Map
7 ideas, picked for these days
Two summer nights in Andorra: Caldea, the Tristaina lakes and the villages of La Massana
On the night of the 23rd Andorra la Vella receives the Flama del Canigó and the fallaires bring the falles down through the centre; Escaldes, where the hotel is, lights its own. Tristaina opens at the end of June and there may be snow up high.
A night in La Pobla de Segur: Tren dels Llacs one way and a ferrata or river the next day
The historic Lakes Train runs on Saturdays until the end of June, before summer swaps it for the panoramic one. Go up to Lleida on an early train from Sants; Collegats rafting starts in July, so Sunday is for the via ferrata.
A weekend in Alquézar: canyoning, walkways and Somontano wine
In June the Vero still runs with spring water and guided canyoning is in season. The 24th is a working day in Aragon, so the walkways have fewer people; go in first thing, before the heat.
A weekend in the medieval Empordà, based in Peratallada
From May to August the balloon goes up daily at dawn over the Baix Empordà, and in June the light arrives before seven. The short nights leave time to dine out in Peratallada and Pals beach is a quarter of an hour away.
Lower Aran: rafting in the morning, caviar in the afternoon
On the night of the 23rd Les burns the Haro, a fir trunk some twelve metres tall, in the village square: it is one of the UNESCO Pyrenean fire festivals. In the morning, rafting on the Garonne, which at the end of spring runs with more water.
Sunset sail and rice at Can Solé
If you stay in the city, the sailing boat on the 24th sails with the beach empty after the revetlla. In June the sun sets after nine, so the departure is late and dinner at Can Solé is booked very late.
Sitges: seafront promenade and rice
At the end of June the water is already bearable and the beach is not yet the August one. The R2 Sud saves you the C-32 on the morning of the 24th; the Sitges museums are closed on Mondays and the Maricel on Tuesdays.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Where can you see falles on Sant Joan night near Barcelona?
In Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany, with the Flama del Canigó and the falles coming down through the centre, and in Les, in Aran, where the Haro is burned in the square. They are three and four hours away by car.
Is it a good time for swimming on the coast?
Yes. At the end of June the water is already warm and the beaches of Sitges and Garraf do not yet have the July and August crowds. Go on the R2 Sud so you do not have to look for parking.
What is best to book furthest ahead?
Accommodation in Andorra and Aran, which fills for the revetlla. Then the Empordà balloon, the Alquézar walkways and the Lakes Train.
Is there snow in the Pyrenees at Sant Joan?
There may be some on the peaks and the highest lakes, especially after a winter of heavy snow. The Tristaina ones are considered open from late June to late September.