I went on a solo trip to Catalonia, Spain, two years ago. It was a life-changing trip. Here are five reasons I love visiting Catalonia. If you are unfamiliar with this region, it is located in the Northeast corner of Spain.
The #1 reason I love visiting Catalonia, Spain – Barcelona
I had never visited this city before. There is so much to see and do here. Barcelona has museums, cathedrals, and architecture galore. It is on the Med. I spent two full days in Barcelona and feel like I only scratched the surface of this cool Catalonian capital city. Sure – it is touristy in the summer months. I visited in October, a perfect time to avoid the crowds. You want to start your Catalonian adventure here.
Reason #2 – Sites
Barcelona is awesome, but several other cities in Catalonia are worth experiencing. A good example is Girona, which is only an hour away. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you must visit Girona. This region includes many churches, museums, and beaches—something for everyone. You can take a day trip from Barcelona or rent a car to explore the area. I recommend renting a car. Driving is easy, and the roads are good.
Reason #3 – Food of Catalonia
I ate like a king when I was in Catalonia. Food is not expensive, and you can eat tapas to sample all kinds of different dishes. Your choices range from fresh seafood with fine wine to patatas bravas with a good beer. Surprisingly, there are several good craft breweries located throughout this region.
Reason #4 – medieval villages
There are medieval villages scattered all over Catalonia. I explored several of them. You have never heard of places like Peratallada, Pals, and Begur. By the way, many of them are on the Med, like Cadaques. Rent a car and explore these villages. They are well-preserved and cute as all get out. You will come home with a pile of pretty pictures. These villages remind me of the wine road in Alsace, except with a Spanish flavor.
Reason #5 – Culture
Catalan culture is unique. It is different than the rest of Spain. They build amazing human pyramids at special events. I saw one first-hand, and it is crazy how high they get. Salvador Dali was a local, so this region includes unique museums with his art. The one he designed in Figueres is unlike any other museum I have visited. The Catalonian people have their special foods, dances, and language. One reason this region wants to be independent is its culture. Go there and experience it for all that it offers.
Bonus reason – football
Barca is one of the best football teams in the world. Well, they used to be before they let Messi go. When I was there, Messi still played for Barca. I was able to attend a game. It was an amazing bucket list experience for me. I hung out with 100,00 crazy Catalan football fans. Be sure to go to a game if they are playing while you are there. Camp Nou is an unforgettable experience you will have for the rest of your life.
Three quick questions about visiting Catalonia
- What place do I want to visit the most? Girona. It’s an unbelievably cool city not far from Barcelona.
- What is my favorite site? Montserrat. A cathedral complex up on a misty mountaintop.
- What is the best-hidden gem I know? Besalu The bridge alone makes it worth visiting.
I am Doug Keating, and this is my letter to sons.