Spanish Trails

🍇 Experience the enchanting harvest season this September with an unforgettable day trip from Barcelona! Discover the El Penedès region, where the harvest is in full swing and the vineyards are buzzing with activity and celebrations. 🌿🍷

In September, El Penedès comes alive with its iconic Harvest Festival. This is the time of year when the vineyards are bustling with grape-picking and the region is beautifully adorned. Colorful parades, traditional music and dance, and local markets are all part of the festivities marking the harvest season. It's a unique opportunity to witness the grape harvest and processing in a vibrant and festive atmosphere. 🎉🍇

Our all-inclusive Spanish Trails® tours offer an exclusive chance to experience this special time of year. You'll visit boutique wineries where you can taste the finest wines and cavas, enjoying private tastings in an intimate and cozy setting. During the tour, you'll sample a range of wines, from refreshing whites and rosés to elegant reserve reds and cavas, all while savoring a traditional Catalan meal. 🥂🍽️

Our guides, experts in local culture and wine traditions, will provide an engaging and informative experience. These easy-paced day tours are perfect for both wine enthusiasts and casual visitors who want to dive into the authentic flavors and rich traditions of El Penedès.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the harvest season up close and explore the vibrant culture and cuisine of Catalonia. Book your spot now for an unforgettable harvest experience! Salut! 🍇✨

Private Penedes Day Trip - Barcelona, Spain | Spanish Trails (spanish-trails.com)

Harvest season is here!🍇

The harvest season begins in September and extends through October. The manual harvesting process is a labour-intensive tradition, with workers climbing the terraces to hand-pick the grapes, which are often in small quantities but of very high quality. Priorat is one of the richest wine regions in Spain. Which makes this harvest season a perfect opportunity to visit. Priorat is home to two prestigious wine designations: DO Montsant and DOQ Priorat. In our Priorat day trip we visit three wineries which are classified as DOQ. The region's steep, terraced vineyards are an eyecatcher for Priorat DOQ.✨

The soil in Priorat is one of its defining characteristics. Known as licorella, this soil is composed of slate and quartz, which contributes to the region's distinct minerality and complexity in wines. Given the steep slopes, mechanized harvesting is virtually impossible, which necessitates hand-picking and careful selection of grapes.🌱

Harvest time is a deeply important cultural event in Priorat. Small family-owned vineyards and wineries come together to celebrate the hard work of the year. Many wineries host events, tastings, and celebrations (for example in Poboleda), making the harvest season not only a time of production but also of communal pride and tradition.💃

Wines from Priorat, especially those made from these old vines, are known for their powerful expression, complexity, and aging potential. This results in rich, intense wines with deep flavours of black fruit, minerals, and spices, alongside firm tannins and a characteristic earthiness.🍷

To book your tour through Priorat during harvest season, check out our website, or click the link down below.👇

https://spanish-trails.com/private-groups/priorat-tour/

✨ Barcelona at Night: A Magical Spectacle ✨

When the sun sets over Barcelona, the city transforms into a sparkling wonderland. The iconic Sagrada Familia stands majestically against the night sky. Casa Batlló, a true masterpiece of modernist architecture, dazzles with its colorful illuminated facade and often hosts numerous light and projection shows.

Heading towards Montjuïc you can witness the mesmerizing Magic Fountain, its colored water jets dancing in sync with both classic and modern music.

The illuminated Tibidabo stands out brilliantly and can be seen from the city center, the temple shimmering with the warm glow of lanterns.

Barcelona at night is a magical experience that captures the heart and soul of a city that truly never sleeps, leaving you with unforgettable memories. 🌃✨

Paddling through turquoise waters, snorkeling among fish of all colors and soaking up the sun on the stunning Costa Brava 🌊🏞️✨ This kayaking adventure just 1.5 hours away from Barcelona will be the highlight of your summer vacation!

👉 Book your day trip now by clicking the link in our bio.

🏅 The Barcelona Olympics, held from July 25th to August 9th of 1992, marked a historic milestone in the Games and the city itself. The Olympics began with a mesmerizing opening ceremony, highlighted by Paralympic archer Antonio Rebollo famously igniting the Olympic flame with a flaming arrow 🏹Athletes from 169 nations gathered to compete across 25 sports, embodying a spirit of unity and unparalleled excellence.

Barcelona underwent a remarkable transformation through extensive urban renewal projects, enhancing the city's global standing and aesthetic appeal. The event was a grand celebration of peace, progress, and the enduring Olympic spirit, leaving a lasting legacy on both the host city and the international sports community, as well as some of the most iconic images in Olympic history.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games begin today! 🏆Are you ready to witness history in the making?

Ciutadella Park is a haven where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature in the heart of Barcelona. This exquisite park invites leisurely strolls, enchanting dance classes, and the simple pleasure of feeding the ducks. At its center lies a serene pond, it's ideal for a delightful boat ride 🛶 🦆
After nearly two decades, the splendid Hivernacle has reopened this year, adding to the park's allure. Nestled within Ciutadella Park is the renowned Barcelona Zoo, home to a diverse array of animals from around the globe. This sanctuary offers a perfect retreat for relaxation and a profound appreciation of nature's wonders 🌳☀️

Salvador Dalí's house, nestled in the village of Portlligat, near Cadaqués in Costa Brava, is a masterpiece of architecture and art. Dalí lived and worked there for over 50 years until the passing of his wife Gala in 1982. Originally a modest fisherman’s hut, Dalí transformed it into a labyrinth of interconnected rooms filled with unique decor and his own artwork. Framed by the Mediterranean coastline, the house provides a fascinating glimpse into his creative process 🌞
Known for his eccentricity, Dalí's life mirrored the surrealism of his art. His contributions spanned film, sculpture, photography, and collaborations with Luis Buñuel and Alfred Hitchcock (two of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century). He devoted his final years to creating a grand repository of his works before his passing in 1989. Today, his house stands as a testament to his extraordinary work, attracting visitors from around the world to immerse themselves in the world of one of the 20th century’s most remarkable artists 🎨
Book your tour now and experience Dalí's beautiful house with Spanish Trails 🏠

Tarragona, a town located in northeastern Catalonia, is a treasure trove of rich history and culture. Once known as Tarraco, and with roots tracing back to ancient Roman times when it was the Political Capital of the Roman Empire, Tarragona offers visitors a fascinating journey through time. One of the highlights is the Tarragona Amphitheater, which boasts a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea. From aqueducts to ancient walls, there's so much to explore 🌊.
Tarragona's charm extends beyond its historical sites. The town features beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation, and numerous shops and cafes along the coastline. The Santa Tecla Festival in September, with its parades and fireworks, is a must-see event 🎆. Additionally, Tarragona hosts one of the oldest and most thrilling human tower competitions ("Castells" - a very typical Catalan tradition).
An intriguing fun fact about Tarragona is that its Roman Amphitheater once hosted naval battle reenactments, showcasing the city's rich history of entertainment. With a mild climate, Tarragona is an attractive year-round destination for tourists seeking cultural excitement and seaside relaxation 🌅.
Contact us to help you plan your visit!

The Kiss Wall, also known as the "El Món Neix en Cada Besada", means the world begins with every kiss. It's a stunning piece of art located in Plaça d'Isidre Nonell, in the heart of Barcelona's Old Town.

This wall was created by the local photographer Joan Fontcuberta. It was unveiled in 2014 to commemorate the tricentennial of the Siege of Barcelona. The mosaic consists of photographs submitted by thousands of locals and their perception of freedom through moments of their lives. It serves as a symbol of love and peace in the city. 🕊

This artwork captures the spirit of Barcelona - make sure you don't miss it next time you're exploring the Gothic quarter!

Sagrada Família added the John and Matthew towers this past year, which embarks on significant progress to the long awaited Gaudí masterpiece. These towers added intricate skyline, which reflects his vision of innovative design. This development brings Sagrada Família one step closer to being completed.
During the Spanish Civil War in 1936, Gaudí's models and workshop materials were destroyed by anarchists. This led to a significant setback and reconstructions of Gaudí's visions by later architects, who had to piece together his intentions through photographs.
Which Gaudí site is your favorite? 🌍✨

Check out our new blog post! 🍷🍴
Click on the link in our bio, take notes and get ready for your visit to Barcelona 📝

🎆✨ Sant Joan in Barcelona: A magical night not to be missed! 🌊🔥

On June 23rd, Barcelona lights up to celebrate Sant Joan's eve, a night full of traditions, lights and joy. 🌠 This festival marks the beginning of summer with bonfires, fireworks, and celebrations all over the city. Here are some tips to fully enjoy this unique experience:

🎆 Beach Parties: Barcelona's beaches, like Barceloneta and Bogatell, transform into real party spots at night. Bring a blanket, snacks, and enjoy the music, bonfires, and fireworks. It’s the perfect place to spend a memorable evening with friends or family.
🎉 Neighborhood celebrations: Gràcia and Poblenou are known for their lively celebrations with concerts, dances and parades. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and discover Catalan traditions.
🍹 Taste local specialties: Don’t miss trying the "coca de Sant Joan," a delicious pastry typical of this festival, paired with a glass of chilled cava.

📅 Date: June 23rd at night and 24th all day!
📍 Location: All over Barcelona.
Dive into the magic of Sant Joan and let yourself be enchanted by this exceptional night where Barcelona shines brightly! 🌟💃🕺

Explore the Pyrenees Adventure! 🏞✨
Embark on a magical journey through the Pyrenees with our exclusive tour! Discover the charm of a quaint medieval village and enjoy breathtaking hikes in the majestic mountains. Perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

🌿 What's Included:

-Guided tour of a picturesque medieval village
-Scenic hikes through stunning mountain trails
-Opportunities for unforgettable photos and moments
🔗 Book your adventure now and experience the best of the Pyrenees!
https://spanish-trails.com/small-groups/pre-pyrenees-medieval-village-hiking-day-tour/

Discover Authentic Spanish Croquetas 🍽
Dive into Spanish culinary art with our delicious croquetas! These bites are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, a true delight for the taste buds. Perfect for an appetizer or a light dinner, croquetas are a must-try in Spain.

🎉 Looking for an unforgettable culinary experience? 🎉

Join us for a food and wine tasting tour in Barcelona with Spanish Trails! Explore the authentic flavors of Catalonia, from exquisite tapas to local wines, guided by our experts. You'll get to taste our famous croquetas in the best tapas bars in the city.

🔗 Book your adventure now on https://spanish-trails.com/private-groups/authentic-tapas-tour/ and savor Barcelona like never before!

Recipe created by https://spanishsabores.com/croquetas-de-jamon-serrano-recipe-ham-croquettes/

Come and experience something unique under the Barcelona sun! ☀🍷

🌊 World Ocean Day 🌊

At Spanish Trails, we celebrate the beauty of our oceans every day, but today, we want to pay tribute to the majesty of the Mediterranean Sea and the stunning Costa Brava. 🌅

Join us for an unforgettable kayaking adventure, where every paddle stroke brings you closer to the hidden treasures of our coast. Explore secret coves, admire marine wildlife, and feel the serenity that only the ocean can offer. 🛶🐬

On this World Ocean Day, let's commit to protecting these incredible waters for future generations. 🌍💙

Book your excursion now and experience a unique adventure with Spanish Trails!

🌍✨ World Environment Day ✨

Today, we celebrate the splendor of the nature that surrounds us, from green lands to sunny coasts.

Our excursions take you to the heart of breathtaking landscapes, where each trail reveals a new natural treasure. Every adventure is an invitation to enjoy and protect our precious environment.

Together we can make a difference !🌿🌊

🚴‍♂🌍 Today we celebrate World Bicycle Day! ⭐ At Spanish Trails, we believe that this is one of the best ways to discover every corner of this magnificent city. 🌞🚴‍♂

Book your unforgettable adventure now and discover Barcelona from a new perspective. Don't forget to wear a helmet and enjoy the ride! 😊✨

Sitges, a charming coastal town southwest of Barcelona, is renowned for its 17 beautiful beaches, which cater to sun-seekers, water sports enthusiasts, and families alike. Its rich cultural scene, featuring numerous art galleries and museums, has long attracted artists and writers seeking inspiration. One of its most famous events, the annual Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival, draws film buffs from around the world. 🌴🌊

Throughout the year, Sitges hosts a variety of festivals celebrating its cultural diversity, including the lively Sitges Carnival with its extravagant costumes and parades, and the Corpus Christi Flower Festival, which adorns the streets with intricate floral displays. Sitges Gay Pride is one of the largest LGBT festivals in Europe, adding to the town's vibrant event calendar.

Sitges is also renowned for its culinary offerings, with a wide array of restaurants serving traditional Catalan dishes, fresh seafood, and international cuisine. The town's vibrant nightlife includes cozy wine bars, lively pubs, and clubs that cater to a diverse crowd, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy after the sun sets. This blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and lively atmosphere makes Sitges a beloved destination. ⛵️✨

Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is a renowned building in Barcelona, Spain, constructed between 1906 and 1912. Today, Casa Milà stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its undulating stone facade, wrought iron balconies resembling seaweed, and surreal rooftop sculptures make it a masterpiece of Modernisme, Barcelona's distinctive art nouveau movement.

The famous artist behind this abstract building is no other than the man who contributed the most creativity to Barcelona: Antoni Gaudí. Born on June 25, 1852, in Reus, Catalonia. On this day every year, the city honors his contributions to architecture and art with festivities and exhibitions showcasing his works. Gaudí's unique vision, blending nature-inspired forms with structural innovation, defines much of Barcelona's skyline, including his magnum opus, the Sagrada Família.

During these celebrations, Barcelona comes alive with events that highlight Gaudí's influence on the city's cultural and architectural identity. Visitors and locals alike participate in tours, concerts, and exhibitions, immersing themselves in the whimsical and profound world of Gaudí's creations.

Casa Milà and Antoni Gaudí's legacy continue to inspire awe and admiration, weaving together history, art, and innovation into the vibrant tapestry of Barcelona's architectural landscape. ✨

High above Barcelona, Montjuïc gazed out over centuries of history etched into its rocky slopes. From its ancient beginnings as a refuge for the Laietani tribe to the Roman fortifications that once crowned its peak, the hill had seen civilizations rise and fall like tides against its shores. 🏛️

In the Middle Ages, Montjuïc stood as Barcelona's stalwart guardian, its castle defending against invaders. But in the 20th century, Montjuïc underwent a profound transformation, becoming a beacon of culture by hosting the 1929 International Exposition. Amidst its grandeur, Montjuïc also endured darker times during the Spanish Civil War, serving as a prison for dissenters. Yet, it emerged triumphant, symbolizing resilience with the 1992 Summer Olympics, which revitalized its slopes as a global stage of athletic unity and prowess.

Today, Montjuïc stands as a testament to Barcelona's spirit—a blend of ancient fortitude and modern vitality. Visitors stroll through its gardens, marvel at its museums, and bask in panoramic views that stretch to the Mediterranean Sea. Montjuïc, with its rich tapestry of history and culture, invites all who climb its heights to discover the essence of Barcelona—a city where the past is honored, the present celebrated, and the future eagerly embraced. 💝

This year, in the charming city of Girona, the Temps de Flora festival unfolded from May 11th to May 19th, casting its spell of color and fragrance over the cobblestone streets. Visitors from near and far flocked to experience the city's transformation into a floral paradise. 💐🌷

At the heart of the festivities stood the historic Plaça de la Independència, where the opening ceremony dazzled spectators with music, dance, and speeches by local dignitaries. Throughout the week, the city's landmarks, from the majestic Cathedral to the ancient city walls, were adorned with breathtaking floral installations, each a testament to nature's artistry.

As the festival drew to a close, Girona basked in the afterglow of a week filled with joy and beauty. Though the petals would soon fade and the blooms wilt, the spirit of Temps de Flora would endure, a cherished memory for all who had experienced its magic. And as the city bid farewell to another year of celebration, anticipation brewed for the promise of next year's festival, a vibrant tapestry of flowers yet to bloom. 🌺🥀

Photo credit: https://tempsdeflors.girona.cat/cat/inici.php

In Barcelona's vibrant Eixample district, the Sant Pau Recinte Modernista stands as a testament to a century of innovation and beauty. Designed by renowned architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, this architectural story started its journey in 1901.

For nearly three decades, construction echoed through the streets as Sant Pau took shape. When it opened in 1930, it quickly became a beacon of medical excellence, pioneering new treatments and technologies. Decades passed, and in 2009, a modern hospital replaced Sant Pau's medical facilities. Yet, its legacy endured. In 2014, after meticulous restoration, it emerged as a cultural center and museum.

Today, visitors stroll through its historic halls, marveling at its intricate design and lush gardens. Sant Pau Recinte Modernista remains a symbol of Barcelona's rich heritage—a place where healing and art converge in harmony. 🏫✨

Alert for all the comics collectors and enthusiasts, from May 3rd to 5th, Fira Barcelona Montjuic transforms into a realm where every panel holds a piece of history and every character ignites the imagination.

It’s called the Comic Barcelona, it is the biggest comic fair that takes place each year since 1981 in Barcelona, and welcomes people of all ages. Here at the venue, there will be a wide-ranging program of events, with personal appearances by comic book artists from around the world. Last year was a huge success, where it had over 100.000 visitors coming from all over the world to Barcelona. 💥

So if you happen to be here in the city this weekend, join us as we celebrate the legacy of comics and embrace the boundless creativity that continues to inspire generations. Visit this website for more information ⬇️: https://www.comicbarcelona.com/en/home.cfm

For this recipe of the month, we have........Spanish Style-Garlic Shrimps (Gambas al Ajillo) 🦐🧄

Recipe: Food and Wine

Happy Sant-Jordi! 🌹📚❤️

There something going on down the line this weekend...On April 28, there is a major event happen, called the National Meeting of Giants! 🗿

Are you curious or want to know more about it? Check out our latest blog via this link ⬇:

https://spanish-trails.com/blog/what-are-gigantes/

Looking for the perfect outdoor adventure that's not too hot, not too cold, and suitable for all ages? Look no further than kayaking along the stunning Costa Brava, just a short distance away from Barcelona. This fun family activity offers the ideal way to immerse yourself in nature. 🛶

As you paddle along the crystal-clear waters of Costa Brava, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and charming coastal villages. This area is renowned for its stunning landscapes, where the azure waters meet the picturesque coastline dotted with lush greenery. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced kayaker, there are routes tailored to suit every skill level. Families with children can opt for leisurely paddles along calm waters, taking in the sights and sounds of the Mediterranean. For those seeking a bit more adventure, some routes lead to secluded beaches accessible only by kayak, perfect for a relaxing picnic or a refreshing swim in the clear waters. 🌊🐠

So planning on going to Barcelona soon? Make sure to include this activity on your list!

Visit our website for more information: https://spanish-trails.com/search/Kayak

La Boqueria and Mercat de Santa Caterina offer distinct experiences for both tourists and locals in Barcelona. La Boqueria is iconic, vibrant, and diverse, attracting tourists looking for a sensory overload of colors and flavors.

On the other hand, Mercat de Santa Caterina provides locals with a neighborhood market feel, offering high-quality products in a more relaxed atmosphere, while also offering tourists a chance to immerse themselves in Barcelona's local life. Both markets are integral to Barcelona's culinary scene, catering to the different preferences and desires of those seeking fresh produce, local specialties, and a taste of Catalan culture.

Planning a trip to Barcelona? We highly recommend to visit both the market to experience its differences for yourself.