10 Key facts to consider when planning your trip to Catalonia

Do you want beaches, snow, or city strolls? Catalonia has it all, but the best time to go depends on what you're looking for. If your plan is to relax in the sun and sea, a tinto de verano in hand, then you should travel in June, July, or August, the ideal time to enjoy the Costa Brava, with turquoise waters and coastal towns like Calella de Palafrugell or Cadaqués.

For skiing, the best time is between December and March when Baqueira Beret is in full snow season, and the atmosphere in the Pyrenees comes alive. If you're into sightseeing in cities or towns, and want to walk around, take photos without too many crowds, and enjoy pleasant weather, then April, May, September, and October are perfect.

LEVEL flies you directly from Buenos Aires to Barcelona and offers you the key service: the freedom to customize your flight. With their "Fly your way" option, you only pay for what you need. Want to add meals, extra luggage, or choose your seat? Need headphones or want a drink onboard? You can easily buy it on their website. But if you don’t need anything extra and are just happy with your seat to get to Barcelona, you won’t pay for anything you don’t consume. A great deal!

The onboard menus are gourmet and incredibly tempting, far from the usual airplane food (for example, they offer artichoke ravioli with truffle sauce). You can also load entertainment onto your device to watch movies during the flight and use the Wi-Fi for messaging without extra charges.

Barcelona is the gateway to Catalonia and a city worth visiting, but it’s also the perfect place to use as a base and make day trips from there. Everything is relatively close, and the transportation system is easy and accessible.

In the city, you can mix beach, art, and gastronomy in one day: start with a swim at Barceloneta Beach, then visit MACBA or Park Güell, and finish with an outdoor dinner in the El Born neighborhood. A bonus? There’s always a festival, concert, fair, or market to discover.

Less than two hours from Barcelona, this little town looks like it came straight out of a movie. Stone bridges, cobblestone streets, river views, and lots of history: Besalú takes you directly back to the Middle Ages. Perfect for a day trip, you can start your visit by crossing its famous Romanesque bridge, a gem from the 11th century, and continue through the Jewish Quarter (Call Jueu), which has a perfectly preserved mikvé (ritual bath).

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You can also visit the Sant Pere Monastery, browse craft shops, try local products (don’t miss the almond cookies), and sit at a terrace for lunch with a view of the Fluvià River. It’s one of those places where time seems to slow down, perfect for unwinding and returning with renewed energy.

If you love cars (or are traveling with someone who does), Ferrari Land is a theme park you can’t miss. It’s right next to PortAventura, one of the largest amusement parks in Europe, with rides for all ages. Perfect for a family getaway or to release some adrenaline.

Both are located in Salou, about 100 km from Barcelona, and can be easily reached by train from Estació de Sants (the journey takes around an hour and a half) or by car via the AP-7 motorway. A perfect day trip.

Getting to all these places is easy. From Barcelona, you can travel all over Catalonia by train, bus, or car. The railway network is very comprehensive: Renfe connects with almost all the major cities and towns, and there are also regional trains (like the Rodalies) that take you quickly and cheaply to nearby destinations like Sitges, Tarragona, or Girona.

If you prefer to move at your own pace and explore more remote corners, like the hidden villages of Costa Brava or scenic routes in the Pyrenees, renting a car is a great option. The roads are well-marked and in good condition, and you’ll be able to stop wherever you like to take photos or try something delicious along the way.

Yes, you read that right. The football legend has his own hotel chain, and one of them is in Sitges, just a few kilometers from Barcelona. It’s called MiM Sitges, it’s modern, offers incredible views, and has a great spa to relax in. Does it need more?

Well, yes, Sitges itself is one of the most beautiful destinations on the Catalan coast. It has calm beaches, a picturesque waterfront, charming little bars, and a beautiful old town perfect for strolling. Plus, it hosts festivals like the International Fantastic Film Festival, which adds a cultural bonus to any visit.

In winter, Baqueira Beret is the most famous ski resort in Spain, and for good reason: it has over 160 km of slopes, guaranteed snow throughout the season, and excellent infrastructure. It’s perfect whether you’re an experienced skier or want to learn: there are schools with instructors for all levels, equipment rental, and special areas for beginners.

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But even if you’re not a fan of skiing, the snow-covered Pyrenees landscape is a sight you won’t forget. You can go snowshoeing, try local food in the villages of the Valle de Arán (like Vielha or Arties), or simply enjoy the fresh air and the magic of the snow-covered mountains.

Catalonia is a paradise for foodies. Whenever you can, we recommend looking for bars with counters, ordering a cold homemade vermouth or a good caña (beer), and trying all the tapas you can: bombas, croquettes, pan con tomate, fried squid, omelets, or whatever tempts you! Each bar has its specialty, and part of the charm is trying and discovering new flavors.

Need an excuse? Remember that Furia Puro Fuego, a restaurant in Mar del Plata, won Tapeando 2025 with its amazing fish carpaccio tapa. Get inspired and follow your gastronomic journey across the region: from Barcelona’s markets like La Boquería to family-run wineries inland and beachside chiringuitos. Honestly, eating well in Catalonia is inevitable… but it’s better if you do it with intention.

If you love art, you’ll be fascinated by a visit to Salvador Dalí’s House Museum in Figueres, his hometown. It’s eccentric and unique, just like Dalí himself. The building alone looks like a surrealist artwork, with giant eggs on the roof, striking sculptures, and rooms that make you feel like you're inside one of the artist’s paintings.

The Dalí Theatre-Museum is perfect for a cultural day trip from Barcelona (it’s about two hours by train or car) and is one of Spain’s most visited museums. If you go, take the time to explore Figueres’ historic center and have lunch at a terrace under the sun.

Now you know everything essential to plan your next trip to Catalonia. The good news is that LEVEL makes it easy: fly directly to Barcelona, customize your experience, and start your journey from the air. Now all that’s left is to choose your dates and pack your suitcase!