Barcelona’s rise from pre-Olympic obscurity has been breathtaking. If you want to get beyond its hotspots, take an innovative tour exploring the art, culture and cuisine of the city’s more colourful ’hoods.
It was the Olympics, 25 years ago, that transformed Barcelona into one of the world’s great destinations. The city emerged proud and self-assured, unveiling a formidable cultural landscape: one of the best-preserved medieval quarters in Europe; eclectic and art nouveau (‘modernista’) architecture stamped by genius; the Ramblas, a broad boulevard to rival those in Paris; a football team that’s the envy of all Europe; and a nightlife that’s entered clubbing folklore. Of course, this was too good to last without some consequences. Barcelona, like London, Paris and New York, has become a victim of its own success; tourists can overwhelm the Ramblas, and iconic landmarks, like Casa Milà, have turned into extravagant backdrops for hordes of travellers to congregate in front of and take selfies. However, it’s the mark of a great city that there are always new places to discover.
Gràcia
Orwell and Picasso thought his work was ‘hideous’, but with eight of his buildings declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, Antoni Gaudí is having the last laugh. Each year a whopping 3.7 million tourists visit his unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, with donations funding work to complete the cathedral by the centenary of Gaudí’s death in 2026. Another 2.7 million visit Park Güell’s dreamlike kaleidoscope of parabolic arches, and hallucinatory ceramic decorations.
Esta historia es de la edición July / August 2017 de National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July / August 2017 de National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
DIRECTORY
Lush Paul Valley, located at the foot of the COVA crater, is surrounded by rocky peaks, constituting one of the most spectacular landscapes of the island of Santo Antão.
CLIMBING KILIMANJARO
To summit Kilimanjaro is an expedition of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or a first-timer, there are key questions to consider before tackling the Tanzanian peak.
SEARCHING FOR BIGFOOT
TO VISIT OREGON IS TO EMBRACE THE ELEMENTAL POSSIBILITY OF BIGFOOT, THE HAIRY, HUMAN-LIKE MYTHICAL CREATURE. THE PROSPECT AND THRILL OF THE CHASE MAKES THE AREA'S THICK FORESTS, GURGLING CREEKS AND SCENIC HIKING TRAILS A TRUE WALK ON THE WILD SIDE.
FOR THE BIRDS
A visit to the Scottish Highlands offers one of the best bird- and wildlife-watching experiences in the UK, with the promise of rare encounters with unique species.
ON THE WATER
From swimming to standup paddleboarding, boating to biking, here's how to have the ultimate adventure on and around six of world's most beautiful lakes.
HOW I GOT THE SHOT
PHOTOGRAPHER MATT DUTILE ON SNAPPING THE FROZEN CONTINENT'S CHARISMATIC WILDLIFE FOR OUR MAY ISSUE
THE EVOLVING GAP YEAR
FROM ENHANCING A CV TO BENEFITTING A LOCAL COMMUNITY OR TRAVELLING WITH PURPOSE, THE MOTIVES FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE A GAP YEAR ARE INCREASINGLY NUANCED.
VALLETTA
In Malta’s harbour-framed capital, a rich and evolving art scene unfolds among honeyed baroque facades, echoing the global influences that have shaped the city over the centuries
A timeless city
Wander through artistic alleyways and along modern beachfronts in South Korea’s second city — a place where tradition and innovationgo hand in hand.
SANDS OF TIME
COVERING AROUND 800,000 SQUARE MILES, ALGERIA'S SHARE OF THE SAHARA TAKES UP OVER 80% OF THE COUNTRY - THE VOLCANIC PEAKS, CANYONS AND VAST SAND SEAS FORM A STRIKING BACKDROP TO OASIS CITIES AND UNIQUE NORTH AFRICAN CULTURES
