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.

Top Day Trips from Barcelona

day trips from barcelona

Looking for top day trips from Barcelona? Many people visit Barcelona to take in the fantastic sights of the city without realising that there are many incredible sights only a short journey away. Here are our top five unmissable places which are just a short train or car ride from Barcelona. Who knows, they could well become the highlight of your stay!

Girona

The capital of Costa Brava is bursting at the seams with culture and history. The warren of winding streets, ancient arcaded houses, stunning churches, medieval baths, and charming squares are always bustling with something interesting to see and do.

With many attractions, festivals, restaurants, and cultural events all year round this medieval city is the perfect place to spend a day or two exploring. It is often viewed as a mini Barcelona so is an ideal day trip to get lost and observe the local life and culture in relaxing and welcoming surroundings.

Montserrat

Montserrat is a totally unique place. The Benedictine Monastery dates back to around 880 AD when it’s reported that shepherds witnessed a bright light descending from the sky and could hear angels singing. They shared their experiences with others who went to the same spot and reportedly witnessed the same thing.

A vicar was then brought to the scene and had the same visions; he concluded that the visions were a sign from God. When they explored the location further they found a cave and within the cave was an image of the Virgin Mary. From that moment on the cave became a holy sanctuary for religious pilgrims.

Not only is the monastery one of the most beautiful in Europe, nestled into the imposing rock face but the natural beauty that surrounds it makes it a fantastic destination for mountain trekking and taking in the breath-taking views over Catalonia.

Don’t miss the wonderful boy’s choir that performs at 13:00 every day and it’s also worth queuing to see the Black Madonna and join in the pilgrim tradition of kissing or touching her hand as a blessing.

Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is well worth jumping into a car and exploring. It is famous for its endless coves, bays and beaches, terraced vineyards, and gastronomical importance.

There is something for everyone in the Costa Brava whether you’re looking for art history and culture, walking and outdoor activities, or whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway. Costa Brava was the birthplace and stomping ground for Salvador Dali and there are three amazing museums including his home in the stunning Cadaques.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to just take in the beauty of the area the coastline is exceptionally beautiful offering wonderful walks, world-class golf courses as well as a whole host of water sports.

It is also a foodie heaven and is home to the highest concentration of Michelin-starred chefs in all of Spain. The selection of locally produced wine is also a major reason why this is such a popular destination for people looking for a tantalisingly tasty trip away.

Dali Museum, Figueres

As previously mentioned the Costa Brava is packed with art and culture and none is more famous than being the birthplace of Salvador Dali. Figueres is the town where Dali grew up and is now home to the Dali Museum which boasts the most extensive range of his work.

The town itself is just 15 minutes by car from the beaches of Costa Brava and as it is not as touristy as Barcelona the city offers a relaxing atmosphere, a beautiful old town, low-key cafes and restaurants and even a castle.

Of course one of the main reasons people visit Figueres is to go to the Dali Museum and take in his work in all its surrealist glory. The museum itself is the largest surreal object in the world and inside houses some of his most famous pieces including ‘Rainy Taxi’ and the ‘Face of Mae West Which May Be Used as an Apartment’. This fantastical art experience is a must-see as you explore the mind of a surrealist genius.

Check out our Dali and Figueres tour

Sitges

Sitges, located 35kms south of Barcelona, is renowned for its film festival, carnivals, and beautiful beaches. It is sometimes referred to as a mini Ibiza and has become one of the most gay-friendly places in the world.

Sitges has 4kms of beaches with a wonderful 20th-century colonial sea-front promenade. It offers a wide range of sports and watersport activities including sailing regattas, beach rugby, and an annual triathlon.

There is always something going on here from art exhibitions, film festivals, carnivals, music concerts, firework displays so it has a really vibrant atmosphere. It is equally loved by young people looking to party as it is by families looking for a family-friendly location. Sitges has always been known for its ‘open-minded’ nature of both the locals and visitors so it is a truly welcoming place where everyone is made to feel at home.

Read more about our excursions from Barcelona.

Primavera Sound 2023 – Barcelona Edition

Primavera Sound Barcelona is an annual music festival that has traditionally been held in Barcelona, Spain but has also expanded in recent years to Porto, Portugal, and this year, to Madrid, Spain.

It’s also one of the most anticipated music events on the festival calendar and attracts music lovers from all over the world who come to see some of the biggest names in music perform live in the sunny beachside city of Barcelona.

The 2023 edition of Primavera Sound is set to be another incredible event, with a stellar lineup that features some of the most popular and talented artists in the industry.

When and where is it?

Running from May 29 until June 4 at the Parc del Fòrum, Primavera Sound 2023 promises to be a memorable week-long party for music fans.

The outdoor venue by the sea provides the perfect backdrop for an incredible lineup of performers.

Who’s performing?

One of the standout acts at this year’s festival is the legendary British pop duo, Pet Shop Boys. With a career spanning over three decades, Pet Shop Boys have released some of the most iconic pop songs of all time, including “West End Girls” and “It’s a Sin”. Their live shows are known for their elaborate stage productions and incredible visuals, making them a must-see act at Primavera Sound.

Another major draw at Primavera Sound 2023 is the English alternative rock band, Blur. Known for their distinctive sound and charismatic frontman, Damon Albarn, Blur have been a beloved band since the 1990s.

Another big name at this year’s festival is Rosalía (pictured), a Barcelona native and global sensation in recent years thanks to her unique blend of flamenco music and modern pop sensibilities. Her performances are known for their energy and passion, and she is sure to be a huge hit with the home crowd.

Halsey is also set to perform at Primavera Sound 2023. The American singer-songwriter has also become a sensation in recent years, with hits like “Bad at Love” and “Without Me”. Her powerful vocals and emotional lyrics have won her a legion of fans, and her performance at Primavera Sound is sure to be a highlight of the festival.

Other notable acts on the lineup include New Order, Darkside, Depeche Mode, Diplo, Calvin Harris, and Kendrick Lamar. These artists represent a wide range of musical genres, from post-punk to hip-hop, and will ensure that there is something for everyone at Primavera Sound.

What else is happening in the city?

Beyond the music, there are also plenty of opportunities to explore the city of Barcelona and all that it has to offer, from its stunning architecture to its vibrant nightlife.

See some of our day Activities, or get in touch with BarcelonaTours if you need tickets for city attractions, or would like to arrange extra activities during your stay.

Tickets and Attractions

Overall, Primavera Sound is shaping up to be an unforgettable event for music lovers around the world. With a lineup that includes some of the biggest names in the industry, as well as up-and-coming artists from a variety of genres, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Pet Shop Boys or a newcomer to the world of Rosalía, this festival is the perfect opportunity to experience live music at its very best.

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.

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.

What to do in Barcelona: Top Transport Tips

Birds eye view of Barcelona City

When planning what to do in Barcelona we recommend checking out all transport options.  We love city breaks; they are a fun and vibrant way to travel. Sometimes we only visit a city for a few days and want to cram in a much as possible. Weighing up how to get around is key!

Barcelona Tours has some great tips we’d love to share with you.

Public transport

The public transport in Barcelona is very good. There is a reliable metro system, that is quick, modern, clean, and pretty good value for money. You can reach most of Barcelona’s top tourist attractions by metro, so it is our number one option for getting around the city.

You can also use your metro ticket on TMB (Transport Metropolitan Barcelona) buses and trams. Plus if you take the metro and the bus or tram within the same journey this only counts as ‘one trip’ and you are only charged for that. So if you got a 10 journey ticket, called a T-Casual, they would only charge you one trip!

All of the Gaudi attractions, including the Sagradas Familia, Casa Batllo, and Casa Mila, are just meters away from the nearest metro station.

The metro runs very regularly, every couple of minutes on most lines, and it is open until late; midnight during the week, 2 am on a Friday, and all night on Saturdays.

Buses are also very regular, and stop at pretty much all the top tourist attractions in Barcelona. When the regular buses stop running for the day, they are replaced by a night bus service.

Special Offers

If you plan on taking full advantage of public transport, we recommend that you consider one of the transport cards aimed at tourists visiting the city. There a two main options. The first is Hola BCN Transport Saver; this card is designed for concentrated use of transport within a fixed time scale. So you get unlimited trips on the metro, bus, or tram with various options starting from 48 hours.

If museums and galleries are high on your list of what to do in Barcelona then maybe the Barcelona Card is a better option. As well as free travel on public transport the card also includes access to over 25 museums and attractions. Options to book both these tickets can be found here.

On foot

Barcelona is a great city to explore on foot. If you have time and want to take in all the sights around you, there are areas of the city that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. The Gothic Quarter, known as the Barrio Gotico is perfect for a wander around. Each winding street leads to a different gem. You will find on your travels medieval churches, curiosity shops, and even Roman ruins.

The Ramblas is also an area to discover on foot. To experience ‘Las Ramblas’ in all its glory we suggest you start at the port and walk up the Ramblas until you reach Plaza Catalunya. From here, walk up Passeig de Gracia to reach some of the spectacular modernist buildings.

Group and Private Transport

Private transport can also easily be arranged. Maybe you would like a smooth transfer from the airport to your hotel, or a private driver to take you around the city. Get in touch to talk about the options.

If you are organising a group event or travel to Barcelona, then moving larger numbers of people around the city can get complicated.

Take the stress away from the logistics of your trip, by getting Barcelona Tours to do this for you. There are various options to choose from, take a look at our transfers for groups here.

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