5 Best Day Hikes Near Barcelona: To Experience the Beauty of Catalonia
Barcelona has many tourist attractions that lure in millions each year but most aren’t aware of the best hikes near Barcelona.
Hiking and Adventure Travel in Spain
Where is Spain: Spain is located in southwestern Europe. It is bordered by the Mediterranean sea, Gibraltar, France, Andorra, Bay of Biscay, Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean. There are several Spanish territories in Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean. There are also 2 archipelagos that belong to Spain, The Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. Spain also has several enclaves in Africa which include Ceuta, Melilla, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera. It is also the only European country to have a border with Morocco, i.e. Morocco. It’s territory also includes a few small islands in the Alboran Sea.
Size: 505 990 km²
Population: approximately 46.66 million people
Capital: Madrid
What is Spain Known For: Spain is well-known for its beautiful countryside, beaches, food, culture and famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. Flamenco dancing is a major part of the vibrant Spanish culture as well as fiestas (festivals) such as the Tomatina (Tomato Festival). Spain is also famous for its bullfighting, Tapas, football, and the Camino de Santiago. The country is also famous for its architecture, wine, the Pyrenees Mountains and its Arab history fortified in the Alhambra.
Places of Interest: Some of the places that are popular to visit are Basque Country, Barcelona, Madrid, Girona, Cantabria, La Gomera in the Canary Islands, Mallorca, Ibiza, Tenerife, Ibiza, The Camino Santiago, Alicante, Granada, Seville, Cordoba, The Pyrenees, La Rioja, Asturias, and Montseny National Park.
Accommodation: Accommodation is easy to find and the standards are quite good.
What Is There To Do In Spain: Spain offers a diverse range of activities, including cycling, hiking, skiing, hot air ballooning, white water rafting, diving, canyoneering and via Ferrata to climb. Spain is also perfect to visit for one of the infamous fiestas as well as its award-winning beaches. The MONA sanctuary is a perfect reason to visit Girona. Visitors can enjoy island hopping, excellent nightlife opportunities, historical tours and food tours where they can enjoy the excellent Spanish cuisine. Other great things to do include visiting Dali House, enjoying a flamenco show, doing the Camino Santiago, visiting Las Ramblas and enjoying some of the best football in the world.
Getting Around: Public Transport is widely available and reliable. The train and bus systems in Spain are safe and easy to use.
Safety: Spain is a safe country to travel to. You can easily travel from place to place on your own or in the company. Of course, in any place in the world, you should always be vigilant of petty crime and ensure that you keep personal items safe.
Best Time to Visit: The cheapest times to visit Spain are between March and May and September and November. The weather is still mild and temperate and the popular sites are not as busy. Depending on the area, the weather in Spain is usually not very cold during the winter months besides the French border where skiing is a popular activity. Between June and August, the weather can get quite hot in some areas of Spain. During the fiesta periods, Spain is also very popular.
Time Zone: GMT +1
Official Language: Spanish, Catalan, Galician & Basque. English is widely spoken in the main cities.
Drinking Water: Tap water in Spain is safe to drink.
Entry: A Schengen visa is required for most countries. EU residents have free access to Spain.
Eat & Drink: The food in Spain is infamous, especially dishes such as Paella and Tapas. Tapas are served free with drinks in places such as Granada. The Tortilla Espaniola is a rich, chunky potato omelet that is widely found in Spain. Other foods include Croquetas which are breadcrumbed fritters with a creamy potato filling. And gazpacho, a chilled soup that is usually tomato or vegetable-based. Drinks such as Sherry and Rioja wine is very popular in Spain as well as Cava which is a sparkling wine made the same way as champagne.
Currency, Cash & Card: The currency in Spain is the Euro. It is easy to exchange money if you need to at several establishments. You will also find ATMs wherever you go.
Tipping: It is usually acceptable to round up the bill as a tip. In upscale restaurants, it is usually acceptable to give 10% of the bill as a tip.
Wifi: Most major attractions in Spain offer wifi as well as airports, hotels, and restaurants.
Best Mallorca Adventures
The best adventures in Mallorca – everything from hiking, diving to hot air ballooning. It’s a great destination for adventure lovers.
Hiking in Spain: The Best 5 Hikes That Offer Something for Everyone
You’ll find everything from gorgeous coastal hikes that lead to medieval fishing villages to mountain hikes, to ancient pilgrim routes like the Camino de Santiago.
Calçotada: The Unique Catalan Celebration of the Humble Calcot (Onion)
Everything you need to know about calçots and about going to a Calcotada. Hint, you’re celebrating a type of green onion found only in Catalonia, Spain!
The Camino de Santiago: Ultimate Guide to Hiking The Last 100 KM
Your guide to walking the last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago in Spain. What it’s really like to hike this 1000-year-old route.
Cycling in Asturias, Spain: A Stunning Coastal Path
The Coastal Path in Asturias, Spain is a 65km long path with breathtaking views. It’s an undiscovered paradise for both cyclists and walkers!
7 Must-Try Adventures in Catalonia, Spain
7 adventures in Catalonia, Spain. You’ll find everything from hiking, to sailing to cycling and more. There’s more than just gorgeous beaches.
Best Places to Visit in Northern Spain: 14 Medieval Villages
14 of the best medieval villages and historic centres in Northern Spain. Not only are they gorgeous, but many have beaches and incredible coastal views. This unexplored part of Spain is definitely worth a visit.
What It’s Really Like to Do a Via Ferratas in Spain and What You Need to Know
I thought the via ferrata in Vallcebre Catalunya would be an easy one. To my pleasant surprise it wasn’t. I loved both the thrill and the challenge. Would you do it?
Besalu Catalonia: Why You’ll Want to Visit this Gorgeous Medieval Town
Besalu is a medieval town that’s worth a visit when you’re in Catalonia. Here’s your guide to the can’t miss attractions in Besalu.
Dali House: Why You Need to Visit Salvador Dali’s Home
In the little town of Cadaques, Catalonia, stands the last home of artist Salvador Dali, the house itself a symbol of his artistic nature.
Hiking in La Gomera Why You’ll Want to Do a 7-Day Self-Guided Hike
Hiking in La Gomera offers a unique hiking experience. I loved it. Read on to find out why you’d want to spend 6 days hiking in the Canary Islands.
Beach of the Cathedrals: What Makes This Beach so Amazing
The Beach of of the Cathedrals (Catedrais Beach) is one of the best beaches in Spain, and in the world. No wonder it’s a national monument.
What To Do in Cantabria, Spain Over a Long Weekend
Cantabria is known as “Green Spain” with its natural landscapes, caves and over 60 beaches! Picos de Europa National Park was a particularly fabulous find and not what I expected in this part of Spain!
The Best Way to Travel in Basque Country When You Need to De-stress
A visit to pristine Basque Country may be the remedy if you’re a stressed out multi-tasking urban dweller in need of some serious rejuvenation!