Sports tourism is an integral part of Catalonia, making the region a must-visit destination for sports lovers. Whether you're looking to participate in sports or visit sports facilities, you will always find something new to discover in Catalonia.
If you are a sports fan looking to make the most of every aspect of your Catalan holiday, you are in the right place. In this article, we will highlight various events taking place in Catalonia to help you fully enjoy your sports tourism holiday.
From the roar of engines and football nights to thrilling cycling races and nautical regattas, join us as we explore the must-see events and iconic locations where sport and history meet to create unforgettable memories.
Motorsport: The Montmeló circuit in the spotlight
Located near Barcelona, the Montmeló Circuit (or Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya) hosts several motorsport competitions each year. Built for the 1992 Olympic Games’ team time trial in cycling, this circuit now hosts the most important speed competitions, gathering thousands of spectators every year. This iconic venue has become a must-see destination for sports tourism in Catalonia, attracting motorsport fans from all over the world.
Formula 1
On the calendar since the 1991 season, the Spanish Grand Prix has become an iconic race of the season. Each year, Catalonia transforms into a temple of speed and motorsport for a weekend, welcoming, around 288,220 spectators during the 2024 edition.
Over the seasons, the circuit has seen memorable events for both fans and F1 history. Among these highlights are Michael Schumacher's first victory with Ferrari and Fernando Alonso's victory in front of his home crowd. It was also the scene of the 2016 clash between Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, which allowed young Max Verstappen to secure his first victory with the Red Bull team, making him the youngest winner in Formula 1 history.
Fans of single-seaters and car racing will find Montmeló to be a place where they can fully enjoy their passion. In fact, the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix is more than just a simple competition. It is a theatre where the best drivers in the world compete against each other on a circuit where every corner and every straight make the grandstands vibrate, creating an continuous ballet that provokes indescribable emotions.
MotoGP
Marc Márquez, Dani Pedrosa, Alex Crivillé, Aleix Espargaró... What do they have in common? These Catalan riders have had the opportunity to win the Barcelona Grand Prix during their careers. In fact, in addition to 4-wheeled competitions, the Montmeló circuit also hosts 2-wheeled competitions. The MotoGP championship, for example, is the most prestigious circuit motorbike racing in the world and returns to Catalonia every year.
Motorbike fans come from all over the world to witness this thrilling spectacle, where precision, courage and technical skill are put to the test. The grandstands come alive with excitement thanks to riders from various categories (MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3) and their machines, as well as spectacular overtakes, such as the one performed by Valentino Rossi on Jorge Lorenzo in the final corner of the 2009 edition.
Whether you're a newcomer or a regular, MotoGP is an event not to be missed and one that will make you eager to return next season.
In any case, if you plan to attend any events at the Montmeló circuit, be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, a cap (or hat), stay hydrated. Also, consider using noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to protect your ears.
Football in Catalonia: More than a sport
Football is a central element of the Catalan sports scene due to its different clubs that have marked the history of the sport. If you’re a football fan looking to enjoy a sport tourism focused holiday in Catalonia, we will guide you through the must-see activities and places to visit during your stay.
Attending a football match
With FC Barcelona, Girona FC and RCD Espanyol, Catalonia is an ideal region for all football fans. This diversity of teams allows sports tourists the opportunity to attend a match every weekend.
FC Barcelona, the most renowned club in the region, will welcome you to the Estadio Lluís Companys in an electrifying atmosphere. Furthermore, if your visit coincides with the schedule, you will have the chance to attend a Champions League match or El Clásico, the derby between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, providing the opportunity to see the greatest football stars come together for 90 minutes.
Prefer a more family-friendly and popular atmosphere? Get a ticket for the RCDE Stadium and attend a match of the city’s other club, RCD Espanyol. Back in the top division after two seasons in the lower tier, the team and its fans will let you experience Catalan football in an atmosphere worthy of the biggest teams.
Meanwhile, Girona FC is making headlines by qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in its history in 2024, following an incredible season in LaLiga EA SPORTS. Why not catch a match at Estadio Montilivi and enjoy watching this exciting team?
Visiting the Barça museum and stadium
If you don't have the opportunity to attend a match during your visit, you can still enjoy your passion in another way. One option is to visit the stadiums and club museums.
The FC Barcelona Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona, attracting over a million visitors each year. Beyond its sports dimension, the museum allows you to explore the club's history, which is closely linked to the history of the city. The FC Barcelona Museum offers an interactive experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in trophies and memorabilia from one of the world's greatest clubs. Whether you're a fan or not, the FC Barcelona Museum is a place not to be missed during your visit to Catalonia.
Due to ongoing renovations at Spotify Camp Nou since the beginning of 2023, it is currently not possible to visit. However, just fifteen minutes away, you'll find the RCDE Stadium, home to the city’s other club, RCD Espanyol. Less frequented than the former, RCDE Stadium offers a guided tour of approximately one hour, available in English or Spanish, where you can learn about the club’s and the stadium’s history.
The other major Catalan club, Girona FC, also offers stadium tours to explore the club’s history. The guided tour takes you through the press room, changing rooms, pitch, and executive suites. When arriving on the pitch, a virtual reality experience allows you to feel the atmosphere and ambience of match days as if you were a Girona FC player.
Visiting the museums and stadiums in Catalonia offers a fascinating immersion into the world of sport, making every moment of your stay memorable and enriching for any sports tourism enthusiast.
The Mediterranean International Cup (MIC)
If you are passing through the Costa Brava and more specifically Palamós, don't miss the opportunity to see the future stars of football in action. Every year, the Mediterranean International Cup (MIC) takes place in this coastal town for 5 days. In the tournament, teams from all over the world, such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool, compete in different age categories to win this prestigious title for young players. Over the years, football stars like Lionel Messi, Dani Carvajal, Neymar, Marcelo and Rodri have stepped on the fields of the MIC.
Watched by scouts from around the world, these young talents have the opportunity to get a preview of official matches before making their mark on the European stage in the years to come.
If you are looking for a place to stay during your visit to the MIC, Sènia Cala Cogo Internacional Campsite, just 10 minutes from Palamós, offers a range of accommodations to make the most of your holiday.
Catalonia for cycling fans
With over 6,000 km of bike-friendly routes and paths, Catalonia is a cycling haven. Whether you’re looking to explore these routes on a bicycle touring holiday or watch top athletes compete in various events throughout the year, Catalonia has something for everyone. This diverse range of options makes the region a popular destination for sports tourism, attracting both cycling tourists and fans of competitive cycling.
The Volta a Catalunya
The Volta a Catalunya, a historic race on the UCI World Tour, is a major event in the cycling world. Since its inaugural edition in 1911, this competition has seen the triumph of legends such as Miguel Indurain, Alejandro Valverde, and Chris Froome.
For cycling fans, the Volta a Catalunya is an unmissable event. The route crosses the magnificent Catalan landscapes, with emblematic stage cities such as Barcelona, Girona and Lleida, offering both riders and spectators a unique immersion in the region's culture and geographical diversity. Each year, the peloton faces a variety of challenges, from climbs in the Pyrenees to undulating routes, putting climbers, riders, and sprinters to the test.
Attending the Volta a Catalunya lin person offers more than just a high-level competition, it also provides an opportunity to discover Catalonia’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
If you are looking for a place to stay during the Volta a Catalunya, the campsites of the Sènia Group will welcome you in the best conditions, and are conveniently located near the stages in Costa Brava, Maresme and La Selva. This will offer you an ideal starting point to explore this magnificent region.
Catalunya Bike Race
The Catalunya Bike Race is a much-loved mountain biking event in Catalonia, attracting mountain biking enthusiasts from all over the world every year. By travelling through the picturesque landscapes of the region, this competition provides a unique and exhilarating experience for MTB fans.
If you're passionate about cycling, don’t miss the chance to participate in or attend the Catalunya Bike Race. With stages in La Seu d'Urgell, Puigcerdà, and Bellver de Cerdanya, the race features a diverse range of terrains, from technical mountain trails to fast forest tracks, challenging the skills of all participants.
Each year, cyclists from all over the world tackle these challenging tracks, creating an exhilarating competitive atmosphere. Beyond the race itself, the Catalunya Bike Race allows you to discover the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Catalonia, adding an enriching dimension to this sporting adventure in the heart of the picturesque Catalan countryside.
Nautical competitions on the Catalan coast
As the quintessential Mediterranean region, Catalonia is the ideal setting for nautical competitions that attract racing enthusiasts from all over the world. Prestigious like the Costa Brava and Barcelona regattas offer a captivating spectacle, combining intense competition and picturesque surroundings.
For sports tourism enthusiasts, these regattas make Catalonia a prime destination, enriching visitor’s experiences with spectacular moments in the heart of the Mediterranean.
Palamós Optimist Trophy
Renowned for its picturesque harbour and its ideal location on the Costa Brava, the Bay of Palamós is the privileged setting for the Palamós Optimist Trophy, an international dinghy sailing regatta in the Optimist Class. Held every February by the prestigious Club Náutic Costa Brava, this event attracts talented young sailors from around the world, offering intense competition in calm waters and favourable sailing conditions.
The Palamós Optimist Trophy more than just a sporting competition, it also provides a unique opportunity for young sailors to compete against their international peers while exploring the charms of the Costa Brava. Additionally, the bay hosts other renowned events such as the Christmas Race, consolidating its reputation as a must-visit destination for sailing enthusiasts and international sailing competitions.
Thanks to its warm climate and world-class facilities, Palamós not only hosts high-level competitions but also provides an enriching experience for all participants and spectators involved in these iconic dinghy sailing events.
Windsurfer World Championship
The International Windsurfing Championship (IWCA) in Sant Pere Pescador, on the stunning Costa Brava of Catalonia, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It is the perfect opportunity for windsurfing fans to live a unique experience in the heart of one of the most prestigious competitions in the discipline.
Bringing together in September each year the best international competitors, this event goes beyond a simple sporting competition. It symbolises a true communion between the participants and nature, offering exciting challenges and unforgettable moments.
Sant Pere Pescador, with its welcoming atmosphere and well-adapted infrastructures, provides an ideal setting for this major event. Whether you are a surfer or a curious spectator, you can enjoy not only the thrilling competitions in the water, but also the natural and cultural beauty of the Costa Brava.
The 25th anniversary of the Windsurfer World Championship in Sant Pere Pescador promises to be a highlight, combining the thrill of competition with the celebration of a shared passion for windsurfing. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of this exceptional experience in the heart of the windsurfing world.
To fully enjoy the competition in the best conditions, Sènia Riu Campsite, located near the event, will offer you comfortable accommodation, ideal for relaxing in this idyllic setting.
This year, Catalonia will also host the America's Cup in Barcelona from August to October, offering a chance to see the world’s most prestigious regattas in the bay of Barcelona.
As you have seen throughout this article, Catalonia is a prime destination for fans of passive sports tourism, with numerous sporting competitions and dedicated facilities that allow you to enjoy sporting events and spectacles all year round.
For those who prefer a more active holiday, our detailed guide offers a selection of activities not to be missed in Catalonia.
Don't wait any longer to plan your next adventure in Catalonia and explore all the possibilities that this region has to offer, whether for passive and relaxing sports tourism or active and dynamic tourism.
