Culture and heritage

 

If you are passionate about culture, you can discover Romanesque gems very close to Barcelona. Visit La Seu d’Ègara, in Terrassa, with the churches of Santa Maria, Sant Miquel and Sant Pere. Or else the Monastery of Sant Cugat, where the 144 capitals of its cloister will leave you speechless.

You can also contemplate architectural gems of ​​​​​​ Modernisme, such as Gaudí’s crypt in the Colònia Güell, as well as one of the brilliant architect's unfinished works in the middle of an industrial settlement that preserves many of the period's homes. Or visit Canet de Mar and discover the cherished Art Nouveau legacy of Lluís Domènech i Montaner.

Wellness and nature

 

If you prefer peace and calm to unwind, you can meditate or practise yoga immersed in a beautiful natural setting, take a soothing forest bath in the middle of a nature park or bathe in hot springs where the Romans once did, inland in Caldes de Montbui and La Garriga or near the sea in Arenys de Mar and ​​​​​​ Caldes d’Estrac. There are many different possibilities. The overwhelming beauty of the landscapes and the warm waters will invite you to ponder and help you recharge your batteries.

Trails and tours: on foot or by bike?

 

However, if you get excited by the idea of exploring trails and natural landscapes of unique beauty, you have plenty to choose from and you just have to decide how to do it: on foot or by bicycle. The impressive rock formations of Montserrat and its thousand-year-old monastery are sure to amaze you. The Berguedà region, with the Pedraforca massif – perfect for the more experienced mountaineers – offers a range of hiking and cycling tours. The Montseny Nature Park, with its fairytale forest trails, is just one of the 14 parks and natural areas in the province where you can unwind. Moreover, throughout the province you will find many cycling tours that are suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike; road biking, mountain biking or gravel riding are your choices.

Sun and beach?

 

On the Barcelona coast, you will easily find the beach you are looking for: a secluded cove where you can relax to the sound of the waves, a family-friendly beach with all the amenities or a long stretch of beach, perfect for sports. Twenty-five coastal towns near Barcelona, which are all well connected by public transport, offer a wealth of possibilities! On its beaches you can swim, enjoy the sun, water and sand, as well as practice all kinds of water sports. When you are done, take a stroll along the seashore or one of the coastal paths that were once used by the dreaded pirates and then enjoy some mouthwatering seafood cuisine!

Food and wine

 

To round off your getaway, there is nothing better than a first-class food and wine experience among the vineyards or in a cosy restaurant. Three local designations of origin —Penedès, Alella and Pla de Bages— offer tours of their wineries and tasting or pairing activities for unique wine tourism experiences. A wine tasting while admiring the vineyards and the sunset is a great way to connect with the land and enjoy life's simple pleasures.

Keep in mind that Catalonia is this year's​​​​​ World Region of Gastronomy, whereas, in the province of Barcelona, the hardest part will be choosing between traditional home-style cooking with unique, locally sourced products and innovative cuisine by internationally renowned chefs. The bottom line is that they are all worth trying!

Visiting the producers who supply the area’s restaurants and inns with top-quality local produce, which is grown and prepared with great care, is another experience you should not miss.