If you want to make the most of the holidays to go away with your kids or for a romantic break, Catalonia has all the options you could possibly want. Here are seven ideas for exploring this area over the Easter holiday.
Water activities in the country of the Cossetanians
Come and experience the beaches of Vilanova i la Geltrú and Calafell and welcome the start of the warm weather. You can ply the waters on a sit-on-top kayak or on traditional sailing skids, and discover a new variation called SUP, done by paddling on a stand-up surf board. And you can do all this while taking the opportunity to visit the Iberian citadel of Calafell and sample its fish and seafood. If you’re up for still more activities in the area around Barcelona, don’t miss the Bosque Animado de Catalunya en Miniatura (enchanted miniature forest of Catalonia), with four adventure circuits so you can jump from tree to tree, or the emblematic Palau de la Música Catalana auditorium, which can be visited on a guided tour.
93 kilometres of castles in La Segarra
If you’re a motorcycle racing fan and you want to explore the home region of Marc Márquez, the champion of MotoGP, this is an experience not to be missed. You can stay the night in rural lodgings in the area and visit ’93 Márquez’, the exhibition about the racing driver. You can also take a very special two-day journey to see some imposing castles in the municipalities of Cervera, Montfalcó, Torà and Florejacs, among others. While you’re there, why not take in the Passió de Cervera, a lively modern show featuring 350 actors, with over 500 years of history?
Fine food among vineyards and wineries
Young and old alike are guaranteed a great time with this excursion to Cornudella de Montsant, in the foothills of the Sierra de Montsant. The kids can run between the vineyards around this location, and together you can visit the Ronadelles winery (Cap de Ruc) to discover the past and present of the wine of El Priorat. The next day, after a rest in Lo Refugi, you can sample the Cap de Ruc set menu at the La Serra restaurant, which includes a tasting of three wines from their cellars. The excursion continues in Tarragona, where you can explore every corner with a ride on tourist train, or else take a guided visit around Tarraco, the former Roman city that has been conserved for posterity.
Through the waters of the Mediterranean, guided by the stars
All aboard for a tour of the Bay of Palamós by night. You’ll be able to make out the different constellations in the sky with the help of the crew, identify the pole star that indicates north, and discover how ships navigated without the aid of technology. The route lasts two and a half hours and ends at Castell beach, where you’ll be met with glass of cava for the grown-ups, and live music for the kids so they can dance, sing and have fun.
La Garrotxa from the air
There’s no better way to appreciate the beauty of La Garrotxa than by drifting in a balloon and looking down on the volcanoes from the heights. You can enjoy this unique experience with your partner, then continue your excursion with a ride on an electric bike through the Vall d’en Bas. You’ll spend the night in rural lodgings and then rise refreshed, as you’ll be spending the day in a farmyard where you’ll learn all about the shepherd’s trade, milk goats, and visit a dairy.
The Costa Brava on horseback
You’ll begin your adventure with a self-guided route by bike and GPS along the paths in Vilopriu, in the heart of El Empordà. Then a hearty lunch to restore your strength in the charming town of Peratallada, before spending the afternoon in the Iberian city of Ullastret, the most important Iberian archaeological site in Catalonia. And the following day is the kids’ favourite moment: an excursion on horseback with spectacular views of the Costa Brava.
Exploring the pre-Pyrenees on four wheels
If you don’t dare venture along some of the more difficult trails in the Lleida region in your own car but would dearly love to try, why not rent a 4×4? They seat a maximum of three people and allow you to explore undiscovered tracks, culminating in a spectacular reward: incredible views for you alone. Remember you’re in the pre-Pyrenees. Nearby you’ll find the Zoo del Pirineu, where the children can have fun seeing, touching and feeding over 50 species of native animals, from vultures and falcons to wild eagles and owls.
