Barcelona Highlights and Beyond: Our 5-Day Itinerary Including Montserrat and Scuba Diving

Barcelona is a very well-known and essential Spanish city to visit. As the capital of Catalonia, it’s celebrated for its remarkable architecture, especially the creations of Antoni Gaudí, like the still-unfinished Sagrada Família. The city also boasts a lively cultural atmosphere, with Las Ramblas offering a bustling promenade filled with street performers, shops, and cafes. Notably, Barcelona has its own distinct language, Catalan, which is spoken alongside Spanish, highlighting the region’s unique cultural identity.

Before our trip to Barcelona, we watched many videos suggesting the city is dangerous and that thefts are frequent. There are well-known videos showing women securing their bags tightly, storing their jewelry in safes, putting tracking devices on their children, or even blocking hotel doors to prevent them from being opened. In my view, this is an exaggeration. We spent five days in Barcelona and didn’t encounter anything like that, nor did we hear of any such incidents from others. A few times, Tin and I got separated because one of us got distracted, yet there was no sense of danger. It’s always wise to stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings, but we never felt particularly unsafe. We explored much of the city on foot, even venturing through some less clean neighborhoods, but there was nothing dangerous—just dirty and a bit smelly.

On our first day, we decided to rent a car for one day since we planned to go scuba diving in Lloret de Mar the following day. The bus schedules didn’t align with our plans, so we decided to rent a car near the airport for a comparable price. We would return the car the next day and then take a bus from the airport to the city. We found a cheap rental through Drivalia, but the experience wasn’t entirely smooth due to long wait times. First, we waited about half an hour at the airport for a shuttle to take us to the rental agency, and once there, we waited about an hour before the staff finally called us to complete the rental. There wasn’t anyone else in line ahead of us; we were just waiting for the staff to finish something on their laptops… Although this was a bit frustrating, the car itself was fine, so we eventually let it go. The rental for the day cost us around 30 euros, and we spent another 10 euros to refuel before returning it the next day.

In Barcelona, we explored many interesting and iconic spots, including Park Güell, Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Montjuïc Castle, the Cathedral, Las Ramblas, La Boqueria market, and Barceloneta beach. We also attended a Flamenco show one evening, and spent a day on a trip to Montserrat, which included lunch at a nearby winery. We dedicated one day to a trip to Lloret de Mar for scuba diving and discovering the underwater world—something not everyone might include in their itinerary. We’re really glad we did because the dive sites were stunning, and we encountered plenty of marine life.

Itinerary

Malaga – Barcelona, 30th September, 13:30 – 15:05
Barcelona – Ibiza, 5th October, 17:40 – 18:45

Accommodation: Residència Erasmus Gracia = 624,50e for 5 nights

Day 1

On our first day, we landed in Barcelona around 3 PM, and as I mentioned earlier, it took us quite some time to rent a car and reach the hotel. We arranged for parking at the hotel for an additional 20 euros for that one day. After leaving the car and our luggage, we immediately set out to explore the city. 

There was a metro station very close to our hotel, so we went straight in and bought tickets. We got 10-ride tickets for 12 euros each. I have to say, the metro system is efficient, but it’s also very hot and stuffy. The ventilation doesn’t seem great, so each time we rode, we had to brace ourselves for temperatures about 10 degrees higher than outside.

We got off at the station near La Boqueria market. Since we weren’t very hungry, we decided to grab some fresh juices and fruit. The juices were really delicious—I had mango, though I can’t remember what Tin had. It was fascinating to see the wide variety of things available, with almost everything you could think of. The only downside was the large crowd, both locals and tourists, making it difficult to move around. Interestingly, the prices at the entrance were higher than inside, so it’s a good idea to take a walk around before buying anything to find the best deals. That’s what we did with both the fruit and the juices.

Day 2

We were driven to the marina where we finalized our equipment setup and boarded the boat. The journey to the dive site was short, and the boat ride offered us plenty of stunning views of the coastline.

We were driven to the marina where we finalized our equipment setup and boarded the boat. The journey to the dive site was short, and the boat ride offered us plenty of stunning views of the coastline.

Between the two dives, we went back to the marina to switch out the tanks. They handled everything for us; all we needed to do was take a restroom break and relax a bit. We had something to eat, drank some water, and after a sufficient rest, we headed to the second dive site.

Once we finished the dive there, a car came to pick us up again and took us back to the center. We paid 200 euros and then began our journey back. Both dive sites were stunning, located in areas with towering rocks that almost reached the water’s surface. It was incredible to dive around these rocks and observe marine life. The water was so clear that visibility was excellent. I can’t praise the sea there enough; I’d love to return and dive there every day.

Day 3

On the third day, we began with a tasty breakfast at the hotel, followed by an early departure to explore Barcelona’s top attractions. Our first stop was the Sagrada Familia, where we chose to admire the exterior without going inside the church. The journey to the church would have taken about half an hour by metro or 40 minutes on foot, so we decided to walk (the metro was hot and stuffy).

We started our walk to the church shortly after 8 AM, and initially, the streets were empty. However, as it got closer to 9 AM, more parents with children began to fill the streets. It became crowded, requiring us to be cautious at times. We also passed through some neighborhoods that were a bit dirtier and less well-kept, which is expected in a large and popular city like Barcelona.

Although we had seen many photos of the church, seeing it in person left us awestruck and speechless. It is filled with various details and motifs, so we spent more than half an hour observing it and walking around it. Some of the features and decorations on the church were a bit puzzling, but that’s likely intentional—to make the church grand, unique, and a true representation of Barcelona. While it’s hard to single out one thing that impressed me the most, the Stations of the Cross and the numerous beautiful towers left a lasting impression.

After we had thoroughly explored the church, we set off on foot towards Park Güell. We purchased our tickets through the Get Your Guide app, which we paid 26 euros, which offered the same price as all other options we checked. The walk to the park took us about half an hour, and since we arrived before it opened, we decided to have coffee at a nearby café.

The park was a fantastic experience; we toured everything that Güell had designed and were thoroughly impressed. One of the park’s most iconic elements is the mosaic-covered dragon, or “el drac”, which stands guard over the main staircase. This vibrant sculpture perfectly illustrates Gaudí’s playful use of symbolism and nature-inspired forms. The colorful dragon is a popular souvenir and a well-known symbol of Barcelona.

After thoroughly enjoying everything in the park, we made our way to two more of Gaudí’s renowned works, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló. While both are outstanding, I found Casa Batlló to be much more beautiful.

After so much walking, we were starving, so we searched for a place to eat near Casa Batlló. We settled on the Txapela Passeig de Gracia restaurant, where we ordered a variety of tapas and each had a beer and spent 35 euros for all of it. We ate so much that it was almost difficult to keep going afterward. The food was excellent. The best part about tapas is that you can order around ten, try a variety of dishes by sharing, and avoid overeating or leaving anything unfinished.

What followed lunch was probably the funniest experience we had in Barcelona. We went to Plaça de Catalunya, which was full of pigeons. We had a sandwich with us, so we fed them a bit. But the most hilarious moment came when a man arrived with a bag of seeds, and as soon as he threw them, a swarm of about a thousand pigeons flew to that one spot. It was wild! I couldn’t decide whether I was more scared or just fascinated and amused, but it was definitely an exciting experience.

Afterward, we strolled down the entire length of Las Ramblas and then stopped at a Starbucks in Plaça de Sant Jaume where we spent 15.5 euros. We needed a break from all the walking, but we also had to attend lectures for a diving course we were taking in Croatia at the time. We brought a tablet to follow the theory lessons online. Along with our coffee and juice, we tried the Carrot Cake and were absolutely thrilled with it.

Day 4

In the morning, we left the hotel a bit later than the day before, taking the metro first and then walking uphill to the cable car that leads to Montjuïc Park and Castle. We purchased our cable car tickets via the Get Your Guide app, spending a total of 30 euros for both. The cable car starts operating at 9:15 a.m., and we were there right when it opened.

Riding the cable car was a highlight, offering us a great view of Barcelona. That was definitely the best part of visiting the park and castle. We also bought entrance tickets for the fortress, costing 18 euros for both, and toured the fortress. We learned about its construction and purpose, but again, the most impressive aspect was the panoramic view of Barcelona from the roof. We could easily spot the Gothic Quarter and the Sagrada Família, which stood out prominently.

We thought about having coffee at the fortress but decided instead to head back to the city for a meal. We walked to Guell Tapas restaurant, and despite the name, we opted for paella. Mine was seafood paella, and Tin’s had sausages. Knowing that paella is a traditional Spanish dish, we had to try it and were pleased with the taste. We ended up spending 41 euros for the food and drinks, which wasn’t the cheapest but was reasonable for Barcelona and also delicious.

After our meal, we had some time to walk to Barceloneta Beach, the most famous beach in Barcelona, mostly artificially created for the Olympics. It’s now a popular spot for both locals and tourists to relax. We weren’t planning to swim, as we had the Tipsy Food Walking Tour coming up later. We spent a little time sitting on the beach and then headed to La Carioca restaurant, where we had coffee and smoothies. Unfortunately, mine wasn’t the best because it contained celery or spinach, which I didn’t enjoy, but Tin’s fruity smoothie was excellent.

Following our drinks, we made our way to the meeting point for the Tipsy Tour, which we had booked via the Get Your Guide app for 78 euros. We felt this was a very good price considering the experience: sampling food and drinks at four lovely restaurants with rich histories and outstanding culinary offerings.

I have to give high praise to our guide, Sky, who was incredibly energetic and provided us with a wealth of information about Barcelona and Catalonia culture, daily life, cuisine, and history. We visited four outstanding restaurants. Our first stop was Callejon, where we enjoyed Croquetas filled with cheese and paired with jam—absolutely delicious. We also received a glass of wine selected by the chef to start the tour.

After that, we headed to Sagas, where we sampled traditional Patatas Bravas (not fries!) and Pan con Tomate (not bruschetta!), and were once again thoroughly impressed. We also had some Vermouth with our meal. Despite already feeling full, we looked forward to the next two restaurants where we would experience more fantastic dishes.

At Euskal Etxea, we could choose any two tapas from the selection and enjoyed a local beer with our food. Lastly, we visited Tapes, where we had Seafood Paella and a local cava for a toast. Both were absolutely delightful.

Even though we were a bit tipsy, which might sound appealing to some, it was truly a wonderful experience. We were part of a group of great people and had a lot of fun not just hearing about Barcelona from Sky but also learning about the culture from the other participants. Food and drinks are a fantastic way to experience a place’s culture, and honestly, we wouldn’t have discovered such excellent restaurants on our own.

We had an amazing time and I would recommend this activity to anyone. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, they can provide non-alcoholic options. The real value lies in the food and the stories that the cuisine, culture, and the streets we walked through bring to life.

After bidding farewell to several people in the group following an extended chat (Sky had already departed), we took the metro back to our hotel. It had been a delightful day, and we needed to rest up for the next one.

Day 5

This day was planned for a visit to Montserrat, followed by a trip to the Oller del Mas winery for a three-course lunch and wine tasting. We booked it on the Get Your Guide app and paid 210 euros for both of us. With an early departure at 8 a.m., we had breakfast very early and took the metro to the Barcelona Nord bus station. There, we located our agency’s counter and checked in. A representative directed us to the station where our bus would depart. Once everyone gathered, we set off. The journey took nearly two hours, during which we rested a bit and listened to information about the history of Barcelona, Catalonia, and Montserrat.

Montserrat is known for its distinctive, jagged peaks resembling saw teeth, making it a popular spot for both nature lovers and pilgrims. It is home to the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat, one of Catalonia’s most significant religious sites. The abbey houses the well-known statue of La Moreneta, or the Black Madonna, which is believed to have miraculous powers and attracts thousands of pilgrims annually.

In addition to its spiritual and natural significance, Montserrat is rich in cultural heritage. The monastery hosts a boys’ choir, the Escolania de Montserrat, one of the oldest in Europe, which performs daily.

Since all the choir tickets were sold out, we explored the church, which is stunning, with the sculpture of Jesus leaving the strongest impression. The face of the sculpture is recessed, creating an optical illusion that makes it seem as though it is watching you from every angle. After visiting the church, we took a walk around the courtyard and lit a candle for dear friends, with a private intention in mind.

In addition to its religious importance, Montserrat is also known for its stunning natural beauty. The mountain is famous for its extensive network of hiking trails that weave through the landscape, leading to caves, hermitages, and various viewpoints.

Our guide pointed us toward a viewpoint with a cross on the top we had noticed on a nearby hill, which seemed quite distant. Ultimately, it took us around 15 minutes to walk there, and it was well worth it. The view was spectacular, and we spent some time enjoying it before heading back.

With plenty of free time left, we explored the local stalls and sampled various regional products. I especially enjoyed the fresh cheese with honey, so I bought a portion to snack on.

In a nearby shop, we picked up chocolates and spreads as souvenirs for family and friends, as well as for ourselves to enjoy at home while reminiscing about our wonderful trip.

The whole experience at Montserrat was remarkable, and I would highly recommend this excursion to anyone. It was intriguing to see how a pilgrimage site and monastery were established in such a remote location and to witness how pilgrims still make the journey there on foot every year to pray for their intentions. Everything about the place is truly admirable.

After finishing our tour, we gathered back at the parking lot and headed to the Oller del Mas winery, a historic estate that has been in the same family for over a thousand years. We quickly settled at the tables and were promptly served lunch.

The lunch was delicious, though the portions were a bit small. The soup was quite unique, as it was cold and sour—made from tomatoes—but surprisingly tasty. The main course was very good, though I would have appreciated a slightly larger serving (we only received ONE asparagus!), and the dessert was enjoyable.

After lunch, we took a brief break before moving on to a wine tasting and a tour of the winery. Our guide walked us through the winemaking process, how the grapevines are tended, and the history of the estate. We then gathered in a large room in the cellar to taste three very flavorful wines. The experience was excellent, especially because our guide shared the story of the wine and its production in such an engaging manner.

Around 6pm, we departed the winery and made our way back to Barcelona, arriving at about 7pm. Exhausted from the day’s activities, we didn’t spend much time in the city—we took the metro and returned to the hotel to rest.

Day 6

The last day was fairly relaxed with almost no activities planned. We slept in and checked out of the hotel as late as we could. Since our bus to the airport was departing from Plaça d’Espanya, we made our way there, stored our luggage nearby, and took a walk from the square to the National Art Museum of Catalonia, though we didn’t go inside. Instead, we sat in front of the museum and enjoyed the view.

We stored our luggage at Stow Your Bags, paying 7 euros for the few hours it was there. Around 2 p.m., we headed to the airport, we paid 13.5 euros for the tickets, bidding farewell to Barcelona with the hope of returning someday.