The Culture of Olive Oil in Camp de Tarragona

The Camp de Tarragona region is much more than just sun and sand: it is a land of olive trees, tradition, and flavour. Its olive oil, steeped in centuries of history, has now become a symbol of identity and development, particularly through the growth of olive oil tourism. With the Arbequina variety taking centre stage, and under the quality seal of the Siurana Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), the region invites you to discover the essence of the Mediterranean's authentic ‘liquid gold’.  

Discover the richness of the Camp de Tarragona region by travelling with BusPlana. We connect you with its most emblematic towns, such as Tarragona, Salou, Reus, Cambrils, and many more. Check all the schedules for our regular routes on our website.  

What's more, if you're flying into Costa Dorada, we have the perfect option for your transfer from Barcelona Airport. We are the official airport transport provider, so you can purchase official tickets online for your transfers between Barcelona Airport and the Camp de Tarragona region.  

Oil with History: From the Romans to the Siurana PDO  

The Camp de Tarragona region is a land of great history and unique landscapes, where the culture of olive oil has ancient roots. Its origins date back to Roman times, when ancient Tarraco became a major logistical hub for the Empire, and olive cultivation began to flourish. The oil produced in the area was essential for food, hygiene, and rituals, giving rise to a tradition that continues today and is reflected in the centuries-old olive trees that still adorn the Tarragona landscape. 

Throughout the Middle Ages and the Modern Era, the olive tree remained a pillar of local agriculture. The major turning point came with the consolidation of the Arbequina variety, which became the undisputed queen of Catalan olive groves, including those in the Camp de Tarragona region.  

At the beginning of the 20th century, cooperativism transformed the agricultural sector: small farmers joined forces to produce and market more efficiently, establishing cooperatives in mills and modernist buildings. This model strengthened the rural economy and preserved the culture of oil, keeping quality in local hands.  

Today, the culture of oil in the Camp de Tarragona region is internationally recognised thanks to the Siurana Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), which distinguishes Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOO) made from the Arbequina variety. Furthermore, the rise of olive oil tourism allows visitors to learn about the history, landscape, and production of Tarragona's ‘liquid gold’.  

Gastronomy with Essence: Oil on Your Table  

Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Camp de Tarragona region is not just an ingredient; it is the soul of the region's Mediterranean cuisine. Made from the Arbequina variety, this oil is characterised by a fruity flavour that is mildly sweet with a slight peppery finish, making it an ideal accompaniment that doesn’t mask the food’s natural flavour. Its use is essential in traditional cuisine: from a simple drizzle over a slice of pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) to dressing fresh salads, serving as the base of sofregits (sautéed vegetables) for stews and rice dishes, or as the finishing touch on grilled fish.  

Beyond everyday cooking, this oil has conquered haute cuisine, where it is valued for its versatility and unique flavour. Used raw, it enhances the flavour of any dish. It is used to make homemade mayonnaise (allioli) or as a key ingredient in baking to replace other fats. In short, Camp de Tarragona olive oil is a unifying element that transcends generations and culinary styles, bringing the essence of the ancient olive grove directly to the table and confirming that the quality of local produce is the key to gastronomic excellence.  

The Concept of Olive Oil Tourism  

The ancient culture of olive oil in the Camp de Tarragona region has taken a step forward with the development of olive oil tourism, a form of experiential tourism that invites visitors to immerse themselves fully in the world of the olive groves. This concept goes beyond a simple visit: it is a sensory and educational journey through the landscape and the production process. Visitors can tour the estates, admire the centuries-old olive trees and, on occasion, participate in the olive harvest. This is a way of understanding the deep connection between the land, the climate, and the final product that bears the Siurana PDO seal.  

The olive oil tourism routes include guided visits to historic cooperatives and modern oil mills, where you can learn about the milling and pressing process. The highlight is undoubtedly the oil tasting sessions. Guided by experts, visitors learn to distinguish the fruity notes, slight bitterness, and ‘peppery’ pungency of EVOOs, thus becoming true connoisseurs. Olive oil tourism is the perfect excuse to savour the authenticity of the Camp de Tarragona region, combining history, landscape, and gastronomy in an unforgettable experience. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) Days 

Reus is hosting the 28th Siurana PDO Olive Oil Fair, which will be held on 14 and 15 November in Plaça de la Llibertat. This event gives the Siurana PDO cooperatives the chance to present and sell their new harvest oil. It's an excellent opportunity to taste and purchase directly from the producers.  

In Cambrils, more than 30 restaurants are offering special menus and dishes featuring the new harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil, allowing diners to sample its freshest nuances, until 16 November. The New Oil Festival will also be held on 16 November at the Cambrils Agricultural Cooperative, which includes a Popular Breakfast with toast, cold meats and the new Mestral oil, accompanied by a musical performance by the group L'Último vinilo.  

On 28 and 29 November, Tarragona will host the New Oil Fair in Plaça Corsini, offering a unique cultural and gastronomic experience. During the fair, visitors can take part in oil tasting sessions, workshops, exhibitions and related products, as well as activities for the whole family. 

Likewise, the EVOO days in Salou called ‘Salou, Oil Culture’ take place throughout November in gastronomic venues across the town. The programme includes expert-guided tasting sessions and gastronomic experiences with dishes where Salou oil is the star of the show. 

Barcelona Airport to Salou Transfer and to Costa Dorada 

With BusPlana, you can reach the Camp de Tarragona region and its most emblematic towns, such as Tarragona, Salou, Reus, Cambrils, and many more. Check all the schedules for our regular routes on our website. We are also the official transport provider for Barcelona Airport, so you can purchase official tickets online for your transfers between Barcelona Airport and the Camp de Tarragona region.