Barcelona – Around Town – Beyond Barcelona (part 3) – Outdoor Activities, Places to Eat

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Outdoor Activities

  1. 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

  2. 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.

  3. Watersports & Sailing

    Good sailing can be found in Sitges, along with yachts for rent, classes for the novice, canoeing and windsurfing.

  4. 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

    Baqueira-Beret

    • 14 km E of Vielha

    • 902 41 54 15

    • (snow reports: 973 63 90 25


    • www.baqueira.es

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Ballooning

    A balloon journey over the volcanic area of Osona is an unbeatable way to get a bird’s-eye view of Catalonia.

  8. 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


    • www.dofijetboats.com

    • boats every hour daily from Blanes (twice daily from Calella)

    • Closed Nov–Feb

  9. 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

  10. 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.


Diputació de Barcelona has information on activities in Catalonia, from gastro tours to guided walks. Check www.turismetotal.org

Places to Eat

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Els Pescadors

    “The Fishermen”, a traditional Empordà-style restaurant, offers local specialities, including an array of blue fish dishes.

    • Port d’en Perris 3, l’Escala

    • 972 77 07 28

    • Closed Sun eve (winter), Thu & Nov




    Anchovy tapas, El Pescadors

  9. 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

  10. Cal Ton

    A comfortable restaurant in the heart of Catalonia’s biggest wine region, this serves fresh, contemporary cuisine. The menu degustació is recommended. Excellent wine list.

    • C/Casal 8, Vila-franca del Penedès

    • 938 90 37 41