Best Time To Visit: Barcelona is a lively city any time of year, but the warm weather makes April – October good cruising months.

Key Cruising Areas: The 270 miles of the Costa Catalana offer many idyllic anchorages, charming villages, and marinas to explore. Head north toward Cape Creus for dramatic anchorages where incredible turquoise waters are met by the mountainous coastline.

Don’t Miss: Barcelona is surrounded by the Collserola Natural Park. For a change of pace take a tram and a funicular to the top of Tibidabo Mountain. Take in the magnificent views of the city from the Ferris wheel in the Tibidabo amusement park.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: The city is filled with rooftop bars, restaurants atop skyscrapers, and terraces hidden high above the streets. These are the places to be for stylish settings, excellent food and of course, the best views. Sample chef Marc Gascons’ sophisticated menu earned him a Michelin star. Try the lemon sorbet with Catalan cream foam, which tastes as good as it looks. For a contemporary take on traditional dishes, try Michelin chef Carles Abellan’s Tapas 24.

Best Local Dish: The simple, fresh flavours of Catalan cuisine are world-renowned. Excellent ingredients and fragrant spices make even simple-sounding dishes spectacular – try the peas a la Catalana at the Michelin-starred Enoteca, or traditional cannelloni at Barcelona’s oldest restaurant Culleretes, now Michelin starred.

Local Culture: Barcelona is THE city of culture. This year there is something new – finally opening this year after multiple postponements, Casa Vicens was designed by Gaudi and the interior has been painstakingly restored. Be one of the first to visit and see some of the styles that shaped Modernism.

Best Beach: Head north a little to escape the bustle of the city to spend a day at the peaceful Sant Pol de Mar. Take a picnic on the beach for a relaxing afternoon.

IYC recommends: After a day exploring the sights of the city, treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa at the Majestic Hotel & Spa. The peaceful retreat in the elegant atmosphere of the hotel will leave you refreshed. Finish your evening with a quick dip in the rooftop pool.