Barcelona: the art route
*Originally written for LaRocaVillage.com
With Gaudí as one of its founding fathers and a trove of architecture, museums and galleries, Barcelona is a must-visit on any art-lover’s tour. Let exemplary design guide you on this four-day adventure through a city full of culture and creativity.
Day 1 – Barcelona
Start with breakfast surrounded by literary artworks at Llibreria Finestres. This bookstore-cum-café was conceived more as a cool and cosy reading room than a traditional shop, with leather sofas, plush upholstery and even a fireplace. Then, tick off the big-hitters of the city’s art offering with a private tour of MACBA, home to contemporary pieces, in the Raval neighbourhood, followed by the Picasso Museum for an older touch. End your night at Alma Barcelona, a hidden-away design den with a less-is-more approach to art.
NIGHT CAP: Make time for drinks at Sips Barcelona. Here, cocktails aren’t simply to drink; they’re an art form.
Day 2 – Barcelona
No visit would be complete without a tour of Gaudí’s masterpieces, from La Sagrada Familia to Park Güell. For the latter, take the metro to Vallcarca for a picnic among the park’s colourful mosaic walls and statues. Then, stay late to watch the sun set over the city at Bunkers del Carmel. After dark, head to La Balabusta (the name, curiously, is Yiddish for ‘housewife who rules and has balls’) for a Middle Eastern-influenced menu of fattoush and handmade filo burekas.
EXTRA ART: If you’ve time, consider a guided tour of the Palau de la Música Catalana. While the huge, ornate skylight is impressive enough, the beautiful auditorium is a must-visit for its year-round concerts from celebrated composers.
Day 3 – La Roca Village
With décor inspired by Gaudi, nearby La Roca Village is built on the same creative foundations of its host city. Long known for its boutiques from the likes of BRAND, BRAND and BRAND, this summer the Village has a packed calendar of events to offer, with [what’s on in the Village?]. Finish with dinner at the Village’s Corso Iluzione restaurant – and opt for a selection of antipasti (think mortadella, burrata al pepito and the carpaccio di bue) to share. Afterwards, stop at Alta Alella for an organic wine-tasting overlooking the Mediterranean (La Roca Village can even help prebook your spot).
CHECK-IN: Stay the night at Mas Salagros Eco Resort, home to the Aire Ancient Baths and located in a nature reserve overlooking the protected Serralada Litoral Park. Sign up for its moon-lit hikes, book a treatment in the spa, or grab a glass of wine from the Stella Bar – whichever would help you disconnect quickest.
Day 4 – Costa Brava
Head up the coast an hour, to the heart of the Costa Brava, and check into the Alàbriga Hotel & Home Suites, in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, for a day (or two) of beachfront relaxation. From there, explore the beautiful coves of the northeastern coastline – famously inspiration for numerous paintings, literary works, films and fashion. Wander among whitewashed houses in the artistic seaside towns of Portlligat and Cadaqués – a swim in the clear waters of Cala Jugadora is a must – before sampling fresh prawns from Palamós on your way back to the hotel.
INSIDER TIP: You’ll still get your culture hit too; this five-star hotel regularly hosts exhibitions, fashion shows, literary evenings and theatrical performances.