The tourist boards of Barcelona, Barcelona Province and Catalunya have joined forces to unveil ‘Greater Barcelona’ – a brand new tourism proposition which promotes a Barcelona that is both the city and beyond.

‘Greater Barcelona’ has been designed to showcase that Barcelona is much more than the well-known Gaudi streets and urban boardwalks of the Catalan capital.

It’s a unique tourism offering which incorporates and celebrates the culture, landscape, gastronomy and history of Sitges, Calella, Manresa, Berga, Vic and many more unique locations.

It also aims to change the common perception that Barcelona is only a city, when in reality it offers visitors so much more.

The engineers behind this new offering, Jordi Carnes, chief executive of Barcelona Tourist Board and Francesc Vila, general manager of Tourism at Barcelona Province Council, have outlined why they believe ‘Barcelona is much more’ and what there is to experience both in and beyond the city.

As the capital of Catalonia – ‘the European Region of Gastronomy 2016’ – it is no surprise Barcelona has it all when it comes to food.

The destination is home to 29 Michelin starred restaurants, holding 35 stars between them.

Equally visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to hidden tapas bars, local food markets like La Boqueria and Vic’s market, and dining in some of the most innovative restaurants in the world.

Perfectly complementing Barcelona’s gastronomic offering, the area is also home to four Denominations of Origin when it comes to wine and Cava.
Alella, Penedès, Pla de Bages and Cava are all responsible for producing some of the world’s best sparkling wine.

The stretching vineyards are easily accessible from the city centre via public transport and are unmissable for budding sommeliers and wine connoisseurs.

For families who love to be by the seaside or for those in search of a little rest and relaxation, Costa Barcelona is also home to miles of golden sandy beaches.

The perfect backdrop to a family day out, Barcelona’s 100km of beaches are ideal for sailing, yachting, kayaking, surfing and scuba-diving, and for those who want a slightly slower pace, there are plenty of marinas, clubs and restaurants to sit back, relax, and enjoy.

There is also accommodation to suit every need and taste, from luxe hotels and apartments to hostels, camping and glamping sites to country houses and remote farmhouses to picturesque mountain cabins.