Beyond Barcelona: Everything you can do in Catalonia outside of mass tourism

Barcelona has become the most crowded tourist city in the world. More and more cruise ship passengers and travelers are saturating its monuments and streets (especially in the city center), so it's clear that if we choose Barcelona to spend a few days, we must be prepared to deal with lines and uncomfortable crowds. But all is not lost, because the interest in visiting Catalonia goes far beyond that and is as easy as a change of scenery. We suggest leaving the hustle and bustle behind (as much as possible) and looking for other , less crowded but equally interesting destinations , where you can immerse yourself in the purest essence of Catalonia.

With our eyes set on vacation, we embark on this road trip that will take us to discover the lesser-known attractions of this Autonomous Community. And even more so after being chosen as the 2025 World Region of Gastronomy , the first European region to receive this distinction.

Lleida and its impressive cathedral

View of Lleida, with the Seu Vella towering above.

Unlike other Catalan cities, you'll find few tourists in Lleida. But we want to begin this tour in what is the most unknown city in this region. Its main attraction is the Romanesque-Gothic Seu Vella cathedral, located on the ruins of a fortress atop a hill, overlooking the city. In addition to an impressive main façade, it boasts one of the most spectacular cloisters in Spain, from which you can access the 15th-century bell tower for breathtaking views. Don't miss Gardeny Castle and the historic center, with Calle Mayor and Plaza de la Paeria as its main attractions.

Osona, the most authentic Catalonia

Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Casserres on the Ter river.

Just over an hour and a half by car from Lleida is Osona, a destination in the interior of Catalonia where you'll find the complete opposite of the overcrowding of large cities. Between culture and nature, you can enjoy a few days full of interesting activities, such as visiting the Monastery of Sant Pere de Casserres , a former Benedictine monastery located in the municipality of Masías de Roda. A worthwhile stop, it's one of the most unique Romanesque sites in Catalonia and Spain, and also boasts unparalleled views of the Sau Reservoir.

Beget, a trip to the Middle Ages

Beget, small town in the province of Girona.

This village in the province of Girona, tucked away among impressive mountains, is not only one of the best-preserved medieval towns but also a true haven of peace. In addition to strolling through the narrow, cobbled streets, you can visit the Church of San Cristóbal and explore its two bridges. The oldest was built in the 14th century and leads to the Clock Tower. Part of Beget's charm lies in the architecture of its houses, with perfectly preserved masonry facades and wooden windows.

Cap de Creus

And if, despite the number of tourists who usually gather on the beaches, you feel the call of the sea, we recommend a visit to this Costa Salvaje Natural Park , one of the most beautiful places in all of Catalonia. Despite being very close to the busy Cadaqués, you won't find many people there. A wonderful plan that combines the Mediterranean Sea with the mountains amidst landscapes of steep cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

Gisclareny, Barcelona's best-kept secret

Panoramic view of Gisclarney, the most sparsely populated town in Barcelona.

If your goal is to escape the crowds, you'll have an easy time because Gisclareny is the most sparsely populated town in Catalonia. Located in a stunning natural setting, in addition to exploring its quiet streets, we recommend visiting the Romanesque church of San Miguel, the ruins of Murcorls, and climbing to the Albert Arilla viewpoint, from where you can admire the beauty of Pedraforca peak and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding towns. It's also a perfect destination for outdoor activities and hiking with the mountains in the background.

Gastronomy, another compelling reason to travel

In addition to some of Spain's most beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and charming villages, Catalonia is known for its cuisine, a true reflection of its culture and identity. The best recognition is its status as a World Region of Gastronomy 2025. So take advantage of this trip to give your own opinion. Beyond traditional cured meats, we recommend trying dishes as authentic as Osona stew (l'estofat osonenc), which includes butifarra in addition to meat, or Olla Aranesa , a hearty stew originating from the Aran Valley.