Barcelona

Barceloneta is a lively seaside neighbourhood that gives visitors the chance to enjoy seafood with their toes in the sand, go for a dip and try some urban surfing. To the north and south of the city, find gorgeous beaches that are worth the trip and can be reached by train in less than an hour. Charming, postcard-pretty Platja del Garraf, with its picturesque green and white fishing huts from the early 20th century called casetes, never fails to surprise and delight. This secluded cove nestled at the foot of stark cliffs is but a five-minute walk from the train station and still feels like a hidden gem for those in the know.

Accessible via the Montjuïc Cable Car, which offers a spectacular view of the city as you ride up and down, this verdant hill overlooking the harbour is home to Montjuïc Castle, the botanical gardens and the Museu d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), the latter two being a legacy of the 1929 World Fair. Here you can immerse yourself in the cultural and military past of the region and gaze out at the endless blue horizon.

These abandoned republican anti-aircraft defences from the Spanish Civil War atop the Turó de la Rovira offer spectacular 360° panoramas of the whole city. You’ll need good walking shoes to reach the summit, but your efforts will be rewarded when you admire the bird’s-eye view. A strict 7:30 p.m. curfew is enforced to ensure residents aren’t disturbed, so plan a daytime visit. The site includes the MUHBA Turó de la Rovira museum, which traces the history of the Civil War and how Barcelona grew and evolved over the years. Both the bunkers and the museum have free admission.

Traditional Catalan cuisine combines the treasures of the sea and the bounty of the earth—the original surf and turf. Must-try tapas include pa amb tomàquet, a slice of rustic bread topped with fresh tomato, grated garlic and a drizzle of olive oil, and bombas, little mashed potato balls stuffed with a spiced meat filling. And for the main course? May we suggest a sumptuous fideuà, a Catalan and Valencian specialty similar to a seafood paella but with short pasta instead of rice. End your meal on a high note with a silky crema catalana, a rich dessert reminiscent of crème brûlée scented with citrus and cinnamon. Bon profit!