20 must-see places in Catalonia for 2025

This is one of Catalonia’s most unique places: the landscape is almost lunar, with rocks sculpted by the Tramuntana wind and the rough sea. It is the highest point in the east of the country, a peninsula within the peninsula, and was a source of great inspiration for Salvador Dalí. Speaking of the painter, right next to Cap de Creus is the beautiful town of Cadaqués, known for its white houses and Mediterranean charm. In fact, Dalí bought a house in Portlligat (Cadaqués), so that he could be the first Catalan to witness the sunrise every morning.

You’ll find plenty of Romanesque architecture throughout the Pyrenees, but the Boí Valley is where this style reached its peak of splendour, and it’s no surprise that its ensemble of churches has been given World Heritage Site status by UNESCO. You can simply visit one village after the other (Cóll, Cardet, Barruera, Durro, Erill la Vall, Taüll...), because each and every one of them is picture-postcard material.

This is the only national park in Catalonia. You can enter from various points, either by hiking or using the park's 4x4 taxi service. Wherever you go within this natural space, you'll enjoy stunning high-mountain landscapes, with meadows, meandering rivers, and peaks that stand more than 3,000 metres tall. Without a doubt, the most photographed scene is the Sant Maurici Lake with the Els Encantats mountain in the background.

Here, the River Ebro, the largest in the entire Iberian Peninsula, meets the sea, creating a spectacular landscape. The sediments carried by the river are deposited here, forming one of western Europe’s most important wetlands. It's a paradise for birds and an ideal place for cultivating rice fields, making it a truly unique natural space, unlike any other in Catalonia. It offers countless walking and cycling trails, as well as many birdwatchers’ hides, perfect for observing the many species that inhabit the Delta.

Welcome to a stunning corner of the Pyrenees. We recommend taking the mountain train from Ribes de Freser or Queralbs to immerse yourself in the mountain landscapes along the way. When you reach the top, you’ll find the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Núria, which sits beside a lake, and from there, you can enjoy walking along the slopes, breathing in the fresh air, and hearing no cars at all. For the more curious, you can take the cable car to ascend even higher into the peaks. In winter, take the opportunity to go skiing and admire the blanket of snow that covers the area; the rest of the year, you'll be captivated by the countless shades of green.

This village in Girona is perched atop a massive cliff, which was created as the Fluvià and Toronell rivers eroded the remains of the ancient lava flows that shaped the area thousands of years ago, leaving a lasting mark on local history. It's a small but stunning village that will transport you back to medieval times.

Nestled high up in the mountains, this village is distinctive for the red colour that characterises its most important buildings. What makes it special is the remains of the old walls and the castle of the Counts of Prades, the church of Santa Maria la Major and many of the houses. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the town, passing through its gates, strolling its streets, and spending time in the main square, where you’ll find a Renaissance fountain in the shape of a globe.

Although geographically part of Alta Garrotxa, this picturesque village has been part of the Camprodon municipality in Ripollès since 1969. To reach it, you'll need to take a winding road, but we promise the trip is well worth it. In the idyllic Beget, time seems to have stopped. If you visit, you must go into the Romanesque church of Sant Cristòfor, where you'll find the Majestat, a stunning twelfth-century polychrome wooden sculpture.

This village seems to emerge straight from the Ebro and on more than one occasion, the rising water has caused a few scares and some damage to the buildings. What’s more, the streets lead up to an Arab castle. The whole scene is so picturesque, you’d swear it was designed by a town planner with impeccable taste, or perhaps an auteur filmmaker. 

Located in the middle of the La Garrotxa Volcanic Area National Park, the town of Santa Pau is a bucolic setting, with well-preserved medieval buildings and stone houses of indisputable architectural value. The porticoed Plaza Major is a highlight, but it’s worth exploring the whole area, letting yourself be carried away by its alleyways and finding all the most beautiful spots.