Perched between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean sea, Barcelona is a place you will never want to leave. Thankfully, the freedom of remote working makes it possible to keep coming back!

Taking a workation in Barcelona enables you to experience this beautiful city in a slower and more immersive way. Change your daily grind at home for the relaxing Catalonian pace of life while you work from stunning hotels and coworking spaces. In your leisure time you can explore the city’s incredible history, creative culture, traditional cuisine, and surrounding countryside.

In this guide we help you to plan your perfect workation in Barcelona.

This site contains links to travel services we recommend, from which we may make commission at no extra cost to you. We were hosted in Barcelona with assistance from Barcelona Turisme, who arranged complementary accommodation, experiences and workspace visits. Our opinions are our own, and we always give honest travel recommendations.

What to book for your Barcelona workation

Ready to start planning your workation in Barcelona straight away? Here are some quick links to our recommended accommodation, activities and logistics

Accommodation for a Barcelona workation:

🏨 Catalonia Gran Via BCN: attractive hotel in Sant Antoni — spacious rooms (some with work desks!), lovely pool and terrace with views
🏨 The Social Hub Barcelona Poblenou: excellent coworking hotel with desks in each room, and coworking facilities onsite, fun social aspect
🏨 Casa Camper: boutique hotel in arty neighbourhood close to coworking spaces

Coworking in Barcelona:

💻 Aticco Med: coworking and coliving space on the seafront in Poblenou tech district
🖨️ La Vaca Coworking: in a cleverly repurposed cowshed in relaxed Poble Sec

Getting to Barcelona and getting around:

✈️ Vueling: excellent value flights to Barcelona from cities across Europe
🚘 Welcome Pickups: book your airport transfers securely in advance
🎫 Hola Barcelona Travel Card: unlimited access to the city’s public transport network

Barcelona sightseeing and activities for your workation:

🎫 Barcelona Card: access to dozens of visitor attractions around the city
🚲 Street art cycle tour: explore the city’s cultural identity on sustainable ebikes
Barcelona sailing experience: see city views from the water with vermut

Why Barcelona is the perfect place for a workation

The first time I visited Barcelona I became instantly enamoured with the city. It is a truly unique place that has so many dimensions to it; so many different qualities that appeal to different types of explorer.

How many cities have you visited that have both beaches and mountains on their doorstep, and dozens of green parks in between? In Barcelona you are never far from nature. This alone makes it a fabulous place to work remotely and enjoy the restorative qualities of natural surroundings.

Enjoying the view from Mirador de Joan Sales while on workation in Barcelona
Enjoying the view from Mirador de Joan Sales while on workation in Barcelona

Creativity is part of the city’s DNA

Barcelona has a creative spirit that you cannot help but be inspired by. There is a good reason why legends of art like Pablo Picasso and architect Antoni Gaudí were so compelled by the city. Art runs like a colourful thread through Barcelona’s veins, and you will encounter it everywhere you look.

As a UNESCO City of Literature, Barcelona has deep-rooted traditions for writing, and has produced many famous novelists and poets over the years. You can get to know this scene by exploring some of the 300+ book shops that are dotted throughout the city.

The love of books is celebrated every year as an intrinsic aspect of the vibrant annual Sant Jordi Festival, which I was lucky enough to experience on my recent workation in Barcelona.

My workation in Barcelona coincided with the Sant Jordi Festival that features lots of interesting books
My workation in Barcelona coincided with the Sant Jordi Festival that features lots of interesting books

Wandering around the city you will encounter street art everywhere you turn. Music is ever-present in the city too, on cobbled alleyways and in lively bars.

Street performers serenade you on charming passageways in the Gothic Quarter, and live music is never difficult to find at night when you want to wind down with some entertainment at the end of the working day.

La Escocesa street art Barcelona
Creativity is visible around every corner in Barcelona

A city at the forefront of innovation

Ten years ago, a friend of mine – who is a scientist and data specialist – moved from Manchester in the UK to live in Barcelona. He was drawn to the city because of its forward-thinking reputation as a centre for research and innovation in Europe. A decade later, he still has no plans to leave.

The city has been at the forefront of scientific and technological advancement for centuries, which is evident in its array of science museums. And this spirit of innovation is still very much alive today, visible its emerging landscape of modern, sustainable buildings.

While on a workation in Barcelona, I met with my friend there after several years, and he explained that it was the scientific career opportunity that brought him to the city – but it was the culture and pace of life that made him stay. Few cities have such an ideal environment for a healthy work–life balance.

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art in the sunshine
The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the city’s many innovative sustainable buildings

Remote-working infrastructure

Barcelona has adapted quickly to the remote working surge. It has become a thriving modern city with a great infrastructure for working remotely. You will now find an abundance of friendly coworking spaces in almost every neighbourhood, and hotels are increasingly catering towards the needs of remote workers.

Quaint old cafés and coffee shops around the city now have plug-in points and strong wifi installed. You will always be able to find somewhere to recharge and catch up on emails over a delicious coffee between sightseeing stops.

Hola Barcelona Travel Card that I used to get around  on my workation in Barcelona
The Hola Barcelona Travel Card gives you unlimited use of the city’s metro, bus and tram networks

It’s also incredibly easy to get around Barcelona via its advanced public transport system. With a Hola Barcelona travel card you have unlimited use of the metro, buses, or trams.

Beyond the city, the regional train network gives you quick access to nearby charming seaside villages, glorious countryside riddled with vineyards, and the Pyrenees mountains. Read more about transport in the city and surrounding area in our complete guide to getting around Barcelona.

Basking in the Mediterranean climate

Barcelona always seems to be sunny, and it is never too cold. The hot summers and mild winters mean it is a lovely place to visit at any time of year for a workation. Thinking of an off-season trip? Our guide to Barcelona in winter will get you started.

Visiting in April, I frequently took the opportunity to bring my laptop outside and work in the sunshine. Many spaces around the city cater for this, whether it’s a hotel with a terrace, a coworking space with outdoor work areas, or a café with al fresco dining.

Workation in Barcelona: beaches
The Mediterranean climate in Barcelona brings hot summers and mild winters

Flying to Barcelona with Vueling

Vueling is a Spanish airline that connects Barcelona with destinations all over Europe. When looking for Vueling flights from London airports I was spoilt for choice, with flights leaving every half hour! It’s the same with dozens of additional cities, and the prices are very affordable compared with other options.

I flew from London Gatwick with Vueling for my workation in Barcelona, and I can honestly say it was one of the most pleasant experiences I’ve had with an airline for a long time. Boarding was smooth and the journey was comfortable.

Best of all, the flight took off on time and arrived early. The same was true on my return journey. This is a rarity on my travels these days! It wasn’t a coincidence, either – Vueling is the most punctual of all European airlines according to recent data, regularly earning notice during each year.

You can look up routes and prices on the Vueling website.

View from my window seat on a Vueling flight from London for a workation in  Barcelona
Flying from London for my workation in Barcelona with Vueling

Where to stay for a workation in Barcelona

There are a few vital criteria to consider when choosing accommodation for a workation. To make the most of somewhere like Barcelona, it’s best to be in a well connected, central location.

You also need to have a good space for working, even if you plan to use coworking spaces and cafés too. It’s likely there will be times when just want to stay and work in your hotel for a while.

Barcelona, being such a popular city that attracts professionals and nomadic workers alike, has a wealth of impressive hotels to choose from when planning your workation. Below we highlight our top three picks, just to give you a taste of what is in store for you in Barcelona.

Catalonia Gran Via BCN hotel is one of our favourite picks for a workation in Barcelona
Catalonia Gran Via BCN hotel is one of our favourite picks for a workation in Barcelona

With a perfect location just a few minutes walk from Plaça Catalunya and Les Rambles, Catalonia Gran Via BCN is at the top of our list, for it’s modern, clean, and comfortable rooms, along with the most welcoming staff ever! Many of the well-designed rooms include a work desk (be sure to ask when booking) and some suites come with a private terrace for ultimate privacy.

If you don’t feel like working in your room, there is free wifi throughout the hotel and plenty of lounge areas where you can soak up the Barcelona sun, such as the sun deck and swimming pool area, complete with fabulous views of the city.

The hotel serves a large, delicious buffet breakfast, there is a Gastrobar onsite, and room service is available whenever the mood strikes you at any time of day.

From the hotel, you can easily get around via public transport and check out Barcelona’s popular sights during your off-time.

The Social Hub Barcelona is a hotel and coworking space in Barcelona with wide open areas to work and relax
The Social Hub Barcelona Poblenou is a hotel and coworking space in Barcelona with wide open areas to work and relax

Another excellent place to stay during a workation in Barcelona is The Social Hub Barcelona Poblenou. This European hotel group has sites across Europe that were designed especially for digital nomads, professionals, and students.

The hotel has an upbeat, lively, and welcoming vibe with well-equipped coworking spaces, and lots of weekly optional networking and social events.

If you choose to work in your room, you’ll find a working desk and comfortable furniture. You can also take advantage of the rooftop terrace, the Mediterranean restaurant, or the gym and fitness area.

The Social Hub Barcelona is located conveniently in Poblenou, near public transport and activities, and is great for both short term and extended stays.

Casa Camper Hotel is a wonderful place to stay on a workation in Barcelona
Casa Camper Hotel is a wonderful place to stay on a workation in Barcelona

Our third hotel choice is Casa Camper, a sleek modern boutique hotel in the lively Raval neighbourhood area near many bars, markets, and restaurants. Each fashionable room is equipped with comfortable beds and furniture for relaxing, some with living rooms and/or working desks.

The hotel is in a beautiful refurbished 19th-century building, and rooms have either city or garden views. In addition to being classy and stylish, the rooms are also quiet, which is a big plus if you plan on focusing!

There is a beautiful rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Barcelona for lounging and working. Casa Camper offers an excellent breakfast (included in some room options). There are casual and fine-dining restaurants onsite if you don’t feel like going out, whether you are in the mood for feasting, snacking, or simply enjoying a cocktail.

Casa Camper is known for its friendly staff who will happily assist you if you need anything during your stay. There is also a well-equipped business centre for your working needs.

For more insights into the different neighbourhoods around central Barcelona, read our guide to the best areas to stay in Barcelona.

We’ve also picked out some great working hotels in our guide to the best hotels in Barcelona with wifi.

Self-catered apartments in Barcelona

If you would prefer to have your own space for a workation, there are literally hundreds of apartments across the city you can rent. To help cut through the options, we’ve compiled an expansive list of stunning Vrbo apartments in Barcelona with work spaces.

Some of the apartments we picked out have a dedicated work desk, while others have areas and facilities that double up well for a working environment.

Coliving in Barcelona

If you are planning a longer workation, coliving is an interesting accommodation option. Aticco Coliving has a growing coliving community, and you can find places to live flexibly and meet people for a few weeks or months.

Coworking in Barcelona

In Barcelona you will find dozens of coworking spaces to choose from, many of which offer flexible short-term rates that are ideal for workationers. I visited some of Barcelona’s best coworking spaces during my trip to see the facilities and get a feel for the community.

Aticco: a stylish community coworking

Aticco has five coworking spaces located around Barcelona. For digital nomads and people on workation, it offers various flexible options in addition to long-term membership.

A great option for a workation is the 5/30 pass for €125, which allows you to use the space for any five days in a 30-day period. Similarly there is a 10/30 pass for €179, or you can buy a single day pass for €35.

I was welcomed by the team at Aticco Med, a creative coworking space in Poblenou, on the doorstep of the 22@ technology and innovation district. This Aticco has a stunning location, right on the seafront.

Its standout feature is a terrace area that overlooks the Mediterranean, with an outdoor swimming pool and an assortment of tables for working with a view. Imagine working here!

Aticco Med coworking terrace
The terrace area overlooking the Mediterranean at Aticco Coworking

The facilities are set over three floors, and the whole building feels bright and roomy, with high ceilings and lots of natural light pouring in. The working area is peaceful but still characterful, with stylish furnishings and plants integrated into the space.

What I really liked about Aticco is the community vibe that it has. Towards the end of the day, some coworkers gather on the terrace for exercise sessions. Talks are sometimes held on the beach for startups, and there are various group activities held regularly.

Altogether, it’s a laidback space where you can come and go freely, work at your own pace, and do as little or as much as you like. There are quiet spaces when you need to focus, and a social scene that will help you make connections with like-minded people.

Barcelona workation: Aticco Med coworking area
Inside the stylish and spacious coworking area at Aticco Med

La Vaca Coworking: unique and vibrant coworking community

La Vaca Coworking is a fun and vibrant coworking space and community that is perfect for settling into a workation in Barcelona. It is situated below Montjuic Hill in Poble Sec, one of the quieter, more peaceful areas of town just outside of the busy city centre.

The building encompasses over 300 square metres of coworking space that is filled with comfy desks, meeting rooms, and soundproofed phone booths. There are spacious lounge areas scattered throughout, and if you want to take a break and connect with other remote workers, head down to the expansive basement outfitted with a smoking area and a pool table.

As one of the more imaginative coworking spaces in Barcelona, La Vaca gets its name from the building’s origins as a former cowshed (la vaca meaning “cow” in Spanish). In keeping with it’s quirky vibe, La Vaca also offers optional activities on a regular basis, so you can participate in foodie events, relax with yoga classes, and hang out at late night live music performances and other happenings.

It’s calming locationis set among tree-lined streets just off Av del Paral·lel, the main thoroughfare in Poble Sec. It is enough out of the way to have a chilled ambiance for your workation, yet within an easy walk to boho-style cafes, quaint markets, and local shops.

Another La Vaca perk is their super-flexible half-day pass for €15, the day pass offering for €22, and a half-day monthly flex pass, which can be used in either mornings or afternoons for just €140/month.

Getting around Barcelona on your workation

In Barcelona you are never more than a few paces away from a bus, metro or tram stop. I used the Hola Barcelona Travel Card on my visit to access public transport, which made it completely hassle-free to get around, with no need to keep buying tickets. You can get a card for 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours.

I mostly used the metro to navigate the city. The system has eight lines that run frequently and cover the vast majority of Central Barcelona, plus much of the surrounding suburbs.

Getting around on a workation in Barcelona: the metro
It’s easy to get around town on your workation in Barcelona via the city’s metro network, by tram, or bus

A new fleet of electric buses was recently introduced to Barcelona as part of its pledge to only use clean vehicles. I saw a couple of these around the city, and they definitely look like a glimpse of the future!

It’s also very easy to get around Barcelona by bicycle. There are more than 200 kilometres of cycle lanes, as well as cycle parking spaces all over the city.

Things to do in your leisure time in Barcelona

On a workation in Barcelona you are spoilt for choice when it comes to leisure activities for your days off. No matter how many times you come back to the city, there will always be more things to see and do!

If you are on a short workation, it’s a good idea to invest in a Barcelona Card. This gives you free entry to many visitor attractions around the city, as well as access to some great discounts.

Whatever you like to do when exploring a new place, whether it’s sightseeing, physical activities, discovering food and drink, walking or shopping, you will find it in abundance in Barcelona. Here are a few ideas for you to try. You can also see our itinerary for Barcelona in 3 days for inspiration on planning a short visit.

Go on a Barcelona street art cycle tour

The first thing Lisa and I like to do after arriving in any city is take a guided tour. It’s nice to be introduced to the place by someone who knows it and can tell you stories, and also to get some insider recommendations on things to see and do for the rest of your stay.

In Barcelona I took a tour with a difference: a street art cycle tour with Bamboo Bike Tours. Street art is a big part of Barcelona’s cultural identity, and it’s fascinating to learn how integral it has been to the city’s artistic development. Plus, on this tour, you get to ride sustainable ebikes made from bamboo, which is a lot of fun!

Florent was my tour guide, and he went out of his way to make the experience a memorable one. He took us to secret street art and graffiti spots away from the beaten track, and told stories about the different personalities and styles of the scene.

From hidden murals in the suburbs to restored industrial warehouses that have become community art hubs, the tour gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes look into the creative soul of Barcelona.

Nau Bostik street art that I enjoyed during a workation in Barcelona
Nau Bostik is an old industrial site in Barcelona that has been repurposed as a hub for creativity and street art

Discover the legacy of Antoni Gaudí 

The legendary architect Antoni Gaudí has become synonymous with Barcelona, and no visit to the city is quite complete without witnessing his works.

Of course, the most famous of these is the magnificent yet incomplete cathedral of La Sagrada Familia. Pictures can never convey quite how impressive this building is. Come along early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and set aside at least a an hour or two to explore the interior.

La Sagrada Familia under construction, a must to see while you are on workation in Barcelona
Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia is a must to see while you are on workation in Barcelona

Another of Gaudí’s flagship achievements is Parc Guell, a sprawling labyrinth of gardens and ornate features that overlooks the city from uphill. After taking a walk around here, head up to Mirador Joan Sales just above the park for a spectacular panoramic view from the sea to the mountains.

Back in downtown Barcelona, Palau Guell located just off Las Ramblas is a unique building that Gaudí designed for the Guell family. You can climb up through the many floors of this urban palace and see the remarkable intricate features of its design.

Workation in Barcelona: Parc Guell
Looking out on the Barcelona landscape from Gaudí’s Parc Guell on my workation in Barcelona

Casa Batllo is an iconic building with the unmistakeable hand of Gaudí in its design. Inside the building you can learn its secrets at your own pace with an audio guide, exploring the hidden garden to the rear, the rooftops with city views, and its many unique features such as the ‘ribcage room’.

Casa Batllo roses Barcelona, one of the beautiful sights while on workation in Barcelona
Casa Batllo draped in roses for the Sant Jordi Festival

Explore the city’s fantastic museums and galleries

Across Barcelona you will find dozens of museums and galleries where you can become immersed in the city’s cultural heritage. By slowly exploring these during your leisure time on a workation, you can learn the stories that have made Barcelona what it is today. And it means there is plenty to do if you get unlucky with a rainy day in Barcelona!

The Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA) in the Gothic Quarter is a good place to start. In the foundations of the building are the 2,000-year-old ruins of the ancient Roman city of Barcino. 

Barcino ruins under the Barcelona History Museum, a great place to visit on workation in Barcelona
The ancient ruins of Barcino underneath the city at the Barcelona History Museum

Pablo Picasso has a close affinity with Barcelona, having spent his formative years an artist here. Before Picasso died, he bequeathed hundreds of his early works to the city, and you can see many of them at the Picasso Museum, widely considered to be one of the best museums in Europe.

To learn more about Picasso’s footprint on Barcelona you can take a Picasso walking tour, which follows his legacy around the city, including a glimpse of his only open-air work and the art school where he studied.

Picasso Museum Barcelona, where you can enjoy the legendary artisit's works while on workation in Barcelona
The Picasso Museum in Barcelona displays hundreds of the legendary artist’s works

Continuing the artistic theme, just around the corner from the Picasso Museum is the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM). Here you can find regularly refreshed exhibitions of contemporary art. On my visit I was captivated by the incredible works of Jordi Díaz Alamà, a leading local artist who has worked closely with the museum over the years and often has his work displayed there.

All of these experiences and many more are included on the Barcelona Card

Workation in Barcelona: European Museum of Art Barcelona Jordi Díaz Alamà
Workation in Barcelona: An exhibition of Jordi Díaz Alamà, a Barcelona artist, at the European Museum of Art

Discover the city’s chocolate heritage

For something a little more lighthearted while on workation in Barcelona, you can pay a visit to Museu de la Xocolata – the Chocolate Museum. Every little touch here links back to chocolate. Even the ticket to enter is a chocolate bar!

Inside you can learn all about Barcelona’s role in developing chocolate-making techniques. It was right here in Barcelona that the world’s first mechanical chocolate production was begun in 1777.

There are some magnificent chocolate sculptures, and on some days you can try chocolate-making workshops. Best of all for workationers, there is a café where you can plug in and recharge while enjoying a hot chocolate and some delicious sweet treats!

Museu Xocolata chocolate workshops Barcelona, while on workation in Barcelona
Take a chocolate-making workshop at Museu de la Xocolata as a break from your workation in Barcelona

Casa Amatller, next door to Casa Batllo, is another place where you can glimpse some of Barcelona’s chocolate-making heritage. Amatller is the city’s most famous chocolate brand, and its roots are tied to the family that once lived in this incredible building, which is one of the best examples of Catalan modernism.

You can enter and explore the building’s interior, which has been beautifully preserved, and then try some classic Amatller chocolates downstairs in the café and shop. I couldn’t resist buying some cava-flavoured truffle chocolates to take home!

Casa Amatller Gaudi
Casa Amatller is one of the city’s most iconic buildings, and is closely tied with its chocolate-making traditions

Enjoy a Barcelona sailing experience

Barcelona’s perch on the Mediterranean opens you up to a whole world of water activities on your a workation. This setting is one of the main reasons I love the city for working remotely; being next to the ocean has an inherently relaxing quality.

I went on a Barcelona sailing experience with vermut and snacks. It’s awesome to see the city from a completely different perspective – from the water! And it’s a lovely way to switch off and relax for a while after a morning’s work, and maybe meet some new people.

From our boat we could see a group of people on a paddle-surfing experience. This also looked like a lot of fun! And it’s something else to try if you want to do something more active on the water.

Paddle surfing on workation in Barcelona
You can try a paddle surfing experience on the Mediterranean in Barcelona on your workation in Barcelona

Relax on the beach (or go for a run!)

Workations give you the chance to completely relax and switch off when you have finished work, and where better to do that than the beach? Barcelona sits on 4.5 kilometres of sandy beaches, and the wider region covers some 100 kilometres more coastline to explore.

Barceloneta is the city’s most famous beach, and also the most popular and crowded. If you want a bit more peace and quiet you could head a little up the coastline to the calm beach of Llevant, stopping at other spots along the way.

The entire seafront at Barcelona is spanned by a scenic promenade, which is lovely to walk along. Rise early before work and head along here for a run, and you can enjoy a stunning Mediterranean sunrise.

Barcelona coastline beaches
Barcelona has 4.5 kilometres of beaches on the city coastline

See the light and colour shows at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

The hill of Montjuïc looms 173 metres over Barcelona and the sea from the western side of the city. It is spread with a spacious wooded park, which is another excellent spot for walks and runs before work.

But it is at night when the magic really happens at Montjuïc. Its ‘Magic Fountain’ is brought to life in a mesmerising display of light, colour and music as crowds gather around. What’s more, it’s completely open to the public! Seeing the show is definitely one of the best free things to do in Barcelona.

The timing of the show varies around the year, and you can check the schedule here

Montjuic Magic Fountain light show
The nightly light and colour show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Taste the delights of Catalonian cuisine

Food is an integral part of the culture and pace of life in Barcelona. If you are a foodie, the city is guaranteed to win you over! Think relaxed tapas on a hot afternoon, or delicious seafood straight from the ocean.

I tried some local tapas delicacies at Restaurante Casa Luz, overlooking the Plaça de la Universitat. The combination of Catalonian meats, cheeses, olive oils, breads and fish, complemented with a regional wine, is just irresistible.

Restaurante Casa Luz lunch spread in Barcelona
A tapas lunch spread at the Restaurante Casa Luz

Around the city there are hundreds upon hundreds of tapas restaurants where you can stop for an al fresco experience in the sunshine. I enjoyed a charcuterie platter and a fried aubergine dish with a glass of Catalonian craft beer at a cosy little place called Tallers 76. 

Tallers 76
Enjoying a tapas meal and Catalonian craft beer at Tallers 76

If you head away from the busiest areas you can find some wonderful hidden gems. Florent, my guide on the street art cycle tour, recommended a little-known restaurant called La Viena Blanca, run by a Filipino family but serving Catalan specialities. It’s the ideal kind of place for a leisurely lunch, with good-value menu deals.

La Viena Blanca Barcelona lunch goats cheese
A goat’s cheese salad lunch at La Viena Blanca in Barcelona

You can also visit Barcelona’s famous food markets. Mercado de La Boqueria is one of the most popular, situated along Las Ramblas. You can have a lot of fun here getting lost inside Barcelona’s largest food market and exploring the various fresh food and street food stalls.

It does get busy at La Boqueria, so if you would prefer somewhere a little off the beaten path, try Mercat de Sant Antoni. Set in a 19th century building, it has dozens of food stalls and is at the heart of a neighbourhood that is rife with coworking spaces and cafés.

La Boqueria food market
La Boqueria on Las Ramblas is Barcelona’s largest food market

Experience a festival or event

Barcelona buzzes with a constant energy all year round, fuelled by a calendar of festivals and special events. The city loves a celebration! I saw this first-hand when I was fortunate enough to be there for one of the biggest events of the year: the Sant Jordi Festival.

Sant Jordi (Saint George) Day takes place on 23 April every year in Barcelona, and combines a celebration of two things: books and roses. Streets and plazas across the city are taken over by a big open-air gathering, and clusters of stalls selling all kinds of literature and flowers.

Sant Jordi Festival Barcelona street markets
Street markets in the sunshine at the Sant Jordi Festival in Barcelona

It’s a special day for couples. You will see many walking around arm-in-arm, and partaking in the tradition of gift-giving – buying each other books and roses. The rose-giving tradition dates back to the 15th century, while books were introduced as part of the festival custom in 1930.

There’s a warm feeling of positivity in the air, and everybody seems to get involved! The facade of Casa Batllo is draped in red roses for the occasion, a fabulous sight to see.

Here are some other important festivals in Barcelona that you could incorporate into your workation:

  • Epiphany (5–6 January): a flamboyant street parade to celebrate the arrival of the three kings
  • Carnival (February/March): as famed in Rio de Janeiro, street celebrations with fancy dress and fireworks
  • Sonar Festival (June): an internationally acclaimed electronic music festival
  • Barcelona Pride (June): the city’s biggest celebration of diversity and LGBTQ rights
  • San Joan Festival (23–24 June): a huge summer celebration with fireworks and beach parties
  • Barcelona Beach Festival (July): a major electronic music festival held on Platja del Fòrum
  • Cruilla Festival (July): a wide-ranging music festival held annually in Parc del Fòrum
  • Sala Montjuïc (July/August): an open-air summer cinema held by Castle Montjuïc
  • Festes de la Mercè (September): varied celebrations across the city honouring the Patron Saint of Barcelona
  • L’Alternativa (November/December): an independent film festival with various screenings and activities

Get immersed in Barcelona’s shopping scene

If shopping is your favourite pastime, you will not be disappointed in Barcelona. Weekends are made for shopping here, and you will be amazed by the variety! Whether you are looking for high-end retail, characterful street markets or anything in between, you will find it here.

El Corte Inglés is Spain’s largest department store chain, and its most iconic outlet stands on the corner of Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona. This is where you will find top-end fashion, clothing jewellery, cosmetics and the like. 

El Corte Ingles Barcelona
El Corte Inglés is Spain’s biggest department store chain

Perusing street markets and flea markets in Barcelona may give you a more authentic shopping experience. Walking around the Gothic Quarter one evening I came across the Gòtic Antiques Market, which takes place every Thursday under the shadow of the beautiful Barcelona Cathedral.

Barcelona is home to one of Europe’s oldest flea markets: Els Encants. With origins stretching back to the 14th century, it is still held several times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays. In 2008 a new modernistic mirrored roof was built to cover the market, which is another example of the city’s contemporary architecture.

For an in-depth look into the unique shopping scene in Barcelona, check out this guide to Barcelona’s best shops.

Places to visit near Barcelona

The beauty of taking a workation in Barcelona is not just being in the city itself, but also the access you have to a world of adventure and exploration nearby.

Whether it’s discovering independent wineries, relaxing in seaside villages or refreshing yourself with a hike in the Pyrenees, there are so many ways you can unwind. All of this is within close reach of the city in the province landscapes surrounding Barcelona.

Below are some insights from my exploration of the region during my workation in Barcelona. You can also find many more different types of experiences near the city using Barcelona Much More.

Discover the wine region of Penedès

The village of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia is less than one hour’s train ride from Barcelona. This picturesque village, home to over 100 wineries, is at the heart of the Penedès wine region.

Penedès is renowned worldwide for its production of sparkling wines. In particular, the region is the world’s largest producer of cava. A whole range of wines are produced here amid the stunning beauty of the Catalan countryside.

Penedès wine region
Recaredo’s vineyards and olive trees in the Penedès wine region. Photo © Marçal Font

I was welcomed for a visit at Recaredo, one of the region’s most prestigious makers of sparkling wine. Named after its founder, Recaredo will celebrate its centenary in 2024.

Today, Recaredo is still very much a family winery, with an ethos of togetherness and a dedication to organic processes. It is clear that everyone who works here is considered a part of the family.

Everything in the wine-making process from start to finish is done manually. It is one of the world’s only wineries that riddles and degorges every bottle by hand, which is an amazing process to see. Check out the video below:

YouTube video

After being shown around the cellars and learning all about the techniques, it was time to try some of the wine, accompanied with some regional delicacies. This is the fun part! And the tastes did not disappoint. 

An exploration of Penedès, such as with a tour at Recaredo, is a wonderful way to disconnect for a while when taking a step back from work.

Explore the quaint seaside town of Sitges

The coastline of the Barcelona region is dotted with scenic towns and villages where you can relax, explore, and immerse in Mediterranean culture. One of these is Sitges, nestled in a bay among glorious beaches, and built on the foundations of a long and fascinating history. And you can reach it in just a 35-minute train ride from Barcelona.

Our guide to visiting Sitges covers everything you need to know before planning a trip. Here we will take a look at a few highlights of our time there.

Sitges old town
The old town of Sitges looks over the Mediterranean seafront

Sitges makes a great option to base yourself for a workation outside of the city. It has close links with the airport and into Barcelona. There are some compelling accommodation options around the town. For example, you could take a workation with family or a group of friends in luxurious surroundings at Utopia Villas

Utopia Villas Sitges
Utopia Villas in Sitges provide a luxurious environment for a working retreat

In Sitges you will find some of the most incredible seafood in the vicinity of Barcelona. I had a meal at Fragata, a restaurant just by the seafront, and was blown away by the ceviche and the tuna carpaccio.

The old town in Sitges is a riddle of winding cobbled streets and steep passageways. It has a relaxed feel, but it springs to life in February and March, when the town is the heart of the party for Carnival.

Ceviche La Fragata
Ceviche at La Fragata restaurant on the Sitges seafront

The legendary Spanish painter and poet Santiago Rusiñol spent much of his life in Sitges. He established the museum of Museu Cau Ferrat, where you can peruse his works and learn about his leading role in the Catalan Modernist Movement.

At sundown in Sitges, at the end of a fulfilling day, you can take a reinvigorating walk along Passeig Maritim, the seafront promenade. Finally, finish off with a glass of wine in a characterful bar around the old town.

Sitges sunset views
Watching the sunset at Sitges, near Barcelona

For more inspiration on how to take a workation in Barcelona, keep on our blog for workation itinerary ideas, and in-depth articles on things to see and do around the city.

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Barcelona is the perfect city for remote working. This guide introduces how to make the most of it on a workation in Barcelona. #workation #barcelonaworkation #workfrombarcelona

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