Outdoor Activities
Rafting & Kayaking One
of Europe’s best rivers for white-water sports is La Noguera Pallaresa
in the Pyrenees. Late spring is the best time to go, as the mountain
snow thaws. Yeti EmotionsScuba Diving The
beautiful Reserva Natural de les Illes Medes, with its thousands of
species and coral reefs, is a haven for divers. Glass-bottomed boats
cater to non-divers. Watersports & Sailing Good sailing can be found in Sitges, along with yachts for rent, classes for the novice, canoeing and windsurfing. Skiing La
Molina is the most accessible Pyrenean ski-resort from Barcelona, but
Baqueira-Beret is where the jet-set goes. Both offer all levels of
skiing (including off-piste) from December. La MolinaBaqueira-BeretGolf The Costa Brava is one of Europe’s top golf destinations; the best courses are around Platja d’Aro. Santa Cristina d’Aro 972 83 70 55
Ballooning A balloon journey over the volcanic area of Osona is an unbeatable way to get a bird’s-eye view of Catalonia. Boat trips Take a picturesque cruise from Calella and Blanes to Tossa de Mar, stopping at the old town and the castle of Tossa de Mar. Windsurfing, Rowing & Golf Used
for rowing competitions in the 1992 Olympics, the huge Canal Olímpic is
now a leisure complex offering a host of activities.
Canal Olímpic
Foraging for Mushrooms From late September to late October, thousands of Catalans flock to the hills in search of the highly prized rovelló. There are also poisonous varieties, so amateurs should get a guide through the Diputació de Barcelona.
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Diputació de Barcelona has information on activities in Catalonia, from gastro tours to guided walks. Check www.turismetotal.org
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Places to Eat
El Bulli A
once-in-a-lifetime experience. Extraordinary creations by the
three-Michelin-star chef Ferran Adria such as wild mushrooms in test
tubes. Book months in advance (via their website). Cala de Montjoi, RosesEl Racó de Can Fabes Celebrated
chef Santi Santamaria prepares sublime traditional French-Catalan food
at this three-Michelin-star country-house restaurant. La Torre del Remei A Modernista palace provides an elegant setting for wonderfully presented Catalan food. The game dishes are sublime. El Mirador de les Caves This
restaurant is set in a castle overlooking Catalonia’s wine country.
Traditional cuisine is complemented by bottles of local wine and cava. Fonda Europa Established
over 150 years ago, Fonda Europa was the first in a line of successful
Catalan restaurants. Ample portions include pig’s trotters. Restaurant Sangiovese Exceptional
Catalan cuisine prepared with the freshest local produce in a sleek,
designer setting. The best reason to visit Mataró. C/Sant Josep 31, Mataró 937 41 02 67
Carme Ruscalleda Sant Pau Carme
Ruscalleda is considered to be one of the finest chefs in Spain. For an
unforgettable dining experience, head to the pretty, seaside village of
Sant Pol de Mar, where her restaurant offers sublime Catalan cuisine. C/Nou 10, Sant Pol de Mar 93 760 06 62 Closed Sun, Mon, Thu lunch
Els Pescadors “The Fishermen”, a traditional Empordà-style restaurant, offers local specialities, including an array of blue fish dishes. Port d’en Perris 3, l’Escala 972 77 07 28 Closed Sun eve (winter), Thu & Nov
Anchovy tapas, El Pescadors
El Celler de Can Roca The Roca brothers provide exciting, contemporary Catalan cuisine that is complemented by an exceptional wine list. C/Can Sunyer 48, Girona 972 22 21 57
Cal Ton A comfortable restaurant in the heart of Catalonia’s biggest wine region, this serves fresh, contemporary cuisine. The menu degustació is recommended. Excellent wine list.
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