Map
8 ideas, picked for these days
Two summer nights in Andorra: Caldea, the Tristaina lakes and the villages of La Massana
In August the Tristaina lakes are free of snow and swimming is allowed in the upper one; the cable car runs daily in high summer. Caldea is open all year for the afternoon, and on the way back you avoid the border queue by leaving early.
A weekend in the Ripollès: Romanesque monasteries and the Núria rack railway
Núria is at almost two thousand metres: in the height of August you eat in the cool and it usually turns fresher in the afternoon. In summer the rack railway runs more trains than in low season, but on the 15th buy your ticket online and check the timetable beforehand.
A night in the Montsec from Barcelona: the Parc Astronòmic, a Starlight masia and the Congost de Mont-rebei
The Perseids peak around 12 and 13 August, and on the 15th shooting stars still cross the Montsec's Starlight sky. Mont-rebei, first thing: the La Masieta car park opens at 7:30 and can be booked up to the day before.
A weekend in Siurana and the Priorat: cliff, reservoir and vineyards
In summer the kayak on the Siurana reservoir is rented every day from ten to seven, and the green water under the crag is the best place for the afternoon. The Camí de la Trona, on the other hand, is done early: the ledge is in full sun for much of the day.
Ordino in summer: three lakes in the morning, a mine in the afternoon
July and August are the Tristaina months: the three lakes free of snow, swimming in the upper one and the daily cable car. On the days it runs, the road to la Coma is closed from 8:30 to 17:00, so go up early or by cable car.
Lower Aran: rafting in the morning, caviar in the afternoon
The family stretch of the Garonne, from Les to Pont de Rei, can be rafted all summer from age six, and in July and August the time is confirmed when you book. The Caviar Nacarii tasting has fixed days: ask beforehand.
Berguedà by motorbike: Coll de la Creueta and a mountain table
Up at the Coll de la Creueta, at 1,921 metres, it is more than ten degrees cooler than in Barcelona. On August Sundays the road fills with cars and motorhomes at midday: leave Berga at eight and have lunch at Cal Pericas, on the way down.
Escape room, six beers and vermouth
If the long weekend catches you in the city, this is a plan under cover: the escape room and the tasting in the cellar of the Moritz Factory dodge the hot hours. Morro Fi does not take bookings, and with half of Barcelona away there is room at the bar.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Where is it least hot near Barcelona in August?
In the Pyrenees: Núria, at almost 2,000 metres; the Tristaina lakes, in Andorra, above 2,200; and the Coll de la Creueta, at 1,921. Arrive early and come down before the afternoon storms.
Where can you see the Perseids from Barcelona?
In the Montsec, which has a Starlight sky and an astronomical park with night sessions. The peak is around 12 and 13 August, and the moon matters as much as the date.
Is there somewhere to swim without going to the beach?
Yes. The Siurana reservoir rents kayaks daily in summer, the upper Tristaina lake allows swimming and the Garonne can be rafted from age six.
What is there to do in Barcelona on 15 August?
Around that date the Gràcia festival begins. For the heat, plans under cover such as an escape room, the tasting at the Moritz Factory and a vermouth in Sant Antoni.