Things to do in Catalonia

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All about Catalonia

When to visit

Costa Brava and Barcelona are two of Europe’s favorite vacation destinations, so you can expect crowds and soaring prices in summer, particularly in the July-August peak. As so often in Europe, spring (May) and fall (mid-September to mid-October) offer mellow weather with less carnage than high summer. To beat the crowds in Barcelona, visit midweek in the offseason: February is cool but uncrowded.

Getting around

Catalonia has an extensive bus network, plus trains running along the coast and linking major cities, while Barcelona offers a metro, trains, buses, and a few trams. For smaller destinations, such as the Dalí Triangle (Portlligat, Púbol, and Figueres), Cadaqués, and some Costa Brava resorts, hiring a car or joining a tour can be convenient. Hikers and cyclists will find plenty of trails, including the Costa Brava’s Camino de Ronda footpath and part of the Camino de Santiago.

Traveler tips

For a taste of cocktail history that won’t break the bank, follow in Ernest Hemingway’s footsteps to Boadas, Barcelona’s oldest cocktail bar. Founded by Miguel Boadas, who learned his trade at Havana’s La Floridita, it’s famed for its dry martinis, hand-thrown between two separate shakers. While elBulli is now a museum, serious foodies can try for a table at Girona’s Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca: You’ll need to book 10–11 months in advance at midnight local time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Catalonia best known for?

A part of Spain with its own language and culture, Catalonia is best known for its capital, Barcelona, which offers sinuous Gaudí architecture, historic sights, fabulous food, and dynamic nightlife. Many Europeans know Catalonia for the Costa Brava’s beach resorts, while art lovers know it for Dalí, Miró, and Picasso.

Are Catalan and Spanish different?

Yes, Catalan and Spanish are different. Both are Romance languages, but Catalan is closer to France’s Occitan language than to Spanish and differs significantly from it. The easiest way to tell them apart is the consonants: If a menu has lots of x’s and z’s, it’s in Catalan.

Is it worth visiting Girona?

Yes, it’s worth visiting Girona. A mellow city that’s compact enough to explore entirely on foot, Girona offers a postcard-perfect medieval old town, one of the world’s top restaurants, and some fascinating museums. A Game of Thrones filming location, it hosts a wealth of festivals, including the Girona Film Festival.

Is Tarragona or Girona better?

It depends. Tarragona is better for exploring southern Catalonia and Girona is better for discovering northern Catalonia. Tarragona’s Roman ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city has a beach; both cities have medieval old towns and dynamic food scenes, but Girona’s old town is better. Visit both.

Should I stay in Barcelona or Girona?

It depends. Barcelona is a much bigger city than Girona with a wider choice of restaurants and things to do. Girona is compact, walkable, and usually much less crowded. The two cities are only a 40-minute train ride apart, so you can easily visit either one on a day trip.

Was *Game of Thrones* filmed in Girona?

Yes. Some scenes from Game of Thrones season six were filmed in Girona’s beautiful medieval old town. You’ll likely recognize the cathedral steps, the Arab Baths, and the archaeological museum. Girona was not a major filming site, though, so don’t expect the same sense of revelation you get in Dubrovnik.

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