1. The secrets of modernist Barcelona You could spend days on end strolling through the streets of Barcelona. A cosmopolitan and eclectic city full of energy, its day and nightlife will make you fall in love with it. But modernism is one thing that identifies Barcelona. Discover monuments such as the Pedrera, Casa Batlló, or the Sagrada Família. You can also enjoy the views of the city from Tibidabo or let the time pass by on a terrace in the Gràcia neighbourhood. 2. Montserrat, a mountain to discover The mountains of Montserrat are one of the most iconic places in Catalonia. The spectacular geological forms this mountain range draws will take your breath away, and it is less than an hour away from Barcelona. You can visit the sanctuary of Montserrat or hike around the area, enjoying the surrounding rocks and hermitages. 3. Following the steps of Picasso in the Serra del Cadí Pablo Picasso, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, spent two months in the village of Gósol, in Berguedà. The landscapes of the Serra del Cadí were thought to be a great inspiration and helped him evolve his pictorial style. There, he would see the Pedraforca mountains every day, one of the best-known natural attractions in Catalonia. This is an ideal weekend getaway if you are looking for calmness and a place to stroll or hike. 4. Delta de l’Ebre, a natural wonder On its way to the sea, the Ebre River provides its surroundings with a landscape of great beauty, a delta with a calm atmosphere, a special light, and where the Mediterranean gently bathes the earth that has conquered it slowly. You can do many activities there, such as kayaking, birdwatching, or cycling its many routes. But at sunset, the Delta de l’Ebre becomes magical. Let the time go by at the Trabucador or Fangar beaches and enjoy while the day winds down. 5. Costa Daurada: history and beaches Sandy beaches and the remains of Ancient Roman times. It is a great combination to relax and disconnect by the sea while discovering a rich heritage simultaneously. Welcome to Costa Daurada. Walk around the streets and corners of Tarragona, Costa Daurada’s historic centre, and explore some of its UNESCO World Heritage monuments. Explore the beaches and their coves or discover the lively environments of Salou or Vila-Seca or more family-friendly ones, such as Altafulla or Torredembarra. Why not make the most of it and spend a day at PortAventura World and enjoy one of the best amusement parks in Europe? 6. Priorat, between wine and mountains Priorat is one of the most fascinating regions in Catalonia. The mountains of Prades and Serra del Montsant offer spectacular landscapes of vertical walls, forests, and narrow rivers, and some of the most outstanding heritage sites in Catalonia. The union of these two characteristic features brings us magical places, such as the medieval village of Siurana or the Chartusian monastery of Scaladei. Also, if you are a wine tourism enthusiast, Priorat is just made for you. You can enjoy and discover its wines at local wineries, cellars, and restaurants. 7. The Cistercian route, walking between monasteries The Cistercian route connects three monasteries: Santes Creus, Santa Maria de Poblet, and Vallbona de les Monges. Travel at leisure on foot, by bike, or with your private vehicle through the history of these monuments. Go back in time to the Middle Ages and discover buildings of great architectural value, examples of our religious heritage, and that have witnessed the history of Catalonia for centuries. All this in a natural environment that invites you to take a walk enjoying the landscape, its wines, and its gastronomy. 8. A colour blast in the interior and east of Catalonia If you are looking for a rural getaway with a romantic atmosphere, then the interior of Catalonia is your destination. There is no better time for it than spring. Lleida and Terres de l'Ebre have many agricultural areas that become a colour blast with their many orchards in bloom. In Aitona, with its fields of peach trees, you can immerse yourself in a vivid pink landscape, or in Ribera d'Ebre, around its cherry and almond trees. 9. Water and mountains in the Mont-Rebei Gorge and Montsec It is a scenery worthy of being a movie set and an area to practice outdoor activities for those adventurous travellers. Find this and much more in the Montsec mountain range and the Mont-Rebei gorge. You will be spellbound walking through the narrow path dug into the rock or as you go downstream with a kayak of the incredible rocky walls that rise on either side of the Noguera-Ribagorçana River. Get adventurous in Àger, where you can go paragliding or hang gliding and enjoy the night sky from an astronomical observatory. 10. Aigüestortes and Sant Maurici, the essence of the Pyrenees Visiting the Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is quite an experience! It will take you right into the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees and allow you to hike following the various signposted routes between lakes, forests, and mountains. In addition, you can improve your escape by adding a visit to the Romanesque churches in the Vall de Boí, declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. 11. Villages in the Val d’Aran The Val d'Aran is in the extreme north-west of Catalonia, and a visit there will transport you to remote times, with its own culture and language. You will be charmed by its medieval villages with Romanesque and Gothic gems surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the Catalan Pyrenees. You can also hike and follow the Camin Reiau or Val de Toran routes. Winter is the ideal season for sports enthusiasts as they will enjoy the slopes of Baqueira Beret practising any snow sport they wish. 12. Among forests and volcanoes in La Garrotxa As if it were the setting of a story, the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park is the ideal place to plan a romantic or family getaway. You will have many options to enjoy a couple of days off. You can walk through the magical Fageda d'en Jordà, visit villages like Santa Pau or Besalú, spend the night at a rural house, or practice adventure sports in the middle of nature. You can also enjoy the view of this beautiful landscape from the air travelling on a hot air balloon. 13. Stroll around the streets of Girona In Girona, you will find an exciting urban getaway with the welcoming atmosphere of a village. You will find this inGirona, one of the most visited cities in Catalonia, with an outstanding old quarter, the iconic image of colourful houses on the banks of the Onyar river, or the cathedral and its stairs. You can walk and relax around the pleasant Parc de la Devesa or make a reservation in one of its most recognized and internationally prestigious restaurants. 14. The Empordà and the imprint of Dalí The Empordà is a land of artists, natural landscapes, and a sea atmosphere. Discover the places where Salvador Dalí lived and inspired his surrealist art. Visit the museum dedicated to him in Figueres or his home in Cadaqués. Fall in love with the exuberant nature of this land, where the blue of the sea intertwines with the green of the forests. Swim in small coves of Cap de Creus and go birdwatching in the Empordà marshes. 15. Mediterranean spirit on the Costa Brava Costa Brava has an essential Mediterranean essence, with a seashore splashed with small beaches, cliffs, and villages that have kept their fishing tradition. It is a perfect place to enjoy a short stay surrounded by nature. You can walk along the Camí de Ronda path, sail, or dive. Also, experience the festive atmosphere of places like Lloret de Mar or Platja d'Aro and stay in charming villages like Tossa de Mar or Calella de Palafrugell. You will find a thousand and one getaway suggestions to squeeze in the weekend in Catalonia. Enjoy!