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Savour crisp cava

in the Penedès wine region

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Enjoy local deliciacies

such as canelones and crema Catalana

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Marvel at the countryside

on hikes across Empordà

Spain's proudly distinct north east

In Spain’s north eastern corner sits the fiercely independent comunidad autónoma of Catalonia, an enthralling region of historic towns, mountains and a dramatic coastline that runs up to the French border.

At its heart is Barcelona, a destination in its own right, but outside the charismatic city there is much to explore. To the north of Barca, the city of Girona is host to one of the world’s finest restaurants – El Celler de Can Roca – and a rich encapsulation of Spanish history with its Gothic cathedral, old Jewish quarter and Arab baths.

Continue north an you’ll reach Figueres, home to the surreal Dalí Theatre and Museum, and if you keep going you will be met by the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees and some sublime hiking.

Along Catalonia’s rugged coast, the Costa Brava, secluded beaches are punctuated by fishing towns such as the beautiful Cadaques, a long-term muse to Dali, and innumerable opportunities to get off the beaten track to find your own corner of north eastern Spain.

Through it all, Catalonia’s proud traditions and distinct identity runs deep, be it in the language, cuisine or palpable confidence of the people.

Highlights

Head to Penedès and savour velvety wines and effervescent cava.

With a seasoned chef, enjoy a three-course delicious meal featuring canelones , butifarras al cava and crema Catalana.

Venture into Barcelona to learn about local beer production and savour delectable tapas.

Hike across the Empordà’s countryside to an idyllic finca, where you’ll sample their home-grown olive oil.

Catalonia astounds with its tantalising cuisine, the traditions of which trace back centuries.Here the rich, varied landscapes yield many delights: silky olive oil, sun-ripened fruit and honeyed wines that linger on the tongue. I recommend a culinary lesson with an expert chef, who'll guide you through the traditions that have remained for centuries.

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Meg Simpson

Travel Designer

Why book with Jacada?

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Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Trip Inspiration

Get inspired with our Catalonia and the Costa Brava example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your Catalonia and the Costa Brava adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Where to go

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Andalusia

Andalusia possesses the most-varied terrain in all of Spain and boasts both a Mediterranean and an Atlantic coastline.

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Barcelona

Barcelona caters to every type of traveller, from honeymooners and beach lovers to art aficionados, foodies and culture hunters.

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Bilbao

Sophisticated, cosmopolitan, and vibrant, Bilbao is the modern face of the Basques.

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Duero Valley Wine Region

With more than 300 wineries, there’s no chance of going thirsty. Each and every winemaker is immensely proud of their product and have their own secrets.

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Granada

Granada is as famous for its beautiful gardens and charming narrow streets as for its tavern-style nightlife and Flamenco-skilled gypsy artists.

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La Rioja Wine Region

Tucked away between the Basque Country, Navarre and Castilla y Leon, northern La Rioja may be small, but it’s full of spirit.

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Madrid

The Spanish capital is bursting with life and passion and through its well planned streets course Madrilenos, the city’s inhabitants.

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Malaga and the Costa del Sol

Malaga is best known for the Costa del Sol, a stretch of sandy coastline punctuated by Marbella and Puerto Banus Marina, as well as sleepier fishing villages.

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Mallorca

Beloved by Chopin, George Sand, Joan Miro, and other such luminaries, the largest of the Balearic Islands is nothing short of inspiring.

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San Sebastian

The sophisticated and shimmering city of San Sebastian in the north has quickly become the Spanish city of choice for those in the know.

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Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is one of the country’s most culturally and historically significant cities.

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Seville

Seville has resurrected itself as the capital and largest city of Andalusia, full of Spanish grandeur.

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When to visit

The summers can get very hot in southern Spain so visiting in spring, early summer and autumn is preferable. The north is still hot during the summer but is cooler than the south, which is great for hiking. With plenty of museums and galleries in the cities, they make great year-round destinations.

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Go hiking

June and September

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Wine tasting

June

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Calcot season

November - April

When is the Best Time to Visit Spain?

When is the Best Time to Visit Spain?

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Plan your trip to Catalonia and the Costa Brava

Whatever you want from your adventure in Catalonia and the Costa Brava, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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