Barcelona in May!

[quijote]

It's looking fairly certain that I'll be going to Barcelona in May. My anticipated stay is 23 May through 1 June, so I'll be there for just a little over a week. Part of my time will be linked to a conference (the 26th through the 29th) in town, but I'm hoping to take a day or two and visit Penedes and/or the Priorat.

Any recommendations of any kind? Favorite bars, restaurants, etc.?

I'm not much of a driver in the States, so the thought of getting behind the wheel in Catalonia terrifies me--any good wine country tours to consider? Or shall I just try to bus and train my way through? I'd prefer a tour in Spanish, though English is fine. Not sure I could deal with a tour in Catalan, though....


[This message has been edited by quijote (edited 03-02-2004).]

[Thomas]

quijote, about an hour north of Barcelona is the grand and beautiful French Catalonian region--and Banyuls sur Mer, a town that sits on the Mediterranean as regally as any (or more) and offers some of the great dessert wines in the universe.

A little north of Banyuls is a place called Colloure (sp). It is as beautiful, and a place where I have had a most interesting Paella; it was Matisse's hang out.

[quijote]

Hey, that's a great idea, Foodie! From what I see on the map, Banyuls should be on or very near a train line, too....

[Thomas]

Go for it! And do report back.