catalonia by besides the obvious
Here come all our articles and Travel Stories from Catalonia. In Catalan: Catalunya or in Spanish: Cataluña is an autonomous community of Spain. Designated as a nationality by its Statute of Autonomy. Most of the territory (except the Val d’Aran) lies on the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. To the south of the Pyrenees mountain range. Catalonia is administratively divided into four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. The capital and largest city, Barcelona is the second-most populated municipality in Spain. And the fifth-most populous urban area in the European Union.
As you might know our mission is to share something relevant, something authentic, something real, something cool, something interesting, something personal & something different, via our travel stories & images. We are focusing on ideas from local sources, giving tips that are usually unknown to travelers and foreigners, guides to secret places which only the guy from the given neighborhood could know about, to the hidden picturesque view, with recommending everything besides the obvious: the local real feel, the adventure of discovering the unknown, the authenticity, culinary guide to the meals that locals are really cooking and eating at home, and much more. Hope you will read our Travel Stories from Catalonia, feel inspired, and enjoy the journey, as much as we do!
travel stories form catalonia
Barcelona or Madrid – Reasons to choose
Madrid and Barcelona are two vibrant cities in Spain that offer distinct experiences for tourists, yet they are often compared due to their popularity and unique attractions. Here’s in this article there…
Discover Vilanova i La Geltrú – Best things to do
Nestled along the picturesque coast of Catalonia, Vilanova i la Geltrú awaits eager travelers seeking an authentic Spanish experience. This hidden gem combines the allure of a seaside town with a rich…
The best Barcelona for tourists – Ultimate bucket list
Barcelona, with its captivating blend of stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and breathtaking coastal views, is a must-visit destination for any traveler. From architectural wonders like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell to…
The best Paella restaurant in Vilanova i la Geltrú, 2023
In Vilanova i la Geltrú, a coastal town in Catalonia, Spain, there are several recommended places where you can enjoy delicious paella. The town is famous for its fresh seafood and traditional…
Maricel Palace – A visit that you shouldn’t miss in Sitges
The Maricel Palace is one of the most emblematic buildings in Sitges. Forming part of Maricel’s artistic ensemble, also receives the name of Maricel de Terra as a differentiation from the museum…
Reus – Visiting the Institute of Pere Mata
Reus is the capital of Baix Camp, in the province of Tarragona, in Catalonia, Spain. The area has always been an important producer of wines and spirits, and gained continental importance at…
Reus – The Top 10 Places to Visit
Reus is the capital of Baix Camp, in the province of Tarragona, in Catalonia, Spain. The area has always been an important producer of wines and spirits, and gained continental importance at…
Los mejores planes para una visita a Terrassa
This is an article to let the visitor discover Terrassa with a bucket list of the best things to do in a tourist visit.
The best things to do in Terrassa
This is an article to let the visitor discover Terrassa with a bucket list of the best things to do in a tourist visit.
Girona, what to do in the capital of Northern Catalonia
In this post we will learn what to visit and what to do in Girona, the impressive medieval city in the North of Catalonia.
Solsona: one of the perfect plans from Barcelona
Solsona is one of the perfect plans from Barcelona. Even though, it has very few tourists being in the middle of a unspoiled region.
Visit the Penyafort Castle – in the heart of Penedés
Penyafort Castle is located to the south of the town of Santa Margarida i els Monjos, next to the river Foix and very close to a number of factories.
The top things to do in Blanes, on Costa Brava
Blanes is a town and municipality in the comarca of Selva in Girona, Catalonia. During Roman rule it was named Blanda or Blandae. It is known as the “Gateway to the Costa Brava”. Its coast is part of the Costa…
Why to visit Lloret de Mar in 2022?
Lloret de Mar is a little beach town on Costa Brava. It is only 75 km away from Barcelona and 40km from Girona. Hence it’s a popular summer destination from both cities. Also, many…
Buddhist Monastery in Garraf – Sakya Tashi Ling
After visiting Sri Lanka, we got very curious about this place again Catalonia, that actually we wanted to visit for some time now: The Sakya Tashi Ling Buddhist Monastery on the Garraf…
Sitges – The pride of Catalonia
Sitges is love at first sight. It’s is so beautiful, so charming, so lovely. You hardly can imagine any more romantic place. The only problem is the number of tourists who also…
On Iberian routes in Calafell
Let’s visit together the Iberian village in Calafell! Don’t miss out on learning more about the history and heritage of Calafell!
Calella de Palafrugell – A romantic dream on Costa Brava
We had the chance to visit Calella de Palafrugell in winter, on a sunny day in December. Actually, winter here is like late spring in Eastern Europe. People still can have a…
Empuriabrava, the largest residential marina in Europe
We can find Empuriabrava in the Gulf of Roses, surrounded by the Natural Park of the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. Empuriabrava, the largest residential marina in Europe has some 24 km of navigable waterways. The construction…
To Roda de Berà with love & the 10 best things to explore around
Roda de Berà has a very special place in our heart. Since Besides the Obvious is based here for almost two years. During this time, and especially during the pandemic we had…
A day trip to Montserrat – Un día de lluvia en Barcelona – part 3.
About the “Un día de lluvia en Barcelona” series This article is the third chapter of the “Un día de lluvia en Barcelona” series. We would like to give you some ideas…
The perfect medieval village: Montfalcó Murallat
Either if you are an expert in medieval villages or not, Montfalcó Murallat, the perfect medieval village will stun you. Montfalcó Murallat is authentic, real and unknown. Everybody likes Medieval villages and…
The Hungarian Queen of the Vallbona Abbey
About the Monastery of Santa Maria de Vallbona Vallbona Abbey, otherwise the Monastery of Santa Maria de Vallbona (Catalan: Santa Maria de Vallbona de les Monges; Spanish: El Real Monasterio de Santa María de Vallbona), is a Cistercian nunnery in Vallbona…
What to do on a rainy day in Barcelona?! Un día de lluvia en Barcelona – part 2.
This article is the second chapter of the “Un día de lluvia en Barcelona” series. We would like to give you some ideas about what people could do on a rainy day…
A hidden gem next to Cambrils: Parc Samà
On a sunny Friday afternoon, when suddenly we were allowed to leave our county again, we decided to visit a hidden and less-known gem of Tarragona province: Parc Samà. Funny enough and…
A hidden gem in Lleida province – The Castle of Guimerà
Recently we had the chance to travel a bit in Catalonia, as for Easter break it was finally allowed to leave the counties. Of course, we immediately lived with the opportunity and…
The 12 + 1 most beautiful villages of Vall d’Aran
Have you ever been to Vall d’Aran? Not yet? Let’s join us in this full review of the 12 + 1 most beautiful villages in Vall d’Aran (Arán Valley). This territory has…
Bicycle tourism in Penedès Region, Catalonia – Interview with BIKEMOTIONS
Probably the best way to discover Penedès is by bicycle. This is the interview with Bikemotions, a bicycle tourism services company located in Subirats. We got a promotional video where we saw…
Turisme en bicicleta pel Penedès – Entrevista amb BIKEMOTIONS
Segurament la millor manera de descobrir el Penedès és el turisme en bicicleta. Aquesta és la entrevista amb Bikemotions, una empresa de serveis turístics en bicicleta ubicada a Subirats. Ens va arribar…
Vall de Boí – The route of the UNESCO World Heritage Catalan Romanesque Churches
We propose here the UNESCO World Heritage route in Vall de Boí, along the Catalan Romanesque Churches included in UNESCO World Heritage List on 30th November 2000. According to UNESCO’s criteria, this…
Interview with “Magyar Vándor” – the Hungarian Wanderer from Barcelona
For Hungarian version click here. A magyar verziót itt éred el. BTO – Could you please give us a short introduction to “Magyar Vándor Barcelona”? MV – The visitors to Barcelona have…
Interjú a Magyar Vándorral, Barcelónából
For the English version please click here. A Barcelonába látogatóknak lehetősége nyílik a “Magyar Vándor Barcelona” által vezetett magyar nyelvű túrákkal a város rejtélyeit felfedezni, a nem mindenki által ismert szűk sikátorokba…
Camprodon, the gem of the Catalan Pyrenees
Getting lost for a while in the Pyrenees is never a bad plan if you know what to see in Camprodon. This old town dates from the early 12th century and It…
Interview with Vicenç Ferré, president of the wine DO Tarragona
We think that wine has a deep influence on the culture and identity of Tarragona Region. Therefore, we wanted to speak with someone relevant to represent the Denomination of Origin Tarragona. We…
A short visit to Renau – Mare de Déu de Loreto Hermitage by Josep Maria Jujol
Have you ever heard of the village of Renau? No, don’t associate it with the French car brand! 😉 Renau is actually a municipality in Tarragonès county, in Catalonia. Josep Maria Jujol designed many small churches, sanctuaries, theaters,…
Ruta del Ferro to Sant Joan de les Abadesses: An electric scooter route
We went to the Pyrenees range and we designed an electric scooter route from Campdevànol to Sant Joan de les Abadesses. This route includes a piece of regular road from Campdevànol to…
