TRAVEL: Catalonia’s new attractions set to dazzle Irish visitors

AN INCREDIBLE 1.8 million Irish visitors went to Spain last year and with key destinations like Barcelona, Costa Brava and Coast Daurada, many spent their time in Catalonia.

It’s a region defined by its own culture and language and a sizable portion of its 7.5 population see themselves as Catalonian first and Spanish, at best, second.

So what’s new for visitors this year? Have a look at these new or revamped Catalonian experiences.

 

Òpera Samfaina

Launched last year, Barcelona’s Òpera Samfaina next to the city’s famous Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house is a multisensory feast for foodies.

Founders Franc Aleu and the Roca brothers say it’s Catalonia like you’ve never tasted before and with 950 square metres of different environments and bars it’s certainly something different.

The name Samfaina comes from a local sauce with an amazing variety of ingredients, and diversity is certainly the name of the game here. 

Add in bizarre props like singing cows, toy trains and animated displays and you’ve got yourself an eating experience unlike any other.

Seee operasamfaina.com for more.

 

El Altar

There’s more foodie delight at El Altar – a new gastronomic space in the heart of Barcelona inside the iconic Boqueria Market with views of the famous Rambla.

During a visit, discover the secrets of the Boqueria Market, the places that make it unique, and go shopping with the chefs who will share their secrets of how to buy the finest-quality ingredients.

See barcelonapremium.com/en/unique-experiences/el-altar

 

Ferrari Land

PortAventura World Parks & Resort’s latest addition will have motor fans drooling. This new attraction offers 60,000 sq mt of fast-paced fun and will be the only Ferrari theme park in Europe.

Visitors can enjoy world- class rides inspired by Ferrari, including the park’s amazing main attraction, ‘the Vertical Accelerator’, which stands even taller than PortAventura’s famous Shambhala. It sets a double record for being the highest and fastest rollercoaster in Europe.

See portaventuraworld.com/en/ferrari-land

 

Open Camp

The Olympic Ring area on Montjuïc, the main site of sporting triumphs during Barcelona’s ’92 games, has become home to the world’s first 

leisure park dedicated to the world of sport.

The project bring together various sports and the latest virtual reality technology to create an experience whereby visitors can feel what it’s like to dribble like Messi or sprint like Bolt.

See opencamp.com for more.

 

Seat 600 tour

A new vintage experience has recently launched in Barcelona to discover the city on board of an original Seat 600, the most iconic vehicle in Spain back in the ‘60s.

The two hour tour takes visitors through the historic city centre and finishes with a taste of delicious tapas in one of the most legendary bars of the city.

All the cars have GPS navigators, a security mobile phone and a boombox with music from the swinging sixties.

See triptroop.com for info.

 

Penedès 360

The Penedès is one of the world’s best wine regions, with endless vineyards and magnificent views. 

New for 2017 is ‘Penedès 360’, an experience that allows visitors to       combine walking and cycling routes 

with wine and cava tastings.

There’s a choice of three circular routes to explore by mountain bike, slow bike or on foot.

See penedes360.cat for details.