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.

Cava is a world-famous sparkling wine that no important meal or celebration can be without. It’s part of our everyday life, a fixture of the dining table. As children we wonder whether those bubbles we aren’t allowed to taste will tickle our mouths. But have you ever wondered how and why cava began to be produced in the Penedès area? The story takes us to Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, covering dramatic events of the 19^th-century history when phylloxera wiped out 90% of Europe’s vineyards...

Getting away with your friends for a couple of days is one of those plans that brightens up your life. It is hard to agree on a weekend, a place, a budget, and it is even harder to get all your obligations taken care of: work, kids, parents and the never-ending to-do list ..., but when you finally manage to do it and suddenly have 24 or 48 hours to share, take care of yourself and celebrate your friendship, you rediscover yourself and relish the happiness of doing what you love most. This is what Gemma and her friends do, as each year one of them takes charge.

According to tradition, Halloween night is when the dead return to visit the world of the living. In homes across Catalonia, trays filled with chestnuts, panellets (little almond cakes) and dessert wine await them. Meanwhile, the welcome continues outdoors with fun-filled parties where they enjoy the gift of life before returning to their resting place. Don’t leave them to dance on their own! Here are some of the festivities that celebrate the night of the dead.

Would you like to celebrate a special date with your partner in a unique environment? There is no need for you to get on a plane and fly to the other side of the continent. The regions around Barcelona offer unique options that will simply amaze your partner. Here are 7 plans so you can choose the one that best suits your sweetheart. 

There are plenty of cavities to explore in the regions of Barcelona, giving you the chance to discover secrets held deep underground. These breathtaking spaces are perfect for a day out in good company. If you’re the adventurous sort or you fancy doing a special activity, here are six caves in the regions of Barcelona that can be visited at any time of the year.