The 10 things to do in Catalonia

You decided to cross the Franco-Spanish border for your holidays? Discover the 12 essential things to visit in Catalonia, one of the most beautiful regions of Spain!

Catalonia is one of the autonomous communities of the Kingdom of Spain. Catalonia is known for its capital, Barcelona and for its strong regional identity. A large part of the population supports the Catalan independent movement. But Catalonia is much more than that. Indeed, the region is one of the most beautiful in Spain, with a Mediterranean climate perfect for tourism. It is also an attractive criterion at the economic level since many companies are based in Barcelona. Finally, visiting Catalonia is discovering fantastic monuments, beaches and natural places. Memories to lose their heads.

Wanderlix offers you to discover the 12 essential things to do in Catalonia!

1. Barcelona

It is obvious that when you decide to visit Catalonia, the first one to check in the list is Barcelona. The second city of Spain, the Catalan city is full of places and museums to visit. We must think of the Rambla, the Picasso Museum and the Sagrada Família. Evidence that Barcelona is a reference in terms of art.

We can also mention the famous Catalan gastronomy that Barcelona allows to discover the best ways. Take a gourmet break and taste the Pa amb tomàquet , to the alloli, to the escudella i carn d’olla or to the caalane spinach!

For sports fans, Barcelona will be the opportunity to visit Camp Nou or even attend a match of the institution of the city: the FC Barcelona .

2. Tarragona

Tarragona is one of the cities that must be visited in Catalonia. Every year millions of visitors go to the city to visit the Roman ruins like the ancient amphitheatre, whose base is still on foot. Relics that allowed Tarragona to be listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Another place not to be missed is the splendid cathedral of Sainte-Thècle, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles whose rosace will remind Notre-Dame-de-Paris. It should be noted that Tarragona is the regional headquarters of the Catholic Church in Catalonia.

3. Girona

Girona will delight the most passionate of history. Various epochs are represented, such as the Roman period with the Força Vella fortress and the Arab baths. The medieval era is also in honour. Walk in the Barri Vell (the old quarter in French) that corresponds to the old city and whose limits correspond to the route of the walls. Then continue to the John Lennon Gardens, which will offer you a nice view of the Cathedral of Saint Mary and the archaeological boulevard ( Passeig Arqueològic ).

But if Girona stands out architecturally, it is thanks to its picturesque houses, suspended above the Onyar River. They give the city a true Mediterranean identity. Moreover, the most famous of these houses is the Casa Masó, which saw the birth of the local architect Rafael Masó .

On the gastronomic side, Girona is the opportunity to taste Boles of picolat , meatballs served in sauce. But before, for the aperitif, let yourself be tempted by the mythical fuet .

4. Lérida

The one that Catalans prefer to name Lleida, draws the eye of all who come to visit Catalonia. Located in the Pyrenean pedestrian, Lérida is the perfect place for a walk. Start for example at the exit of the city, visiting the Mitjana Park. Then continue your outdoor walk to Camps Elisis (Champs Élysées in French) and sit in front of the Mermaid fountain. Then, stay out and enjoy the old town, before entering the Cathedral of the Seu Vella, a monument both Gothic and Romanesque, which dominates the landscape.

In case of bad weather, no panic, many museums are to be discovered. One thinks of the contemporary art centre La Panera.

5. Tortosa

Tortosa is a city crossed by the Ebre that has experienced different periods of domination. Romans, Maures, Barcelonais or Cordobais, all experienced their period of domination here. This allows the city to stimulate the interest of tourists. The latter, as you may, come to visit the Sant Joan Castle, built for Abd al-rahmann III, Caliph de Cordoue. Another place of notorious interest, the Cathedral of Santa Maria whose construction lasted 412 years!

Finish your day in Tortosa by visiting the Royal Colleges, masterpieces of the Renaissance. Its courtyard will remind you of the most beautiful Italian Renaissance palaces. The galleries, for their part, will testify to the domination of the Aragons. Finally, walk on the heights of the domain and enjoy the view.

6. Natural Park of the Delta de l’Ebre

Since you are in Tortosa, go to the Natural Park of the Delta de l’Ebre. This large park of 320km2 has one of the most important ornithologies in the Mediterranean. More than 400 species would be identified. To make the park a must to visit in Catalonia for all nature lovers.

7. Figueras

Here is the uncontournable to make in Catalonia the closest to French territory. Figueras is a city not to be missed and perfect as the first stage of itinerary. A visit by Figuera was made thanks to the Dalí Museum-Théâtre, dedicated to the greatest Catalan artist.

Also take a full view at the architectural level, discovering the largest fortress in Europe: the Castell de Sant Ferran an ancient military fortress of the eighteenth century. Little anecdote is here that the local hero, Salvador Dalí, has assured his military service.

8. Manresa

Manresa is a small town in the province of Barcelona known for its Fira, an annual market for Catalan artistic creations that takes place every first weekend in November. So bring back a nice souvenir of your trip to Catalonia. You can also visit the Seu , an imposing Gothic collegial but also the Cave of Saint-Ignace a natural cavity by the Cardener, where the Cardener would have spent ten days to convert.

9. Vic

Dive into the charming city of Vic, capital of the cormarque of Orsona. This is where you will discover the Museu Episcopal, the most important Roman and Gothic art museum in the region. Inside, you can admire the representation of the Cruxifiction of the parish of Sant Boi de Lluçanès. The museum is located in the historic centre, built in the Middle Ages as its architecture attests.

10. Berga

Last to make in Catalonia: Berga. Former Catalan capital of cotton, Berga was famous thanks to the Patum , the traditional feast where one can attend urban theatre performances as well as a parade. All this takes place during Corpus Christi's festivities. The Patum , very important for the inhabitants as well as for the Catalans, is now part of the intangible heritage of humanity.

Other notorious activity in Berga, the church Sant Joan, housed in the medieval district, whose entire walls once belonged to the Order of Hospitallers .

As for fans of natural landscapes, Berga will be the opportunity to visit the Cadi-Moixeró Natural Park where you can contemplate the Llobregat waterfall.

Have you ever visited Catalonia? Tell us your most beautiful comments.