Things to do in Catalonia: top 20 highlights in 2026

Barcelona combines modernist architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and Catalan cuisine all in one day. From the Sagrada Família to the narrow lanes of the Barri Gòtic, and from the tapas scene in Poble Sec to the views at Búnkers del Carmel, the Catalan capital sets its own pace. It is an intense city that can feel crowded, but it rewards those who wander away from the main tourist paths into neighborhoods like Gràcia or Poblenou, where daily local life remains the focus.

Cadaqués feels like a Greek island misplaced on the Catalan coast. White houses tumble toward turquoise water, framed by the jagged, wind-swept rock formations of Cap de Creus. Salvador Dalí built his creative sanctuary here, and artists like Picasso and Duchamp once wandered these streets. The village retains a rare sense of character along a stretch of the Costa Brava otherwise dominated by modern concrete development. Travelers come for the secluded coves, quiet art galleries, and the intense Mediterranean light that famously fueled the surrealist movement.

Figueres is defined by Salvador Dalí, whose theater-museum topped with giant eggs draws a million visitors annually. Beyond the museum, this Catalan city rewards those who explore deeper. Its shaded Rambla, local market squares, and modernist facades create a setting where a relaxed pace of life is the norm rather than a slogan. Located thirty minutes from the French border, it serves as a gateway to the more quiet stretches of the Costa Brava.

Fronting a sweeping bay, Roses pairs its classic beach resort energy with deep history and rugged landscapes. Ancient Greek ruins sit alongside the wild trails of the Cap de Creus natural park, where the Pyrenees drop straight down into the Mediterranean. Explore old fortifications in the morning and wind-swept coves in the afternoon.

The roars from the PortAventura World roller coasters fade out as soon as you step into the quiet Catalan old town with its medieval towers and peaceful lanes. Vila-Seca splits easily into two modes: theme park thrills in the morning, followed by the beach at La Pineda and its pedestrian promenade as the sun goes down. It works well for families, with Tarragona right next door when you want to switch things up.

This mountain village sits in the province of Barcelona, Catalonia. It draws visitors from across Europe for its iconic abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat. It is also an ideal base for those looking to spend time in the outdoors, with terrain that feels as rugged and dramatic as the high-desert landscapes found in parts of Arizona.

A monastery steeped in history

You cannot visit this area without seeing the Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat, one of the true landmarks of the province. Local legend says that in the year 800, shepherds were guided by an incredible light and a soft melody. Angels reportedly descended to carve the jagged peaks of Montserrat with a golden saw, which serves as a mythic explanation for the mountain's unique, serrated silhouette. Shortly after, a bishop discovered a cave containing an image of the Virgin Mary that no one could move, no matter how hard they tried. A Benedictine abbey was built directly around the site, becoming a major pilgrimage destination by the Middle Ages. Today, it remains a regional focal point. You can explore the Plaça de l'Abat Oliba, the basilica, the Virgin's chamber, and the Chapel of Our Lady. The site also functions as a cultural archive, housing a library of 300,000 volumes, including rare ancient manuscripts. The abbey is also internationally known for its Escolania, one of the oldest boys' choirs in Europe.

Nature in the heart of Catalonia

There is much more to the area than just the abbey. Numerous hiking trails begin at the base of the religious site, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The Montserrat massif has been a protected natural park since 1987 due to its unique geological heritage. The strange, needle-like rock formations have inspired centuries of local folklore, with many crags named after animals or mythical creatures. Hikers who keep a sharp eye out may spot the local wildlife, including wild boars, mountain goats, salamanders, peregrine falcons, and wood pigeons. Also, make time to visit the neighboring villages of Collbató, El Bruc, and Marganell for a more quiet, authentic look at local life.

When to go

Plan your trip for the warmer months. This ensures the best conditions for hiking, as mountain weather here can turn cold and unpredictable during the winter.

How to get there

Monistrol de Montserrat is a 50-minute drive from Barcelona. Most travelers fly into the Catalan capital and then take the train to Monistrol de Montserrat. Once you arrive at the base of the mountain, you have two primary options to reach the higher elevations: the cable car or the mountain train, a rack railway that climbs the slopes to the monastery.

Lloret de Mar is best known as a go-to spot for nightlife. Located in the Spanish province of Girona, not far from Barcelona, this coastal town draws travelers looking to hit the bars with friends and relax on expansive stretches of sand, but there is more to it than that.

The Costa Brava, an ideal beach destination

The beach is the main draw for visitors heading to Lloret de Mar. The town features 7 kilometers of sandy shores packed with locals and vacationers during peak season. The largest is Platja de Lloret, spanning a kilometer and conveniently located right near downtown. It offers plenty of amenities and recreational activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, a kids club, and snack kiosks. However, the favorite beach for many visitors is Platja de Fenals, separated from its neighbor by a rocky headland. Sheltered from the wind, it stays a bit quieter and suits travelers looking to lounge all day. A bit further out, about 3 kilometers from the town center, sits Platja de Santa Cristina. This charming beach is backed by a cliff topped by the chapelle de l'Ermitage. After a swim, make sure to check out its frescoes and garden.

Local heritage worth exploring

Do not be fooled into thinking Lloret de Mar is strictly for partygoers and beach lovers. You will find plenty of historical gems by exploring the streets with a curious eye. Start your tour at the main square, home to a striking 19th-century neoclassical town hall. Head next to the église paroissiale de Sant Romà, known for its vibrant, colorful rooftops. Its traditional architecture was remodeled several times from the 16th to the 20th century. Finally, the jardins de Santa Clotilde offer a peaceful walk through a park filled with statues, fountains, and small bridges. From the top of the viewpoint, you get a sweeping panorama of the surrounding area.

When to go

Lloret de Mar comes alive in the summer, fueled by tourists looking for nightlife and beach relaxation. If you want high energy, that is the time to visit. If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for spring or autumn outside of school break periods. Winter is generally quiet, with many hotels and restaurants closing their doors for the season.

How to get there

Lloret de Mar sits about an hour's drive from Barcelona, making the Catalan capital the most practical arrival point by plane. If you do not plan on renting a car, you can catch a bus from downtown Barcelona straight to Lloret de Mar, a trip taking about an hour and a half. If you are traveling from southern France, Toulouse is only about a three-and-a-half-hour drive away via the A61 and A9 motorways.

As the gateway to the Costa Brava, Blanes splits its time between a high-energy, family-friendly beach town and a quiet, contemplative retreat. You can spend your morning on long stretches of sand, then head up to the botanical gardens that hang over the Mediterranean. It is a perfect spot to experience the Catalan coast, balancing summer crowds with dramatic, clifftop views that feel worlds away.

Frequently praised for its high quality of life, Girona keeps a low profile, but its countless charms easily reach beyond the boundaries of northeastern Catalonia, where it serves as the provincial capital. Besieged thirteen times between 1295 and 1809, its turbulent history left it with as many historical remnants as it has character. While its rich heritage and cultural depth form its foundation, a vibrant contemporary energy makes it a top-tier destination right in the Ter river valley amidst dramatic natural scenery.

A fabulous historic district

Four rivers cross the city streets, and the Onyar stands out as the most iconic. The colorful building facades reflect in shades of ochre and brick, giving painters a subject worthy of an impressionist master. Eleven bridges span the water, but the most striking one glows in a vivid red. Its metal design looks familiar for good reason: the Pont de les Peixateries Velles dates back to 1877 and was designed by Gustave Eiffel.

The Onyar also serves as the natural divider between modern Girona and its historic quarter, the Barri Vell. It retains the layout of the ancient Roman city of Gerunda, so expect to climb, descend, turn, and get lost in steep alleys where staircases and architectural wonders follow one another. The city walls surround the neighborhood and offer the ultimate panoramic walk. They lead you from Paseo Arqueológico to the Jardines de la Muralla in a timeless atmosphere. At the heart of this enclosure, the Santa Maria Cathedral commands the skyline with immense power. Romanesque in its tower, baroque on its facade, and gothic in its 23-meter-wide nave, it rewards anyone willing to climb the massive staircase facing it.

Religious architecture is stunning here, so do not miss the Sant Domènech convent and its gardens, the Romanesque gem that is the Sant Pere de Galligants monastery, or the Arab baths dating from 1194. Decorated in an eastern style and inspired by Roman thermal baths, they feature a central cupola that lets natural daylight filter through, complemented by serene gardens. Head down rue de la Força to reach El Call Jueu, the Jewish quarter, which is a labyrinth of passages, stone arches, medieval treasures, and pockets of greenery tucked between ancient walls. Fans of the television series Game of Thrones will easily recognize this eastern bank as the setting for numerous scenes.

A culture with character

Girona has museums aplenty, starting with the Museum of City History, which introduces the area in an engaging way. Uniquely its own, the Cinema Museum traces the evolution of images over 500 years through 30,000 objects, while the Museum of Art inside the former episcopal palace showcases remarkable Romanesque and Gothic collections.

Along the Rambla de la Llibertat, you can shop while strolling under the arcades in a pedestrian-only zone. The boutiques are creative, artisanal, and focused on good food. Torrón even has its own dedicated shop, and local specialty stores highlighting regional olive oil or anchovies are everywhere. The restaurants are thoroughly inviting. At Plaça Independència, try the sweet sausage known as botifarra dolça, or the meat-stuffed breaded potatoes. For a quick bite, grab a xuixo, a cream-filled pastry.

Girona is a city, but you are right on the edge of the Costa Brava, a protected region where nature takes center stage. The Parc Devesa functions as a green lung shaded by centuries-old plane trees, and it hosts the local market. You cannot leave without stopping by the square of the Sant Feliu church, where the famous lioness statue awaits: tradition dictates that you kiss its backside to ensure you will return to the city.

How to get there

Getting to Girona is straightforward through various transit options. The local airport serves as one of the country's main hubs with daily direct flights, and shuttle buses connect the 11 km trip to the downtown core in about twenty minutes. The rail network is exceptionally well connected, utilizing high-speed TGV or AVE trains linking French and Spanish cities, putting you just 100 km from Perpignan. By car, the AP-7 highway provides direct access.

When to go

From March to November, the transitional Mediterranean climate is ideal. Winters tend to be fairly mild but rainy. Summers are warm and sunny, though keep an eye out for weather patterns rolling in from the nearby Pyrenees. In mid-May, Temps de Flors brings a festive floral celebration that draws visitors for 10 days, and Easter week is another major highlight extending well beyond religious traditions.

Twenty minutes from Barcelona, Castelldefels lives year-round around its five kilometers of fine sand, where the chiringuitos grill fresh fish and the wind draws kitesurfers. A 10th-century castle overlooks town, and the Garraf massif begins just behind the last houses. Wide beach, easygoing pace: people come here for the sea.