A treasure trove of art, culture, and heritage, the Catalan city of Barcelona is where most travelers love to flock to in any and every season. Being one of the must-see cities in Spain, Barcelona boasts a wide range of artistic landmarks that attract people from all walks of life. It is located on a coast and hence provides easy access to beaches and water sports from other spots in the city while there are so many luxury accommodations to choose from.

When the residents of the city are so satisfied with the quality of living, the tourists will surely love the aura of the place and come back to it every chance they get. However, there are some places around the beautiful Barcelona city that remain unexplored by the masses. Tourists can visit the following hidden gems around Barcelona to explore Spain’s glory to the fullest.

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Cadaques

Street in Cadaques, Spain
Photo by David Monje on Unsplash
Street in Cadaques, Spain

The incredible fishing village of Cadaques maintains the charm of a Santorini-like place with gushing waters and a tranquil environment. Although Catalans have always loved the air of Cadaques, it remains a lesser-known location to most travelers. Tourism services are limited owing to the remote locale. Travelers can make a day out of visiting this place as it is only 2 hours away from Barcelona. One can visit Cadaques by car via an exciting road trip or on a cruise to witness the wonders of the Spanish coastline.

Although some restaurants might be closed in Spring or Autumn, it makes for a better time to visit Cadaques as travelers will find a more serene and peaceful environment then.

Street in Cadaques, Spain
Hotel Playa Sol
9.1 / 10
Amenities
Snorkeling, Outdoor pool, Beachfront, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge
Price
$$

Poblet Monastery And Kosher Wines

Priorat Region in Spain
Photo by Ben Steele on Unsplash
Priorat Region in Spain

A well-preserved secret of Spain, the Poblet Monastery is an architectural marvel. On the other hand, the Priorat region in Catalunya produces the finest wine in the region. While Rioja wines seem more prominent to most tourists, it is actually the Priorat wine that enlivens the senses and refreshes the soul with its delightful undertones and smooth finish. These two activities are mentioned together since wine connects them both. The Poblet Monastery is recognized as a church that revived wine in Spanish Catholicism as well as showcasing amazing Gothic architecture.

Priorat Region in Spain
Ca l'Estruch
9.2 / 10
Amenities
Outdoor pool, Restaurant, Room service
Price
$

Costa Brava

Coast of Costa Brava, Spain
Photo by Jorge Salvador on Unsplash
Coast of Costa Brava, Spain

Located only 60 km away from Barcelona, Costa Brava is one of the more prominent places that tourists choose to explore while they are in Barcelona. Pristine waters and great beaches are some well-known must-see spots in this region. On top of that, one can awaken their adventurous spirit and hike along the route Camino de Ronda. Costa Brava houses more interesting places in itself. One other spot is the historic Begur village, where one can immerse themselves in the magnificent past of Spain.

Coast of Costa Brava, Spain
Hotel Torrent
9 / 10
Amenities
Free toiletries, Internet, Hairdryer
Price
$

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Pyrenees Mountains

Pyrenees Mountains and National Park, Spain
Photo by Dominik Jirovský on Unsplash
Pyrenees Mountains and National Park, Spain

While these peaks are perfect for hikes and mountain climbs, they make even better ski slopes when snow covers them in its glory. Spotted with haute-cuisines and with France on one side, this mountain range really has it all, from hiking trails to national parks to bask in the beauty of nature. Pyrenees offer a much-needed escape from the crowd of the city and beaches. While many tourists choose to lounge beside a beach, more adventurous people can choose to scale the peaks of the Pyrenees.

Pyrenees Mountains and National Park, Spain
Hotel Abetos
9.2 / 10
Amenities
Free parking, Wi-Fi, TV, Free toiletries
Price
$

Parc Del Montseny

Parc Natural del Montseny, Barcelona, Spain
Photo by Manuel Torres Garcia on Unsplash
Parc Natural del Montseny, Barcelona, Spain

The Montseny Natural Park is a haven for people who find solace in the embrace of trees and a medieval feel. The idyllic park has waterfalls and a unique variety of flora and fauna and harbors Europe’s preserved biomes. The juxtaposition of the rugged terrain with the lush green trees creates a breathtaking scene for tourists to enjoy.

Parc Natural del Montseny, Barcelona, Spain
Sant Roc
9.3 / 10
Amenities
Outdoor pool, Restaurant Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi
Price
$

La Garrotxa

A stream running through La Garrotxa, Spain
Photo by Laia Núñez on Unsplash
A stream running through La Garrotxa, Spain

This isolated region, which is between 600 and 1500 meters above sea level, is home to 40 volcanoes and lava flows, both of which are dormant. Its northern side, which is full of slender gorges and abrupt cliffs, contrasts with its valleys, which are encircled by the densest and largest forests in Catalonia. Children's theme parks, such as La Fageda d'en Jorda and medieval villages, abound in the La Garrotxa region.

A stream running through La Garrotxa, Spain
Hotel Cal Sastre
9.2 / 10
Amenities
Free parking, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV
Price
$

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Caldes d’Estrac

Sunset Point at a Cliff in Catalonia, Spain
Photo by Joshua Kettle on Unsplash
Sunset Point at a Cliff in Catalonia, Spain

This is one of Catalonia's smaller beach villages, also known as Caldetes, and it's extremely near to Barcelona. The town has wonderful weather all year round because of its unique position, with lengthy springs and cool summers. This location, which features natural spring spas, a museum with a Picasso theme, and an incredible gastronomic selection, used to be a favorite getaway for the Barcelona nobility. Locals host a lot of music and cuisine events in the summer.

Sunset Point at a Cliff in Catalonia, Spain
Vila Arenys Hotel
9.2 / 10
Amenities
Snorkeling, Outdoor pool, Restaurant
Price
$

Tarragona

Ruins of Roman Wall, Tarragona
Photo by Danny de Groot on Unsplash
Ruins of Roman Wall, Tarragona

It takes just a little over an hour to get to Tarragona from Barcelona, making it a perfect day trip to get away from the city's hustle and bustle. The road trip will take travelers along the Barcelona coast, which is always refreshing and revitalizing. Tarragona is known to be a crucial Roman port in medieval times. Travelers will find intriguing Roman remnants and structures that harken back to a time well-lived. Moreover, there are remains of an amphitheater where a majestic circus used to be hosted with all the works.

Tarragona makes for a great vacation spot all around the year.

Ruins of Roman Wall, Tarragona
Golden Costa Salou - Adults Only
9 / 10
Amenities
Adults only, Pool, Beachfront, Spa and wellness center, Fitness center
Price
$

Islas Medes

Aerial View of Islas Medes, Spain
Photo by Alejandro Piñero Amerio on Unsplash
Aerial View of Islas Medes, Spain

The Medes Islands are a group of seven little islands off the coast of the coastal town of L'Estartit. You may go there by canoe, and snorkeling and scuba diving there is a must. The Medes Islands are a great reserve of marine life and flora. The countless shipwrecks discovered in the waters surrounding the Medes tragically attest to the fact that historically the Medes have been a place that has always fascinated humanity, luring them from the sea to the land. In reality, wrecks of sunken Greek ships have also been discovered, and on the islands, archeologists have discovered remains that have been concealed for many years but may have served as a necropolis.

Aerial View of Islas Medes, Spain
Hotel Santa Anna
8.7 / 10
Amenities
Snorkeling, Outdoor pool, Restaurant Bar/Lounge
Price
$

Horta de Sant Joan

Monastery at Horta de Sant Joan, Spain
Photo by Gaurang Rishi on Unsplash
Monastery at Horta de Sant Joan, Spain

Located less than 3 hours away from Barcelona, this quaint little village has a population of less than 1500 people. It is known to be a location of National Cultural Interest as the medievalism of the place has remained unspoiled for a long time. Nestled between nature, Horta de Sant Joan has mountain ranges, a river, and parks on all sides. The place gained a little popularity as Picasso lived there for some time and developed a love for nature that later began to be reflected in all his works.

Monastery at Horta de Sant Joan, Spain
Hotel Restaurant Can Josep
9 / 10
Amenities
Indoor pool, Spa and wellness center, Restaurant
Price
$