Camping Catalonia

Bordered by the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Catalonia is a traditional region of Spain that is fiercely proud of its unique culture. The Catalan coast delights sun-worshippers with stunning seaside destinations. Get immersed in the picturesque countryside of flourishing valleys and gently rolling hills, you will discover quaint medieval towns, charming seaports, and tranquil country villages, where chirping birds and church bells are the loudest noises. 

Catalonia is an autonomous community in Spain, designated as a nationality by its Statute of Autonomy. Most of the territory, lies in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, to the south of the Pyrenees mountain range. It is bordered by France (Occitanie), Andorra, and the Mediterranean Sea.

The area first emerged as a distinct entity with the rise of the County of Barcelona to pre-eminence in the 11th century. Catalonia has been part of Spain since its genesis as a united state in the 15th century. Initially retaining its own institutions, the region was ever more tightly integrated into the Spanish state, until the 19th century. When Spain became a republic in 1931, Catalonia was soon given broad autonomy.

Your first stop in Catalonia will probably be the capital city of Barcelona. This flamboyant city is Spain's second-largest city, offering gorgeous Mediterranean scenery combined with bustling urban energy. Not too far from the Mediterranean Sea sits the beautiful Girona, with a wide range of tourist, cultural, and historic attractions and a rich social life with events and popular festivals of great interest. Tarragona, with UNESCO-listed ancient Roman buildings, has a rich medieval and modern heritage, magnificent beaches, and a wide range of recreational, cultural, festive, and gastro-activities.

Do not miss Vilafranca del Penedès, the capital of fine Spanish wine. Reus can be considered a true sanctuary of modernist architecture. Without a doubt, Besalú is one of the most well-preserved ancient towns in Catalunya. Cadaqués is one of the most breathtaking towns along the Catalan coast. And finally, head to Santa Pau, a quaint Catalan town in the midst of the Garotxa volcanic region of Catalunya.

1. The Costa Brava

Stretching northeast from the coves and beaches of Blanes to Catalonia's border with France, the Costa Brava is Spain's most scenic coastline.

2. Sagrada Família

A must-see landmark created by Antoni Gaudí. It is the most charismatic symbol of Barcelona and a true architectural gem.

3. Montserrat Monastery

The magnificent Benedictine monastery of Montserrat sits atop a rocky crag, surrounded by fantastically eroded cliffs.

4. Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres

The town's main tourist attraction is the Salvador Dalí Theatre Museum, which is devoted to the work of the Surrealist genius.

5. Vic

Vic is a quaint medieval town in a peaceful setting along the banks of the Mèder River, about 72 kilometres from Barcelona.

1. Wander around the Tibidabo Amusement Park

One of Europe’s oldest theme parks, known for its family-friendly attractions and killer views.

2. Visit Park Güell

Round off your Gaudí experience with a trip to this garden complex on Carmel Hill. Colonnades, fountains, and sculptures are all in the architect’s distinctive style.

3. Taste some regional specialities in Las Ramblas

One of the main and most vibrant places in Barcelona with living statues, street performers, bird-sellers, and flower stands. The place is dotted with many restaurants, offering local delicacies and European cuisine.

4. Enjoy the sea views from Tarragona’s Roman amphitheatre

Tarragona’s amphitheatre was built in the 2nd century and fascinates tourists to this day. This oval structure overlooking the sea would once have played host to public executions and thrilling gladiatorial spectacles.

5. Swim off Platja del Portitxol

In the Catalonian region that’s blessed with countless beautiful beaches, the Platja del Portitxol is a standout. A golden sand beach, a wave-cut arch, and other rock formations complete the picture-postcard scene.

One of the main reasons for visiting the region of Catalonia is the food. The number of great restaurants is countless, ranging from Michelin-star restaurants to small family taverns offering the most delicious regional and worldwide specialities. 

Catalan cuisine relies heavily on ingredients popular along the Mediterranean coast, including fresh vegetables (especially tomato, garlic, eggplant, capsicum, and artichoke), wheat products, Arbequina olive oils, wines, mushrooms, nuts, all sorts of pork preparations (sausage from Vic, ham), sheep and goats' cheese, poultry, lamb, and many types of fish like sardine, anchovy, tuna, and cod.

You will be amazed at how many tours and excursions the region offers, from bus tours to museum tours, to food and wine tours. We strongly recommend exploring La Rambla, one of Barcelona’s main thoroughfares and one of the most visited areas in the city, famous for being the city’s social hub. The area is full of terraces serving refreshing beverages and tapas, as well as locals and street artists. If you are a football fan, do not miss the Camp Nou experience, inviting tourists to visit the F.C. Barcelona Museum and take a tour. If you are a food lover, try the Paella cooking tour combined with the Boqueria market tour and discover the local gastronomy and culture.

For those looking for adrenaline, we have good news. Barcelona is full of some of the most thrilling amusement parks for families. One of the biggest and main attractions is Tibidabo Amusement Park, one of the oldest in the world. They have all kinds of thrills designed for kids, teens, and adults. To top it all off, you get amazing views over the city of Barcelona! Another place would be Port Aventura amusement park and Port Aventura Caribe water park, with many slides, pools and playgrounds for your little ones.

Fresh markets are an integral part of the Spanish street scene. For example, almost every larger city has a so-called "Mercado," a covered market with all kinds of local, fresh products. Weekly markets are also very popular in Catalonia. You can find countless mercadillos (flea markets), antique markets, or clothing markets throughout the region. 

La Boqueria is probably the most well-known marketplace in Barcelona, located on the bustling La Rambla. Wander around the colourful and loud Spanish market, and choose from a huge variety of foods, from salads and sandwiches to snack cones filled with ham or shrimp. The market is open every day!

Sant Antoni market is another place definitely worth a stop for fresh seafood and Mediterranean fish, as well as local tapas or churros. You can also sift through books and an array of other trinkets and goods.

1. La Mercè Festival

A truly breathtaking five days in Barcelona in September that you should not miss. The event is held in honour of Barcelona’s patron saint. The streets are full of events: parades, dances, fire runs, and people celebrating the beauty of life.

2. Dia De Los Reyes Magos

A religious festival is held at the beginning of January and celebrates the arrival of the three kings in Bethlehem with gifts for the baby Jesus, which is why people exchange gifts around that time.

3. Primavera Sound Festival

This is one of the biggest music festivals in Spain, inviting the best artists from the whole world. They offer music for all different tastes, many daytime activities, lectures, workshops, markets, and thousands of like-minded people.

4. The Calçotada

The name speaks for itself—this is a traditional Catalan feast with a culinary twist. This holiday is held at the end of February or the beginning of March and is all about celebrating spring onions.

The region of Catalonia is full of comfortable campsites for families and couples. Some of them are just a few steps away from the Mediterranean Sea and its golden sand beaches. Most of the campsites are modern, well-equipped and convenient for your carefree holiday. The campsites offer various lodges, bungalows, mobile homes, apartments and, of course, pitches for tents, caravans and camper vans. The holiday houses are equipped with comfortable kitchens, dining areas, private bathrooms, king-size or bunk beds, barbecue areas and many more. The pitch areas usually have shared sanitary facilities, and some of them offer private bathrooms with toilets and showers. The camping villages have experienced and friendly animation teams, sports facilities, restaurants, and shops. If you are feeling greedy, most of the time you don’t have to leave the campsite to stuff your stomach as they offer Spanish and European cuisine on the campsites.

If you're travelling by camper van or caravan, you will definitely find a place to stretch your legs in Barcelona. Most campsites feature a variety of large and secluded camper sites to suit any demand. Some of them may have their own bathroom facilities. They have common restrooms with clean toilets and hot showers. Electricity, a greywater point, and possibly even an SAT-TV connection are all likely to be available on the pitch. Some of the camper locations have a view of the sea, so you can take a refreshing dip straight from your bed.

It's no surprise that Spain has a thriving tourism industry. Most glamping places in Spain, including Catalonia, are modern and well-equipped, with recently constructed vacation rentals and advanced pitches, especially given the town's status as a luxury resort.

Finding a handy holiday park in Catalonia will be simple. The parks are extremely big, with large pool complexes, wellness spaces, and a variety of daytime and evening recreational activities, including sports facilities, children's playgrounds, and pet-friendly areas. There are a few restaurants, snack bars, beach bars, and cafes in most of them.