Reasons you should visit Catalonia
Catalonia is a region of Spain famous for food, artistry, independence, and history. A truly beautiful area filled with peaceful coastal villages and thriving cities alike, there is something for everybody in the fiercely independent autonomous region. Catalan art and culture is unique within Spain, and its people are welcoming. Here are five compelling reasons why you should make Catalonia the next place you visit in Spain.
Experience Wonderful Catalan Food
Catalonia is famous for its incredibly culinary traditions. The seafood is especially delicious and well regarded, but Catalonia is also famous for producing some very high-quality pork dishes and culinary fusions of Mediterranean and Moorish cooking. If you feel like having a fancy evening, why not head to one of Barcelona’s fine dining restraints? 9 Michelin stars have been awarded to chefs working in the city, and there is a thriving fine dining culture.
Barcelona Is A City Of Culture
Barcelona – the largest city in the region – is awash with an incredible culture. For the music lover, Barcelona offers up the incredible Primavera Sound festival, which attracts renowned artists from all over the world. If architecture excites you, you can take a walk around the city and find some true masterpieces. Antoni Gaudi created some of his best known work in the city. The legendary art nouveau designer is responsible for some of Barcelona’s most striking buildings. You’ll instantly be able to recognize his unique style as you walk around the city. La Sagrada Familia Cathedral is widely regarded as his most ambitious work, and the iconic towers of the cathedral are unmistakably Gaudi – with gothic forms merging perfectly with curvilinear art nouveau elaborations.
A Driving Tour Of The Coast
Catalonia isn’t just about the big cities. Coming from America? Use Parkon to book a space at orlando parking airport or wherever you are setting off from, rent a car when you get to Barcelona and begin a fabulous journey around some of the charming coastal villages that Catalonia has to offer. Eat fresh fish in a tiny medieval walled fishing village or go hiking amongst striking cliffs to your heart’s content.
Follow In The Footsteps Of Geniuses
Many incredible artists have called Catalonia home, and their shadows loom large over the area. Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miro all hailed from Catalonia. One of the best ways to experience the artistic heritage of the area is to take one of the well planned routes based on the great geniuses. You can follow routes that track the artistic journeys of all of the region’s great talents – including a trip from Barcelona to Tarragona following the footsteps of Picasso.
Step Into The Past In Tarragona
Tarragona is a UNESCO world heritage site along the coast of Barcelona. It was once a thriving ancient Roman city, and many examples of ancient architecture still stand. These include some truly impressive ramparts and an amazing amphitheatre. The town necropolis contains Roman tombs, which can give you a wonderful insight into the ritual lives of Catalonia’s ancient inhabitants.
Reasons you should visit Catalonia
All of these and countless more are reasons you should visit Catalonia. We’ve barely scratched the surface. What are YOUR favourite places to visit, and things to do, in Catalonia? Tell us in the comments below, or drop an email to info@spainbuddy.com
Elle, along with Alan, is the owner of Spain Buddy and the busy web design business – Spain Web Design by Gandy-Draper.
Born a “Norverner”, she then spent most of her life “Dann Saff” before moving to Spain in 2006. Elle’s loves are Alan, the internet, dogs, good food, and dry white wine – although not necessarily in that order.
