Home to over 50 Michelin-starred restaurants, Catalonia has long been a gastronomic gem. It’s no surprise then that the region’s food scene is set to be in the spotlight this year having been named the first European ‘World Region of Gastronomy’ for 2025.
It is also the focus of Pura Aventura’s newest addition to its collection of sustainable holidays to Spain.
With the Pyrenees mountains to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the east, and a hinterland of volcanic peaks, sunny vineyards and olive groves, Catalonia is packed with natural beauty and rich culture, and it is this diverse geography that provides all the ingredients for an exceptional foodie break. Think prime meats from the mountains, fresh prawns from the Mediterranean, aged artisan cheeses from lush pastures, mushrooms from the forests and sparkling Cava wines and full-bodied Priorat reds from the vineyards. All of this bounty can be enjoyed on Pura Aventura’s brand-new Catalonia Signature Drive, a two-week self-drive trip designed to take in all of Catalonia’s incredible highlights. What’s more, it’s possible to extend the journey by opting to travel by rail, pausing in Paris for further foodie treats
This 14-day break begins in Barcelona and takes in Penedes, the Pyrenees, La Garrotxa, Cadaques and Girona. Along the way there are opportunities to sample renowned ingredients where each bite will reveal a different story. Walk off these indulgences following self-guided trails in spectacular landscapes and through the richly-storied cities. As this holiday is largely self-guided, guests can make it as active, relaxed or cultural as they like – with the bonus of some guided experiences that delve a little deeper and offer a genuine flavour of the region. Self-guided route notes, sightseeing ideas and dining tips are also included.
Highlights along the way will include:
- Barcelona beyond the guidebooks – explore with the aid of an audio tour, an e-bike guide and discover Guadi’s Le Padrera mansion at night, lively markets and vermouth bars.
- Stay at an historic family winery at El Penedes, in the heart of the Cava region, to learn about the centuries-old craftsmanship that brings Champagne quality to the signature sparkling wines here and enjoy quality Cava tastings.
- Follow a scenic self-guided trail at Aigüestortes, named after its ‘twisted waters’; waterfalls, mountain streams and glacial lakes set amid black pines and granite towers.
- Walk through La Garrotxa’s volcanic landscapes pausing for a picnic next to a little chapel in an old volcano.
- Explore Dali’s favourite landscapes in Cadaques, enjoying lunches by the sea and a visit into the hills to an organic winery where visitors are treated like family.
- The finale is Girona, a foodie hotspot – sip coffee overlooking the city’s colourful hanging houses and sample plenty of local specialities.
Guests will also stay in some very special places in each destination, from a stunning five-room Modernist house on a historic family winery to an eco-friendly hotel in the mountains with a spa and pool, and a restored medieval rectory where the hosts serve authentic Catalan fare.
Price: from £2,800pp based on two sharing, including 13 nights’ B&B accommodation, 1 lunch, a tasting dinner, car hire, winery visits and tastings, and other guided visits. International travel is extra, by rail travel options are available.
Other Catalan breaks offered by Pura Aventura include:
- A Barcelona & Catalan Wine Route Signature Drive which takes in Barcelona, the Cava wine region of El Penedes and Spain’s other Rioja, El Priorat over seven days;
- A 10-day Catalonia’s Volcanic Trails & Coastal Charms walking break;
- And a week-long Spanish Pyrenees Family Adventure, hiking, biking, kayaking and enjoying the mountain landscapes.
For further information on Pura Aventura visit www.pura-aventura.com or call 01273 676712.
