 6th centuries, but not discovered until the 20th century. The site has hosted annual work camps since 1990. Pick your way between the ancient stone walls and gardens, imagining yourself back in the heyday of Roman Hispania.

Set amid lime trees and palms, Parc Samà is the ultimate expression of “Indiano,” an architectural and gardening craze that swept Spain during the return of aristocratic families from the Americas in the 19th century. Travel back in time and across the world in its romantic garden buildings, some designed by famed Spanish artist Antoni Gaudí. Stroll down its narrow paths, meet the animals that still live in the Samà family’s personal zoo and appreciate the varied sights and smells.

Housed in a somewhat unassuming pale yellow building, the History Museum of Cambrils Mill of Three Eras is notable both for the history of its building and the impressive collection of ancient artifacts it holds inside. Bringing together objects from prehistory to the early Middle Ages, the collection demonstrates the thriving early life of Cambrils as a stop on the Roman Via Augusta. Take a guided tour or meander through the collection on your own, absorbing the history of the place.

Very close to the beach, Parc del Pescador is the perfect retreat from the Spanish sun. Modern and full of amenities, it is the crown jewel of Cambrils’ park system. The site spreads out over 54,000 square feet (5,000 square meters), offering multiple play areas for children, a café, lawn games and more. Try the monkey bars, watch a play in the open-air amphitheater or simply lounge in the Mediterranean garden, featuring a selection of plants representing the countries of the basin.

Pinaret Park in northern Cambrils is a state-of-the-art green space, perfect for helping kids get their daily exercise or simply watching the world go by. Buy coffee from one of the nearby shops and cafés and lounge beneath its trees. Sit on one of the manicured lawns, feeling the world warm up as the sun rises in the sky. Spread out a map of the town on the picnic tables to plan a day in the sun or arrive in the evening to relax before enjoying the town’s nightspots.