Outdoor Activities
Rafting & Kayaking
One
of Europe’s best rivers for white-water sports is La Noguera Pallaresa
in the Pyrenees. Late spring is the best time to go, as the mountain
snow thaws.Yeti Emotions
Llavorsí, 14 km N of Sort
973 62 22 01
Scuba Diving
The
beautiful Reserva Natural de les Illes Medes, with its thousands of
species and coral reefs, is a haven for divers. Glass-bottomed boats
cater to non-divers.López Bender, Port Alegre 1, Ampuriabrava
972 45 02 41
Watersports & Sailing
Good sailing can be found in Sitges, along with yachts for rent, classes for the novice, canoeing and windsurfing.
Club de Mar Sitges, Pg Marítim, Sitges
93 894 09 05
Skiing
La
Molina is the most accessible Pyrenean ski-resort from Barcelona, but
Baqueira-Beret is where the jet-set goes. Both offer all levels of
skiing (including off-piste) from December.La Molina
25 km S of Puigcerdà
972 89 20 31
Baqueira-Beret
14 km E of Vielha
902 41 54 15
(snow reports: 973 63 90 25
Golf
The Costa Brava is one of Europe’s top golf destinations; the best courses are around Platja d’Aro.
Santa Cristina d’Aro
972 83 70 55
Platja d’Aro
972 81 67 27
Horse Riding
Montseny National Park (see Parc Natural del Montseny) is ideal for horse riding, with a number of centres.
Can Marc, 6 km W of Sant Celoni
938 48 27 13
Ballooning
A balloon journey over the volcanic area of Osona is an unbeatable way to get a bird’s-eye view of Catalonia.
Baló Tour, Vic
93 414 47 74
Boat trips
Take a picturesque cruise from Calella and Blanes to Tossa de Mar, stopping at the old town and the castle of Tossa de Mar.
Dofi Jet Boats, Blanes
972 35 20 21
boats every hour daily from Blanes (twice daily from Calella)
Closed Nov–Feb
Windsurfing, Rowing & Golf
Used
for rowing competitions in the 1992 Olympics, the huge Canal Olímpic is
now a leisure complex offering a host of activities.
Canal Olímpic
Av Canal Olímpic, Castelldefels
93 636 28 96
Foraging for Mushrooms
From late September to late October, thousands of Catalans flock to the hills in search of the highly prized rovelló. There are also poisonous varieties, so amateurs should get a guide through the Diputació de Barcelona.
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Places to Eat
El Bulli
A
once-in-a-lifetime experience. Extraordinary creations by the
three-Michelin-star chef Ferran Adria such as wild mushrooms in test
tubes. Book months in advance (via their website).Cala de Montjoi, Roses
972 150 457
Closed Oct–Mar
El Racó de Can Fabes
Celebrated
chef Santi Santamaria prepares sublime traditional French-Catalan food
at this three-Michelin-star country-house restaurant.Sant Joan 6, Sant Celoni, Montseny
93 867 28 51
Closed Sun eve & Mon
La Torre del Remei
A Modernista palace provides an elegant setting for wonderfully presented Catalan food. The game dishes are sublime.
Camí Reial, Bolvir, Cerdanya
3 km SW of Puigcerdà
972 14 01 82
DA
El Mirador de les Caves
This
restaurant is set in a castle overlooking Catalonia’s wine country.
Traditional cuisine is complemented by bottles of local wine and cava.Els Casots, 4 km S of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia
93 899 31 78
Closed Sun eve & Mon eve
Fonda Europa
Established
over 150 years ago, Fonda Europa was the first in a line of successful
Catalan restaurants. Ample portions include pig’s trotters.Anselm Clavé 1, Granollers
93 870 0312
DA
Restaurant Sangiovese
Exceptional
Catalan cuisine prepared with the freshest local produce in a sleek,
designer setting. The best reason to visit Mataró.C/Sant Josep 31, Mataró
937 41 02 67
Carme Ruscalleda Sant Pau
Carme
Ruscalleda is considered to be one of the finest chefs in Spain. For an
unforgettable dining experience, head to the pretty, seaside village of
Sant Pol de Mar, where her restaurant offers sublime Catalan cuisine.C/Nou 10, Sant Pol de Mar
93 760 06 62
Closed Sun, Mon, Thu lunch
El Celler de Can Roca
The Roca brothers provide exciting, contemporary Catalan cuisine that is complemented by an exceptional wine list.
C/Can Sunyer 48, Girona
972 22 21 57
