(Newswire.net — May 20, 2019) — Catalunya is an entirely different region, with completely different language, food and traditions unique to the area and fiercely protected as a sign of Catalan identity. The capital of the region, Barcelona is one of the must see places to visit in the whole of Europe offering the best of art, culture, history, gastronomy, nightlife and all the fun of the beach.
If you haven’t been yet, you need to add it to your list immediately, and here are all the reasons why courtesy of reservations.com.
Enjoy the beach and mountains at the same time
It’s a typical ‘this or that’ question – beach or mountains? Well with Barcelona you get both. There are few places in the world where this is the case. There are some amazing hikes in the hills and mountains around Barcelona, the route from Sant Cugat to the city over Tibidabo has some wonderful views. Or for a shorter trek, nip up to Montjuïc for views over the port and city. Then simply grab your bikini and head to one of the many lovely beaches to relax those weary feet.
The art scene is fantastic
The Catalan modernist movement is quite something to see, and it will feel like you are in a giant open air art gallery when you see the works and influences of Gaudí, Domènech i Montaner and Puig i Cadafalch woven into the very streets and architecture around you.
Make sure you take in the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Palau de la Música, Hospital de Sant Pau and the Palau de Les Punxes to get your fix of Catalan modernism. Park Güell is also well worth the trip, and you can see most of these by taking the hop on/hop off tourist buses.
And when you have done all of that don’t forget Barcelona was the home of Picasso for many years and the Picasso museum is well worth a visit to see a great collection of his works.
The food is amazing
Barcelona is a great multicultural city, with people migrating here from all over the world. Of course you have the lovely Catalan cuisine, such as canelons (similar to the Italian cannelloni), calcots in the spring which is a whole experiences you should try if you can find a calcotada and many seafood dishes. The tomato bread is also to die for, known as pa amb tomàquet is tasty, refreshing, filling and cheap.
Aside from all of this you can also get typical Spanish tapas and paella, but also authentic food from all over the world. There are some great Peruvian and Mexican restaurants, and some amazing Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants to try if you are willing to stray from the typical tourist areas of Port Olimpic and Las Ramblas.
The festivals
The Catalans know how to throw a party, and there are some great festivals throughout the year you shouldn’t miss. Firstly, it is a great city for music of all genres. Some of the bigger festivals are Primavera Sound and Cruïlla.
Then you have the local festivals. Each neighbourhood or barrio has their own one to celebrate, but the festivals in Gràcia and Sants are particularly good, and the residents decorate all the streets with different themes.
Then there are the big city wide festivals, like Sant Joan in June when the beach fills with bonfires and fireworks are everywhere, and La Merce in September when the street fill with the correfoc (more fireworks and devils filling the streets). This city knows how to party.
Want some more inspiration for your next vacation then visit our blog! Reservations.com has some great suggestions and can offer amazing experiences all around the world. What are you waiting for?