Catalonia, Spain’s northeastern region, is a truly authentic area. I’ve brought you 15 wonderful sights from here!
This autonomous community is famous not only for the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona, but also for countless smaller settlements and natural wonders that together make up one of Europe’s most diverse tourist destinations. It is bordered by Andorra and France to the north, Valencia to the south, the Mediterranean Sea to the east, and Aragon to the west.
Table of Contents
Best places in Catalonia
Barcelona
Gaudí’s masterpieces, the vibrant Las Ramblas, and the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter all prove why this metropolis attracts millions every year.
Besides the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló, the Gothic Quarter in the heart of the city also offers breathtaking experiences. The Picasso Museum, the vibrant Boqueria market, and Barceloneta beach all contribute to Barcelona’s unique character. The El Born and Gràcia neighborhoods, with their bohemian atmosphere, small galleries, and alternative entertainment venues, provide perfect contrast to the more touristy areas.
Catalan gastronomy reaches its peak here: from traditional tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, everything can be found. Cava sparkling wine, tapas, and pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) are local specialties that must be tried.
Costa Brava
The name „Wild Coast” perfectly describes this coastal section where steep cliffs alternate with small bays surrounded by crystal-clear water.
The stretch between Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar offers such variety that satisfies every traveler’s needs, from family vacations to active tourism. The area’s true treasures are the smaller fishing villages: Cadaqués was Salvador Dalí’s home, while Calella de Palafrugell has preserved its authentic Mediterranean atmosphere.
The Medes Islands nature reserve provides paradisiacal experiences for divers, while the Camí de Ronda coastal walking path offers breathtaking panoramas for hikers. Discovering the numerous hidden coves by boat or on foot is equally exciting adventure.
Girona
The city surrounded by four rivers exudes such a medieval atmosphere that it has inspired filmmakers – it’s no coincidence that it served as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
The perfectly preserved old town, the imposing cathedral, and the colorful houses along the Onyar River together create a fairy-tale panorama. A walk along the city walls reveals historical sections spanning from Roman foundations to the Middle Ages. The Jewish Quarter, El Call, is one of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish neighborhoods, where narrow streets and hidden courtyards tell stories of centuries past. The Arab Baths and the Church of Sant Feliu are architectural masterpieces that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The Girona ice cream shop, Rocambolesc, is the creation of the Roca brothers, who own the world-famous restaurant El Celler de Can Roca. With fresh produce from local markets and delectable dishes from traditional Catalan cuisine, Girona is also rich in gastronomic experiences.
Montserrat
The „serrated mountain” is captivating not only for its geographical uniqueness but also as one of Catalonia’s most important pilgrimage sites due to its spiritual significance. The Benedictine monastery has guarded the statue of the Black Madonna for a thousand years.
Besides the basilica and monastery, the mountain hides numerous hermitages that can be discovered while hiking the mountain paths. The rack railway is an experience in itself as it takes you up to the sanctuary located 725 meters high. The boys’ choir, the Escolania, creates a special atmosphere with their singing, while the museum houses valuable art collections.
For nature lovers, the hike to the Sant Jeroni peak or the descent to the Santa Cova chapel offers unforgettable experiences. The mel i mató (cheese with honey) served in mountain restaurants and the liqueurs made by the monastery provide special gastronomic experiences.
Tarragona
On this part of the Mediterranean coast, ancient Rome comes alive even in the 21st century.
The former seat of the Tarraco province preserves such rich Roman heritage that UNESCO made this charming seaside city part of its World Heritage. Besides the amphitheater where gladiators fought, the circus ruins, and the remains of Via Augusta, the medieval cathedral and Jewish quarter are also important sights.
The Roman Forum and the rich collections of the National Archaeological Museum illuminate the city’s two-thousand-year history. The remains of city walls and aqueducts are still clearly visible today. During the Santa Tecla festival, the famous human towers, the traditional castells performances, make the city special.
Lleida
Catalonia’s western gateway is a city where millennia-old cultures blend at the meeting point of plains and mountains.
Lleida, situated on the banks of the Segre River, has always played an important role in the region’s history due to its strategic significance, as evidenced by the imposing Seu Vella cathedral that still crowns the hill. The castle and Romanesque cathedral offer a unique panorama of the city and surrounding plains. Gothic palaces and modernist buildings hide in the narrow streets of the old town, while the Rambla de Ferran pedestrian street is the heart of the city.
Due to the area’s agricultural significance, the local cuisine is famous for its rich selection of vegetables and fruits as well as its meat dishes. Caracoles (snails) and escudella (hearty soup) are local specialties that can be accompanied by wines from the surrounding wine regions.
Figueres
Salvador Dalí’s birthplace has an atmosphere that perfectly reflects the famous painter’s extravagant world.
The Dalí Theatre-Museum, which is also the artist’s mausoleum, is not just a traditional museum but a complete artistic experience where every detail testifies to the Catalan genius’s creativity.
Besides the museum in the city center, it’s worth discovering Figueres’ other attractions: the Sant Ferran fortress is Europe’s largest 18th-century fortification, and the Castell de Sant Ferran is an impressively sized military architectural monument. The Rambla and the atmospheric streets of the old town provide pleasant walks.
The surrounding wine regions, especially the Empordà DO quality wines, are perfect companions to the rich-flavored local specialties.
Besalú
This picturesque small town hidden in the Fluvià River valley offers the experience of traveling back to medieval times.
The monastery church of Sant Pere in the heart of the city is one of Catalonia’s most significant Romanesque buildings. The 11th-century Romanesque bridge is the city’s symbol. It creates such a panorama that forms one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval townscapes, which has remained unchanged for centuries.
In the Jewish quarter, you can discover the remains of the miqveh (ritual bath), which testifies to the rich culture of the medieval Jewish community. The narrow cobblestone streets, stone-carved windows, and gateways all evoke the grandeur of the past.
Sitges
The elegant seaside town near Barcelona has a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Since the 19th century, it has been a meeting place for artists, writers, and lovers of social life, where beautiful beaches, modernist villas, and vibrant nightlife create a unique combination.
The city’s pride is the Cau Ferrat Museum, the former home of painter Santiago Rusiñol, which houses a stunning art collection. The Maricel Museum and Palace preserve masterpieces of Catalan art. The Sant Sebastià and Balmins beaches attract those seeking relaxation with their crystal-clear waters.
Besides the city’s internationally renowned film festival and carnival, the nightlife is also outstanding. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood and Catalan specialties that can be paired with local Penedès wine specialties.
Cardona
An imposing castle and a salt mine made the town famous. The 13th-century fortress, which was the former residence of the Dukes of Cardona, now functions as a unique hotel where history and luxury meet in a stunning environment.
Besides the castle, the Romanesque beauty of the Church of Sant Vicenç is also noteworthy, while the underground Salt Mountain Cultural Park awaits visitors with unique geological formations and salt stalactites. During the walk in the salt mine, you can learn about the centuries-old traditions of salt extraction and the natural wonders of the mine.
Local culinary specialties include salt-aged cheeses and traditional Catalan meat dishes. The surrounding wine regions, especially the wines from the Pla de Bages area, are in perfect harmony with local gastronomic traditions, particularly with game dishes and goat cheeses.
Vic
This thousand-year-old city in the heart of the Vic plain preserves such cultural richness defined by weekly markets, the medieval old town, and the roots of Catalan culture. The Saturday market, founded in the 10th century, is still one of Catalonia’s most significant traditional markets where local producers offer their goods.
The city’s pride is the Romanesque cathedral, whose walls are decorated with frescoes by Josep Maria Sert, while the Episcopal Museum houses a valuable collection of Romanesque and Gothic art. The old town square, Plaça Major, is a particularly beautiful example of Catalan architecture, as are the surrounding medieval streets and palaces.
The Vic sausage, fuet, is a nationally famous Catalan specialty prepared locally in the traditional way.
Peratallada
The small village called „carved stone” is one of Catalonia’s best-preserved medieval settlements.
The houses entirely carved from stone, narrow streets, and remains of the defense system date back to the 10th-11th centuries. Besides the castle and the Church of Sant Esteve in the heart of the village, the entire settlement itself has monumental significance.
Parts of the city walls and moat are still visible today, while the stone-carved window frames and gateways testify to masterful craftsmanship. Small galleries and craft workshops hidden in the narrow streets create a special atmosphere.
Vall de Núria
The valley hidden in the heart of the Pyrenees is one of the most popular parts of the mountain region.
The valley is only accessible by rack railway, which offers refuge at 2000 meters high for both nature lovers and pilgrims alike. Nestled among the surrounding peaks, the valley creates a unique alpine atmosphere where Catalan traditions and mountain culture meet.
Besides the Sanctuary of Our Lady in the valley, numerous hiking trails start toward the surrounding peaks, including toward Puigmal, which is Catalonia’s highest point. In winter it’s a ski paradise, while in summer it’s a favorite destination for hikers and nature lovers. The rack railway itself is an adventurous journey to the depths of the valley.
Alta Garrotxa
One of Catalonia’s wildest natural areas lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees. This little-known region is the perfect place for hiking, away from tourist crowds.
The area hides numerous abandoned villages and hermit monasteries that are silent witnesses to the past. The GR2 and GR11 long-distance hiking trails pass through the area, while local paths lead to hidden waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints.
The area enjoys special protection due to its rich flora and fauna, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. This region is the perfect choice for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle and discover Catalonia’s wild beauty.
Poblet Monastery
This monumental creation of the Cistercian order is one of Europe’s most significant medieval monastic complexes.
It served as the necropolis and spiritual center of the Aragonese kings for centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site represents such architectural and historical richness that goes beyond the significance of a simple monastic community.
Within the monastery walls, the royal tombs, the stunning Gothic cathedral, and masterpiece parts of Cistercian architecture can be found. The scriptorium, refectory, and chapter house all showcase different aspects of medieval monastic life. The wine cellars and library also provide special attractions, while the surrounding vineyards and olive groves served the monastery’s self-sufficient economy.