Catalonia, the place to be this summer

This summer everything seems to be finally going back to normal, as can be seen by the positive forecasts for the tourist industry. But if there is one thing that demonstrates the return to the much-desired normality, it is the powerful offering of summer festivals and cultural events that turn Catalonia into a cultural hub in Europe and provide many tourists what they are looking for.

The sun and beach holidays on which the tourism in the sixties and seventies was based has been obsolete for a few decades. Today, there are ever more public and private promoters offering music, performance arts festivals, cultural and leisure events as well as tourist routes that appeal to hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. We all missed them during the pandemic shutdown and they are much needed.

In this issue you will find a lot of these proposals in an extensive guide to the best summer festivals around Catalonia offering the most unique line-ups in Europe (pages 14-29). You will also find a series of the most attractive holiday suggestions, including walking tours, guided visits, itineraries and activities in exceptional natural spots and centres of heritage for all those who want to spend their summer holidays in Catalonia (pages 30-46).

The common denominator is quality. Catalonia takes pride in being a top European holiday destination and this year, once again, it lives up to its reputation. The country is able to offer top cultural events to satisfy even the most demanding audiences. At the same time, the Catalan coast, the Pyrenees and the main cities have put great efforts into attracting quality tourism able to value the local landscapes, culture, history, architecture and gastronomy. Summer festivals and cultural programming also help to reduce the risks associated with mass tourism. The promotion of local tourism and leisure has become an indispensable element in helping to achieve a sustainable tourism model for the future. The competition is fierce and every year the local tourist sector has to fight to keep Catalonia among the continent’s and the world’s best destinations.

Don’t miss the chance for fun, and please enjoy your summer!