While most people stick to Barcelona when visiting Catalonia, I, on the other hand, prefer to get out of the city and explore the most amazing region of Spain. Filled with dramatic landscapes (the Mediterranean meets the Pyrenees type!), amazing food scene and quaint villages, there is SO much to discover in Catalonia. Other than the dogs, obviously.
1… Landscapes
My favorite spot? The oh-my-God-I-don’t-even-have-words-for-this Cap de Creus, a few minutes east of the village. Probably the most beautiful place I have ever had the chance to see in my travel life. The road that crosses the Pyrenees to get to Cadaques is also very impressive – pictures truly are worth a thousand words.
The road to Cadaqués
- Cap de Creus
2… Art
It’s not a coincidence that Barcelona is so original and artsy – Catalonia is filled with talented artists and has influenced many of the grand names of this world. For example? None else than Salvador Dali! The famous moustache man was born and raised in the region, and lived in his somewhat intriguing seaside home in Cadaquès for a very long time. Another famous name is Antonio Gaudi – even though most of his work is in the capital, he is a major figure of artistic Catalonia.
3… Colors
Catalonia is one of the most colorful places in Spain. A pretty big difference with the whites of Andalusia! Whether it’s the yellow and red nationalist flag, the orange trees, the sunsets, the paella, the architecture… color is definitely going to catch your eye at some point.
Girona
The nationalist Catalan flag
Oranges
4… Villages
Speaking of Cadaquès, if there’s one village you should put on your to-do list in Catalonia, it’s that one! Once you have gone through the traumatic, winding roads through the Pyrenees to get to the village, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Port Llirat, sweet pastries, narrow alleys and colorful flowers everywhere. I have a soft spot for Banyoles and Besalù, too – both small, friendly, welcoming and incredibly relaxing.
Besalù
5… FOOD.
The conclusion of my one-week trip was, to put it simply: in Catalonia, food just keeps coming… and coming! I hate SO much while I was there, and everything was SO good. I tasted dozens of different things, anchovies, wine, cheese, tapas, Spanish tortilla, breads, olives, paella, calçots… And everything tasted amazing. I even make a slight detour by the grocery store on my way to the train station so I could take some of the Catalan goodness home!
Paella
Anchovies
Have you ever been to Catalonia? What activities did you do while you were there, what was your favorite thing to do?
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Ah, this brings back some great memories! I loved Catalonia and I think Cadaques is still one of the prettiest towns I have been to in Spain. Great photos!
My favorite place in Catalonia is Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, the perfect place to exerience his art in the the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dalí, a large museum designed by Dalí himself. :)
I’m going to be in Barcelona for the first time this week, and I’m pretty excited :) Hopefully the first trip of many, so I can take the time to get out in the surrounds as well :D
Literally, everything about Catalonia is amazing. From the landscape to the food, I am completely in love with this place because of your post. I need to go there now.
Yum, yum, yum! Might have to visit in July if its not too hot!
Even prouder to be catalan after read that, thanks!
You havent mention the south Catalonia. If you get to the ‘Delta del Ebre’ you can see amazing rice fields, the land the sea and the river togueher, and depending on the season even the flamencos stoping there. Simply beautiful!
Aww, thanks! I’m always happy to share my love for Catalonia :) Thanks for the tips, too!
What an amazing journey through Catalonia with its breathtaking scenery around every winding road. Your pictures capture the essence and flavors I might add of your experience in this rich land.
Thanks Jeff! Catalonia is indeed pretty amazing.
Just spent a week in Barcelona and had an amazing time. Even managed to get out and see a bit of the rest of Catalonia with a trip to Girona and Figueras :) Lovely place!
Yes, I really think Catalonia is better outside the capital. So many things to see and do!
Haven’t been, but now I want to go!
I miss it there!!! :)