Exploring Catalonia: Cities, Hiking, Mountains, Beaches

day trip to girona from barcelona

We love exploring Catalonia and all it has to offer. In this post, we will point you in the direction of some amazing experiences that the region has to offer from the cities to the beaches, historical sites to mountains. Let’s unpack what this great region has to offer.

Five Great Historical sites in Catalonia

For history buffs, Catalonia is a real treasure chest! Throughout its history, the region has been invaded by and is home to Iberian tribes, Greeks, Romans, Vikings, Visigoths, Moors, and more.  A few of these left visible marks that remain to this day. Especially the Romans, diligent “constructionists” as they were, left their mark, including:

The Roman Circus in Tarragona

The city of Tarragona, or Tarraco as it was named by the Romans, was the Roman stronghold on the Iberian Peninsula. Built around the time of Emperor Domitian (1st century AD), the ruins of the circus are among the most well-preserved outside of Rome. The arena once held about 30,000 spectators, and it is a unique place to lose yourself in history.

The Ancient City of Empúries

The ancient city of Empúries is two cities in one: one Greek and one Roman. The Greeks came to the northern coast of Catalonia around the 6th century BC and lived peacefully while trading with local Iberian tribes. The Roman conquest of Hispania was kicked off here in 218 BC.

This didn’t, however, end the Greek settlement, and the Romans and Greeks coexisted in Empúries until the 3rd century when the Greeks abandoned the area, and the Romans focused their power in the Barcino (Barcelona) and Tarraco settlements.

The Girona Cathedral

The Catalans have always been renowned for their stonemasonry and Gothic architecture in Catalonia bears strong witness to this. The Girona cathedral might today be most famous as “a prop” in the Game of Thrones, and, while you come for the celebrity status, you stay for the craftsmanship!

The cathedral has the world’s widest Gothic nave, spanning 23 meters. It’s an impressive piece of architecture in a beautiful setting, the old town of Girona, and just one of the many gems to be found in the city.

Besalú – Medieval Town & Bridge

With a plethora of medieval towns in the region, picking out one for special mention is not easy! We land on Besalú, as the location on the banks of the Fluviá River with access across an angled Romanesque bridge, gives the town an edge on “the competition”. The town held an important role in the early Middle Ages with Wilfred the Hairy (yes, that’s really his name!), seen as the unifier of Catalonia, was a count of Besalú.

Montserrat Monastery

A day or half-day trip to the sacred Montserrat mountain is many people’s favourite choice for a day out from Barcelona. With its serrated peaks, this is a mountain that stands out from its (flat) surroundings! It’s considered a sacred space, and a Benedictine Abbey occupies the centre stage here, hosting the Virgin of Montserrat sanctuary – a candidate for the site of the holy grail.

There’s a cable car that will take you to the top and connects with the railway that will take you from the centre of Barcelona to the cable car. If you have a few hours more to spare and feel in good shape, you can hike to the top as well. If this sounds tempting, check out our half-day tour to Montserrat.

Mountains: Three Hiking Trails in Catalonia

For a hiking enthusiast, Catalonia is a genuine paradise! You can challenge yourself on the highest peaks in the Pyrenees or go hiking through lush valleys and green fields. Here we recommend three routes that do not demand mountaineering experience or climbing equipment.

These are suitable for anyone, but you should always check the weather forecast. Also, be informed about the nature of the route, wear appropriate clothes, and bring enough food and water. These excursions are only accessible by car.

Pedraforca

The peak of Pedraforca, at 2,506 meters, is the highest of the Pre-Pyrenees. We recommend a route that starts on the parking of Mirador del Gresolet (1,530 m) and takes you to the very top, a good kilometre higher. This is a round trip that takes about 5 hours for an experienced hiker. The view from the top is spectacular!

Difficulty: Medium/High. The route takes you through some tough terrain with some easy climbing towards the top (no extra equipment needed). It’s not recommended for the inexperienced.

Montseny

Montseny is the closest mountain hike option from Barcelona, and it’s a good one. The mountain has two peaks, Turó de l’Home, and Les Agudes, both standing at 1702 metres. There are natural routes to take you to the top(s), but we suggest an easier route that nevertheless offers great views, from Santa Fe to Empedrats de Morou and back.

The “empedrats” are some unusual rock formations from which one has a splendid view of Montseny. This route offers you the possibility of spending a couple of hours in the mountain air. Upon returning to Santa Fe having a traditional lunch in one of the restaurants on the mountain is recommended.

Difficulty: Low. Suitable for anyone.

Vall de Núria

The Núria valley has a special significance for Catalans as, in addition to being the setting for several Christian myths, the Catalan statute of autonomy was drafted here in 1931. Núria is a beautiful valley at 2000 meters (6,600 ft) above sea level that also serves as a ski resort in the winter.

The start- and end-point of the route is the small mountain village of Queralbs from which the “old road” to the valley is well-marked. If you are not too keen on a full-day hike in the mountain, there’s a cable car that will take you to the Núria sanctuary from the village of Ribes de Freser.

Difficulty: Medium. There are no complicated stretches on the route, but the full round trip takes about 7- 8 hours, so you need to be in shape!

Three Beaches for Watersports and Sunbathing

Blue sky, sun-drenched days, clean water, and white sand beaches – all ingredients of most people’s idea of a perfect vacation. Catalonia does offer all of these, from the southern part of the region to the French border. Here we focus on the fantastic Costa Brava, north of Barcelona, stretching to the French border.  Besides sunbathing, it is a great area for kite surfing, kayaking, and windsurfing and we offer experiences like a Yacht charter or a full Costa Brava tour and sailing experience.

Platja d’Empúrias

This is our northernmost option. If you should visit the historical site of Empúrias, you shouldn’t miss this beach! Hundreds of metres of white beach, which never gets overcrowded (except in the busiest summer weeks) – a rarity in Spain! Also recommended is a lunch stop in the nearby Medieval village of Sant Martí d’Empúries.

Platja de Pals

Only accessible by foot, leaving the car in nearby Sa Riera, this beach is another alternative for enjoying the sun and the beach with some elbow room. This is also a spot with highly favourable wind conditions for kite and windsurfing.

Platja Castell

This beach is one of the better alternatives for renting a kayak. The Costa Brava coastline is full of small beaches, caves, and general natural splendour to explore. This beach, with not a hotel or tourist accommodation in sight, is surrounded by pine forest and rocky cliffs and sheltered from the stronger winds.

Three Catalan Cities

Barcelona is, naturally, “the great diva of Catalonia”, always drawing all the attention to itself. So, it is easy to ignore the virtues of its neighbours! Here are three cities that are worth hopping on the train for:

Tarragona

As mentioned earlier, Tarragona was the Roman stronghold before “the diva to the north” grew in importance and became the centre of Catalonia. More than the Roman circus, Tarragona has a charming old town, inviting beaches, and a selection of shops and restaurants that are not likely to disappoint anyone.

Sitges

Also located in the Tarragona region of Catalonia, Sitges is another lively coastal town that is well-known for hosting as annual international horror-film festival as well as being a favourite hot spot for the gay community. The city is welcoming to all visitors who enjoy walking the narrow streets, through historical neighbourhoods with white-painted houses down to the white beaches.

Girona

The cathedral, the Arabian baths, the Jewish quarter. In old town Girona you’re always stepping on historic ground! It makes up for not being on the coast by having two rivers flow through it. Besides taking in the city view by walking on the city walls (9th-14th century), there are numerous museums, galleries, and historical buildings to visit for a good dose of cultural history.

Once that is taken care of, shopping for local products and eating local food will surely leave you with fond memories of Girona! We’d like to take you on a Girona tour that includes a visit to the nearby Figueres Dalí museum.

Thank you for joining us on this short round trip to Catalonia. If you like us to assist you in organising your Barcelona visit, please get in touch.

Originally published Sept 2, 2019, and updated on Dec 6, 2023.

What to do in Barcelona in April: Fairs, Markets and Love

Barcelona in April is a springtime delight. Although we have our fair share of showers, the days are warmer and longer, and there’s plenty to head outside for.

With temperatures averaging 20 degrees and a stunning blue sky overhead, you can walk around in the afternoons without a coat and extra layers in your bag or backpack.

While you’ll find the streets a little busier, particularly over the Easter weekend, Barcelona is still a brilliant choice for a trip away in April. From fairs and celebrations, to the Catalan Valentine’s Day, we’ve got it all covered in this handy blog.

Palo Market Fest – Artesanal Market

When: April 1 and 2, 2023

Where: Calle Pellaires, 30  (Selva de Mar neighbourhood)

Price: 5€ (buy your ticket online, available on the Monday before the event)

Website: https://palomarketfest.com/en

This market is one of the best in the city and takes place just once per month.

In a world where buying local is becoming increasingly difficult, Palo Alto showcases shops, restaurants, and independent designers from Catalonia and other parts of Spain, in a fun and relaxed market setting.

Try delicious food and drink and shop for locally-made clothes, bags, shoes and toiletries over the course of the day. There’s also live music and DJ performances, as well as pop-up bars, so you can while away the afternoon, before heading out for the evening.

Mercat de la Terra Barcelona (Slow Food Barcelona)

When: Every Saturday from 0900-1500h

Where: Parc de las Tres Chimeneas in Barcelona, Avenue Paral·lel, 45, Poble Sec

Price: Free entry

Website: https://slowfood.barcelona/

This is a farmer’s market organised by Slow Food Barcelona which has been around since 2015. Each weekend, hundreds of people visit to taste food, learn more about local gastronomic culture and generally enjoy themselves.

This market is a reference for responsible consumption, local produce, organic agriculture and sustainability, with more than 40 producers represented.

Part of the Earth Markets network of Slow Food International, you won’t want to skip this if you’re a real foodie.

Día de Sant Jordi (Saint George’s Day)

When: Sunday, April 23, 2023

Where: The whole city will be celebrating

Price: The price of a red rose, a good book… and maybe a nice dinner!

Love is in the air and so is the smell of roses. The streets of Barcelona are filled to the brim with the red flowers of romance and you’ll find that there are also more booksellers than usual. What could be the cause of so much amorousness? Isn’t Valentine’s Day in February?

Barcelona’s St Valentine’s Day aka Saint George’s Day

British readers will know that Saint George is the patron saint of England, but he is also the patron saint of Barcelona and Saint George’s Cross also forms a part of the flag of Barcelona.

The legend is the same: a dashing knight rescues a damsel in distress from an evil dragon, but the day is characterised by exchanging specific gifts: roses and books.

The gifting of roses is more self-explanatory. The books came about as Shakespeare and Cervantes – two great authors and playwrights – were said to have died on April 23.

Traditionally men gifted roses to women, and women books to men, but nowadays most couples gift each other both books and roses. So, if you’re with your sweetheart in Barcelona on el día de Sant Jordi, don’t panic about what to buy! You’ll be able to purchase a rose and a book on Las Ramblas, the central street in Barcelona.

50a Feria de Abril de Catalunya (50th April Fair)

When: April 21 – May 1

Where: Esplanada del Forum (Parc Forum: Pl Fòrum, 1)

Websites: Barcelona.cat and FECAC.com

At the time of writing, there was still very little information published about the event, so please check the official websites above for more!

If you find yourself in northern Spain instead of southern Spain at the end of April, you can still capture some of that Andalusian magic at the 50a Feria de Abril de Catalunya.

Easter (Holy Week) is a huge celebration in the southern community of Andalucía, with a combination of religious solemnity and colourful frivolity in the streets. Semana Santa, or Holy Week, sees the whole community come together to pray and also to party at the Feria de Abril de Sevilla.

While it pales in comparison in terms of size, the Feria de Abril de Catalunya is organised by the Federación de Entidades Culturales Andaluzas en Catalunya, or FECAC for short, a group dedicated to bringing Andalusian traditions to Catalonia.

They bring as much authenticity to proceedings as possible and invite all of us to share in the cultural differences and festivities of another part of Spain. Expect exhilarating rides and games, delicious food, the music of southern Spain (including the world-famous music and dance style Flamenco), with bright colours all around.

Other April ideas

If you’re not here for the Feria de Abril de Catalunya but still want to experience Flamenco, we also offer an amazing Flamenco experience in Poble Espanyol. See our blog on Flamenco in Barcelona for more.

This blog was originally published on March 15, 2019, and updated on March 14, 2023.

Calçotadas: All You Need to Know about this Catalan Tradition

delicious traditions in barcelona

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.

Casa Juaco

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

Can Carbonell

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

Les Espelmes

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.

FAQ: Barcelona Treasure Hunt

Barcelona Scavenger Hunt with Polaroid Cameras

Our Barcelona Photo Treasure Hunt is one of the most popular activities that we offer. It’s a fun way to get acquainted with Barcelona and do some team building. Since we often get questions about this memorable city scavenger hunt, we’ve compiled some answers for you.

How does your Barcelona Photo Treasure hunt work?

It’s all pretty simple. We give the whole group a detailed brief before splitting you into smaller teams.  Then, each team gets a backpack with useful equipment.

We then unleash you on Barcelona’s incredible Gothic Quarter (or Old Town) in a crazy, madcap treasure hunt. Using the kit given – and the brains of your team – you compete to solve clues, collect scavenger items, and take pictures.  This is all to gather as many points as you can to win the activity and prove your team is the best! 

Why is your team building treasure hunt so popular?

Mainly because it’s a lot of fun – we know it is because we designed it! Furthermore, people keep telling us how much they enjoy the activity. 

We’ve all done team building activities before. Let’s be honest, some of them are terrible, but we guarantee this one isn’t.

Our photo scavenger hunt is affordable, adventurous, and exciting. The activity helps to bring teams closer together and they are a unique way to explore Barcelona.

Where will we go?

The entire Photo Treasure Hunt takes place in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, which is the central part of the old city. During your treasure hunt, you’ll see attractions such as:

  • Barcelona Cathedral
  • Placa del Pi
  • Sant Felip Neri
  • Placa Reial
  • La Rambla
  • … and plenty more!

More than that, the way the activity is designed you’ll notice more than you would on a simple tour.  Your team wanders in, through, and around lots of great architecture. You’ll stroll past cafes, ancient buildings, monuments, houses, and galleries, all while keeping your eyes peeled for clues. 

What equipment do we get?

Everything you need, we give you (well, apart from your own brain – you need to bring that). Each team is allocated the following items: 

  • Rucksack – easy to carry on the move and keeps all your kit together
  • Laminated map
  • Clue booklet – this includes obscured pictures. It’s your job to find the unobscured sites and answer the questions
  • Scavenger hunt – a list of things you need to find. Haggling, buying, borrowing, and finding are all fair game
  • Vintage Polaroid camera – using this, you’ll need to snap some pictures. Some fun, some challenging, and some embarrassing. Your team will need to get creative
  • A brilliant surprise prize (but only for the winning team)
  • All the other important stuff, like pens and paper

Once it’s all over, your team gets to keep a photo album as a memento which is stuffed with all the photos you’ve taken on your Barcelona treasure hunting team building trip.

Who is it best suited for?

Anyone, anywhere, who wants to have fun while doing team building. In terms of size, we can accommodate teams as small as 8 and have the capacity for up to 200.

Beyond company events, our treasure hunt is also suitable for families, groups of friends, and anyone else.

How long does it last?

You should allow approximately three hours. Afterward, most teams go for food or drinks, where we normally also hold a prize-giving ceremony. Usually, teams extend the night beyond this ceremony to enjoy the excitement, laughter, and good vibe still lingering long after the treasure hunt is over. 

Do you offer any other team building activities in Barcelona?

Yes, we offer plenty! Our other Barcelona team building activities include boat trips, sailing races, tapas cooking, flamenco nights, city tours, plus many more.  

Hopefully, we’ve answered all your questions about our Photo Treasure Hunt. If we haven’t, please contact us. We’re here to help.

Barcelona Barrios – The Born

the born barcelona

In this blog, we explore The Born aka El Born and provide a taste of the different areas to be found in beautiful Barcelona. Along with some history, we’ve also included some of our top picks. Let’s dive in!

What’s a barrio?

Barrio is a Spanish word used to describe a neighbourhood or quarter of the city. And each of Barcelona’s barrios has something unique to offer!

This variety gives us plenty of possibilities for Barcelona group activities and is exactly what makes the city such a vibrant place to visit for your private groups or company events.

Where is El Born?

Sandwiched between the Gothic Quarter and Ciutadella Park (the main park in the city), El Born has grown in popularity with the trendsetters. Like its Gothic neighbour, this barrio has its share of winding narrow streets. It is full of contrasts, which include Gothic, medieval history and modern influences. Over recent years it has also become popular for its boho yet fashionable stores, bistros, and bars. This eclectic mix gives the area a very unique charm.

The Backstory

Originally sitting outside of the city’s Roman wall boundary, as the city grew the walls were extended to include the area in the 15th Century.

The Roman archaeological remains can still be seen inside the old El Born Market, now a dedicated centre for the culture and history of the area. This old market is definitely worth a visit!

The location – near the working port – was convenient for traders who began to build palaces in the area. A financial crisis meant that King Felipe V decided to destroy much of the neighbourhood and built a castle instead, which is now Ciutadella Park.

Its colourful history is what gives the area its unique aesthetics and curb appeal.

The Current Vibe

We love the local designer boutiques, diverse selection of restaurants, wine bars and antique curiosity shops.

Let’s also not forget the beautiful architecture steeped in history, cobbled streets, terraces perfect for long lingering lunches and an impressive medieval church (Santa Maria del Mar). We can’t recommend the area enough!

Get it on your itinerary for an organised group tour or just a saunter around area taking it all in slowly.

For those culturally inclined it is also home to the Picasso Museum.

We also recommend the lesser-known, but in our opinion, equally interesting Museum of Modern Art.

El Born: Top Picks

Plan your group trip to Barcelona with some of our top picks below!

El Xampanyet

Looking for an authentic bar experience? Go back in time to experience one of the area’s longest-standing traditional bars, El Xampanyet. Dating back to 1929, the name comes from the sparkling wine served there. Enjoy a glass and some tapas in the hustle and bustle of this unique bar.

Guzzo Club

Guzzo Club is a café, bar, art gallery and music club all rolled into one. Get down with the hipsters for a bite to eat, a few drinks and a late-night boogie.

Hoffman Pastries

We wholeheartedly recommend getting your sweet fix here! Try one of their award-winning croissants (our favourite is the mascarpone croissant!) or whatever seduces you from the selection mouthwatering selection of pastries. You’ll find Pastisseria Hofmann at Carrer dels Flassaders, 44.

Cal Pep

Don’t be fooled by the laid-back vibe, Cal Pep is a real hidden gem and one of the best places to eat tapas in Barcelona!

AIRE Ancient Baths Barcelona

Tired from all the exploring? Check out AIRE Ancient Baths Barcelona. The ancient thermal baths offer a calm and relaxing space to chill out and recharge your batteries – to get you ready for the next barrio adventure.

This blog was first published on June 29, 2020, and updated on Dec 2, 2022.

What to do in Barcelona in September: La Mercè Festival

visit barcelona in september

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.

Castells Barcelona September
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 gegants travel 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.

Visit our Barcelona activities pages to choose a Spanish Cooking Class or Flamenco Class to complete your weekend of Mediterranean magic.

Contact our dedicated team for a personalised proposal. You can email us at info@barcelonatours.net or give us a call on +34 935 008 226.

Unique Barcelona Shopping Guide – El Born

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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 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

Address: Carrer del Rec, 52, 08003 Barcelona

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.

Uno de 50

Address: C/Vidrieria 5, 08003

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.

Le Swing

Address: C/Rec 16, 08003

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

Address: C/Rec 20, 08003

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.

Whatever your motivations for visiting this great city, we are happy to set up a private tour of Barcelona for you. Get in touch today at info@barcelonatours.net or call us +34 935 008 226.

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