What to do in autumn in Catalonia?
Autumn in Catalonia is a time of transformation, when the forests are dressed in warm colors and the landscape invites exploration. With mild temperatures and a special light, this season is perfect for enjoying hiking trails, visiting charming towns and participating in traditional activities such as the Castanyada. It is an ideal time to discover the nature, culture and gastronomy of the region in a quieter and more authentic atmosphere.
Routes and excursions
Hiking trails to enjoy the autumn colors
One of the biggest attractions of autumn in Catalonia is the possibility of walking its paths and forests, immersed in a palette of colors ranging from intense yellow to the deepest red. Some of the most recommended routes include Montseny, which is a Biosphere Reserve and offers paths suitable for all levels, surrounded by beech and oak trees that are dyed in spectacular colors. Another essential place is the Fageda d'en Jordà, in the Garrotxa region, where you can stroll among centuries-old beech trees and dormant volcanoes, while enjoying a fairytale landscape.
Natural parks and protected spaces to explore
In addition to hiking routes, Catalonia has several natural parks where you can enjoy autumn in all its splendor. The Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park offers impressive mountain landscapes with its characteristic limestone mountain range, ideal for excursions and bird watching. Els Ports Natural Park, with its spectacular rock formations, is another perfect place to explore at this time of year. These parks are not only places of great beauty, but also host a rich biodiversity that can be calmly observed at this time of the year.
Activities such as mushroom picking
Autumn is the season par excellence for mushroom picking, an activity deeply rooted in Catalan culture. The forests of Berguedà, Montseny and the regions of Garrotxa and Ripollès are privileged places to find a wide variety of species, such as the sardines, ceps or the camagrocs. Many families and fans take advantage of the weekends to go into the woods with a basket and a knife, enjoying an activity that connects them with nature and allows them to discover the diversity of the territory. In addition, many restaurants offer dishes based on fresh mushrooms, a delicacy that can only be enjoyed at this time.
Autumn festivals and fairs
Autumn is also the time of the Castanyada, a traditional Catalan festival celebrated on October 31. This festival, which has ancient roots, is characterized by the custom of eating roasted chestnuts, panels and sweet potatoes. In many towns, the squares are filled with stalls offering these products, creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere. The Castanyada is an occasion to gather with family and friends, around the table or in popular activities such as the popular castanyadas and panellet competitions.
Gastronomic and craft fairs
The fairs are another of the great protagonists of autumn in Catalonia. In Osona, for example, the Seva Mushroom Fair is held, where you can taste and buy different types of mushrooms, as well as participate in activities related to their collection and cooking. At the same time, the Chestnut Fair takes place in Viladrau, with workshops, tastings and stalls of local products. These fairs are an opportunity to get to know the seasonal gastronomy up close and enjoy a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Special celebrations related to wine culture
The harvest is another of the highlights of the Catalan autumn, especially in wine-growing areas such as Penedès, Empordà and Terra Alta. During this period, many wineries organize activities related to the grape harvest, such as wine tastings, guided tours and even days to actively participate in the harvest. These experiences allow you to learn first-hand about the wine-making process and enjoy landscapes of vineyards dyed with autumn colors. In addition, you can discover signature wines and indigenous varieties that are true gastronomic gems.
Heritage and history
Visit to castles, monasteries and other historical buildings
Catalonia is a land rich in historical heritage, and autumn is an ideal time to visit its castles, monasteries and other emblematic buildings. Among the most outstanding are the Castle of Cardona, surrounded by mountains and forests that turn golden at this time, or the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, located in Alt Empordà, with spectacular views over Cap de Creus. These places, steeped in legend and history, take on a special charm in the soft light and colors of autumn.
Museums and cultural routes for rainy days
Rainy days also have their appeal in autumn, when it is ideal to take refuge in museums and cultural spaces. The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) in Barcelona offers an impressive collection that includes works of the Catalan Romanesque, while the Dalí Museum in Figueres allows you to delve into the surrealist universe of the genius from Emporda. For those who want to discover the industrial history of the region, the Museu de la Colònia Vidal in Puig-reig offers a unique insight into life in the textile colonies during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Charming towns: Besalú, Rupit, Montblanc, etc.
Catalonia is full of charming towns that, during autumn, become real living paintings. Besalú, with its cobbled streets and famous medieval bridge, is a perfect place to stroll and enjoy the calm of this era. Rupit, located in a mountainous environment, offers a unique experience with its stone houses and its fairytale landscape. Montblanc, known for its medieval walls, celebrates the Fira de Sant Martí in autumn, where you can enjoy its gastronomy and local crafts. These towns, among many others, offer a perfect combination of heritage, nature and tradition.
