Start off spring with a bang and take a day trip from Barcelona to Valencia for Las Fallas this weekend! The festival is filled with fireworks and flames, the whole city being set ablaze with high-spirits. The population of the city grows to over 3 million for the next five days as people from all over Spain and the globe travel to see the unique celebration. The celebration begins with the creation of niñots, huge cardboard or plaster statues created to depict satirical scenes or current political figures. Some of the niñots are over 7 stories tall, costing over $75,000 and taking over an entire year to construct. These giant dolls remain on display until March 19th, La Crema, or the Day of the Burning. All of the streetlights in the entire city are turned off and at exactly midnight, the niñots are set afire, igniting the city with a blast of glowing light. The festival carries on into the night, the streets are lined with fireworks around literally shake the streets with a climactic explosion around 2am. Why not book your apartment in Barcelona today and get a head start on one of the most specaticular festivals in Spain!

Next time you´re planning a day trip; consider traveling up the coast line of Spain to the picturesque landscape of Costa Brava. Take a one day excursion to the beautiful and secluded beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal clear water. With the weather warming up, the Mediterranean coast of Spain is a great place for a relaxing weekend to swim, snorkel or catch some sunny rays. When you´re nice and relaxed, explore the quaint villages and take the age-old trail that winds between them. You´ll be able to learn a little more about Catalonia´s history while seeing old monastery ruins, olive orchards, and terraced mountain sides, losing yourself in the charming peacefulness of the charming Costa Brava villages. At the end of the day, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch by the beach or at a local mountain restaurant, and take in the sea breeze and the sun a little more before heading back to Barcelona. Book your apartment today to enjoy Barcelona and day trips down the coast of Spain.

With the weather warming up in Barcelona and along the coast of Spain, it´s the perfect time to take a day trip and see the fantasy Dali-land in Figueres, a small town about two-hours from Barcelona. The museu Dali is filled with some of Dali´s most famous works of art, and the renovated theatre is personally decorated and designed by Salvador Dali himself.  The museum is a surrealistic portrayal of Dali´s life, everything with no logical order and without any sort of audio guide, a request by Dali himself. You´ll be able to look closely into Dali´s personal life, specifically the boat hanging above the tire tower representing his soul mate Gala and the tears representing her death. Look next at the homage Dali paid to Mae West, a room where her face can be seen in the furniture only from a certain vantage point. You can spend hours in the surrealistic museum, looking at how Dali portrayed famous works of art in the most peculiar ways. 

If you haven´t had enough of Salvador Dali yet, take a trip from Figueres to Cadaques, about a 45 minute drive, to see the Dali House, his home where he created most of his bizarre artwork. His home, which he shared with Gala, proves how a person´s creativity can be expressed through all types of medium. His front door, a work of abstract art, was created when he asked the local fishermen to wipe their brushes on it when they finished painting their boats. The house is left almost exactly as it was when Dali moved out in 1982, after the death of Gala.

Dali´s house and museum are both reflections of Dali´s personality, fun and a little bit provocative. Before you leave Barcelona make sure a trip to Figueres or Cadaques is on your list of things to do, and don´t forget to book your Barcelona apartment today!

We have noted some of Europe’s more reputable museums, located right here in Barcelona. We would be remiss if we did not mention one of the more interesting, exotic museums Spain has to offer, the Dali museum, one of a few tremendous sites offered in this next installment of day trips. This day trip includes a journey up the Costa Brava to the historic city Girona, followed by a visit to the city of Figueres, the hometown of renowned Surrealist artist Salvador Dali and location of his museum.   

Girona, capital of the Catalonian province by the same name, is an ancient city predating Roman times. The first inhabitants were the Iberians, but it was the Roman settlers who really established the city. Some sites to see are the towering Roman walls, which extend along a large part of the city, looping behind the city’s cathedral. Tradition dictates that as you stand at the bottom of the many steps that lead to the cathedral, you have to count each step as you begin your ascent and state the correct number when you reach the top. If incorrect, you have to go all the way back down and begin anew! Other sites include the Arab baths and one of Spain’s best preserved Jewish quarters.  

Staying in the same province of Girona, you next travel to a different city, Figueres. Widely known as Dali’s place of origin, it is justifiable that the city’s largest attraction is the museum designed by Dali that houses one of the largest collection of his works. From the structure of the building to the courtyard to the art itself, this museum is an incredible all around experience, one that makes Figueres and this day trip a must see destination. 

So make sure to reserve your Barcelona apartment today so that you can see all that the city and surrounding area has to offer!

While difficult to fathom, sometimes it is nice to get outside of Barcelona, even just for a little bit, and enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of Catalonia. In this day trip, we offer just that: a pleasant afternoon of hiking and a tour.

Located about 40 kilometers outside of Barcelona, San Miquel del Fai is an incredible area full of small lakes, waterfalls, caverns and trees, all surrounding a mountain that is perfect for hiking. In addition to the scenery, one can see examples of Catalonian medieval architecture in the buildings there.  

Visit us at ComeToBarcelona so that after a great trip, you can return to one of our Barcelona apartments and enjoy the night!

Barcelona, as we have chronicled, still exhibits characteristics resultant from its time as a Roman colony. For evidence, one needs to look no further than the remains of the Roman walls still present. For today’s extraordinary excursion, we take you south down the coast to a town with an even heavier Roman history, Tarragona.

Formerly known as Tarraco, Tarragona was founded in 218 BC as a prominent Roman military base. It later became a Roman colony, and astonishingly enough it was even capital of the entire Roman Empire when the Emperor Augustus lived in the city for two years. It was a stop along the famed Via Augusta, which ran from Rome to present day Cadiz.

Today, much of Tarragona´s allure lies in its history. Following in the steps of Romans long ago is a breathtaking adventure, as you can still see the aqueducts and the remains of the amphitheatre, and begin to form a picture of what life in that distant time may have been like. For example, make sure to stop and check out the old Roman circus where they held chariot races. Located on the Mediterranean coast, another great appeal are the beaches, some of which have even received awards for their purity.

So for lovers of history and those who want to see more of the Spanish coast alike, this is a great destination, one we are sure you will enjoy to the fullest. Visit us at ComeToBarcelona and reserve a Barcelona apartment to start your journey!

One of the great things about the Barcelona, the Mediterranean city, is the multitude of fantastic locations nearby. Though you can never run out of fun things to do and see in Barcelona, sometimes it is nice to get out and see what a different locale has to offer.  In this continuance of our extraordinary excursion series, we offer a great combination for your traveling pleasure. This day trip to Montserrat, Torres Winery and Sitges is the perfect blend of sightseeing, refinement and relaxation.

The day commences with a trip to the Torres vineyards, where both your palate and brain will receive an education. Learn how this famous Spanish producer makes their wines, while discovering a new personal favorite through the many tastings.

Next, the trip heads on to Montserrat. As we have previously profiled, this area is rich in history and beauty. The monastery atop of Montserrat is one of the most interesting sites in all of Catalunya, reason enough for this great trip.

Finally, after what is sure to be a day full of excitement, the lovely beaches of Sitges offer the perfect respite. Enjoy the crystal blue waters and white sands as you soak in both the beach and the town as well.

So make sure to visit us at ComeToBarcelona and reserve an apartment today, so that tomorrow you can be on your way!

On this week’s edition of Extraordinary Excursions we are venturing a bit further afield from Barcelona. This day trip will be a long one, but it's a magnificent opportunity to both gain a greater understanding of Catalan culture and to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pyrénées mountains. So strap on your walking shoes and get ready for a trip to the medieval city of Vic and an afternoon of walking amongst the peaks of the Pyrenees!

A visit to the Vall de Nuria is something not to be missed!

Background

Vic is an amazingly well preserved medieval town located approximately 70 kilometers outside of the city of Barcelona. It is located in the Barcelona province and is the capital of its county, Osona. Throughout history, Vic has been an important city of commerce in Catalunya due to its privileged equidistant position between the provincial capitals of Girona and Barcelona. Today, Vic is best known for its exquisite dried meats, sausages and pork products; as well as being the gateway to the majestic Catalan Pyrenees.

What to do

Visit the medieval city's market and sample some of the city's famous pork delicacies. Especially renowned is the fuet, a thin salami-like sausage which is made in the village. Iberian pork products from Vic carry prestige and a premium price in Barcelona and other cities in Spain. Check out the Museu de la Pell (literally the Leather Museum), which is a unique museum which focuses on the history and production of various types of leathers. Of note is the cathedral, which, though it was consecrated in 1803, features many beautiful classical features. Next, spend the afternoon exploring the Catalan Pyrenees with a dayhike in the beautiful Vall de Nuria. The Vall de Nuria, accessible only by rack railway, is a pristine destination for wilderness activities of all types- including horseback riding, archery, and more.

Where and how

Vic can be reached by Renfe's Rodalies commuter train service. Trains leave from Sants station, as well as Plaza Catalunya, and take about 1 hour and a half. To reach the Vall de Nuria continue past Vic on the train until you arrive to Ribes de Freser. Here you will find the terminus of the rack railway which ascends several kilometers into the valley. To reach Ribes de Freser takes about 2 hours by train from Barcelona. Be sure to check the website of Renfe and of the rack railway for timetables, as they vary according to season (in winter Vall de Nuria is a popular ski resort).

The most convenient way to reach Vic and Vall de Nuria is by private vehicle. From Barcelona, the trip takes only about 1 hour by car. Our affiliate, Viator, offers a fully guided small-group excursion at an affordable price. This trip includes in the price round trip transport in a private van, a tour guide, and a ticket for the rack railway in Vall de Nuria. Book your trip today and an apartment in Barcelona to come home to after a long day of adventure and exploration in the mountains of Catalunya!

It's summer- and that means the days in Barcelona are long and warm. It also means that sometimes the hustle and bustle of the city can become too hot to handle, and is the perfect excuse to spend a day exploring the multitude of attractions located outside and around Barcelona. It's just for this reason that the staff of the ComeToBarcelona have decided to create a new series of blog posts, each one highlighting one of the spectacular day trips that are possible with Barcelona as your home base. These articles will provide you with all of the information to explore some of the great sites of Catalunya, so be sure to check back frequently- new excursions will be added often.

Today we are going to take you on a trip to Montserrat. This extraordinary site, both a mountain and a monastery (with a very special resident), is one of the most famous landmarks in Catalunya. Heck, there's even a small Caribbean country named after the place! Read on to learn all about this distinct and essential icon of Barcelona.

The Monastery and Mountain of Montserrat

Background

Montserrat, whose name from Catalan translates literally as serrated (jagged) mountain, is an emblematic peak located about 50 kilometers outside the city of Barcelona. While the mountain itself and its unique geological formations are an attraction for hikers and climbers, it is the Santa Maria de Montserrat Benedictine monastery that attracts most daytrippers to this sacred site. Located high on the mountain, the monastery is the the home of the Virgin of Montserrat (La Nostra Senyora de Montserrat, in Catalan), one of the rare "black Madonnas" of Europe. The statue depicts the Virgin Mary holding the child Christ in her arms, and is believed to have been carved in Jerusalem during the early Christian era. This statue is an essential part of Catalan culture, and is in fact the patron of all of Catalunya. Even today, Montserrat is one of the most popular names for women in Barcelona!

What to do?

Visit the Basilica, and see up close the majestic tranquility of the Virgin of Montserrat. Light a candle in one of the grottos of the abbey after your visit. Even if you are not a religious person, there is no denying that this is a spiritual site. Visit the museum adjacent to the basilica to see works by some of the most outstanding Spanish and Catalan artists- El Greco, Picasso, Dalí, amongst others. Check the schedule of services and see a performance of La Escoliana, one of the most renowned Boys' Choirs in Europe, which makes its home in Montserrat. Enjoy the artesanal market of honey and handmade cheeses that is often set up on along the outer wall of the monastery. The goat cheeses are divine, as are the local wild honeys. If you get a chance to taste Mel i Mató, a local dessert delicacy made of fresh cheese and honey, do no pass it up. It's a flavor experience you won't soon forget. Hike or take the funicular railway to the peak of the mountain, Sant Jeroni, which stands 1236 meters above sea level, for spectacular views and a memorable excursion. Yes, you've got a lot to see- so start getting ready now!

Where and how?

The nearest town to Montserrat is the small village of Monistrol de Montserrat. Located about 50 kilometers from the city of Barcelona, the mountain is accessible by road or by rail. If you have your own car, you may drive to the monastery- though be wary that the road is treacherous and parking is scarce during the summer. If public transport is your thing, there are several ways to arrive to Montserrat. All include taking a train from Plaça Espanya. From there you may either arrive to the monastery by cable car or by rack railway. Be sure to check out the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catlunya (FGC) website if this is the way you want to arrive to the mountain.

The simplest way to visit this unforgettable icon is to join a tour that specializes in visits to the mountain. This can actually be the most economical method as well; as transportation, parking, and guide are all included in the cost. Make your reservation with us here to visit Montserrat on a tour with our affiliate Viator. There are trips for all budgets, so you are sure to find the tour that meets your needs. Have fun!

Rent Your Flat On Line!