Catalonia: Where Sport Never Stops
Catalonia is famous for its active lifestyle and passion for sports, making it a must-visit for sports enthusiasts of all kinds. The region’s commitment to the world of sports is deeply ingrained in its culture, and whether you’re a hiker, cyclist, football fan, or simply someone who appreciates the thrill of athletic competition, you’ll find an array of exciting sports activities to partake in during your visit.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Catalonia’s rugged terrain is a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers. The Pyrenees offer endless opportunities for trekking and skiing during the winter months, while the hiking and cycling paths throughout sprawling national parks like Montseny and Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici beckon explorers to their pristine trails. Catalonia’s Mediterranean coastline presents a different kind of adventure, with water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and snorkelling readily available. The region’s many rivers also provide ideal conditions for kayaking and white-water rafting during the warmer months.
If spectating is more your speed, watching one of the most successful clubs in the world in FC Barcelona play at the iconic Camp Nou—the largest football stadium in Europe—is an unforgettable experience for football fans. The 37th America’s Cup will also be taking place in August–October 2024, with sailing teams from all over the world competing for the oldest international sporting trophy, dating back to 1851.
Read on to discover five handpicked sports activities in Catalonia, all bookable with crypto on Travala.com.
Cycling
Cycling in Catalonia is a joy for both casual riders and avid cyclists, with a network of well-maintained routes that wind through picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and vibrant cities. From the challenging climbs of the Pyrenees to the serene coastal paths, Catalonia’s diverse terrain provides a perfect backdrop for two-wheeled adventures.
Barcelona City Bike Tour: Highlights and Hidden Gems
From US$30
A fun, laid-back bike tour, this featured 3-hour tour provides a wonderful overview of Barcelona’s amazing architecture, history and street culture. With your local guide, you’ll experience Barcelona from its beaches to its winding alleys, monumental buildings to its bodegas, and from its Roman ruins to its romantic hideaways. This is a great activity for solo travellers, groups, and families, with child seats also available.
Hiking
Hiking in Catalonia is a breathtaking experience, with many well-marked trails that traverse varied landscapes. Whether you’re seeking an exhilarating trek to a mountain summit or a leisurely stroll through lush forests, Catalonia offers hiking opportunities that cater to all levels of enthusiasts, providing a unique perspective on the region’s stunning natural beauty.
Pyrenees Medieval Village Hike from Barcelona
From US$167
See the less-travelled side of Catalonia on a hiking day trip to the Pyrenees. After a pickup from Barcelona, travel to the charming village of Rupit in the Pyrenean foothills. Explore the village’s beautifully preserved streets and hike through the surrounding hills, taking in alpine views of cliffs, mountains, valleys and waterfalls. The route includes stops at several vantage points, allowing you to snap some incredible scenic photos. Finish your walk at a centuries-old restaurant, where a 3-course Catalan feast awaits.
Kayaking & Snorkelling
Catalonia’s crystal-clear Mediterranean waters invite adventurers to kayak along its rugged coastline, exploring hidden coves and sea caves while enjoying the striking seascapes. For those seeking an underwater adventure, snorkelling in Catalonia unveils a vibrant marine world teeming with colourful fish, making it an ideal destination for aquatic explorations.
Barcelona to Costa Brava: Kayak, Snorkel, Photos, Lunch & Beach
From US$129
Take to the sea in a kayak and enjoy a wonderful action packed 3 hours on the water with this tour. You’ll have a chance to snorkel, explore caves and coves, and enjoy hearing stories about the area. A locally sourced picnic lunch and water is included in the tour. After the planned activities, enjoy a few hours on the beach and surrounding areas before heading back to Barcelona in the evening.
Diving
Diving in Catalonia is an exhilarating adventure beneath the clear Mediterranean waters, where vibrant marine life, vivid coral reefs, and submerged shipwrecks await exploration. With numerous dive sites along the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, divers of all levels can immerse themselves in the underwater beauty of Catalonia.
Diving Baptism in the Montgrí Natural Park
From US$81
This diving tour in the Montgrí Natural Park is tailored to those with little to no prior diving experience, with a monitor per person and a maximum diving depth of 7-10 metres. Suitable for everyone from 10 years of age and over, you’ll be accompanied by a personal instructor at all times, making this an exciting and safe experience. Enjoy 20 minutes of immersion, which will allow you to discover the wonders of the seabed.The next step to become a diver is to take the Open Water Diver course, and where better to take it than in charming Catalonia!
River Rafting
River rafting in Catalonia promises an adrenaline-pumping experience as you navigate through the region’s pristine rivers and wild rapids, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. From the Noguera Pallaresa to the Ter River, Catalonia’s waterways provide a thrilling adventure for both beginners and experienced rafters, offering a unique perspective on the region’s scenic beauty.
Rafting in Llavorsi-Sort Rapids in Catalonia
From US$49
The Llavorsi-Sort route is an 18-kilometre stretch of descending river starting from Llavorsí and culminating in the town of Sort. The trip crosses the “Aigüerola” Slalom Course, headquarters for national and international white water events, and at one point you’ll even jump the dam with a vertical drop of 5 metres. Throughout the experience, a tracking car will be following the excursion down the road to ensure the safety of the tour.
