Where can you sleep?
Do you know already when you will be traveling to Barcelona? Great. Now you only need to choose where you will be staying.
We have already mentioned that Barcelona is a destination with a great number of visitors each year, and this is the reason why we always recommend starting your search for accommodation ahead of time, so that you can find an accommodation that meets as much as possible your requirements without spending too much either.
The first thing to take into account is that the capital and coast are the most expensive to find accommodation, this is the reason why you can save some money if you don't mind staying a little bit further away from them. Rupit and Prüit is a destination that you'll love. You will feel as if you were entering a film set in the Middle-Ages, since its historical centre has preserved its essence perfectly. In Vic, one of the more popular areas in the province, has also one of the most impressive historical complexes of cultural value.
Mura is an inland town that we are sure you will love. It has its own charming environment, as it's surrounded by nature, and the views are spectacular, perfect for nature lovers.
And you can find the opposite of Mura in the town of Sitges, one of the top sea destinations, with a very busy nightlife.
What to do in the area?
The tourist offer in this province is great in number and variety, which is why we know it's difficult to choose only a few of them, given that there is so much to do and see in this area.
If you're interested in exploring nature, you are in the right place for it since this province is surrounded by mountains and natural reserves, such as Monsterrat, or el Cadí Moixerò, or the Montseny amongst others, which are perfect for hiking expeditions that will allow you to witness the great beauty of this region.
But if you prefer to visit the capital, the Sagrada Familia, the Casa Milà or the Parc Güell, are famous examples of Barcelona's iconic and famous avant-garde architecture, that decorates the city.
Away from the hassle of the city, visiting the cathedral in the city of Vic, or the Sau reservoir, are very good options.
The Muntanya de Sal in Cardona is a very impressive natural salt rock formation that is more than 65 million years old.
Last but not least, Vilafranca del Penedés, and Sant Sadurní d'Anoia are two destinations that we also recommend stopping by, if you can.
What typical foods are recommended?
The rich, catalan gastronomy, is a delight for all tourists, who are interested in finding and getting deep into the traditional cuisine of this region.
This region has also made itself, in the last decades, a name for its reputed culinary exponents, and michelin star restaurants, that have become yet another attraction for tourism.
Even though it has a very distinctive character, the gastronomy of of this area has received during many decades the influence of neighbour countries of Spain such as France and Italy, creating the most delicious culinary combinations.
Some of the typical dishes you will be able to try here are calçots (a variant of green onion eaten with a special sauce), escalivada, or esqueixada, a cod and vegetable, cold salad. And let's not forget about pa amb tomàquet, an essential part of the catalan diet.
Other traditional local delights include the typical catalan bread, pan de Payés, like the San Jorge one, or Coca de Montserrat.
Special mention needs to be made of the local beverages, with the famous cava as the crown jewel of any catalan celebration.
Where are the festivities?
There are several chosen dates in any catalan calendar every year, dates to celebrate, with the right atmosphere that you will also be able to enjoy during your stay.
Starting with the perhaps the most popular of them, the Festes de la Mercè which have been celebrated since 1871, are the biggest event celebrated by the locals of Barcelona.
Next comes the Castanyada, an special occasion to spend eating some of the seasonal products, and that is celebrated almost everywhere in the province in November.
The Carnival in Sitges is also one of the most popular festivities in the area, filling the streets of this town in the coast with colours, lively music and dancing and, most importantly, lots of fun.
Another local festivity that we strongly recommend checking out is that of San Mateo, celebrated in several towns and cities in the province.
