Art and Gastronomy in Catalonia

In Spain’s northwestern corner sits the proudly independent comunidad autónoma of Catalonia, with the charismatic city of Barcelona as its capital.

One of Europe’s greatest cities, Barcelona has a rich history with architectural treasures dating from Roman temples to winding gothic streets, with Gaudí’s uniquely playful modernism cut with stark millennial flashes of glass and steel. There is a tangibly buzzing culture in the streets and squares, an inspiration for some of the 20th century’s greatest artists and writers, that makes exploring tucked-away bars, cafes, restaurants, museums and galleries endlessly captivating.

Aptly named, the Costa Brava, meaning rugged coast, stretches up Catalonia to the French border, with wild pine-covered cliffs hiding secluded sandy beaches and bays, punctuated by fishing towns such as the beautiful Cadaques, Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell, and scenic Greek, Roman and Iberian archaeological sites. Of course the food is also fantastic, with a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, and a profusion of superb, locally produced wines.

You’ll see the rustic fishing towns and villages that inspired Dalí and visit his museum in Figueres, the building itself being the largest surrealistic object in the world. Walk the medieval streets of quaint Girona, learn the secrets of Catalan cooking at the home of a Cordon Bleu-trained chef and spend a well-earned final day relaxing on the beach, thoroughly nourished culinarily and culturally.