Barcelona

The capital of Catalonia and a true Mediterranean beauty, attracts millions of tourists each year to its streets and beaches. Barcelona is the great architectural workshop of the genius Antoni Gaudí; legendary musical figures such as tenor José Carreras and soprano Montserrat Caballé were born and lived here; and FC Barcelona has carried the city’s name to every corner of the world.

Vibrant, luminous, and full of life, Barcelona is a perfect choice for a weekend getaway. The city offers not only a rich and diverse cultural and tourist experience, but also excellent relaxation on its sandy beaches washed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Barcelona’s coastline stretches for nearly 5 kilometers. The most popular beach is Barceloneta, perfectly equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, water activities, children’s areas, and numerous seaside bars and restaurants.

The second most crowded beach is Sant Sebastià. It is very wide, with golden sand and probably the liveliest in the city. An interesting detail is that it has an open-air library. In addition, Sant Sebastià includes a nudist area.

A quieter option is Nova Icaria: there are usually fewer people here, the entry into the sea is gentle, and the sand is particularly fine and pleasant.

As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona takes pride in a cuisine with its own identity. The dishes served in local restaurants have a distinctive character. For example, pizza here has its own “accent”: it can be made with meat, fish, vegetables, or even sweet ingredients such as jam, nuts, or cream. This specialty is called “coca.”

Catalans enjoy hearty meals, so we recommend trying butifarra con mongetes — traditional grilled sausage served with white beans, garlic, and herbs. For those who prefer lighter options, an excellent choice is “amanida catalana”: fresh lettuce leaves with tomatoes, olives, asparagus, carrots, and canned tuna.