Winter in Barcelona

Enjoyment is not Limited to spring and summer. Winter in Barcelona is a charming place, where the warmth of her people shines through.

The Three Kings Day in Barcelona

Natàlia Gibernau

The Three Kings Day is one of the highlights of the Barcelona Christmas Season.  Its name in Catalan is Dia dels Tres Reis d’Orient, and is also known as The Epiphany in religious terms, and happens on the sixth day of January.

It is a major event in the Catholic Church’s Nativity agenda. Three Kings Day marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men of the Orient to the birthplace of Jesus at his stable in Bethlehem.  They came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the newborn messiah, but in Barcelona, they arrive to give gifts to the city’s inhabitants.

For local kids here in Barcelona, Three Kings Day is even more special, as the focus of the day is on them and not really the grown-ups.  Rather like the traditional Father Christmas character in Northern Europe, children only receive gifts if they have been good all year long!  The city’s children also have to write a letter to the King’s Pages ahead of the Three Kings arrival to ensure they get the gifts they desire.

On the 5th of January, the Three Kings arrive in Barcelona with a spectacular street parade called La Cavalcada dels Reis d’Orient – which is a procession to symbolise the arrival of the Three Kings into Bethlehem mounted on their camels, each bearing their gifts for the baby Jesus.

Three Kings Day

This year, the royal entourage sets off at 6.15 pm and will cover a distance of 5 km, from Av. Marquès de l’Argentera (with Pg. Circumval·lació) to the Font Màgica de Montjuïc, passing through the following points at the following planned times:

  • 6.15 pm: Av. Marquès de l’Argentera
  • 6.35 pm: Plaça Antonio López
  • 7.05 pm: Plaça Antonio Maura
  • 7.33 pm: Plaça Urquinaona
  • 7.45 pm: Plaça Catalunya
  • 8.20 pm: Plaça Universitat
  • 8.35 pm: Carrer Sepúlveda with Urgell
  • 8.50 pm: Pl. Espanya
  • 9.10 pm: Av. Reina Maria Cristina

Check here their route.

The Three Kings parade features the Three Kings in their carnival style float among a whole collection of other floats and musical attractions, where the performers are laden with candy and sweets to throw at the children who catch them, normally in umbrellas that are held upside down.

Three kings day in barcelona - Reis Mags
After the parade has finished and before the children go to bed, they have to prepare some food and water for the Three Kings and their camels to take refreshment.  Normally unable to sleep with excitement, contemplating the next morning, the children will eventually settle to sleep and wake early the following morning, when they can see and open their gifts on Three Kings Day.

After the morning’s activities are over, the whole family will settle down for a very special lunch.  It is normally a four course sitting and traditional menus will begin with a buffet of tapas followed by a special soup and then a third course of meat or freshly cooked fish.

Then the pièce de résistance is served – Tortell de Reis (King’s Cake) – a puffy, circular, marzipan sponge cake filled with cream, resembling a King’s crown.  In fact there will be a crown in the centre and the cake is topped off with dried fruits symbolizing a crown’s jewels.

Tortell de Reis - Three kings day

But the King’s Day tradition doesn’t stop there, because inserted into the cake are two objects – a bean and a figurine of the baby Jesus.  Whoever recovers the figurine gets to wear the crown and is called King for the day (also signaling that that person will have a very lucky year) and whoever gets the bean unfortunately has to pay for the cake!

As you can see, Three King’s Day will be a very special day indeed for the city’s children. So why not make your stay in Barcelona just as special by renting a luxury apartment during your stay.  We have a wide selection of apartments to rent all over the city, so why not opt for one on the Three Kings parade route?  See here for our selection of beautiful places to rent during these unique celebrations.

1 day trip to Cadaqués to cherish forever

Natàlia Gibernau

Shall we go on a 1 day trip to Cadaqués? The days are getting warmer and longer and winter is certainly on its way out. With the Easter holidays just around the corner, we’re already thinking about getting out of the city and making the most of the sunshine.

Cadaqués, located in the province of Girona, makes for the perfect springtime day trip from Barcelona. A few hours’ drive away, this picturesque seaside town is one of the Costa Brava’s best-kept secrets.

The endearing fisherman’s village is home to whitewashed houses with periwinkle-blue doors and is lapped by the Mediterranean sea. If you’re planning to visit Cadaqués on your next trip to Barcelona, we’ve put together this small guide to ensure you make the most of your day there!

Day trip to Cadaqués - Day trips from Barcelona - Barcelona Day Trips

Stroll along the seafront promenade

Soak up the tranquility of this Mediterranean village with a pleasant stroll along its seafront.  With each step you’ll spot a new delight, with plenty of opportunities for postcard-perfect photos, small, local restaurants to grab a drink or a snack in the shade, and wooden benches where you can stop and simply take in Cadaqués.

We’d recommend you follow the coastline along to Cala es Ros to enjoy the turquoise waters and escape the crowds. If you feel like walking a bit further, head on to Sa Conca, a secluded, rocky cove often only frequented by locals. 

Explore the historic centre

From the promenade, head into the heart of Cadaqués and exploring its medieval historic centre. Get lost among the narrow cobbled streets adorned with purple and pink bougainvillea. Be sure to head up to the Santa María church, which offers breathtaking views over the bay.

Day trip to Cadaqués

Visit the Casa Museu Dalí

Just outside of Cadaqués is the small village of Portlligat, where Dalí lived for a considerable number of years with his wife, Gala. Their house, which is actually several fishing huts merged together, has been preserved exactly as it was when the couple lived there together. For only 11 euros you can discover this unique museum.

With the great Catalan artist taking much inspiration from this coastline, you’ll spot his influence everywhere and see just why he fell in love with what he called the most beautiful part of the world.

Day trip to Cadaqués - Museo Dalí

Try the local food – Day trip to Cadaqués

A trip to Cadaqués would not be complete without sampling the local food. Grilled fish freshly caught that morning is a specialty, with lobster and prawns, sea urchins and fish stews being the protagonists of most menus. You also can’t leave without trying the local black rice dishes or a simple breakfast overlooking the turquoise waters.

Where to eat in Cadaqués

Getting there – Day Trip to Cadaqués

Don’t be put off by Cadaqués being that little bit harder to reach. Its secluded location nestled among the mountains has been a blessing, with fewer tourists than other coastal resorts.

If you have a hire car, bear in mind that parking in Cadaqués can be difficult. Follow the winding road from Barcelona and you’ll find a parking lot on the outskirts of the village, but get there early to secure a spot. The journey takes around two and a half hours.

There’s also a bus from Barcelona’s Estació Nord with tickets costing around 25 euros one-way. 

Cadaqués is authentic beauty and one of the most stunning towns in Catalonia. If you come to Barcelona, ​​you can’t miss spending a day trip to Cadaqués.

We hope you enjoy your day trip to Cadaqués! Let us know what you discover!

Also check here other interesting day trip guides:

5 Medieval villages in the Empordà 
A day out in Sitges
 Day Trip to Montserrat
Day Trip to Dalí Museum from Barcelona
La Roca Village shopping day trip from Barcelona

First Dip of the Year in Barcelona

Natàlia Gibernau

Let’s go for the first dip of the year! What better way to welcome in the New Year than a bracing dip in the Mediterranean? Since 1996, hundreds of bold bathers have flocked to Platja de Sant Sebastià for the first dip of the year (Primer Bany de l’Any). Why not join these brave souls on January 1st 2017 at midday as they charge into the sea, clad in only their swimming costumes and the occasional Santa hat?!

The event, organised by el Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta, is totally free and is a sure-fire way to rid your cobwebs from the night before! And, if the prospect of an icy dip is a little daunting, you can register at the club´s reception prior to the event for a hot shower afterwards. This is a brilliant affair and a far better alternative to a day spent hibernating under the duvet, cradling a packet of Alka-Seltzer to nurse your hangover.

Whilst not for the faint-hearted (medically speaking), proponents of icy dips claim that the health benefits are numerous. Swimming in cold water can help your immune system, improve libido and boost circulation. Some even claim to experience a natural high so surely that´s reason enough to tempt you!

first-dip-of-the-year-in-barcelona

  • Join Europe´s Popular New Year´s Day Tradition

By taking part in Barcelona´s Primer Bany de l’Any, you’ll join the tradition of thousands of people who mark the start of the New Year with a dip in the sea, rivers or lakes and, with an average water temperature of 13 degrees in January, Barcelona provides a comparatively gentle winter bathing experience!

For over 30 years, bathers have braved the freezing waters off Barry Island (Wales) for a New Year´s Day swim and in Edinburgh (Scotland), locals take part in the Loony Dook –  an icy plunge into the River Forth where the water is decidedly chilly! Similarly, in Rzeszów (Poland) bathers refuse to be deterred by the bitingly cold waters year on year.

first-dip-of-the-year-in-barry-island

The Netherlands boasts over 60 locations for a New Year´s Day plunge, and insist there is no better way to start the year. With a whopping 25,000 participants each January, the Dutch are arguably the champions of this watery tradition. The largest scale event is the annual nieuwjaarsduik in Scheveningen which welcomes approximately 10,000 swimmers.

first-dip-of-the-year-in-the-netherlands

So, what are you waiting for?! Get 2020 off to a great start and make this January 1st a day to remember by heading to Barcelona for a New Year’s Day dip!

Christmas Bath in Barcelona - first dip of the year

Where to eat in Barcelona – Our Christmas recommendations

Natàlia Gibernau

If you’re wondering where to eat in Barcelona over the Christmas period in 2019, look no further than our list of places that have wonderful Christmas menus and festive vibes. Here are our best suggestions of where to eat in Barcelona so you can make the most of the festive season with your close friends and family. Check out our list, categorised so you can find the perfect destination:

Where to eat in Barcelona: Trendy restaurants for Christmas

9 Nine

Enjoy their tasty tapas and Catalan fare, or even enjoy one of their tasting menus to get the full foodie experience. Always packed and with an international vibe, you can’t go wrong at 9 Nine.

9 Nine will be closed on December 24, open on December 25, 26 and 31, and January 1 and 6.

New Year’s menu available (€ 45)

Due to its popularity, book in advance for any of these Christmas days.

Address: Carrer València 334

www.facebook.com/pg/Restaurant9Nine

Where to eat in barcelona - 9-nine-restaurante

Ikibana

While Japan and Brazil are miles apart, Ikibana expertly blends both renowned cuisines together to make delicious fusion meals. Think fresh sea food and the best cuts of meat, Ikibana is one of the trendiest places to be. If you’re looking for where to eat in Barcelona on New Year’s Eve, this is the perfect option, as they are hosting a luxurious gala dinner, with tickets starting at €180 a head, where you can truly ring the New Year in in style.

They also will have special christmas menu for the 25th and 26 of December.

Open every day.

Address: Avinguda del Paral·lel 148

www.ikibana.com/parallel

where to eat in barcelona - Ikibana

Mamarosa Beach

If you want to make the most of the late winter Mediterranean sun, why not head over to Mamarosa Beach, with the perfect seaside location. Here you can sit indoors or outdoors to soak up the atmosphere of Barceloneta beach. If you’re looking for where to eat in Barcelona on New Year’s Eve and want something sophisticated, this is an ideal option as it has a special New Year’s Eve menu for just €145 a head, including all the fresh sea food you could want.

Mamarosa is open every day of December.

Address: Passeig del Mare Nostrum 19-21

www.mamarosabeach.com/

Where to eat in barcelona - Mama rosa

El Barceloneta

Another one for the seafood fans, El Barceloneta is where to eat in Barcelona if you want a more laid back al fresco experience by the sea. With its large terrace, rooms especially for groups and its group menus, it’s perfect for big groups of friends or for celebrations where all the family can get together for Christmas.

Open every day, but currently full. If you come to Barcelona next year, make sure you ​​book well in advance 😉

Address: Carrer de l’Escar 22

www.restaurantbarceloneta.com

El barceloneta - barcelona restaurants

Patrón

If you are looking for somewhere a bit different for your company dinner or celebrations with your group of friends, Patrón offers a full and lively evening with live music, cocktails and the possibility of having a private room. As well as this, they offer a special set menu from €58 per person over all the important Christmas dates, as well as special New Year’s Eve menu and party.

Open every day of the year.

Address: Travessera de Gràcia 44

www.patron-restaurant.com

PAtron - Where to eat in barcelona

Mercer

The Mercer has a Trip Advisor certificate of excellence, owing to its wonderful food. Original frescoes of the 12th century serve as a backdrop and their cuisine is dedicated to local products, offering typical traditional Catalan dishes with a careful presentation and a wide selection of wines.

Open on December 24, 25, 26 and 31. During those days they offer a Christmas menu that you can check here https://www.mercerbarcelona.com/es/restaurantes/mercer-restaurante (New Year’s Eve is already full)

For January 1, Mercer will be closed but you can book at their Gastro Bar Le Bouchon, for lunch or dinner.

Address: Carrer dels Lledó, 7

Mercer - Barcelona Restaurant

Restaurants with views

Marea Alta

With stunning views over the Mediterranean Ocean, Marea Alta is where to eat in Barcelona if you want to enjoy some city views as you celebrate the festive period. Here the sea view is complimented with delicious grilled fish. With menus for Christmas Day, Boxing Day (Sant Esteve), and New Year’s Eve, this is the perfect place for celebrations.

Closed on the evening of December 24, January 1 and 6.

Address: Avinguda Drassanes 6-8

www.mareaaltamareabaja.com

marea-alta-- Where to eat in barcelona

Terraza Martinez

Vibrant and eclectic, mixed with delicious Catalan food and views that will leave you dreamy-eyed, Terraza Martinez is where to eat in Barcelona for an exciting night out. With paella the star of its menu, it makes it the perfect place for big groups celebrating Christmas together with festive lights only adding to seasonal atmosphere.

Closed on the evening of December 24 and during the day on December 25. It is open on December 26 and 31 and January 1. Special menu for New Years: €210 including an open bar and party. Children €50.

Address: Carretera de Miramar 38

www.martinezbarcelona.com

Terraza martinez - Recomended Restaurants in Barcelona

Torre de Alta Mar

If you’re looking for a truly unique New Year’s Eve experience, Torre de Alta Mar is where to eat in Barcelona. At the top of the tower that sits by Barceloneta beach, you can enjoy your meal along with 360-degree views of the city. On New Year’s Eve, tickets start from €295 per person but include a full menu with copious drinks, as well as a party atmosphere with music and dancing all night long.

Address: Passeig Joan de Borbó 88

It is closed on December 24, 25 and 26, as well as from January 1 until 6.

www.torredealtamar.com

Torre de alta mar - Where to eat in barcelona

Michelin Starred Restaurants

ABaC

For those foodies who are looking for where to eat in Barcelona over the Christmas period, ABaC is the perfect choice. Headed up by chef Jordi Cruz, the three-star Michelin restaurant offers true luxury with its traditional dishes with an experimental edge and elegant setting up among the hills of Tibidabo.

Closed on January 1. Open on December 24, 25, 26 and 31. It is already full for this year. If you are in Barcelona for next years festivities, make sure you book at least two months in advance.

Address: Plaça J. F. Kennedy / Avinguda del Tibidabo 1

www.abacrestaurant.com

ABAC Barcelona

Xerta Restaurant

With one Michelin star, Xerta Restaurant headed up by chef Fran López is focused on the cuisine of Terres de l’Ebre. This is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a place to celebrate Christmas with that special someone.

Opened on December 24, 25, 26 and 31 and January 1. During those days they offer a Christmas menu for €85, except on New Year’s Eve, when they offer a special menu for €180.

Address: Carrer Còrsega 289

www.xertarestaurant.com

So, if you’re looking for where to eat in Barcelona over the Christmas period, why not try one of the above options. Whether you want a lively party atmosphere by the sea or fine-dining in the trendiest neighborhoods of Barcelona, there is something for everyone who is visiting Barcelona at this magical time of the year.

New Year’s Eve Parties in Barcelona

Natàlia Gibernau

Are you planning on spending the New Year in Barcelona and looking for a special way to ring in the next year? Then look no further; we’ve compiled a list of the best parties for you to celebrate the night away with your partner, friends or family.

For locals, the celebration starts at home with a family meal and the traditional eating of 12 grapes at midnight, before hitting the town. However, we’ve selected a range of events starting before and after midnight at restaurants, bars and clubs so you can find the best event for you.

So what are you waiting for, start planning a New Year you’ll never forget in the centre Barcelona!

New Year’s Eve Parties in Barcelona

New Year’s Eve Parties in Barcelona

Fireworks: Plaça Espanya, Av. María Cristina

Unlike other cosmopolitan cities, it was only in 2013 that the tradition of an official outdoor New Year’s event began in Barcelona. Now locals and visitors alike can wrap up and get together to be awed by a fantastic performance of fireworks and music! This family-friendly celebration is free and starts at 9.30 pm. 

Sutton: C/ Tuset, 13

Looking to spend the New Year in style? Then we have the place for you! With tickets starting from €50 (including 3 drinks) and VIP tables starting from €1,000, this New Year’s Eve the exclusive nightclub venue plays host to DJs and artists such as Juanpa Claret, Gerard Roig and Xavi Ques. 

Bling Bling: C/ Tuset, 8–10

One of the city’s most exclusive nightclubs offers you an unforgettable evening starting at 1 am. With a selection of DJs, the option of VIP tables and the best music, ring in the bells with your loved ones at home then get the party started. We’re sure you’ll dance the night away.

Gatsby: C/ Tuset, 19

This themed restaurant come nightclub will take you back to the 1920s. Enjoy an exquisite menu of local and international dishes plus nightlong entertainment with singers, dancers and much more. After dinner, grab a cocktail and hit the dance floor. This luxury space won’t disappoint!

Sala Apolo: C/ Nou de la Rambla, 107

From 01:00 to 05:30 you’ll have access to two exclusive events held at one of Barcelona’s most renowned nightclubs, with over 75 years of clubbing tradition. In the main room, enjoy Nitsa live electronic beats from Shelby Grey, DJ Kosmos and more. In room 2 or “La 2” discover Astin, Nitsa’s house and disco alternative. Early Bird tickets are only €25 – what are you waiting for!

Razzmatazz: C/ dels Almogàvers, 122

With five different rooms, Razzmatazz really does have something for everyone. Choose from two ticket types, with entry either from 22:30 or after midnight, including two drinks and a special edition T-shirt – plus grapes, party favours and cava if you choose to see in the New Year there. Tickets cost €54.50 or €44.50 respectively.

Pacha: Passeig Marítim Barceloneta, 38

Head to the Barcelona seafront to party the night away at Pacha, with a selection of Europe’s most famous DJs. As well as being a nightclub, the Pacha restaurant also offers a dinner right by the sea and includes entry to the club to the exclusive New Year party.

Poble Espanyol
Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13

Starting at 10.30 pm, discover a traditional Spanish street party in the centre of Barcelona at the Poble Espanyol. A standard ticket costing €40 (until December 26) will grant you access to three different outdoor spaces. Grab a VIP table with your friends and loved ones starting from €120. Tickets include four drinks, grapes and party favours.

Catwalk
Carrer de Ramon Trias Fargas, 2–4

Catwalk boasts the best of R&B and hip-hop music in an exclusive space located on the seafront. With a range of tickets starting from €30 right up to €3,500, enjoy three rooms, neon lights and an outdoor terrace.

Wherever you choose to celebrate the end of the year, we hope you have a blast!

A Guide to Christmas Concerts in Barcelona

Natàlia Gibernau

It’s time to enojoy the Christmas concerts in Barcelona! The nights are drawing in earlier, the mornings are chillier and soon lights of every colour will illuminate the streets of Barcelona. 

This can only mean one thing! Christmas is almost upon us.  And if you’re spending Christmas in Barcelona this year, we can recommend a different plan to ensure you make the most of time with your loved ones. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and preparing for the many family gatherings and meals, take some time out to enjoy a unique musical experiences.

christmas concerts in barcelona
Christmas Concerts in Barcelona

We’ve compiled this short guide to concerts during the festive season for you to sit back and be regaled by local choirs and orchestras. What better way to get in the festive mood!

Christmas concerts in Barcelona

Christmas on Broadway

Where: L’Auditori

When: Friday 20 and Saturday, 21 December 2019

Join the Symphonic Orchestra of Barcelona on a journey through the musicals of Broadway in a fantastic gala show to kick off the festive season in style. With music from works by Rodgers and Hammerstein (2015), Lloyd Webber (2017) and Bernstein (2018), there’s something for everyone.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Where: Gran Teatre del Liceu

When: Saturday, 21 and Sunday, 22 December 2019

Enjoy this Christmas classic surrounded by loved ones. Music by Albert Guinovart together with Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu and the Amics de la Unió children’s choir.

Star Wars & OCM: Original Soundtracks by John Williams

Where: El Palau de la Música Catalana

When: Thursday, 19 and Saturday, 21 December 2019

Relive some of John William’s most emblematic soundtracks from the big screen including Star Wars, E.T., Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List. We’re sure that you’ll laugh, cry and be entertained by the favourites of this renowned and prize-winning composer.

Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci

Where: Gran Teatre del Liceu

When: Various dates from 5–22 December 2019

This December enjoy a unique double opera session of two acclaimed Royal Opera House productions. These two Italian classics set in the 1950s will be performed side by side in what is sure to be an epic evening of emblematic opera.

The Magic World of Hans Zimmer

Where: L’Auditori

When: Wednesday, 25 December 2019

What better way to spend the most magical day of the year than enjoying music from some of the most epic films of the century. From The Lion King, Gladiator, Pearl Harbour, Pirates of the Caribbean and many more, bring this special day to a close surrounded by your loved ones.

St. Stephen’s Choral Concert: Christmas at the Palau

Where: El Palau de la Música Catalana

When: Thursday, 26 December 2019

Take part in this festive tradition of Catalonia with this unique concert held every St. Stephen’s Day. The charming melodies of the Orfeó Català and a combination of choirs are sure to bring the whole family together in an enchanting venue.

If you’re spending Christmas season in Barcelona, we’re sure one of these magical Christmas concerts in Barcelona will make for an unforgettable experience with your loved ones.

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Read this before making a calçotada at home

Jaume Barberena

’Tis the season of eating onions charred over live fire… In a previous post, we talked about the best places around Barcelona to find a calçotada. Yet, in a quarter century of at least one or two calçotades a year, I probably only have ever had 2-3 in a restaurant. Funny thing was that I would just order off the regular menu while the rest of the party would eat the calçotada menu, like I was purposely avoiding it. More about this later.

From humble beginnings in the “Golden Triangle” of Valls, Reus and Tarragona, the tradition has now spread through most of Catalonia, in restaurants, and more important, at home. It has even reached further afield with calçotades available in Madrid, London or Rotterdam; even Anthony Bourdain featured a calçotada on his “No Reservations” tv show.

https://dailymotion.com/video/x2iprlx

A dear friend went as far as to throw a big calçotada party for all his friends in Orange County, USA to celebrate his 50th birthday! Nowadays, every company, social club or group of friends worth its salt has its yearly calçotada – the social aspects of the calçotada are key to its success – if you are a  new arrival in Catalonia, no doubt you’ll get an invite to a calçotada – go for it!

Calçotada

Back to the real calçotada, the homemade – the feast lends itself quite well to doing it at home in an outdoor setting. First time I was ever invited for a calçotada, it was in Sitges at the home of my parent’s friends, and it was a friend of theirs from Valls who came over as the expert – an early sign that the ritual was expanding outside its homeland. He brought the equipment, a large reversible grill with different length legs allowing the grill to be higher for flaming the calçots and lower for grilling meat over coals. However, the most important bit of kit that he brought along was the recipe for the sauce: salsa de calçots. Any veteran will tell you it’s the heart and soul of the calçotada, getting it right is an art, too runny and it doesn’t stick to the calçots, too thick and it takes forever to dip. Starting from the basics of almonds and hazelnuts, roasted tomato, raw and roasted garlic and nyora (a type of slightly hot pepper), each chef adds their own touch, and the recipe becomes a closely guarded secret. 

Just last week, with a group of friends we had a calçotada out in the country, very near my hometown of Artesa de Segre, just under the village of Montsonís with its castle looming over us. It was a perfect spring day, kids roaming freely all over the  fields, making friends with random dog who just appeared, adults poking fun at a neighbour who was air-drying her multi-coloured thongs, and of course, grilling those calçots on a very original barbecue pit. It was a perfect day, but I still couldn’t get Agnès to tell me the (secret) recipe for the salsa de calçots.

Calçots: Ranking of the best restaurants in Barcelona

Natàlia Gibernau

Perhaps you don’t know yet what calçots are, but you’ve almost certainly smelled them if you’ve been walking in the streets of Catalonia lately and caught a whiff of burnt onions. Don’t worry, nobody has left the stove on, we’re just cooking calçots! It is known that us Catalans love any reason to host a get-together with friends and family, and in the winter months, calçots are why people come together and eat. To visitors of Barcelona, this may seem baffling: how can there be so much excitement behind a scorched onion? Well, read on to learn more about this distinctly Catalan tradition!

Calçots

What are calçots?

Calçots (pronounced: kal-SOTS) are a Catalan delicacy originating from Tarragona, and is somewhat of a cross between a scallion and a leek, that can grow to about 25 cm long. The annual harvest is during the winter season, from January to April, and is celebrated with “calçotadas”, where friends and family gather around to eat this wildly popular dish.

The calçots are bundled tight onto an open-fire grill, and charred for about five minutes on each side until blackened, then wrapped in newspaper to keep warm and served on a red terracotta roof tile – an absolutely humble and no frills dish, and oh so tasty.

Calçots - How to eat them

The ritual of eating calçots is messy business, but that’s half the fun! Roll up your sleeves, put on your paper bib (yes you’ll look a bit funny but so will everyone else) and get started by peeling the charred black layers of the calçot off piece by piece, until you get to the tender sweet pearly white center. Dunk it generously into the bright red romescu sauce, dangle it over your head, open wide, and chomp right into it. By the end of it, you’ll smell of onions, and have dirty black hands, plus a messy red-stained bib to wear as your badge of honour!

Find your Menu Calçotada in Barcelona 

To make a full “calçotada” feast out of it, some restaurants offer a “Menu Calçotada” option, here you get calçots with romescu, plus a choice of barbequed meats like “butifarra” sausages, lamb or veal. Some establishments include toast, white beans, potatoes, and maybe even desserts like catalan cream, or honey with cottage cheese. All of the above is usually offered for a very reasonable price of 25 – 35 euros per person, which will leave your belly full and satisfied. Wash it all down with a “porró” or two of local red wine too.

Menú calçotada barcelona

Best restaurants near Barcelona to eat calçots – Countryside farms

The most authentic way to enjoy calçots is at rural restaurants or countryside farms, which also makes for a fun mountain getaway. Be sure to book ahead as it can get busy. Here are our top three recommendations:

  1. Masia Can Vilallonga (Carrer Oceà Atlàntic, 80, 08173 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona)
    Located off the beaten path near an equestrian club in Sant Cugat del Vallès, this family farmhouse dates from the 14th century and has a wonderful mix of modern and rustic design, with a backdrop of beautiful green fields and countryside. Outdoor seating available.
  2. Can Carbonell (Carrer Muntanya, s/n, 08960 Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona)
    Offering rustic and hearty Catalan fare, this typical Masía catalane specializes in calçots. It’s charming fireplaces and wooden ceilings will transport you back in time to the 13th Just a 15 minute drive from Barcelona.
  3. Can Borrell (Carretera d’Horta a Cerdanyola BV-1415, Km 3, 08171 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona)
    Catalan cuisine with an idyllic setting in the heart of the Collserola National Park. Oak embers are used in their open-fire grills to give the calçots a wonderful smoky flavor.

Best restaurants in Barcelona to eat calçots – Restaurants in Barcelona

If you haven’t got an entire day to spare, there are some great restaurants in Barcelona city center which offer calçots too. Here are our rankings:

  1. El Jardí de l’Àpat (Carrer d’Albert Llanas, 2, 08024 Barcelona)
    Their elevated terrace offers a magnificent view, and is surrounded by ancient trees and garden, giving a sense of privacy and serenity in the hustle and bustle of the city. Park Güell is nearby for an after dinner stroll.
  2. Taverna El Glop (Carrer de Sant Lluís, 24, 08012 Barcelona)
    Opened since 1970s, their checkered tablecloths, and wooden chairs will have you feeling just as if you’re in the countryside, with the convenience of being located in Gràcia neighbourhood.
  3. L’Antic Forn (Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 28, 08001 Barcelona)
    Just two blocks from Las Ramblas, this is a wonderful little restaurant tucked away in a side alley, with affordable prices and friendly service the establishment is frequented by locals.

Have you tried calçots yet? Let us know what you think in the comments below!