The architectural marvels of Barcelona. The adulating, endless vineyards of Penedès, and the unspoilt beauty of Costa Brava. Catalonia’s vast and versatile region is packed full of character and contrasting experiences that allow for a new story, every day. Inspired by the journeys of 19th-century travellers, visitors can discover the essence of Catalonia over more than 2,000 kilometres of winding trails and routes. Wherever you go, whatever your whim, there promises to be something to suit your mood. The grand tour of Catalonia awaits…
VINEYARDS WITH A TASTE OF THE SEA: Barcelona – Tarragona
The adventure begins in the Catalonian capital of Barcelona. Take a step back in time to bohemian Barcelona and wander the same streets that provided artistic inspiration to a young Picasso. Visit the Museu Picasso, where aesthetes can admire more than 4,000 artworks before discovering why Barcelona is deemed by many as the City of Art, with its exceptional Modernista (Art Nouveau) architecture, including the famed Basílica de la Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera.
Say adéu to the capital and set off to the lofty heights of Montserrat mountain. The rugged landscape is home to the beautiful Monistrol de Montserrat and a shrine to the Virgen de Montserrat, whose image was discovered in the 9th century in a cave by shepherds. Then, take to the water at Llosa de Cavall reservoir by kayak, before returning to land to rub shoulders with papier maché carnival giants in the Baroque surrounds of medieval town, Solsona.
Take a break from the arts and culture to enjoy a lesson and the sumptuous tasting experience of award-winning cava, from the Cava Interpretation Centre. Wine connoisseurs should travel to the coastal town of Vilafranca del Penedès for the dedicated Vinseum that showcases the production of Catalonian wine. Finally, visit the city of Tarragona where you can stroll through the Roman ruins of Tarraco, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
IN SEARCH OF HISTORY: Tarragona – Lleida
Leave the sea behind and head inland towards the architectural beauty of Reus. Famed for being the home of Gaudí and his eponymous museum, the Modernist Route offers the opportunity to cast your eyes on 26 incredible buildings including the Casa Navàs and the Casa Rull. Allow yourself to be tempted by the alluring turquoise waters of Cambrils, where you can spend the afternoon sailing in a catamaran before indulging in the local seafood dish of suquet de romesco (fish stew). Stay with the aquatic theme in L’Ametlla de Mar and go for a swim with Mediterranean bluefin tuna, where the day ends with a tasting of this delicious fish. Stop by the hilltop village of Horta de Sant Joan to be dazzled by the sun setting over the mountain tops – a scene that led to Picasso regularly musing, “Everything I know, I’ve learned in Horta.”
When the sun rises, clear your mind with a cycling tour of Val de Zafán that takes in Sant Carles de la Ràpita and the stunning natural scenery of Els Ports Natural Park. Next, it’s a glass of wine in Priorat, home to the famous bottles of D.O. Monsant and D.O.Q. Priorat, with a tour of modernist cellar Falset-Marçà highly advisable. The city of Lleida is your final destination on stage two of this tour and those chasing the perfect picture for their socials will find it at La Seu Vella cathedral. Perched upon a hilltop overlooking the city, the castle surrenders endless vistas of the verdant countryside. And when the posing is finished, treat yourself to the local delicacy of roasted Lleida snails.
HEADING TO THE HEAVENS: Lleida – La Seu D’urgell
Rise early and savour a hearty Catalonian breakfast, pa amb tomàquet (tomato bread) to set you up for the journey to the region’s most northern point, and the Pyrenees where you will immerse yourself into one of nature’s great spectacles: a starry night. However, prior to your trip into the cosmos at Àger’s Centre d’Observació de l’Univers – an official Tourist Destination and Starlight Reserve – a different perspective of Catalonia awaits with a hang-gliding tour over the Camarasa reservoir and Montsec mountain range.
Back on terra firma, change pace with a gentle amble through the dramatic woodlands of Catalonia’s only National Park, Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici. Brimming with flowing rivers, waterfalls and sky-touching mountains, the parkland is perfect to catch a glimpse of wildlife including golden eagles and antelopes. After a quick sojourn through Vall de Boí’s stone villages and Romanesque villages, the compass directs you to the foot of the Pyrenees and Val d’Aran’s valley of chalet-style houses. Here the locals speak Aranese and the cuisine has a distinct sprinkling of French flair, due to the close proximity to the border. Pulse rates will surge as you take to powerful rapids of the Noguera Pallaresa River for white water rafting before heading south-east, for a well-earned rest in the city of La Seu d’Urgell.
ODE TO NATURE: La Seu D’urgell – Figueres
After exploring Catalonia’s Cathedral of Santa María, get behind the wheel and drive along the panoramic road that connects La Seu d’Urgell and Gósol. The journey overlooks imposing cliffs and snakes between the pine forests of Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, before arriving at Gósol and the forked mountain range of Pedraforca, where those brave enough can ride the 17 kilometre bike path that rises to 790 metres. Make time for the monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll. Founded in 879, its 13th-century exterior depicts scenes from the Bible carved in stone.
From here, it’s on to the magnificent La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park that features a dense forest of beech and oak trees, flower-filled meadows and some 40 non-active volcanoes. Choose to explore the park by bike along Carrilet Greenway Olot or from the skies in a hot-air balloon. Then, drop into the bustling city centre market of Olot for a spot of shopping. Gourmet meats, chocolates and Catalonian liqueur ratafia, are highly recommended. Finish stage four in Figueres and enter the world of Salvador Dalí at the wonderfully eccentric Dalí Theatre Museum, replete with pink exterior and giant white eggs.
FROM SURREALISM TO MODERNISM: Figueres to Barcelona
If your Dalí appetite hasn’t been quite sated, head to the whitewashed walls, golden sands and azul waters of the surrealist’s hometown of Cadaqués to visit his eclectic home and studio. Those looking to improve their culinary skills can sign up for a cooking workshop at the Espai del Peix where the history and culture of seafood is combined with the secrets of cooking a supreme Pals rice and Palamós shrimp. Cravings satisfied, travel to the city of Girona. Game of Thrones fans are sure to recognise the Streets of Braavos and the Great Sept of Baelor.
Travel south along Costa Brava’s picturesque coastline until you come to Tossa de Mar for an opportunity to walk the Camí de Ronda to Cala Giverola for fantastic views of the cliffs and the village. Cross the Montseny mountain range, factoring in stops at Rupit and the Ter River on your winding way, and when you reach Alella, toast the last stop before the capital with a glass of pink Cava and Vallalta strawberries. With Barcelona on the horizon, the grand tour of Catalonia comes to an end.
