This Catalan city, the birthplace of architect Antoni Gaudí, sits near Spain's Costa Daurada beaches. Its center has wine bars, modernist buildings, and access to DO Montsant vineyards.
In Catalonia's Tarragona province, Reus welcomes visitors with its modernist buildings like the Casa Navàs, where you can walk through rooms filled with original early 1900s furniture and decorative arts. Walk the streets to spot curved facades and colorful ceramic details on almost 80 buildings from the modernist period, step into the interactive Gaudí Centre to understand the famous architect's creative process, or taste local vermouth at the city's traditional producers.
Exploring Reus's Central Squares
Two squares form the core of Reus city life. In Plaça Prim, you'll find the neo-classical Fortuny Theatre and a row of stone arcades where locals gather at outdoor cafes. The adjacent Plaça del Mercadal houses both the city hall and the Gaudí Centre. Visit in June during the Sant Pere festival to watch the tronada, a traditional firecracker display that fills the square with sound and excitement.
Modernist Architecture Route
Walk past almost 80 modernist buildings from the early 20th century on a self-guided tour. Inside Casa Navàs, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, you can see intricate coffered ceilings, original glass lamps, and furniture preserved from its construction period. Take a short trip outside the center to visit the Pere Mata Institute, another modernist masterpiece. Pick up free route maps at the tourist office to guide your exploration.
The Gaudí Connection
Though Antoni Gaudí never designed buildings in Reus, you can learn about his revolutionary architectural ideas at the Gaudí Centre. This 1,200-square-meter space uses interactive displays and modern technology to explain his innovative construction techniques. Follow the Gaudí route through the city to see his birthplace and the Sant Pere church where he was baptized.
Vermouth Production and Tasting
During the 19th century, Reus became a major vermouth producer with over 30 different makers. Today, you can visit producers like Yzaguirre, Miró, and Iris to learn about the traditional production process. Stop by the Vermouth Museum to see its collection of historic bottles, labels, and advertising posters, then sample different varieties in the tasting room.
Getting Around and Day Trips
Fly into Reus Airport, just three miles from the city center, with connections to many European cities. From Reus, you can reach the beaches of Salou in 15 minutes by car or bus, explore the Roman amphitheater and circus in Tarragona, or spend a day at PortAventura World theme park. These easy connections make Reus an ideal starting point for exploring the Costa Daurada region.
