Valls

Valls is a municipality in the province of Tarragona, within the autonomous community of Catalonia, Spain. It serves as the capital of the comarca of Alt Camp and lies inland in the southern Catalan interior, at the heart of a valley region from which the name Valls is derived. The town has a population of around 25,000 residents.

The name Valls comes from the Catalan word for valleys, reflecting its location in a series of low-lying landscapes. The area has historical roots dating back to Iberian and Roman times, and the town’s historic center preserves a medieval layout with traditional Catalan architecture. It is governed as a municipality within the Generalitat of Catalonia and the Kingdom of Spain.

Economy and culture: The local economy blends agriculture, industry, and services. The surrounding countryside is known for vegetables and fruit production, and the town has a strong culinary tradition centered on calçots, a summer onion variety grilled and served with romesco sauce. The calçotada, a winter festival celebrating this dish, is closely associated with Valls and attracts visitors from the region. Traditional Catalan dishes, including the butifarra sausage, are also prominent in local cuisine.

Culture and features: Valls features a historic core with churches and a mix of old and contemporary architecture. The climate is temperate Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers that shape both agricultural cycles and outdoor cultural events. The town is connected by road to Tarragona and other nearby municipalities, serving as a regional hub in Alt Camp.