From natural spaces, wild coves to modernist architecture, find out about all the interesting things to do in Catalonia Spain. Catalonia’s charm extends far beyond its stunning cities and green spaces. Discover the Costa Brava, whitewashed fishing villages resting by the sea, as well as the stunning landscapes of the villages of the Catalan Pyrenees. Catalonia brings the Mediterranean and the mountains to your feet, offering you a unique travel experience.
If you are a traveller searching for a different experience, let Catalonia captivate you with its beauty and spirit.
Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter, completely free to use, easy and practical. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most by adding them to your route map.
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Places to see in Catalonia, Spain
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most modern cities in Spain, with unique urban planning and an architectural structure that stands out on a global level. As such, it is home to many of the most interesting and unique places in Spain. The Sagrada Familia plays an important role in Barcelona’s culture, as it perfectly represents the modernist architecture of the famous architect Gaudí, which can be found all over the city.
On the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s main street, we can find some of Gaudí’s best works, such as Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Another must-see is the Gothic Quarter, the heart of the city and one of the oldest and most charming areas in Barcelona.
Likewise, it is impossible to travel to Barcelona and not stroll along Las Ramblas. This famous 1.2 km long street starts at the Plaza de Cataluña and goes all the way to the port. It is the most iconic promenade in the city.
Garraf
Located just a few kilometres from Barcelona, Garraf is a destination of great Mediterranean beauty. Its beautiful coastline creates a unique landscape that combines perfectly with its vineyards, castles, festivals and gastronomic tradition. From strolling along its famous port, to exploring the Garraf Natural Park and its interesting landscapes, to spending the day in Cala Morisca, located in the middle of the impressive white cliffs of the Garraf, you can’t miss all the things to do in Garraf Catalonia.
Tarragona
Being one of the most historically and culturally important cities in Catalonia, there are many things to do in Tarragona. Although it is not well known as a tourist destination, Tarragona has incredible history and culture and an extensive Roman heritage recognised by UNESCO. As a coastal city, Tarragona is home to some of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches on the Costa Brava.
Another of its great attractions is the Balcón del Mediterráneo, an impressive viewpoint where you can admire Miracle Beach and the grandeur of the Mediterranean Sea.
Siurana
Siurana is a fairytale village in the province of Tarragona. This town is full of charm that you will discover as you walk through its cobbled streets, stroll through the remains of the Saracen fortress, or visit the beautiful church of Santa Maria. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the reservoir of Siurana, a reservoir with clean and calm waters where you can practice all kinds of water sports and also enjoy unbeatable views of the Montsant mountain range. Siurana is a must on your trip to Catalonia, thanks to its welcoming village and stunning landscape.
El Monseny, the Natural Park to see in Catalonia Spain
The Montseny Natural Park is classified as a Biosphere Reserve and certified by the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. Montseny towers over the counties of Vallès, Osona and La Selva, dominating the landscape and making it visible from different parts of Catalonia Spain. The beautiful Montseny Natural Park is also home to many legends about its forests and villages.
In addition, the park offers an incomparable space for outdoor activities, such as hiking. In the Montseny Natural Park you will find numerous signposted trails for hiking as well as paintballing, quad biking, archery or sliding down zip lines while admiring the scenery.
Girona
Capital of the province of Girona and a city full of history and charm. With a Roman past, this is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in Catalonia as well as one of the cities with the highest quality of life in Spain.
In addition to its old town that seems to stand the test of time, Girona is notable for being the filming location for some episodes of Game of Thrones, something that has increased its popularity even further.
A leisurely stroll through the historic centre, a visit to its landmarks and museums, a walk through its streets and squares enjoying its culture, are just some of the many things to do in Girona Catalonia.
Cadaqués
Cadaqués is one of the most beautiful and most visited villages on the Costa Brava. Its white houses and blue windows give it its characteristic seaside atmosphere. Almost hidden between mountains and difficult to access, this small village has managed to preserve its authenticity over time. The painted white and narrow stone streets of Cadaqués invite you to explore and stay as long as you can.
Peratallada
Peratallada has been declared a historic-artistic site and a Cultural Asset of National Interest. It is one of the most important hubs of medieval architecture in Catalonia and carved out of the rock. In addition to its impressive medieval heritage, this village is also known for its food and handicrafts. Preserving its original personality and appearance, Peratallada still has an incredible charm that you will discover among its narrow streets, its wall and castle. This village has definitely become a must-see in Catalonia Spain.
Figueres
Located in the province of Girona, Figueres is a town known worldwide for being the birthplace of one of the greatest surrealist artists, Salvador Dalí. Visiting this city is like entering the work of Dalí, as his style has imbued the town of Figueres.
One of the must-sees in the city, located in the Plaza Gala-Salvador Dalí, is the Figueres Dalí Theatre-Museum. This museum could be the largest surrealist work in the world, as it shows Dalí’s art in all its splendour. In the centre of Figueres there is the Rambla, the most symbolic area of the city that connects the old town with the new part. Here you will find numerous buildings of interest such as Casa Albert Terrades and Casa Bosch.
If you want to know more about this city full of art, read our post: Things to do in Figueres.
La Seu d’Urgell
La Seu d’Urgell, capital of the Alt Urgell region, is a unique enclave in the stunning Catalan Pyrenees. This charming municipality is a beautiful rural area where there is no shortage of things to do and see. At an altitude of 690 metres, the Cathedral of Santa Maria is the most iconic building in La Seu d’Urgell, as well as being the only Romanesque cathedral still standing in Catalonia.
Bellver de Cerdanya
The town of Bellver de Cerdanya is one of the largest and most beautiful in the Pyrenean region of Cerdanya. This charming village is part of the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, an ideal place for adventure sports and hiking. In addition to its charm, it is a place where you can find a wide range of cultural and leisure activities, as Bellver de Cerdanya hosts numerous fairs and very interesting activities throughout the year.
Lleida
There are countless places to see in Lleida in Catalonia, northeastern Spain. This beautiful Catalan province is home to authentic natural paradises, charming villages surrounded by nature and a medieval atmosphere with a great history and culture.
The city of Lleida is the capital of the province of the same name. Discover its incredible range of monuments and historic buildings, as well as its idyllic natural setting. It will definitely become one of your favourite places. One of the highlights of this beautiful city is the Seu Vella, its imposing cathedral. Located at the top of a hill, it creates a sight worth admiring with its impressive tower and cloister. Also, don’t miss the Paeria Palace and the Gardeny Castle.
Montserrat
The Montserrat Massif is one of the most important mountains in the heart of Catalonia, and rises imposingly to a height of 1,236 metres above the Llobregat River. Its name literally translates to “the serrated mountain” and it stands out mainly for the unique profile of its rocks. This massif has several hiking routes that attract the most adventurous travellers from all over Spain and the world. The main peaks of Monserrat are Sant Jeroni, Montgros and Miranda de les Agullesh, and it is well worth taking a day out of your trip to climb one of them.
Hidden in the mountain range is the Monastery of Montserrat, a 12th century monastery that contrasts with the surrounding landscape. Today this monastery is still home to a hundred Benedictine monks and attracts a lot of visitors. Montserrat is definitely one of the places you cannot miss in Catalonia.
Rupit
Located in El Collsacabra, the medieval village of Rupit has panoramic views of Guilleries, El Montseny, as well as the cliffs of neighbouring Tavertet, Avenc and Far. It is nestled amidst wooded landscapes that you can cross along a winding road. You can’t miss the main points of interest such as its suspension bridge, its Romanesque churches, and of course the Salt de Sallent, the highest waterfall in Catalonia. To the north, the stone farmhouses scattered around the village of Pruit are reminiscent of a bygone era.
Sant Pere de Casserres Monastery
In one of the river Ter’s meanders you’ll find a uniquely spectacular sight: the monastery of Sant Pere de Casserres. This Benedictine temple in the village of Les Masies de Roda was built in the 11th century and declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1931. Situated on a peninsula surrounded by the river Ter, this isolated monastery conveys a feeling of peace and reverence. An ideal spot to disconnect and admire your surroundings after a route through nature.
Route around Catalonia
To get to know all the natural and cultural richness of Catalonia, Passporter invites you to explore this region of the country through the Grand Tour of Catalonia. This is a tour that takes you through the most iconic and lush landscapes of this region, from natural landscapes, mountain villages to the most interesting and important cities of Catalonia Spain. Discover the six stages that make up this route and get to know Catalonia from a different perspective.
If you want to know more about this experience, don’t miss all the details in our post: Catalonia Travel Guide: Grand tour.
Route along the Costa Brava
A trip along the Costa Brava is one of the must-dos during your trip to Catalonia. As well as being one of the most popular routes for travellers looking for sun and beach tourism, this coastal area is where you will get to know the authentic essence of Catalonia. This stretch of the Catalan coastline stretches from Blanes to Portbou and is known for its unique landscapes, which include beautiful coves surrounded by cliffs and the impressive Camins de Ronda, which borders the sea and will give you incredible photo opportunities.
If you want to discover the picturesque villages of Cadaqués, Begur, Calella de Palafrugell, Tossa del Mar or Pals, take a look at our post: Things to do on the Costa Brava.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Tips for your trip to Catalonia
- Plan your Catalonia travel route with the Passporter App.
- Book your accommodation in advance and choose what area you want to stay in carefully depending on your itinerary.
- We recommend hiring a car so you can get around the Autonomous Community more easily.
- Keep in mind that Catalonia has a tourist tax in all accommodation services. It can range between €0.45 and €2.25 per person depending on the type of accommodation and its location.
- Check the weather before your trip and remember to bring warm clothes for the inland villages and lightweight clothes for the coastal locations.
How to plan your Catalonia travel route?
If you are the type of traveller who likes to get organised before leaving and you don’t know how to plan your trip very well, Passporter has several options for you. Sign up to Passporter and discover all of its useful features!
In the app you will find a wide range of ideas and inspiration on which places to see and what activities to do in Catalonia. You can also use this post as a reference and combine it with the app’s suggestions. Create your perfect itinerary with Passporter!
If you want to learn more about the app and how to get the most out of it, read our post: How to create your itinerary with Passporter.
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