Catalonia is best known for its lively, colorful capital, Barcelona, and the Costa Brava, dotted with wild coves set against a deep-blue sea. Yet this region of north-eastern Spain boasts an impressive wealth of culture and history, scattered across magnificent landscapes between sea and mountains. It's easy to see why Catalans are so proud of their region. Discover the most beautiful aspects of Catalonia for yourself, with the region's top places to see and visit.
1- Visit Barcelona
Barcelona is a city you must visit at least once in your life. The region's capital never ceases to seduce travelers. Vibrant, festive and cultural, Barcelona has been profoundly influenced by Gaudi, the architect who shaped the city. To follow in his footsteps, be sure to visit the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guëll, before ending your evening in a tapas bar. Enjoy the best of the city's specialties and local wine.
Activities to book tickets for the Sagrada Familia are going fast! Don't hesitate to book yours well in advance.
Article to read 1 - To prepare for your stay, read our article on must-sees in Barcelona.
2- Stopover in Girona
In the east of Catalonia, Girona is a lovely stopover if you're traveling in the region. Don't hesitate to take advantage of its gentle way of life by strolling down its steep streets or strolling along the water's edge. This small town enclosed by ancient walls attracts visitors both for its ancient architecture and its culinary reputation. Easily accessible by train, Catalonia is an ideal destination for those wishing to travel in Europe without flying.
3- What to visit in Catalonia The Sierra de Montserrat
Without a doubt, Montserrat is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain. From a geological point of view, the Sierra de Montserrat, with its immense sheer rocks, is an exceptional site. The monastery built there is now recognized as a Catalan Catholic landmark. For hiking enthusiasts, Montserrat is a must. Numerous footpaths criss-cross the surrounding area, offering sumptuous panoramic views for the brave.
Activities to book if you're in Barcelona, this one-day excursion will take you to the famous site of Montserrat.
4- Cadaquès and the Costa Brava
While you're in Catalonia, don't miss a trip to the Costa Brava. Here you'll find the charming village of Cadaquès, considered one of the most beautiful villages in the world. With its white buildings and blue waters, it attracts many tourists, as well as artists, painters and writers inspired by its little port.
Good to know in summer, tourists flock to Cadaquès. Don't hesitate to visit out of season.
5- The Mediterranean charm of Tarragona
Today, Tarragona has a population of over 130,000, yet until a few years ago it was a quiet, residential Mediterranean town. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, the city has a modern, medieval and Roman identity. The sites are well laid out and admission is affordable. There's also an interesting museum of contemporary art.
Activities to book : this guided tour on the city's Roman heritage.
6- Visit Figueres, Salvador Dali's birthplace
When visiting Catalonia, be sure to stop off in Figueres. Salvador Dali's hometown is a major tourist attraction, thanks to the theater-museum dedicated to the artist. You can also visit the Castell de Sant Ferran fortress and the town's many museums. At the end of the day, take a stroll along the rambla, a lovely shaded promenade with many terraces.
Related article what to do in Figueres in summer The 10 must-sees
7- What to visit in Catalonia La Garrotxa volcanic park
Just north of Girona, the Garrotxa Volcanic Park boasts some forty volcanic cones and over twenty lava flows. A hilly area with dense, varied vegetation, La Garrotxa Park offers magnificent scenery. You'll find several signposted hiking trails to explore the surrounding area.
8- Visit the Ebre Delta
The Ebre Delta Natural Park is the second largest aquatic habitat in the western Mediterranean after the Camargue. The completely flat landscape of rice paddies and fields gives the area colors that vary with the seasons. In the middle of the fields, you'll see little white houses and perhaps catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. There are many birds to be seen, as the area is famous for its pink flamingos.
9- Visit Sitges
Sitges is a former fishing village that has become a favorite holiday destination for Catalan families. Its colorful streets are lined with sumptuous 19th-century mansions, notably in the Carrer de l'Illa de Cuba. The village is set in a pretty bay, where its light and colors have inspired artists since the late 19th century. Every year, an international fantasy film festival and a carnival attract tourists from all over the world.
Activities to book if you're in Barcelona, this small-group excursion will take you to Sitges and Tarragona in the same day.
10- Discover the village of Mura
The tiny village of Mura has fewer than 250 inhabitants, but is one of the most beautiful villages in the region. Perched at 454 meters above sea level, it lies at the foot of the northern slopes of the Sant Llorenç del Munt massif. Its small historic center seems frozen in time , giving Mura a medieval atmosphere. The lush countryside around the village is criss-crossed by several hiking trails that allow you to explore the surrounding gorges.
11- Aigüestortes National Park
Catalonia's only national park, the Aigüestortes National Park lies between the Vall d'Aran and the Principality ofAndorra. Covering almost 40,000 hectares, the park boasts some of the finest scenery in the Pyrenees. Lakes, torrents, waterfalls and varied flora populate this park, which is also a large animal reserve, home to chamois, otters and golden eagles.
The article to read 11- Catalonia is one of the 15 destinations to visit in 2025 according to Petit Futé.
12- Visit the Poblet monastery
In the heart of the green hills, the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet imposes its proud fortress-like appearance right in the middle of the landscape. Founded in 1151, it is still in operation today and is one of the most important and best-preserved Cistercian ensembles of its time. The Romanesque cloisters are among the most beautiful sights in the monastery. The entire site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
13- Spend a day at PortAventura
If you're a thrill-seeker, take advantage of your stay in Catalonia to spend a day at Portaventura. This gigantic amusement park is the largest inSpain and offers three distinct areas: PortAventura Park, PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park and Ferrari Land. The former boasts no less than 5km of roller coasters, in themed zones that will take you on a journey from the Far West to China. To prepare for your visit, take a look at our guide to the park.
Activities to book book your 1, 2 or 3-day ticket to PortAventura now.
14- What to do in Catalonia Go to Cap de Creus
Just north of Cadaquès, Cap de Creus is well worth a visit. You'll reach it via a pretty little road, criss-crossing a landscape made up of sea and sky. The Cap de Creus Natural Park is the most easterly point on the Iberian Peninsula. From here, you'll have an impressive view of the coastline, from Port de la Selva to Roses and l'Escala. You'll find a lighthouse here, and next to it a former Guardia Civil barracks converted into a bar-restaurant with terrace.
15- Hiking in the Catalan Pyrenees
The Catalan Pyrenees area prime hiking area, with breathtaking scenery ranging from mountain lakes to high-altitude peaks. In addition to nature parks, you'll find typical villages where you can stop to discover the local heritage and gastronomy. For hikers, kilometers of marked trails circle the region, whether for a day trip or a multi-day trek.
16- Montseny Natural Park
Covering more than 30,000 hectares, the Montseny Nature Park boasts contrasting landscapes of great beauty. Culminating at 1706m with the Turo de l'Home, you'll also see the Agudes peak at 1703m and Matagalls at 1697m. Some thirty itineraries are signposted. If you're a keen hiker, don't hesitate to get lost in the forest of this massif, with its rich flora and fauna. In fact, its great biodiversity has earned it UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.
17- What to visit in Catalonia Cervera
The important medieval town of Cervera was the setting for some of the country's most important historical events, such as the signing of the marriage contract between the Catholic Monarchs. Here you'll find pretty stately homes, the 15th-century church of Santa Maria and a great wall dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. Don't miss the University of Cervera, certainly the town's most emblematic building.
18- Go to Siurana
The village of Siurana, perched 700m above sea level, is famous for the legend of the Moorish Queen's Leap. Abdelazia, the daughter of the Vali of Siurana, preferred to throw herself into the void with her horse rather than fall into the hands of Christian troops. It is said that the brand of her horse's shoe, frightened by the void, is still visible, carved into the rock. On the site, you'll see the remains of a 9th-century Moorish fortress, next to a magnificent village with cobbled streets overlooking the surrounding mountains.
19- Getting to Tortosa
A former port and trading town on the border between Al Andalus and Christian lands, Tortosa is now one of the region's major cities. Its historic center is small but exceptional , and well worth a visit. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria, before moving on to the Château de la Suda, built on the ancient Roman acropolis, and the Prince's Gardens, a veritable open-air museum.
You can also find out more about the hottest things to do in Catalonia below :
What to do in Catalonia as a family
To enjoy Catalonia as a family, here's a list of the best activities you can do with children:
- Go to PortAventura. This theme park is sure to delight young and old with its many shows and thrill rides.
- Visit Barcelona. The Catalan capital is a rich and colorful city with plenty to do with children.
- Discover the Ebro Delta. Let your children discover the wildlife living in this beautiful part of the region.
What are the most beautiful villages in Catalonia?
Spain is full of beautiful villages, and Catalonia is no exception. Here are just a few of the region's most beautiful villages:
- Mura. Perched in the middle of nature, this small village with its well-preserved center exudes a timeless medieval atmosphere.
- Pals. This fortified village between sea and countryside dominates the Costa Brava from its promontory.
- Besalu. This small medieval town has been declared a national historic and artistic heritage site and boasts some magnificent buildings.
- Siurana. This village perched at an altitude of 700m is one of the most beautiful in the region.
- Vallbona de les Monges. This typical medieval village is famous for its 12th-century monastery, where the nuns still live.
What to do in Catalonia in winter
If for you a trip to Spain means sun, beach and warmth, you should know that spending winter in Catalonia has its advantages. Here are a few ideas:
- Spend Christmas in Catalonia. The region has a strong attachment to Christmas traditions, from Christmas markets to the Three Wise Men parade.
- Visit Barcelona. Take advantage of the low season to discover this great Spanish city without having to suffer from the many tourists. In fact, it's one of the best party cities in Europe.
- Ski. There are 16 ski resorts in the Catalan Pyrenees, including La Molina and Baqueira Beret .
- Discover the region's cultural sites. Take a trip to Vall de Boi, for example, and visit its UNESCO-listed churches.
Tempted by Catalonia? Take a look at our train fares and book now!
