Things To Do
in Valls
Valls is a historic Catalan town in the province of Tarragona known as the birthplace of the calçotada and a strong center for the human-tower (castells) tradition. Its compact medieval center features narrow streets, Romanesque and Gothic churches, and lively market squares where local life is visible year-round. The town sits a short drive from the Costa Daurada beaches and the striking Monastery of Poblet, making it a convenient base for both cultural and coastal day trips.
Valls mixes agricultural roots and festival vitality, with seasonal events that draw visitors to taste local cuisine and watch traditional performances.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely walk through the historic center of Valls, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the Gothic-style church, Església de Sant Joan. Afterward, visit the nearby Plaça del Blat, a vibrant square that hosts local markets and is perfect for people-watching. Grab a traditional breakfast of 'coca de recapte' at a local café to fuel your exploration.
In the afternoon, delve into the rich history of the region by visiting the Museu de Valls, which showcases local art and artifacts. After your cultural immersion, take a stroll along the beautiful streets lined with charming shops and boutiques, where you can find handcrafted souvenirs. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant to savor regional dishes such as 'calçots' and romesco sauce.
As the sun sets, head to a local tapas bar for dinner, enjoying a variety of small plates with a glass of local wine. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, soaking in the atmospheric ambiance of Valls at night. Consider ending your evening with a performance of traditional Catalan music at a nearby venue.
Begin your day with a visit to the nearby Penedès wine region, renowned for its exceptional Catalan wines. Enjoy a guided tour of a local winery, where you’ll learn about the wine-making process and the unique terroir of the area. Sample some exquisite Cava, a sparkling wine that the region is famous for, along with freshly baked pastries.
After your wine tasting, indulge in a leisurely lunch at a vineyard restaurant that offers stunning views of the vineyards. Savor a meal paired with local wines, appreciating the flavors of the region. In the afternoon, take a scenic bike ride through the picturesque landscapes of the Penedès countryside.
Return to Valls for dinner at a restaurant that specializes in traditional Catalan cuisine, where you can enjoy dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. As you dine, engage with the staff about the culinary traditions of the area and their favorite local wines. Spend the evening at a cozy bar, sipping on a glass of local wine and mingling with friendly locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍷Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-60 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus or short taxi ride | $1.50-10 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $50-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong local culture (calçotades and castells) and authentic Catalan experience
- Compact, walkable historic center with easy access to beaches and countryside
- Lower prices and fewer tourists than major Catalan cities
- Good base for exploring Monastery of Poblet, Priorat, and Costa Daurada
- Limited late-night public transport and fewer nightlife options compared with larger cities
- Some services and menus primarily in Catalan which may challenge non-Catalan speakers
- Smaller town amenities—specialized services and shops may require trips to Tarragona or Reus
- "Bon dia" - Good morning / Hello (Catalan)
- "Si us plau" - Please (Catalan)
- "Gràcies" - Thank you (Catalan)
- "On és ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Quant costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Un cafè, si us plau" - A coffee, please
- "Perdó / Disculpi" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Valls
Visit one of these nice places.
Photograph medieval facades, lively squares, and street life; great for capturing the town’s daily rhythm and architectural details.
The church’s exterior and interior offer Gothic and baroque elements; good early-morning or late-afternoon light for moody architectural shots.
If you time your visit with a local castell event, dramatic action shots of human towers are a must—arrive early for good vantage points and respect performer space.
A UNESCO site with cloisters, stone architecture and gardens—excellent for wide-angle and detail photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Rolling fields, vineyards and olive groves near Valls offer pastoral scenes, especially photogenic at golden hour and during calçotada smoke and fire events.
Food in Valls
Valls Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled calçots (long spring onions) served with romesco sauce and often part of a calçotada feast; try them at family-run restaurants or during winter–spring festivals and organized calçotades in the surrounding fields.
Must-Try!
Romesco is a nut- and pepper-based sauce that accompanies grilled vegetables, fish or meats. Many local restaurants pair it with fresh seasonal produce or grilled lamb.
A traditional Catalan stew served especially in colder months; hearty and reflective of rural Catalan cuisine, available in traditional restaurants and during family-style meals.
A Catalan salad with endives, salt cod and a romesco-like sauce; common in coastal and inland Catalan cuisine and sometimes served in Valls establishments.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The weekly market and covered market stalls sell fresh produce, charcuterie, cheeses and seasonal goods—excellent for tasting local olives, cheeses and buying ingredients for a picnic.
During calçot season local bars and event organizers host outdoor calçotades where you can eat grilled calçots, meat and other staples in a festive communal setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Catalan is widely spoken alongside Spanish—use simple Catalan greetings like "Bon dia" to show respect, though Spanish will be understood. Polite, friendly greetings are appreciated.
Castells and calçotades are important cultural events—observe respectfully, follow organizers’ instructions, and avoid stepping into performance areas or distracting participants.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites; remove hats and speak quietly inside sacred spaces.
Social life can be relaxed; for restaurants and tours, punctuality is appreciated but a short delay is common. Table conversation tends to be lively—join in but avoid intrusive questions.
Safety
Tipping in Valls
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest in Spain: round up small bills in cafés, leave 5–10% in restaurants for good service, and tip taxi drivers or hotel porters a few euros for assistance. Service charges are sometimes included—check the bill.
Euro is used; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants and shops but smaller bars, markets and rural businesses may prefer cash. ATMs are available in town; notify your bank before travel if using foreign cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Calçot season peaks from late winter into early spring—expect festivals, communal calçotades and crowded weekends. Temperatures are mild and ideal for exploring both town and nearby countryside.
Hot, dry weather with daytime highs often in the high 20s–30s °C (80s–90s °F); town life moves outdoors in the evenings, and nearby beaches on the Costa Daurada are popular day trips. Expect local fiestas and extended opening hours for bars.
Milder temperatures and harvest activities in nearby vineyards; quieter than summer, with pleasant hiking weather and fewer tourists. Some cultural events resume after August holiday closures.
Cooler and sometimes wet—daytime temperatures are generally mild compared to inland Europe but chilly at night. This is calçotada season (late winter to early spring) so food-focused events and cozy tavern meals are common.
Valls at Night
Hiking in Valls
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Offers moderate trails with scenic viewpoints over the plains and coastline; good for half-day hikes and birdwatching.
Hilly terrain with quieter paths, traditional farmhouses, and panoramic views—suitable for walkers and mountain bikers.
A larger natural area with varied trails, rock formations and forested routes ideal for day hikes and nature photography.
Cultural-historical walking routes connecting monasteries and small villages with peaceful countryside paths around the Monastery of Poblet.
Airports
How to reach Valls by plane.
Closest international airport (about 20–30 minutes by car) with seasonal routes and connections; good option for low-cost or charter flights. From Reus take a taxi or regional bus to Valls.
Major international airport about 1–1.5 hours by car or train; offers the most flight options and easy car rental. Regular bus and train connections link BCN to Tarragona and onward to Valls.
Further away (used by some low-cost carriers); travel time to Valls is considerably longer and typically involves a rental car or multiple transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-established families with strong ties to local traditions, agriculture and small businesses—Catalan language and culture are prominent.
Like many small towns, Valls has an older demographic segment, with family networks central to community life.
Younger residents who commute to Tarragona or Reus for work, and families attracted by lower living costs than nearby cities.
Small communities from North Africa and Latin America contribute to the town’s workforce and cultural mix, visible in shops and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
More cultural than conventional sport, building human towers is a competitive, community-centered activity with deep roots in Valls; watching or attending a castell event is a highlight.
Local amateur and youth football is popular, as across Spain—matches and community clubs are common.
Road cycling and mountain biking are popular due to quiet country roads and varied terrain in nearby hills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Valls.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in big cities; look for vegetable-based dishes, salads like xató, grilled vegetables with romesco, and market produce. Many restaurants will adapt plates if asked—learn key phrases or point to menu items.
Vegan choices require some effort; carry snacks, check ingredient lists (many traditional sauces contain nuts or fish), and ask for simple grilled vegetables, salads, and bread. Larger nearby towns have more vegan-specific options.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing—restaurants can often accommodate gluten-free bread and rice dishes; always specify needs clearly and check for cross-contamination in fried foods and sauces.