Xalet de Prades

The surrounding Muntanyes de Prades area is dotted with interesting sights, such as the Mirador de Sant Roc viewpoint (five minutes’ drive), the natural rock formation at Roca Foradada (10 minutes) and Bosc pintat de Poblet (half an hour), a forested area with mushroom art on the tree trunks. Built by the Cistercian order in the late 12th century (but including many later additions), the Monasterio de Santa María de Poblet (half an hour) is a monumental complex surrounded by a crenellated wall. It also contains the tombs of the kings and queens of Catalonia and Aragon. Among the Roman ruins in Tarragona (one hour) are an amphitheatre and a track for chariot races, plus the Ferreres Aqueduct; an archaeological museum displays artefacts unearthed in the area. There are also beaches and a pretty marina lined with seafood restaurants.