37th America’s Cup

Set between the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range and the Mediterranean coast, the DO (Designation of Origin) Penedès is an outstanding winegrowing area with the largest production yield in Catalonia. The quality of the soil, the sun exposure and the sea breeze go a long way to explaining the success of wines and cavas capable of surprising even the most demanding of palates. The region also has the largest number of wineries, along with a wide-ranging wine tourism offering that you can also enjoy with the family.

Long before Disney popularised Jack Sparrow and the Pirates of the Caribbean universe, the inhabitants of the Catalan coastline were all too familiar with the attacks launched by sea bandits. Films, series and novels have presented pirates as romantic characters, but they could be the most cruel of criminals. Their role in local history is certainly worth discovering and it’s been kept alive in many towns in regions such as Garraf or Maresme as a way to explore their historical heritage.

Would you like to surprise somebody with a really original Christmas present but don’t know where to find one? You’re in luck. Before Christmas, across the counties of Barcelona, several markets are organised that you should definitely check out. At these craft fairs and markets of antiques, books and handmade items, you can find the perfect gift to delight even your hardest to please relatives and friends.