Picture this. Towering works of art dominating the cityscape; a land rich in wine and sumptuous food derived from the earth, mountains and sea; a region where historical and natural heritage awaits around the corner of every road and trail; and a never-ending supply of unforgettable experiences. Steeped in centuries of timeless allure, the land of Catalonia promises to fulfil the dreams of every traveller.
CULTURAL INFLUENCES
The kaleidoscopic Casa Batlló, the forever adulating La Pedrera and Antoni Gaudí’s eternal masterpiece of La Sagrada Família. It is little wonder why aesthetes and art lovers from across the globe flock to Catalonia’s capital of Barcelona. Known as the City of Art thanks to a litany of avant-garde
works, Gothic cathedrals and the home-grown Modernisme (Catalan Modernism) movement, Barcelona can feel like the globe’s largest open-air art exhibition.
Stroll along the famed La Rambla walkway to discover the easy-to-miss landmark of Joan Miró’s colourful Pla de l’Os floor mosaic that uses simple geometry to express feelings of childhood nostalgia. Or embrace the artistic inspiration that captured the imagination of a young Picasso by visiting his school, Carrer Avinyó, the brewery where he showcased his first exhibition and the Museu Picasso – displaying more than 4,000 incredible paintings and artworks. But while Barcelona receives much of the adulation, Catalonia’s quaint villages, towns and cities are a goldmine for art and culture lovers.
Allow the compass to direct you towards Reus, and The Gaudí Centre. Located on Plaça del Mercadal, the museum reveals the details behind the architect’s inspirations and ideas, in art as well as models, of important works that made him one of the most unique designers of his time. The small city also offers an opportunity for visitors to cast their eyes over 26 incredible buildings on what is known as The Modernist Route.
Salvador Dalí enthusiasts can peer into the mind of one of the world’s great surrealists in the city of Figueres. Here stands the Dalí Theatre and Museum with its pink façade and giant white eggs giving an early indication to the eccentricity that awaits on the inside. There’s a bathtub and a side table installed upside-down on the ceiling, a collection of jewellery he designed, and some of his vaunted works including Port Alguer, Basket of Bread and Galatea of the Spheres. Further along the coast, the small town of Cadaqués welcomes travellers to explore the artist’s home and studio. For history buffs, there is a treasure trove of superb UNESCO World Heritage sites for which to plot a course.
Wander the ruins of Tarraco in Tarragona where visitors immerse themselves in a city that was the first and oldest Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula dating back to the 3rd century BCE. The ruins consist of Roman walls, the Imperial cult enclosure, a circus and amphitheatre and more. To the south, sits one of the largest and most complete Cistercian abbeys in the world, Poblet Monastery. Built between the 12th and 15th century, the site is home to a fortified royal residence and a pantheon of the kings and queens of Catalonia as well as Aragon. In the north, those who navigate the rarefied air of the Catalan Pyrenees will be rewarded with Vall de Boí and its magnificent collection of Romanesque churches. Considered to represent a pure example of pictorial art and architecture in the Lombard Romanesque style, the churches were constructed under the patronage of the Lords of Erill and include Sant Feliu de Barruera, Nativitat de Durro and Santa Maria de Cardet.
A TASTE OF CATALONIA
Nestled between the gastronomic giants of France and Spain, it should come as no surprise to any gourmand that Catalonian cuisine serves up exquisite dishes to suit all tastes. The region’s epicurean prowess can even be traced back as far as the 16th century with Llibre de Coch revered as one of the most influential cookbooks of Renaissance Spain.
Today, culinary masterclasses are presented throughout every restaurant, bar and of course la taula de l’àvia (grandma’s table). Indeed, the region is home to 54 restaurants that have earned at least one coveted Michelin Star. Visit the bright and modern surrounds of Disfrutar in Barcelona and you will be treated to the playful creations of Mateu Casañas, Oriol Castro and Eduard Xatruch including crispy egg yolk with mushroom gelatin or the decadent panchino bao bun, oozing creamy Beluga caviar. Or when in Girona, make a beeline for El Celler de Can Rosa where brothers Joan, Josep and Jordi craft dishes and an experience that results in the reservation wait list being 11 months long.
Harnessing the bountiful ingredients of the Mediterranean coastline, traditional Catalan cuisine includes a mix of sweet and savoury stews based upon meat and picada (a sauce composed of ground almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts and herbs). For those with carnivorous cravings, discover Catalonia’s chefs’ penchant for fusing meat and seafood together for mar i muntanya (surf and turf). Think chicken with lobster (pollastre amb llagosta), chicken with crayfish (pollastre amb escarmarlans) and cuttlefish with meatballs (sípia amb mandonguilles).
But what is a good meal without an exquisite glass of wine or, better yet, cava? Considered by many connoisseurs as a pillar of Catalonia’s gastronomy throughout the centuries, travellers have more than 300 wineries to explore, where they can combine a bottle with a walk through a vineyard (paired with local cheeses), take part in the harvest or even try their hand (or should that be feet?) at the age-old tradition of crushing grapes. Travel to the coastal town of Vilafranca del Penedès to check out the dedicated Vinseum that showcases the history and production of wine in the area or enjoy a lesson and tasting at the Cava Interpretation Centre. Head to the highest vineyard in Lleida and raise a glass to the stone vats that have been used in wine production since the 12th century.
THE GRAND STAGE
Catalonia loves to host a show (and throw a party) and event aficionados have a plethora of exceptional occasions to experience. The fabled Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya welcomes those with a need for speed as the world’s greatest Formula One and MotoGP drivers take to the track for their respective Spanish Grand Prix. Supporters of the beautiful game will need no introduction to the mighty Barcelona and its legendary Camp Nou. While the mega stadium currently undergoes refurbishment, join fellow Blaugranes (supporters) at the temporary home of Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys as the team sets off on their quest to become La Liga champions once again. And from August to October, the region will welcome the oldest continuous competition in international sport – the 37th America’s Cup.
But while international stars like Lamine Yamal and Max Verstappen showcase their skills in their respective cathedrals of sport, travellers can take centre stage with a host of incredible activities. For golf lovers, tee off at the beautifully laid out Camiral Golf & Wellness resort in Carretera. Formerly known as the PGA Catalunya Resort, a round of 18 can be followed by a rejuvenating treatment at the Wellness Centre set within the Catalan forests. From the expertly manicured greens, head to the rugged terrain of Pedraforca and its 17-kilometre bike path that rises to 790 metres. Or prepare for a rush of adrenaline at the Noguera Pallaresa River – the Catalan capital of rafting. Considered to be some of the best white waters on the entire continent, make a splash on its II, III and IV sections. Back on terra firma, there’s plenty more adventure sport thrills with canyoning and bungee jumping.
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Those looking to get in touch with nature should head south via Cambrils and L’Ametlla de Mar – where you can swim with Mediterranean bluefin tuna – to the Ebro Delta, a nature reserve teeming with pink flamingos and wild birds. Take to the water in a canoe to inspect the mussel and oyster farms or relax on the beach and take in the sunset kissing the horizon late in the evening. Hikers can get their kicks from the various pathways through Catalonia’s only national park, Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici that is packed full of marvellous flora and fauna including golden eagles and antelopes, as well as Instagrammable waterfalls and flowing rivers. And for stargazers, place yourself in Àger’s Centre d’Observació de l’Univers and gaze upon the night’s sky.
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FASHION FIX
Style comes naturally to the Catalans with Barcelona’s avenues and streets brimming with some of the biggest names in the world of fashion. Gucci, Chanel and Rolex are never too far away with home-grown giants of couture, Loewe, Custo Barcelona and Santa Eulalia offering a blend of tradition, innovation and luxury style.
Walk Passeig de Gràcia and you’ll find yourself surrounded by an enticing assortment of local and international brands. Just under three years shy of its 200th anniversary, Dior, Cartier and Balenciaga are just some of the major players of luxury fashion you will be able to peruse. Begin at the Plaça de Catalunya and work your way along various boutiques showcasing the finest in jewellery and clothes. If you need assistance, avail the Shopping Experience by Passeig de Gràcia where a guide will curate a bespoke shopping tour of the district, catered specifically to your style and preferences.
More than 150 luxury boutiques await at the beloved La Roca Village. One of Barcelona’s favourite shopping centres, browse Adolfo Domínguez, Montblanc and Rado alongside heavy hitters of fashion and perfumery like Balmain, Boggi Milano and Armani. And when it’s time to refuel, there’s a stable of pretty venues serving light lunches and sweet treats. Alternatively, embrace the vintage, slightly boho vibes of the trendy El Born neighbourhood. Set in the old town of Barcelona, traditional shops and independent stores offer visitors an opportunity to adorn themselves in accessories and labels that can’t be found anywhere else, such as La Manual Alpargatera, experts in handmade espadrilles – a traditional shoe woven from esparto grass.
