Catalonia
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CATALONIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Recommended destinations to discover selected by highly-rated travel experts.

 
 
 
 
 

CATALONIA

 

Why Travel to Catalonia?

The Catalonia (Catalunya) region, in Northeastern Spain, feels like another country with its own language (Catalan), its famous architecture, and distinctive gastronomy. This autonomous region of Spain is made up of 4 provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. While it is best known for its capital, Barcelona, Catalonia is so much more. Whether you are looking for nature, history, or world-class food and wines, Catalonia has it all. Wondering what things to do in Catalonia? From the wine regions of Penedès and the Priorat to the lively beach resorts of Costa Brava to the peaks of the Pyrenees Mountains, which reach as far as Andorra, there is something for everyone!

Catalonian Gastronomy  

The gastronomy and wines of Catalonia are quite diverse. Some things you must taste when visiting the region include Pa amb tomàquet (bread smeared with tomato and oil, and sometimes garlic), Calçot (specially cultivated onion, grilled and served as a "Calçotada"), Crema catalana (the famous yellow cream custard) and of course Cava, the sparkling wines of the Penedes wine region. This is only a brief introduction to a varied and rich cuisine that you can try in the traditional and innovative restaurants throughout the region, run by many world-renowned chefs.

Best Places to Visit in Catalonia


  • Barcelona: The regional capital and one of the best-known cities of Spain, has a beautiful, historic Gothic Quarter, the thriving La Rambla pedestrian mall, many museums and several cool beaches. Antoni Gaudí ´s distinctive modern art and architecture can be seen at the Sagrada Familia Basilica and in the colorful outdoor mosaics of Park Güell.
  • The Costa Brava: This coastal region in the province of Girona is dotted with coves and villages, offering beaches, hiking, and historic monuments to visitors. Some of its picturesque towns include Palamós, Tamariu, Cadaqués, and Lloret de Mar. 
  • Girona, Tarragona and Lleida: The other three regional capitals of Catalonia are not to be missed either. From the ancient forts and monuments of Girona, to the medieval reenactments of Tarragona, to the famous Seu Vella cathedral of Lleida, these three cities will make you feel like you are living history.
  • Montseny Hills: A mere 40 kilometres northeast of Barcelona, the Montseny Hills offer hiking trails, prehistoric ruins, and natural springs. Towns dot the edge of the park, including the spa town La Garriga and many others, offering accommodation and restaurants.
  • Garrotxa Region: In the north of Catalonia, La Garrotxa is divided into two parts. In the south, it has more than 40 volcanoes that form a mostly flat area in the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, while in the north, the Alta Garrotxa is filled with peaks and valleys. Either way, the area features a variety of hikes for those who wish to see Catalonia’s natural beauty at its finest.
  • Penedès and the Priorat: Both Penedès and the Priorat are best known for their award-winning wines and offer impressive gastronomical offerings. In Penedès, one can also visit the famous Costa Daurada (Golden Coast), so named for the colour of the sand when hit by the sun, and Sitges, a beautiful coastal town there that has long attracted painters and sculptors, giving it an impressive art scene. In the Priorat, the historic village of Siurana and the Carthusian Monastery of Santa Maria d´Escaladei offer magnificent architecture rooted deep in history.
  • The Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figures: Inaugurated by Dalí himself in 1974, this museum transports its visitors to a surreal world as soon as they enter. Dalí personally created the museum as a gigantic work of art, his largest and arguably one of his greatest. And if you still can’t get enough Dalí, the Gala Dalí Castle in Puból and the Salvador Dalí House in Portlligat offer an opportunity to dive even deeper into the world of the magnificent and iconic artist. As you can see, there are hundreds of places to visit in Catalonia!
Capital of Catalonia: Barcelona
Population: 7,522,596 inhabitants (2023)

Our Experts have hand-picked The Best Tours in Catalonia and Hotels in Catalonia. 

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RECOMMENDED TOURS, EXPERIENCES & TASTINGS

Our top 10 best tours, experiences & tastings in the destination selected by our experts. Slow Way Food Tours, Green Walking Holiday and Exclusive Food & Wine Tours/Tastings.

 
 
 
 
 
  Full-Day (9h...
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Priorat Wine and Tasting Tour

 

On this private tour, you will visit 3 amazing wineries at the wine region of Priorat and get a taste of some of their best wines.

 

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1 to 8 Hours...  
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Private Driver Chauffeur Car Services in Barcelona

 

Private Chauffeur/Driver Car services in Barcelona. You can be picked up and dropped off from your hotel, airport, or a location specified within city limits. Choose from our selection of vehicle types (eg. Mercedes Benz E-Class Sedan, Minivan)

 

  

 
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  4 Days / 3...
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Culinary Short Break to Barcelona: Cooking Class ...

 

Enjoy a culinary, food and wine short break to Barcelona. Learn how to prepare signature Spanish dishes in a traditional cooking workshop. Then the next day an excursion to the world renowned Penedes wine region for a wine tasting & vineyard tour.

 

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5hrs approx.  
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Barcelona Gaudi Modernist Marvels with Expert...

 

From the iconic Sagrada Familia to the artistic wonders of La Pedrera and Casa Batllo, experience the wonderful masterpieces of Gaudi. A panoramic tour with a rich history which includes a visit to Park Güell adding to the enchantment.

 

  

 
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  4hrs approx.
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Gourmet Walking Food Tour in Barcelona

 

Indulge your senses with a gourmet tapas and wine pairing tour in Barcelona, an ideal experience for food enthusiasts eager to delve into the local cuisine and relish their time in the city while venturing beyond typical tourist paths. Join us on our wine and gourmet tapas adventure, as we take you to the hidden gems preferred by the locals!

 

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TOP RESTAURANTS

The best places to eat selected by our foodie experts in the food destinations we cover.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Our travel experts have researched the best hotels in the destinations we cover. Stay in unique accommodations from modern city centre hotels to wine country manor house with amazing food & wine. If you can not find a suitable option just let our experts know and we will suggest something different for you.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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