Things to do in Catalonia at least once in your life

There are experiences that cannot be bought, only felt. The kind that, years later, you still recount at dinner parties with a smile that appears all by itself. If I had to choose five activities that everyone should do at least once in their life, these would be on my list without a second thought. They are adventure, adrenaline and moments that change you from within.

1. Tour Barcelona by limousine at night

The first time I got into a limousine in Barcelona, I thought it would be a bit over the top. Spoiler alert: it was… but in the best possible way. We left the city centre and within minutes we were driving down Paseo de Gracia with the lights reflecting off the tinted windows. The feeling is hard to explain: the city is still the same, but you see it from a different perspective.

When we drove along the coast and saw the sparkle of the sea next to Port Olímpic, with music playing inside and toasting with friends, I realised that it wasn’t just for show. It’s about experiencing Barcelona at night as a participant, not a spectator. If you’re looking for something to do in Barcelona for a special occasion — a birthday, a stag or hen party, or simply to celebrate life — this is an experience that will leave its mark.

2. Go jet skiing in Roses and experience the Mediterranean to the fullest

There is a precise moment when you accelerate a jet ski and the world becomes simple. Water, engine and horizon. It happened to me in Roses, on the Costa Brava. At first I was cautious, I won’t lie to you. But as soon as you leave the bay and start to feel the jet ski cutting through the waves, something changes.

I remember stopping for a few seconds in the middle of the sea. Silence. Just the sound of the water gently lapping against the hull and the sun reflecting off the rocky coves. Then you accelerate again and feel that mixture of adrenaline and absolute freedom. If you’re looking for water activities such as jet skiing in Roses or different things to do on the Costa Brava, jet ski hire is one of those things you simply have to try at least once.

3. Sleep under the stars in the Moroccan desert

I will never forget my first night in the Sahara Desert in Morocco. After hours in a 4×4 and a camel ride at sunset, the sun began to set and the sky turned orange, then violet, then deep black.

What is impressive is not the silence—although that too—but the sky. You never see so many stars in the city. There, they seem to multiply. We sat around a small bonfire, someone started playing a drum, and suddenly you realise that you don’t need mobile coverage, or Wi-Fi, or anything. Just to be present.

Travelling to the desert is a transformative experience. It disconnects you from mental noise and forces you to slow down. If you’ve ever thought about taking a different kind of trip, sleeping in the Moroccan desert is pure adventure and a lesson in humility.

4. Hot air balloon ride at dawn over La Garrotxa

There is something magical about getting up when it is still dark to go flying. In the region of La Garrotxa, famous for its dormant volcanoes, I had my first hot air balloon flight. At first, it is impressive to see how that huge fabric is inflated with fire roaring every few seconds.

And then, without realising it, you’re floating.

There is no vertigo. There are no jolts. Just a gentle sensation of rising as the sun begins to peek over the horizon. From above, the fields look like models and the volcanoes look like peaceful hills that hold ancient stories.

I remember the exact moment when the sun came up completely and bathed everything in golden light. No one spoke. It was one of those shared silences that say more than any words could. If you are looking for unique experiences in Catalonia or romantic and different plans, flying in a hot air balloon in La Garrotxa is simply unforgettable.

5. Take a campervan trip along the cliffs of Asturias

There’s something special about improvising. Renting a camper van and touring the coast of Asturias was one of those last-minute decisions that end up becoming legendary. No hotels booked, no strict schedules. Just the road and a desire to discover.

We slept facing endless cliffs, had breakfast overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, and were surprised by more than one storm that forced us to take refuge inside with blankets and hot coffee. And, curiously, those “imperfect” moments were the best.

The freedom to decide on the fly where to stop, pull over at a hidden beach or stay and watch the sunset without rushing is priceless. If you’re wondering what to do in Asturias beyond the usual activities, a campervan route along the coast is an adventure that combines nature, disconnection and that feeling of being exactly where you want to be.

Living experiences that leave a lasting impression

Travelling around Barcelona in a limousine, jet skiing across the Mediterranean in Roses, sleeping in the Moroccan desert, flying in a hot air balloon in La Garrotxa or getting lost in a camper van in Asturias are not just activities. They are memories in the making.

These are stories you will tell again and again.

In the end, it’s not about ticking things off a list, but about accumulating moments that make you feel alive. Because the best adventures aren’t always the furthest away, but the ones that take you out of your routine and remind you that the world — and you within it — is much bigger than it seems.

And if you can start with any of these five… do it. Your future self will thank you for it.