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Is anybody NOT going to Barcelona this or next year?

Is anybody NOT going to Barcelona this or next year?

Old Nov 13th, 2022, 11:53 PM
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Is anybody NOT going to Barcelona this or next year?

Just kidding, but as currently 9 out of the first 10 posts on the Spain Forum are related to Barcelona or neighboring areas, I was wondering if there´s anyone going somewhere else in Spain!!
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Old Nov 14th, 2022, 01:17 AM
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LOL Mikel... maybe you can tell us what goes on in Bilbao for the Christmas holidays. I bet it is pretty fab.

I have been reading a blog written by a guy who traveled from Porto to Bilbao in October, with your interest in wine maybe you might enjoy reading it. I am patiently waiting for his final entries on Bilbao. Here is the link, if you are so inclined.
https://fall22spain.blogspot.com/
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Old Nov 14th, 2022, 01:27 AM
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Heeey, what's wrong with my home city, huh?, LOL!

But again, to those planning to visit Barcelona, I always advise them to consider visiting other places in the region. We have plenty of beaches, monuments, historical sites, picturesque little towns, great cities, breathtaking scenic views, sacred places, high peaks and mountain ranges, ski resorts, old ruins, diverse and unique flora and fauna, beautiful natural parks, one of the world's best gastronomy, wonderful and warm people, and plenty of sun too... and all these within Catalonia, a small territory the size of Belgium or the state of Maryland (US). There's no need for packing and unpacking, moving hotels and running around like headless chickens, one can do most stuff on day (or overnight) escapades from Barcelona. What else can you ask for?

Have a look at the Tourism Board website for more: www.catalunya.com


Last edited by EnricM; Nov 14th, 2022 at 01:33 AM.
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Old Nov 14th, 2022, 04:40 AM
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Originally Posted by rialtogrl
LOL Mikel... maybe you can tell us what goes on in Bilbao for the Christmas holidays. I bet it is pretty fab.

I have been reading a blog written by a guy who traveled from Porto to Bilbao in October, with your interest in wine maybe you might enjoy reading it. I am patiently waiting for his final entries on Bilbao. Here is the link, if you are so inclined.
https://fall22spain.blogspot.com/
Thanks! I´ve read a bit about the Rioja part and I find his comments on our habits quite funny! (mainly those related to our schedules for dinner and lunch...the truth is we don´t understand those from the rest of the world, why having dinner so early!!!). And also about wine prices...he probably should know that wine in Spain is not taxed as alcohol but as a meal. Interesting and amusing, thanks again!
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Old Nov 14th, 2022, 05:04 AM
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NOT going to Barcelona!

Heading to Mallorca in a month to visit our daughter.

Earlier in the year we explored Andalucia. Previous trips to northern Spain and Extremadura. Our only time in Barcelona was 22 years ago!
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Old Nov 14th, 2022, 05:48 AM
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I was in Barcelona in late October, as part of a Spain do-over trip that was short-circuited due to COVID in March 2020.

Have to say, I didn't love it, and much preferred Seville. We also visited Granada and Madrid.
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Old Nov 14th, 2022, 06:38 AM
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I’m not going either, not one of my favorites.
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Old Nov 14th, 2022, 07:02 PM
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Nope! Barcelona is so far down my bucket list - in part because of all the hype it gets. I'll get there someday, maybe. I just don't see the appeal - can anyone describe?

Considering going to Slovenia again next autumn to compete in an adult-only figure skating competition. Likely will include that with Northeatern Croatia or perhaps parts of Austria I haven't seen yet. Not sure...I would need to make sure I have the technical requirements before I even begin to plan!
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Old Nov 15th, 2022, 08:53 AM
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Been there, done that, so you can add me to one of those not going to Barcelona.

Enric, were I contemplating going to Catalunya, I'd try to find a different hub for those enticing side trips which you mention. Where would you recommend with that in mind?

Were I able to get away in the winter I should head for southern Spain and starting in Malaga, explore the coast to up to the Portuguese border.
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Old Nov 15th, 2022, 09:19 AM
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I'm not going either despite NS International tempting me with cheap(ish) train tickets.

Been to Barcelona, apart from getting snowed in the most memorable thing for me was watching everyone dance the sardana in front of the cathedral. Not in a rush to go back.

If I were going to Catalunya by car I'd head inland and bounce around the foothills of the Pyrenees. Did it in the campervan and would love to spend more time there exploring. Can't see me doing it though.

Not going to Portugal either which seems suddenly to be THE place to go.
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Old Nov 15th, 2022, 09:54 AM
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I was in Madrid mid October…considered Barcelona for a few days, but …I decided to leave it for April 2013 (during the tennis tournament.)
Love both cities….🇪🇸
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Old Nov 15th, 2022, 03:13 PM
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I really enjoyed Barcelona and would be happy to return but places I haven't yet visited are higher on my lengthy list. However, "never say never" as who knows what 2023 might bring?
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Old Nov 16th, 2022, 04:28 AM
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Originally Posted by annhig
Been there, done that, so you can add me to one of those not going to Barcelona.

Enric, were I contemplating going to Catalunya, I'd try to find a different hub for those enticing side trips which you mention. Where would you recommend with that in mind?

Were I able to get away in the winter I should head for southern Spain and starting in Malaga, explore the coast to up to the Portuguese border.
Hi @annhig
What sort of side trips do you like? what are your preferences? your travel style? will you be driving? how long do you plan to spend in Catalonia?
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Old Nov 16th, 2022, 05:02 AM
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<<Hi @annhig
What sort of side trips do you like? what are your preferences? your travel style? will you be driving? how long do you plan to spend in Catalonia?>>

Thanks for your reply, Enrich - I wasn't intending to turn you into my personal TA. But since you are so kind as to ask, I suppose about a week, preferably in one main base base where there are plenty of things to see and do, with excursions by train, where there is enough to do in a day including a decent lunch. Churches, art galleries, gardens, interesting architecture and mooching about generally are the sorts of things I enjoy.
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Old Nov 16th, 2022, 07:02 AM
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Dear annhig,

Without wanting to replace Enric I leave you my point of view. If you are going to stay for a week, you can take Girona as your base point. It is a beautiful and charm city, with a lot of cultural and restaurant offers. It is also much quieter than Barcelona but you can easily go to Barcelona one day by train, if you want. From Girona you can go to other points on the Costa Brava or get closer to the Pyrenees (Banyoles, Beget, Besalú, Santa Pau...).

There are several Romanesque churches in the area, some quite unknown (for example Ravós, which still has an original pantocrator in situ).
In Palafrugell and Blanes you have beautiful botanical gardens. In Olot there is a very interesting art museum and another more curious one about the sculpture of saints. All these cities can be easily visited from Girona by car or intercity bus. You can also go to Figueres by train where there is the Dalí museum, for example.
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Old Nov 17th, 2022, 07:00 AM
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Originally Posted by annhig
<<Hi @annhig
What sort of side trips do you like? what are your preferences? your travel style? will you be driving? how long do you plan to spend in Catalonia?>>

Thanks for your reply, Enrich - I wasn't intending to turn you into my personal TA. But since you are so kind as to ask, I suppose about a week, preferably in one main base base where there are plenty of things to see and do, with excursions by train, where there is enough to do in a day including a decent lunch. Churches, art galleries, gardens, interesting architecture and mooching about generally are the sorts of things I enjoy.
No problem... after all, being a public forum, this is a post that might be useful to other members as well.

Two suggestions then,

1.) GIRONA (https://www.girona.cat/turisme/eng/activitats.php)
Arguably the second capital city of Catalonia after Barcelona. A medium-sized city located about one hour north of Barcelona (40' by high-speed train). Nicknamed the "Romantic city"
, Girona offers a trove of nooks and crannies to get lost https://hotelsultoniagirona.com/en/m...orners-girona/. It has also one of the most well-preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe
A walk in Girona is a bit like being in a mini-Barcelona:
Also, despite Catholicism is in the doldrums in modern Catalonia, tradition plays an important role in our society, thus Easter in Girona is a very special event in the truest sense:
And yes, if you must, you can also DIY the tour of the locations of Game of Thrones, Season 6th, when Girona was featured

From Girona, you have a vast range of escapades at your fingertips (for some you might need to rent a car)
  • FIGUERES (https://turismefigueres.com/en/) Of course, well known for being the birthplace of Salvador Dalí and hosting his Museum (
    )
  • CADAQUÉS (http://www.visitcadaques.org) Costa Brava is an area of the coast of Catalonia that has very beautiful landscapes, coves and little quirky towns:
    One of them is Cadaqués
    , but there are plenty others: Calella de Palafrugell, L'Escala, Roses, Llançà, etc.
  • BESALÚ
    PALS
    and PERATALLADA
    Three of the best-preserved medieval towns in Catalonia.
  • THE PYRENEES: Ahh, if you like mountains, the Pyrenees are quite close to Girona and they're really something:

2.) TARRAGONA (https://www.tarragonaturisme.cat/en)
The former capital city of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior Tarraconensis, occupied almost half of the Iberian Peninsula at its peak, during the 4th and 5th centuries AD. This fact made of Tarraco (now Tarragona), a sort of mini-Rome in Iberia, so to speak, a proper Roman city with its walls, circus, amphitheatre, local forum, aqueduct, victory arch and the lot, many of which are visitable nowadays. Tarragona is a World Heritage featured destination. Should you be lucky enough to be in Tarragona during the annual Tarraco Viva Festival (https://www.tarracoviva.com/), you'll be blown away, no Hollywood-like fake movie sets, but the real McCoy! Beyond its Roman past, Tarragona offers a range of interesting things to visit, from the 12th-century Romanesque (and Gothic) Cathedral to the traditional El Serrallo harbour full of small seafood restaurants. If you are sort-of-foodie, a visit to the stalls of the fresh food market Mercat Central de Tarragona is a must. Wandering the streets of the Old City, by the Cathedral is another good activity: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pa...9361,1.2571992

Tarragona is also an excellent basecamp to visit nearby areas such as (for some you might need to rent a car):
  • REUS, the eternal rival city of Tarragona, is a stone's throw away by train and the birthplace of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Well worth spending a full day in Reus, lots of things to see/do, check the tourism website: https://www.reusturisme.cat/
  • TORTOSA (
    ), a delightful small city south of Tarragona, became the main hub for politics and religion in the South of Europe during the Renaissance period in Europe. Place of birth of several Catholic Popes. More info: https://www.tortosaturisme.cat/en/ In the second half of July, Tortosa celebrates the Renaissance Festival
    Under the title the Splendour of a 16th Century City, the Festival commemorates, through a wide range of cultural and recreational activities, the historical period of the 16th century, one of the most interesting periods in the city’s existence. Over 3,000 citizens in period costumes and 60 shows a day with over 500 actors transport the visitor to the Tortosa of 500 years ago. More info Tortosa Renaissance Festival. The splendour of a 16th century city
  • EL DELTA DE l'EBRE (https://terresdelebre.travel/en), one of the biggest nature reserves in the South of Europe (https://theculturetrip.com/europe/sp...bre-catalonia/) where you can have a lunch in the middle of the bay, in one of the many oyster and mussel farms
    is another great escapade on the bucket list, and if you prefer to VIP experience then https://musclarium.com/en/
  • RIU EBRE, this river is one of the largest in the Iberian peninsula. There are plenty of activities around it, one being navigating it, be by a river cruise, by canoe or by motor boat: https://terresdelebre.travel/en/what...ver-navigation
These are only a few proposals that come to mind, but if you check their tourism board websites I am sure you'll find plenty of other ideas for unforgettable experiences.

Enjoy!

Last edited by EnricM; Nov 17th, 2022 at 07:11 AM.
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Old Nov 17th, 2022, 07:13 AM
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Apologies for the mishaps in the previous post, I still haven't got the hang of the software used in this forum... my intention was for it to be a text-only post, which is easier to read and organize.
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Old Nov 17th, 2022, 08:43 AM
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For God's sake, I forgot to mention some of the main festivals!

GIRONA:
-Easter (https://web.girona.cat/dinamitzacio/setmanasanta)
don't miss the Manaies (=https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manaies)
-Sant Jordi (https://www.elnacional.cat/en/cultur...60571_102.html) on April 23rd
-Temps de Flors (https://tempsdeflors.girona.cat/cat/inici.php) in mid May.
-Feste del Setge de Girona de 1908 (https://www.girona1809.cat/) in early September. Remembering the Napoleonic sieges of the city.
-Fires de Sant Narcís (https://en.costabrava.org/events/eve...r-and-festival) at the end of October. They last a week.

TARRAGONA:
-Els Tres Tombs in mid May, featuring a procession of horse-drawn carriages in all shapes and sizes held in honour of St. Anthony Abbot, patron saint of animals.
-Tarraco Viva (https://www.tarragonaturisme.cat/en/events/tarraco-viva) in the end of May
-Sant Pere (https://www.tarragonaturisme.cat/en/...re-saint-peter) at the end of June, honouring
-Diada castellera at Tarraco Arena (https://www.tarragonaturisme.cat/en/...y-human-towers) at the begining of Oct. Sort of like "the Superbowl of human towers"
Wanna know more about this Catalan tradition/sport?:
-Santa Tecla (https://www.tarragonaturisme.cat/en/events/santa-tecla), in mid September.

and then, in both cases, the Three King's Parade (Epiphany) in January, Carnival in Feb, Corpus Christi in June, Christmas in Dec and a few more



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Old Nov 17th, 2022, 09:44 AM
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Besalu - I'm very grateful for your chiming in, and you reminded me that there was a very short window of time when it was possible to fly from my local airport Newquay, to Girona. Loads of Cornish residents took advantage of it, in our case to go to Barcelona, and before we had a chance to try Girona, they canceled the route because "there was no call for it". Such a shame. you have definitely inspired me to try to get there, though it may be a little more difficult than it was during those few short months when we could fly direct. However you can fly direct from Bristol to Girona which is not a bad option.

Enrich - thank you so much, those are wonderful ideas and my main problem would be finding time to spend the month which Catalunya clearly warrants. but you can rest assured that I would NOT be doing the Game of Thrones tour.
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Old Nov 17th, 2022, 11:25 AM
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LOL!....

Tip: Girona is barely 40' by high-speed train from Barcelona, with over 20 daily trains between Barcelona and Girona.


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