INTA 2017: Axkati's Guide to Barcelona (Part II)

Here at Axkati we are as busy as bees scheduling meetings, contacting foreign colleagues and planning this year's INTA. From past experiences we know that meetings at the INTA premises and work meals are as important as what happens afterwards, and in that light our collaborator Ana Nomen, from Barcelona, has prepared the second installment of Axkati's Guide to Barcelona. Part II focuses on one-day activities and places to visit near Barcelona so that you can take advantage of those extra days you might have.

Let's meet at INTA!

Axkati Team

So by now you most probably have already booked your flight and hotel in Barcelona, and are beginning to ask yourself what to do on that extra day you have before or after INTA... Let me help! Here are a few ideas of alternative one-day of half-day activities you can do around Barcelona:

Become a F1 Pilot for a Day

Where: Circuit de Barcelona in Montmeló.

What: F1? Lamborghini? Ferrari? Porsche? No matter the car you drive in your dreams, you can make them come true at Barcelona’s racing circuit. Visit GT Driving for all relevant information.

LOOKOUT - ONLY DATE AVAILABLE IN MAY IS SATURDAY, MAY 20TH!

How to get there: By car, train or bus.

Photo from Circuit de Barcelona's website

Sunshine and Sea Salt

What: Gather the most fun group you can think of and take the party on board a fancy sailboat or yacht. You will sail along the Barcelona coastline and make unforgettable memories!

How to get there: There must be several companies offering this service, but it seems Skylinebcn really stands out for their day activities. They depart from Barcelona or Blanes, check out the routes on their website.

Photo from Skyline's website

Enjoy Some –or a Lot? – Local Wine

Where: The Penedès area, a 30-45 minute drive south from Barcelona.

What: Spain, and in this case Catalonia, has a millennial tradition of wine making which clearly reflects in our way of understanding food, gathering, and life altogether. One of the most productive and renown Catalan wine regions is the Penedès, take a look at their website and book a visit at one of their oh so many wineries! And if you would rather discover another wine or cava Designation of Origin, go to this webpage below and make your choice.

How to get there: Depending on the winery you will be visiting, but most probably by car or even train.

Photo from Torres winery

Feel a Special Energy

Where: The Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary of Montserrat.

What: Plan a visit to the Sanctuary of Montserrat, Patron Saint of Catalonia, you will come back a changed person! In a truly unique scenery (Montserrat means “sawn hill” and once you get there you will understand why), Montserrat has been and still is a cultural, moral and spiritual foundation in Catalan history. Visit the Abbey, close your eyes, and feel the energy of a place like no other. And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget to go by the souvenir shop and try all sorts of traditional delicacies. Catalan pastry chefs are known for their mastery of chocolate but there you will find the –believe me, I’ve done my research– best milk chocolate and hazelnut in the region!

How to get there: By car or by train and rack railway, and if you’re fond of the outdoors just hike your way up the mountain, all details here.

Photo from www.montserratvisita.com

Just Chill

Where: Sitges.

What: Put your spring clothes on! Don’t forget your sunglasses! And then spend the day wandering the cobbled streets of Sitges and have a feast of fresh fish, paella and a cool glass of white wine or clara at one of the terraces along the promenade.

THE LIST OF PICTURESQUE SEA VILLAGES NEAR BARCELONA IS LONG,

INSTEAD OF SITGES YOU MAY HEAD FOR EMPÚRIES, ESTARTIT,

PALAMÓS, LLAFRANC, AIGUABLAVA, TAMARIT, BLANES, ALTAFULLA…

PICK ONE AND ENJOY!

How to get there: By car or train.