What are the places of interest in Catalonia?

Catalonia is a wonderful place, brimming with exceptional places of interest.

From the beaches of the Costa Brava to Barcelona, I take you on a journey to the heart of Catalonia.

Follow the guide!

Catalonia, places of interest: article summary

Places of interest in Catalonia: start your tour in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of those destinations capable of surprising the traveler on every visit. No matter how many times you've traveled to the city, you'll always find new attractions. It's a the ideal starting point for visiting Catalonia.

From here, you can get close to Catalan culture through its countless monuments. You'll also discover its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine.

From the Sagrada Familia at Gothic district via MontjuïcYou won't have time to get bored in Barcelona. Between two visits, you can try the various local dishes such as tapas or the paella.

Moving to Cerdagne

This region is one of the Catalan Pyrenees' greatest treasures, and a must-see if you're wondering what to visit in Catalonia. Its high concentration of vacation homes and its reputation as a winter sports mecca, due to the presence of ski resorts such as La Masella and La Molina, for example.

You can also discover the village of Llívia, surrounded by French territory. This village is also home to one of Europe's oldest pharmacies. If you love Catalan cuisine, don't miss the delicious Trinxat de la Cerdanya, a stew made with potatoes, cabbage and bacon.

Places of interest in Catalonia: the Costa Brava

If the idea of swimming or sunbathing near the pine trees overlooking the sea appeals to you, I can only recommend a visit to the Costa Brava. Here, you can wade into a solitary cove, hidden between cliffs or simply enjoy the beauty of the landscape. There are many reasons to visit Costa Brava.

Cette façade maritime exceptionnelle se déploie entre les villes de Portbou, frontalière de la France, et de Blanes, qui forment une mosaïque de paysages

sans comparaison. Vous y trouverez les seules ruines grecques préservées de la péninsule ibérique à Empúries et Roses.

In the midst of all this are dozens of natural treasures such as the Albera mountain range, the Medes islands or the Cap de Creus nature park, and holiday resorts such as Platja d'Aro, Tossa de Mar or Lloret de Mar and attractive fishing villages such as Calella de Palafrugell and Cadaques.

Finally, if you decide to explore inland, you'll find some of the world's most beautiful medieval towns. of the Empordà, such as Monells, Peratallada or Pals.

Descending to the Costa Dorada

Among my recommendations on what to visit in Catalonia, I'd advise you not to forget Tarragona's beachesgrouped together under the generic name of Costa Daurada or Costa Dorada. The province's capital, Tarragona, is a declared Roman archaeological complex. UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Another of its main attractions are the towns of Vila-seca and Salou, whose municipalities share ownership of Spain's largest theme park: PortAventura. A few kilometers inland, you'll find Reusa welcoming city dotted with modernist buildings and traditional boutiques, and the birthplace of the modernist architectural genius Antoni Gaudíand probably one of the places where he drew his inspiration.

You should also visit picturesque places like the medieval towns of Montblanc, Siurana or Prades. And if you like religious buildings, don't forget to visit the Cistercian Route, home to such gems as the Poblet monastery.

Places of interest in Catalonia: Garotxa

Volcanoes are the distinguishing feature of this beautiful region of Girona. As well as medieval towns that exude charm, such as Castellfollit de la Roca, Santa Pau and Besalú, the municipality of La Garrotxa is also ideal for lovers of rural tourism. The famous Fageda di Jordà is located in this area.

This is one of the most remarkable forests in southern Europe. You then head for the Santa Margarida volcano. Its special feature is a small church hidden in its crater.

Stopping off in Girona

Another place to visit in Catalonia is this elegant little city, whose main attractions are concentrated in the Barri Vell (Old Quarter). Its superb cathedral houses the world's largest Gothic nave. The Sant Pere de Galligants monastery, the delightful streets of the Jewish quarter, the Arab baths and the multicolored houses overlooking the Onyar river are just some of the sights to see in this town.

All these places are a must-see if you decide to take a trip to Girona. A place that has nothing to envy Barcelona's medieval buildings.

Places of interest in Catalonia: Val d'Aran

Until the opening of the Vielha tunnel in 1948, the Val d'Aran was the most isolated region in Catalonia. As a result, it retains its own language, Aranese, a dialect derived from Occitan or Provençal. You'll also find festivals and traditions that reflect its unique personality.

If you like sport, Val d'Aran has a ski resort. Finally, I recommend a visit to its capital, Vielha. Here, towns as remarkable as Arties, Salardú and Tredós still boast medieval frescoes.

End your journey in the Boí valley

South of the Aran Valley and in the Alta Ribagorça region, some of the churches of the Boí Valley await you. Built between the XIᵉ and XIIᵉ centuries, these three pieces of architecture have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 2000.

Although the original paintings are housed at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona, access to the building is an experience in itself. You can also indulge in the beauty of the Aigüestortes i Llac de Sant Maurici national park, with its peaks reaching 3,000 m and incredible picturesque lakes to walk around.

A trip to Barcelona would not be complete without a more in-depth visit to the surrounding area. Even in the most rural parts of Catalonia, you'll always find an elegant space in which to relax.