Slow Travel weekend itinerary Altafulla, Spain
Altafulla Spain is one of those dreamy coastal villages with a boardwalk by the beach, hiking trails along the coast and historic architecture inviting you stroll around in the center of town. It is located just outside Tarragona, about 1h south of Barcelona, easys drive and train connection without changes.
Tamarit Castle
You may have heard of it because it’s home to Tamarit castle, famous for destination weddings. From town, you’ll walk across a bridge over the train tracks to the beach and then turn right. It’s a short walk to the castle at the end of the beach.
About half way, you’ll be crossing a shallow stream, either by taking off your shoes and rolling up your pants or by long jumping 🙂
You can also drive the castle, approaching it from the other side. There is parking inside and outside the castle gates. We didn’t come for a wedding but still had a chance to see the castle grounds when we joined a Sunday Mass in Tamarit’s chapel.
Hiking near Altafulla Spain
You can continue the hike past the castle, all the way to Taragona along the Cami de Ronda. This is the same trail along the Catalan coast that I wrote about in my post about Palafrugell. It takes you along the beaches and cliffs of the Costa Daurada, past grand villas and through pine forests.
There is a new view after each turn, even beginner hikers can manage the elevation gain, signage is easy to follow. I loved that it smelled of flowers and blooming bushes even though we came very late in the season. Altafulla really felt like summer never ends here. In the high season during July and August it gets crowded no doubt, but at this time of year it’s quiet.
Beachside drinks
After retracing you steps on the trail and returning to Altafulla, stop for a drink at one of the restaurants on the boardwalk. Sit by the beach, listen to the sounds of the waves and enjoy. It’s a good place to reflect, because even though it’s quiet, something in you line of sight always moves. A boat on the sea, families on their afternoon walk passing by, birds setting off to flight, it never gets boring.
If you are into Slow Travel, Altafulla in late summer or early fall is the perfect destination. Without rushing from one attraction to the other, you can experience local culture and cuisine and decelerate.
Return to you accomodation for a little siesta and get ready for dinner. Altafulla is home to a few cosy restaurants with outdoor seating under trees and pergolas, twinkling lights creating an atmosphere like in a movie. It wouldn’t have surprised me to see Hugh Grant walking in with his puppy eyes and a bouquet of flowers.
Dinner with live music
Faristol is one of those. They have live music every Saturday night at 22:30. Make sure to book a table, as it is popular. Either have a late dinner at that time as many locals will or enjoy a few after dinner drinks while listening to the music. Faristol serves American cuisine with a mediterranean touch.
Tucked away in the narrow street of the historic town center is the restaurant Les Bruixes. The pictures on their facebook don’t do it credit!They close at 4 on Sundays, but you can enjoy the terrace for a long lazy lunch.
More things to do in Altafulla
If you’re up for another hike, explore the part of Cami de Ronda north of Altafulla, towards Torredmbarra. Take in the views of Altafulla from the last lighthouse built in the 20th century.
Or go see another castle in town: the Castell d’Altafulla. It’s setting on a hill offers great views of the downtown streets all the way to the sea and undisturbed wilderness on the inland side.
Recharge your batteries in the tranquility before you return to city life.
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