Calçotadas – a Special Catalan Tradition It is no secret that here in Barcelona we love to eat. No matter the occasion or season we always manage to tie-in some gastronomic angle to every get-together. One favourite foodie traditions loved by Catalans, ex-pats and visitors alike is a Calçotada. A Calçotada is a popular ritual which brings together families and friends, in the colder months, to eat large green onions (similar to a spring onion), called calçots. There is certainly no escaping them if you're visiting between the months of December and May. Why Are We Obsessed With Calçots? So why are we so obsessed with getting together and eating these over-sized green onions? Firstly it's the social ritual; they are a great excuse to meet up with friends in the countryside or the city, and spend time together eating, drinking and generally being merry. There is a real knack to eating calçots which people love spending time mastering. Despite maybe perfecting the technique, it will always result in dirty hands, charcoaled chins and the smell of smoked onion. The second reason is the sheer deliciousness of them. The most popular way to cook calçots is to grill them over an open BBQ. The onions are not completely cleaned as a little earth protects their outer skin. They are most commonly served in newspaper and must be eaten directly with your hands. Although the outer layers will be barbecued until black, the inner bulb remains deliciously tender and and is dipped into a very tasty Romesco sauce. This delicious sauce is made from nuts, dried red peppers, vinegar, garlic and olive oil. The combination will leave no doubt as to why this ritual is such a popular leisure time with the locals throughout the colder months. Top Catalan Calçotada Locations
Calçotadas – a Special Catalan Tradition
It is no secret that here in Barcelona we love to eat. No matter the occasion or season we always manage to tie-in some gastronomic angle to every get-together.
One favourite foodie traditions loved by Catalans, ex-pats and visitors alike is a Calçotada.
A Calçotada is a popular ritual which brings together families and friends, in the colder months, to eat large green onions (similar to a spring onion), called calçots. There is certainly no escaping them if you’re visiting between the months of December and May.
Why Are We Obsessed With Calçots?
So why are we so obsessed with getting together and eating these over-sized green onions?
Firstly it’s the social ritual; they are a great excuse to meet up with friends in the countryside or the city, and spend time together eating, drinking and generally being merry.
There is a real knack to eating calçots which people love spending time mastering. Despite maybe perfecting the technique, it will always result in dirty hands, charcoaled chins and the smell of smoked onion.
The second reason is the sheer deliciousness of them.
The most popular way to cook calçots is to grill them over an open BBQ. The onions are not completely cleaned as a little earth protects their outer skin.
They are most commonly served in newspaper and must be eaten directly with your hands. Although the outer layers will be barbecued until black, the inner bulb remains deliciously tender and and is dipped into a very tasty Romesco sauce.
This delicious sauce is made from nuts, dried red peppers, vinegar, garlic and olive oil. The combination will leave no doubt as to why this ritual is such a popular leisure time with the locals throughout the colder months.
Top Catalan Calçotada Locations
For anyone with a special interest in learning about Spanish cooking, getting their hands in the mix, we offer a Spanish food class.
This country-style restaurant is located in the hills of Collserola, so you will need a car to get there. The restaurant has beautiful views over the lush hills of Catalunya and has a very relaxed and tranquil ambience. This restaurant is famous for its calçotadas and is very popular so it’s advisable to book in advance. https://www.casajuaco.com
A veritable institution for the calçotada, Can Carbonell is well worth the drive to get to. Aside from the star-guest-calçot, the other delicacies on offer are superb, including artichokes, escargot, steak, chicken, lamb, and rabbit. This place is also very child friendly so feel free to bring all the family. https://www.cancarbonell.com
You can’t even discuss calçots without paying homage to the birthplace of the calçotada in Valls, near Tarragona. One of our top restaurants in the area is the amazing Les Espelmes.
The staff are incredibly friendly and once you’ve made your way up the twisting roads the views that greet you are spectacular. With the restaurant being perched on the top of a mountain the views over Barcelona are worth the trek, let alone their award winning calçots.
This place is also one of the most popular places for calçotadas, so again make sure you book in advance to avoid any disappointment. https://www.lesespelmes.com
Contact us to find out how to hire a venue and do a calçotada of your own! Email us at info@barcelonatours.net or call +34 935 008 226.
Looking to hire a local travel company in Barcelona for your next trip? Whether you’re arranging a conference, a team building activity or an incentive trip in a foreign country, making all of the arrangements yourself can be time-consuming and stressful. That’s why hiring a local travel company that can take care of your group travel organisation is a smart option. Expert Local Knowledge Unless you’ve lived in your chosen destination before, you probably don’t have the specialist knowledge you need to make the best decisions about where to stay and what to do during your trip. A specialist company will have an in-depth understanding of the city of your choice and will be able to access the best the city can offer. Transportation Made Simple When you hire a local company to arrange your group travel, you’ll find travelling around your destination is much easier. Quality transportation will be arranged on your behalf to get you and your group wherever you need to go. From airport transfers to sightseeing trips, it’ll all be done for you, saving you time and effort. Better Group Accommodation It can be difficult to get a good rate on accommodation for large groups however with an expert local company working on your behalf you can find a comfortable stay for your entire party at a price you can afford to pay. You won’t need to make endless phone calls or browse through countless hotel websites. Simply outline your requirements and the specialist company will do the rest for you. Arranging Activities And Events Whether you’re arranging a family vacation, a trip for a group of friends or a corporate team building event, arranging activities for your party once you’ve arrived in your destination can be a hassle. Researching the best activities to enjoy can
Looking to hire a local travel company in Barcelona for your next trip? Whether you’re arranging a conference, a team building activity or an incentive trip in a foreign country, making all of the arrangements yourself can be time-consuming and stressful.
That’s why hiring a local travel company that can take care of your group travel organisation is a smart option.
Expert Local Knowledge
Unless you’ve lived in your chosen destination before, you probably don’t have the specialist knowledge you need to make the best decisions about where to stay and what to do during your trip. A specialist company will have an in-depth understanding of the city of your choice and will be able to access the best the city can offer.
Transportation Made Simple
When you hire a local company to arrange your group travel, you’ll find travelling around your destination is much easier. Quality transportation will be arranged on your behalf to get you and your group wherever you need to go. From airport transfers to sightseeing trips, it’ll all be done for you, saving you time and effort.
Better Group Accommodation
It can be difficult to get a good rate on accommodation for large groups however with an expert local company working on your behalf you can find a comfortable stay for your entire party at a price you can afford to pay. You won’t need to make endless phone calls or browse through countless hotel websites. Simply outline your requirements and the specialist company will do the rest for you.
Arranging Activities And Events
Whether you’re arranging a family vacation, a trip for a group of friends or a corporate team building event, arranging activities for your party once you’ve arrived in your destination can be a hassle. Researching the best activities to enjoy can take a long time, but a specialist company will already know all the options that suit your requirements and can arrange them all for you in advance.
Going The Extra Mile For You
When you need a specialist company to arrange group travel in Barcelona for you and your party, Barcelona Tours is on hand to be your partner. We are experts in the city’s accommodation, attractions and activities, so you can depend on us to organise the perfect trip.
We have almost ten years of experience in arranging high-quality private tours, group travel and group activities in and around the city of Barcelona. You can rely on our extensive local knowledge and contacts to make your trip a complete success.
We can handle all elements of your stay! From arranging transportation and accommodation to helping arrange evening entertainment, restaurants and team-building activities. We’re here to make sure everything runs smoothly so you can enjoy your visit to this stunning city to the max.
BarcelonaTours has been offering a private flamenco class for team building and group activities in Barcelona for many years. It has always been one of our most popular activities, and today we decided to put the spotlight on this activity and one of our hardworking teachers, Lucero. What is flamenco? If you type the word “flamenco” into a search engine, you’ll find the following definition: a style of Spanish music, played especially on the guitar and accompanied by singing and dancing. As is often the problem when describing music and movement, this does not even begin to scratch the surface of the passion and drive that goes into flamenco music and dancing. Why does a flamenco class for team building make great activity? First and foremost, a flamenco class for team building engages your team members in an activity that is directly related to Spain and Spanish traditions. While Flamenco is not native to Barcelona, it’s still popular and people love to hear the music and go to shows. Secondly, it’s likely to be something your group has never tried before. This is not a team building activity you’re likely to be able to find outside Spain so it’s a great idea to give it a try while you’re here! How does a Flamenco Class for Team Building work? Learning some basic clapping rhythms and steps is a fun and appealing way to get people to let loose and try something new. There’s no need to worry about people feeling embarrassed about being better or worse at flamenco because everyone is a beginner. Finally, the start time and location are easily adjusted to suit your needs. It’s suitable if you have a spare hour during a busy itinerary and would like a teacher sent to the hotel or venue. Alternatively,
BarcelonaTours has been offering a private flamenco class for team building and group activities in Barcelona for many years. It has always been one of our most popular activities, and today we decided to put the spotlight on this activity and one of our hardworking teachers, Lucero.
What is flamenco?
If you type the word “flamenco” into a search engine, you’ll find the following definition: a style of Spanish music, played especially on the guitar and accompanied by singing and dancing.
As is often the problem when describing music and movement, this does not even begin to scratch the surface of the passion and drive that goes into flamenco music and dancing.
Why does a flamenco class for team building make great activity?
First and foremost, a flamenco class for team building engages your team members in an activity that is directly related to Spain and Spanish traditions. While Flamenco is not native to Barcelona, it’s still popular and people love to hear the music and go to shows.
Secondly, it’s likely to be something your group has never tried before. This is not a team building activity you’re likely to be able to find outside Spain so it’s a great idea to give it a try while you’re here!
How does a Flamenco Class for Team Building work?
Learning some basic clapping rhythms and steps is a fun and appealing way to get people to let loose and try something new. There’s no need to worry about people feeling embarrassed about being better or worse at flamenco because everyone is a beginner.
Finally, the start time and location are easily adjusted to suit your needs. It’s suitable if you have a spare hour during a busy itinerary and would like a teacher sent to the hotel or venue. Alternatively, our teacher Lucero has her own flamenco school in the charming Gracia neighbourhood.
Extras for a complete flamenco experience
For a full flamenco experience, have a flamenco class in Barcelona followed by our Flamenco Night at Poble Espanyol. We can also organise live flamenco music and bands, get in touch to find out more.
To read more about the history of how this Andalusian music and dance came to Barcelona, you can read our Flamenco in Barcelona blog. In this blog, we’re more interested in the passion and drive that makes someone want to become a flamenco dancer and a flamenco teacher.
Interview with a Professional Flamenco Teacher
BarcelonaTours has been fortunate to work with Lucero for a very long time and our groups have always loved her classes. We interviewed Lucero to find out more about her life and her flamenco school.
When did you start dancing flamenco?
I started dancing at the age of four. First, I did an introduction to dance, then continued with Spanish classical dancing and ballet. When I turned 18, I started dancing flamenco.
Who was your inspiration?
My parents were very supportive and took me to the dance school. After that, I decided to continue, and my inspiration to do so was my fellow dancers and professors at the dance school.
How long have you had your own dance school?
I have been teaching flamenco for more than 20 years. I’ve also had my own dance school under my own name, Lucero Cárdenas, for the last 12 years.
Most of our clients book a one-hour class, so what can they expect to learn in this time?
An hour is great to give people an introduction to flamenco. We begin with a brief history of flamenco and its origins, to put the flamenco universe in context for the participants. Then we move on to the dynamic part!
We will practice the rhythm of flamenco with “las palmas” (rhythmic clapping), learn the basic steps and finish by learning some choreography. Above all, we will be teaching the participants how much fun it is to dance flamenco!
Do you have a favourite place in Barcelona to listen to flamenco music?
I really like El Tarantos, but my school is a great place too! There are shows once a month and the setting is very intimate.
What about a favourite flamenco song and/or artist?
I like so many artists. An example would be La Macanita and their song “Tierra Adentro”.
Plans for the Flamenco School
The pandemic made us realise more than ever the importance of dancing, taking care of our bodies and exercising. We want to be able to share this dance with a wider audience, so they can also benefit from the joys of flamenco. We want to reach more people, share our passion and teach them the benefits of flamenco, so as many people as possible can enjoy this wonderfully expressive dance for themselves.
Keeping the school open all year round
Providing intensive Summer courses
Offering Private lessons to clients
Increasing our presence on social media
Inviting renowned musicians and artists to our school
Collaborating with different companies in our sector
Sharing our passion for authentic flamenco with our students
A big thank you to Lucero for sharing her story and her plans with us!
Team Building and Group Travel Services in Barcelona
September in Barcelona is one of the best months of the year (if we do say so ourselves). Compared to a sweatier, stickier – and sometimes stormier – August, many locals look forward to the cooler evenings, while still enjoying their daily dose of sunshine. The city is still buzzing and BarcelonaTours has some great tips on what to do in Barcelona in September. Barcelona's September Street Festivals Barcelona is famous for its street parties which take place throughout the summer until the end of September. You may have heard of the Fiestas de Gracia which take place mid-August and feature incredible street decorations. But many of these festivals are just the warm-ups for the Mother of all fiestas: La Mercè. If you’ve never heard of this week-long celebration of all things Barcelona, then don't worry. This blog is here to guide you through. By the end of this article, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy the La Mercè celebrations like a local – and enjoy your Barcelona holiday in September. When does La Mercè take place this year? La Mercè is celebrated from September 23-26, 2022, with Monday September 26 being a citywide holiday. That’s right, just the city of Barcelona! What is La Mercè all about? This annual festival is the main festival of the city of Barcelona – and the biggest street fiesta of the year. Acknowledged by the government as a local holiday since the 1870s, La Mercè has actually been celebrated since the 1680s! Like many of the local celebrations, La Mercè has religious roots. It was traditionally a time to revere the “Virgin of Grace”, who supposedly relieved the city of a plague of locusts in 1687. The Virgin was then declared a patron saint of Barcelona, alongside Santa Eulalia, to whom to the Cathedral
September in Barcelona is one of the best months of the year (if we do say so ourselves). Compared to a sweatier, stickier – and sometimes stormier – August, many locals look forward to the cooler evenings, while still enjoying their daily dose of sunshine. The city is still buzzing and BarcelonaTours has some great tips on what to do in Barcelona in September.
Barcelona’s September Street Festivals
Barcelona is famous for its street parties which take place throughout the summer until the end of September. You may have heard of the Fiestas de Gracia which take place mid-August and feature incredible street decorations.
But many of these festivals are just the warm-ups for the Mother of all fiestas: La Mercè.
If you’ve never heard of this week-long celebration of all things Barcelona, then don’t worry. This blog is here to guide you through. By the end of this article, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy the La Mercè celebrations like a local – and enjoy your Barcelona holiday in September.
When does La Mercè take place this year?
La Mercè is celebrated from September 23-26, 2022, with Monday September 26 being a citywide holiday. That’s right, just the city of Barcelona!
What is La Mercè all about?
This annual festival is the main festival of the city of Barcelona – and the biggest street fiesta of the year.
Acknowledged by the government as a local holiday since the 1870s, La Mercè has actually been celebrated since the 1680s!
Like many of the local celebrations, La Mercè has religious roots. It was traditionally a time to revere the “Virgin of Grace”, who supposedly relieved the city of a plague of locusts in 1687. The Virgin was then declared a patron saint of Barcelona, alongside Santa Eulalia, to whom to the Cathedral of Barcelona is dedicated.
200 years after this miraculous saving of the city, La Mercè has evolved into a massive celebration of all things Mediterranean, with a particular focus on the Catalan and Barcelonés culture of today.
During La Mercè, it’s difficult to decide what to do as there is so much choice! Get ready to learn some unfamiliar words for some extraordinary activities.
Castells (Castles)
The castells (Catalan for “castle”) are one of the most incredible cultural traditions in the region of Catalonia, and La Mercè draws teams from all over the area to compete and perform during the festivities.
These human towers are a 200-year-old tradition and, although their exact origin is unknown, it is believed that a strong castell was a representation of a strong community, with the older and stronger members supporting the younger generation.
The key to these towers is the base, where dozens of people stand tightly together in order to support the structure that will be built.
Men, women and children alike take part, and the tower is not considered complete until a young child (six or seven years old) has climbed to the very top! When you consider that these castles can reach more than 10 metres in height, that’s a long way up!
The castells displays happen during the weekend in local squares. Keep an eye out in front of the Cathedral of Barcelona and Plaça de Sant Jaume.
A traditional castell in Barcelona can be over 10 metres tall.
Gegants (Giants)
The gegants, meaning “giants” in Catalan form an important part of the parades that take place throughout La Mercè festival.
The figures are hollow, light structures made of wood and papier-mâché and are carried by one person.
The people represented are usually characters from local legends, or just townspeople dressed in traditional dress.
The gegantstravel through the streets to music, often in a procession, to a local square or church where they will stop to be displayed for a period of time.
Every neighbourhood of Barcelona has its own signature gegants, so there’s plenty to see over the course of the festival.
“Els gegants” from Barcelona at Jaume I i Violant d’Hongria, al Palau de la Virreina.
Correfocs (Fire Run)
Once evening comes, the gegants are put away – and with good reason. The sun might go down, but the streets of Barcelona light up with the most exciting parade of the weekend – the enormous correfoc. This translates to “fire run” and is a pretty spot on description of the evening parade through the city streets.
Like the castells, these are teams of people that come together from all over the region. However, these teams consist of pyromaniacs, who like to dress up as devils and wave around pitchforks with fireworks attached to them.
Like the gegants, there are also structures that are carried through the streets. For example, enormous dragons operated by the devils, pushed along and spitting out fire as they go.
This may seem dangerous (and you should probably wear long sleeves and keep long hair tied back!) but these professional fire lovers are well-versed in how to keep their fireworks under control. This parade goes all the way down one of the biggest streets in Barcelona and is a spectacle not to be missed.
A large dragon Correfoc puts on a display in Barcelona during La Mercè.
The big finale
Of course, such a huge celebration would not be complete without a huge firework display.
Head over to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, (the Catalan Art Museum), in the early evening to join the crowds of people that will watch the spectacular display.
Fireworks explode overhead, lighting up beautiful Montjuic. The fountains that sit at the bottom of the hill with also be lit up, and the whole event will be choreographed to an amazing soundtrack that changes every year. What a way to end your experience of this unparalleled celebration of all things Barcelona in September.
Can’t make it to La Mercè this year?
Well, there’s always next year so think about a visit to Barcelona in September to enjoy some of the other fantastic celebrations throughout the month.
Castells regularly happen in different squares around the city during the month of September, and in local town halls and churches, you will find the gegants on display. For example, in the Santa Maria del Pi church, in the Gothic quarter, there are gegants that date back to the 17th Century – you’ll agree when you see the man and woman, named Mustafá and Elisenda, that they look brilliant for their age.
You might also be there for the celebration of La Diada, or the National Day of Catalonia, which takes place on September 11. It’s a great day to experience all things Catalan, including the castells and the gegants. Head to Plaza San Jaume, the parliament square, to see the best castellers showing off their towers.
When it’s time to relax
The beaches, the bars, the terraces… there’s always so much choice. Many hotels across the city have rooftop terraces with gorgeous views and cocktails to die for. There’s also plenty of street level terraces for a beer or wine and some patatas bravas – fried potatoes with a signature spicy sauce – for those looking to enjoy some local culture.
Shopping in El Born is a unique Barcelona experience. Forget London and New York, Barcelona is fast becoming every fashionista's fantasy shopping destination. Brimming with independent boutiques, local designers, and unique accessories, the city offers a completely original shopping experience. There are many different shopping areas all distinct in their character. From Passeig de Gracia, which boasts designer brands from Chanel to Cartier, all the way through to shopping malls offering the best the high street has to offer. However, it's the alternatives to the big brands and international stores that we're interested in exploring today. In this post, we take a look at the hidden gems tucked away in the beautiful artesian area of El Born. Gamaya Boutique Address: C/Dels Flassaders 36, 08003 Starting with one of our personal favourites, the Gamaya Boutique, is all about femininity and the best of summer style. Located on C/Dels Flassaders this clothing line merges Caribbean styles with an Ibicenco twist and are all hand made by designer Luna May. Their limited edition, handmade clothes, and accessories are pulled together in a range of dresses, tops, skirts, trousers, bags, belts, and jewellery that are comfortable and practical whilst being beautifully feminine and wonderfully sexy. The atmosphere is cosy and personal, and the ranges offer classic lines with modern elements, fashionable new cuts in plain to bold colours through to prints, and their breezy feminine summer dresses will have you stocking up in every colour. We can't recommend this beautiful boutique highly enough. Natalie Capell Address: Carrer de la Carassa 2, 08003 Barcelona This wonderfully charming shop/workshop is a magical and theatrical place for people looking for something special. Natalie’s handmade creations are made to order and her specialty is creating romantic, vintage-inspired dresses using silk, tulle and lace, and each piece is a
Shopping in El Born is a unique Barcelona experience. Forget London and New York, Barcelona is fast becoming every fashionista’s fantasy shopping destination. Brimming with independent boutiques, local designers, and unique accessories, the city offers a completely original shopping experience.
There are many different shopping areas all distinct in their character. From Passeig de Gracia, which boasts designer brands from Chanel to Cartier, all the way through to shopping malls offering the best the high street has to offer.
However, it’s the alternatives to the big brands and international stores that we’re interested in exploring today. In this post, we take a look at the hidden gems tucked away in the beautiful artesian area of El Born.
Starting with one of our personal favourites, the Gamaya Boutique, is all about femininity and the best of summer style. Located on C/Dels Flassaders this clothing line merges Caribbean styles with an Ibicenco twist and are all hand made by designer Luna May. Their limited edition, handmade clothes, and accessories are pulled together in a range of dresses, tops, skirts, trousers, bags, belts, and jewellery that are comfortable and practical whilst being beautifully feminine and wonderfully sexy.
The atmosphere is cosy and personal, and the ranges offer classic lines with modern elements, fashionable new cuts in plain to bold colours through to prints, and their breezy feminine summer dresses will have you stocking up in every colour. We can’t recommend this beautiful boutique highly enough.
This wonderfully charming shop/workshop is a magical and theatrical place for people looking for something special. Natalie’s handmade creations are made to order and her specialty is creating romantic, vintage-inspired dresses using silk, tulle and lace, and each piece is a one-off. Many brides-to-be travel from all over to have Natalie realise their dream dress. Others travel from afar to have one of the most stylish and elegant new designers create a truly unique masterpiece, showing her infamous attention to vintage detail.
La Comercial is more well known and easier to find but is such a fantastic store we had to include it in our rundown of the area’s best shopping finds. La Comercial is an exclusive and innovative shopping experience speckled out within its six different boutiques (which are all within metres of each other). Their tagline is ‘For him, for her and for your home. For your desires, for gifts, for you’, which pretty much sums up the fact that there is something here for everyone, everything, and every occasion. The selection of gifts, clothes, perfumes, and furniture items has been hand-picked to provide the best in contemporary design and luxury shopping.
These shops, which are separated by a pedestrianised street, have been the pioneers of unique products in the area for the last 11 years. Find out more information about the store’s location and products on their website.
Just around the corner from the main pedestrian street of Passeig del Born, is this little jewel that is not to be missed. This Spanish brand of handcrafted jewellery founded in the late 90s, is completely distinctive in its design. The pieces show such flair and innovation that you’ll be pushed to find a range like it anywhere else. The brand is bold and creative and its success stems from its unique philosophy that only 50 of each design are ever made. This promises an exclusivity that is affordable as their prices remain very reasonable.
For all of you vintage lovers, don’t miss the mind-blowing ‘Le Swing’. The two owners travel extensively throughout Europe to find the best Vintage gems on the market. Dig deep in the wonderfully eccentric ensemble that spans throughout the decades to find a Chanel dress here, a YSL bag there, a Hermes purse, a pair of Gucci glasses, or killer heels. So take a deep breath, crack those knuckles, and limber up, for this shop means business. Given a little time and determination you never know what you’ll goodies you’ll be going home with.
Although this shop is on a busier, more accessible street, there is just no way of knowing the treats and vintage bargains that lie within so make sure you don’t miss this ode to all things kooky and interesting with a story to tell.
Dr. Bloom used to be just an online shop but due to its huge success, it has recently opened a shop right in the heart of the Born. The outside of the shop is so cute and attractive it can’t fail but entice you inside. One of the few shops in Barcelona to be open on a Sunday, their colourful and charming collections are a feast for the eyes and promise to add a splash of colour to your summer wardrobe.
The Barcelona-based designer not only designs beautiful clothes but is also a dab hand at creating fantastic jewellery, bags, accessories, and even a small selection of home decorations. As the ranges are constantly being refreshed there is always something unique to tempt you.
One of the best things about Barcelona is its proximity to the sea. And with warmer weather here, this means booking sailing trips and boats for work, fun or leisure. Whether you're a local, or just visiting, you can sample the best of the city and the sea in one day with a Barcelona boat trip. BarcelonaTours has been helping people experience Barcelona by sailboats, yachts and catamarans for almost a decade. And one of our top picks is the Orsom Catamaran – the largest catamaran that operates in Barcelona. The Orsom Catamaran This catamaran is a Barcelona favourite, with shared sailing experiences starting from just €16. This is an ideal choice for small groups, couples, friends and families and is all-around great value for money. The Orsom is a comfortable catamaran with plenty of space onboard. It also comes with a well-stocked bar, where you can purchase snacks and alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks to sip while you sail. We recommend ice-cold vermouth – a local favourite – and maybe some olives too. BarcelonaTours also offer Private Catamaran Charters for groups of different sizes. Private Luxury Yachts If you're looking for something special, then a private motorboat charter or small luxury yacht is an excellent choice. Choose from a modern, stylish motorboat with two levels and the finish of a luxury yacht or a traditional blue-bottomed “Mallorquín” style boat which is reminiscent of a classic fishing boat with luxury touches. If you love the classic look with blue and white as the main colours, a gold finish, and nautical décor, then this is the boat for you! Enjoy an adventure on the sea, with drinks and snacks included. Of course, one of the perks of a private tour is that if you feel the need to cool off,
One of the best things about Barcelona is its proximity to the sea. And with warmer weather here, this means booking sailing trips and boats for work, fun or leisure.
Whether you’re a local, or just visiting, you can sample the best of the city and the sea in one day with a Barcelona boat trip.
BarcelonaTours has been helping people experience Barcelona by sailboats, yachts and catamarans for almost a decade. And one of our top picks is the Orsom Catamaran – the largest catamaran that operates in Barcelona.
The Orsom Catamaran
This catamaran is a Barcelona favourite, with shared sailing experiences starting from just €16. This is an ideal choice for small groups, couples, friends and families and is all-around great value for money.
The Orsom is a comfortable catamaran with plenty of space onboard. It also comes with a well-stocked bar, where you can purchase snacks and alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks to sip while you sail. We recommend ice-cold vermouth – a local favourite – and maybe some olives too.
If you’re looking for something special, then a private motorboat charter or small luxury yacht is an excellent choice.
Choose from a modern, stylish motorboat with two levels and the finish of a luxury yacht or a traditional blue-bottomed “Mallorquín” style boat which is reminiscent of a classic fishing boat with luxury touches. If you love the classic look with blue and white as the main colours, a gold finish, and nautical décor, then this is the boat for you!
Enjoy an adventure on the sea, with drinks and snacks included. Of course, one of the perks of a private tour is that if you feel the need to cool off, you can let the skipper know where you would like to stop for a swim.
We can also arrange a full breakfast, lunch and tapas catering, delivered right to the boat before your arrival.
Find out more information here. Or for additional information, photos and a tailor-made experience, contact us.
A private motorboat or small luxury yacht trip is guaranteed to be a highlight of your stay.
Private sailboats and sailing yachts are also excellent choices for groups of up to 11 people. A private sailboat is a good way to make the most of Barcelona’s location beside the sea and make some memories with friends or family.
Boats can be rented for two, three or four hours and come with snacks, drinks and some of the best vistas of the city.
If you’re a larger group, we also offer bigger boats. Sailing boats and yachts are a great choice for work, fun or leisure and can be tailored to suit most budgets. Want to know more? Contact us or book online here.
Make great memories and enjoy views of the city from the sea, aboard a private sailboat or yacht.
If you've been searching for creative and affordable team building activities to do in Barcelona, you're in the right place. Barcelona is an excellent location for your next team building activity, but with so many options available in this dynamic city it can be easy to blow the budget. We've put together a list of some of our most popular, creative, fun, and wallet-friendly ideas below. Of course, there are plenty more where these came from. Visit our Team Building Activities page for more. Barcelona Photo Treasure Hunt (Exclusive to BarcelonaTours) This is our most popular team building activity and it's suitable for everyone. Armed with clues, a laminated map (sorry, no Google maps allowed!), a vintage Polaroid camera and your sleuthing skills, you'll set off around the city in search of answers. Your main group will be split into teams and armed with a backpack containing all you need. However, you will need to bring your smarts to this team building activity – unless, of course, you want to let the other teams win that is! Winners take home prizes plus you keep your polaroids from the event as a memento of the day. Good for: large or small groups, creative and problem-solving skills, seeing the city, keepsakes. Find out more and reserve the Barcelona Photo Treasure Hunt here. Grafitti Art Collective in Barcelona Unleash your inner Banksy with this creative, fun and memorable team building activity. Barcelona has plenty of hidden corners (or rincones) to discover. And if creating art is more your style, then this is one of the best creative activities to do with colleagues. In the activity, you will be guided by a street artist and given advice on how to approach your blank canvas. Do you want to choose a theme important to
If you’ve been searching for creative and affordable team building activities to do in Barcelona, you’re in the right place.
Barcelona is an excellent location for your next team building activity, but with so many options available in this dynamic city it can be easy to blow the budget.
We’ve put together a list of some of our most popular, creative, fun, and wallet-friendly ideas below. Of course, there are plenty more where these came from. Visit our Team Building Activities page for more.
Barcelona Photo Treasure Hunt (Exclusive to BarcelonaTours)
This is our most popular team building activity and it’s suitable for everyone. Armed with clues, a laminated map (sorry, no Google maps allowed!), a vintage Polaroid camera and your sleuthing skills, you’ll set off around the city in search of answers.
Your main group will be split into teams and armed with a backpack containing all you need. However, you will need to bring your smarts to this team building activity – unless, of course, you want to let the other teams win that is!
Winners take home prizes plus you keep your polaroids from the event as a memento of the day.
Good for:large or small groups, creative and problem-solving skills, seeing the city, keepsakes.
Unleash your inner Banksy with this creative, fun and memorable team building activity.
Barcelona has plenty of hidden corners (or rincones) to discover. And if creating art is more your style, then this is one of the best creative activities to do with colleagues.
In the activity, you will be guided by a street artist and given advice on how to approach your blank canvas. Do you want to choose a theme important to your company or create something stylised which includes your company logo? You are only limited by your imagination!
We make sure you have the right safety and protective gear before you start painting.
Good for:small or medium-sized groups, companies that want to make their mark creatively, fun, creative play!
Team building activities in Barcelona can be whatever you want them to be! So if you’re a fan of food and wine then this is a great option.
Whatever you do, don’t drink cheap supermarket sangria. Instead, learn how to make your own in this enjoyable workshop – then, of course, enjoy the fruits of your effort as well!
The concept of mixing fruit, wine, spirits and soda together sounds pretty simple, right? That’s where you’d be wrong! It’s easier than you think to make a ‘less than optimal’ sangria, but in this class, you’ll learn everything you need to make a classic sangria, a white sangria and finally, a Barcelona favourite – cava sangria.
Your teacher will guide you with the best flavour combinations. A good tip is to use seasonal fruits, but you can also throw in whatever you have to hand: oranges, peaches, red fruits, apples and more. Salud!
Good for:small, medium or larger groups (6-20+), short team building activities, food and wine aficionados.
Unleash your inner Banksy with this creative, fun and memorable team building activity.
Team building activities in Barcelona can be whatever you want them to be! So if you’re a fan of food and wine then this is a great option.