WRC Recommends - 10 essential places to visit in Catalonia!

WRC Recommends 10 essential places to visit in Catalonia

There are many places to visit in Catalonia. Fantastic landscapes of mountains and lakes of the Pyrenees, large metropolises such as Barcelona, ​​beautiful towns full of charm and culture, archaeological sites or coves with turquoise waters hidden between cliffs are some of the great attractions of this beautiful community.  At WRC we advise you to take trips to explore these special places and thus take the best of memories with you.

The best time to travel to Catalonia is in spring and autumn, when you avoid the summer heat and the colors of nature are at their best.

1.Vall de Boi

This Valley we can visit the medieval towns of Durro, Erill la Vall, Boí, Taüll, Castello de Tor, Llesp, Coll, Iran, Irgo, Barruera, Pont de Sarais, Igüerri, Gotarta, Cardet, Pla de L'hermita and Caldes de Boí. Vall de Boi There are many towns, churches and routes. So we recommend a stay of 3 or 4 days to get to know a little about this famous valley. Where people say its where the Pyrenees touch the sky.

Another of the great claims of the Vall de Boí is the Aigüestortes and San Mauricio Lake National Park. With mountains like the Gran Tuc de Colomers with its 2,931 meters of altitude. Or Els Encantats of 2,479 meters.

2. Ruta del Cister

The Cistercian route, which includes a visit to the impressive Cistercian monasteries of Poblet, Vallbona de les Monges and Santes Creus, is another essential in Catalonia.

This 103-kilometer route that runs along the GR-175 path can be done on foot or by bicycle, if you have several days, or by car. You can start the route by visiting the interior of the Poblet Monastery, declared a World Heritage Site and the largest inhabited in Europe, to see its magnificent cloister and the old royal pantheon of the Crown of Aragon. The second stop will be at the Monastery of Vallbona de les Monges, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, and considered the most important female Cistercian monastery in Catalonia.

3. Girona, One of the many beautiful places to visit in Catalonia

Girona, one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Catalonia, its perfect for spending a day getting lost in the network of narrow streets of the old Jewish quarter, visiting its main points of interest such as the Cathedral or the Arab Baths and crossing the bridges over the Onyar River to enjoy incredible views.

4. Ebro Delta Natural Park

The Ebro Delta is the largest wetland in Catalonia, with a surface area of ​​320 km2. It constitutes one of the most important aquatic habitats in the western Mediterranean. The Delta de l'Ebre is the most important aquatic habitat in Catalonia and presents a rich variety of environments: river, sea, bays, beaches, dunes, salt marshes, riverside forest, coastal lagoons, fluvial islands and springs coexist with rice fields, fishing, agriculture, livestock, hunting and tourism

5. Costa Brava

There are many places that deserve a visit in this little paradise. The Costa Brava is one of the most beautiful coastal areas that we can find in our country. Coves and beaches with crystalline waters, beautiful villages and beautiful landscapes await you in this corner of Catalonia. An ideal destination to visit at any time of the year and that will not disappoint you.

6. Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the cities to see in Catalonia, one of the most beautiful and visited cities in the world, it has such an endless cultural and leisure offer that makes it perfect to spend an entertaining 3 or 4 days. You can start the itinerary by visiting some of Gaudi's best works such as the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, Park Güell and Casa Batlló, and then continue with a walk along the popular Rambla and its most emblematic neighborhoods such as the Gótic or the Born.

7. Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa

The region of La Garrotxa is full of green landscapes dotted with volcanic cones and magical beach forests such as the Fageda d'en Jordà, which make it one of the best places to visit in Catalonia on its own merits. The green landscape of the Girona region of La Garrotxa is marked by 40 volcanic cones and more than 20 lava flows. Made up of eleven municipalities, the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park in Girona constitutes one of the best volcanic landscapes on the Iberian Peninsula.

8. Montserrat

Another of the best things to do in Catalonia is to climb the Montserrat mountain, located 30 kilometers from Barcelona, ​​which surprises with its original rounded rock formations produced by the force of the wind and water, and its iconic monastery that houses the popular Virgin of La Moreneta. There are many activities that can be done in one day in Montserrat. Some of them are visiting the monastery, seeing the Moreneta, riding the funicular, enjoying the spectacular views, visiting the Montserrat museum, listening to the children of the school sing or hiking.

9.Tarragona

On the shores of the Mediterranean Sea rises the historic city of Tarragona, ancient Tarraco in Roman times and another of the most important cities to see in Catalonia. Tarragona is one of those cities that surprises. After visiting it a couple of times, we wonder why it doesn't have more recognition at a tourist level. Its Roman heritage, protected by UNESCO since 2000, is overwhelming. There are ruins behind every corner, each more impressive. And its medieval quarter is really beautiful. It is worth spending a day to visit Tarragona, although we suggest that you reserve at least two days to enjoy it fully.

10. Priorat

To finish this list of essential places to visit in Catalonia, we suggest you discover the Priorat region that combines landscapes of vineyards cultivated on terraces with towns anchored in time such as Siurana, one of the most beautiful towns in Catalonia.

El Priorat has a historical, natural and cultural heritage of great value. Monuments such as La Cartuja de Escaladei; museums such as the Bellmunt Mines or the Falset Castle; natural spaces such as the Natural Park of the Sierra de Montsant and the Sierra de Llaberia; historical ensembles such as Siurana and the prehistoric sites of Calvari and Puig Roig; hermitages scattered throughout the territory and constructions such as the medieval bridge of Cabacés, are a good excuse to visit and do tourism in Priorat.

At WRC we love to travel and explore new places! I hope our recommendations have helped you plan your travels and you can also enjoy these special places!