🌹 What is Sant Jordi?

Sant Jordi (Saint George) is the patron saint of Catalonia, and April 23rd is his feast day. It also coincides with World Book Day, making this festival a beautiful combination of literature and love. The tradition is for couples to exchange a rose and a book—symbols of affection and knowledge.

📍 Where to Experience Sant Jordi

• Barcelona: Las Ramblas and Passeig de Gràcia are packed with bookstalls, roses, author signings, and cultural performances.

• Girona, Tarragona, Lleida: Their main squares host vibrant local celebrations, perfect for a more relaxed experience.

• Calella: Though smaller in scale, Calella embraces the celebration with local book and flower stands, cultural workshops, and charming decorations featuring dragons and roses.

📚 What to Do if You Visit Catalonia for Sant Jordi 2025

• Wander through historic city centers filled with book and flower stalls.

• Meet local and international authors during book signings.

• Attend poetry readings, street performances, and literary events.

• Pick out the perfect rose and book to take home as a meaningful souvenir.

🗓️ Travel Tips

• Book your accommodation early—April is a popular month in cities like Barcelona.

• From Calella, it’s easy to reach Barcelona or Girona by train or car for a day trip.

• Explore local cuisine—many restaurants offer special menus inspired by the legend of Sant Jordi.

Thinking about a spring getaway to Catalonia?
Sant Jordi 2025 is the perfect opportunity to experience the region’s most beloved cultural celebration. At Viajes Tauro Calella, we’re ready to help you plan your stay and make the most of this unforgettable day.

✉️ Contact us today to start planning your personalized trip.

La entrada Sant Jordi in Barcelona – A Celebration of Love, Culture, and Tradition se publicó primero en Viajes Tauro.

Below are the tourist tax rates in Catalonia 2025, charged per person per night or portion thereof:

Barcelona City (including municipal surcharge)

Valid from May 1, 2025. Includes the municipal surcharge of €4.00/night in force since October 1, 2024:

Rest of Catalonia

Rates valid for all municipalities outside Barcelona city:

Accommodations in Recreational Complexes with Gambling and Betting

Applicable to accommodations located within complexes with casinos or other authorized recreational facilities:

Important Notes:

• Rates apply per person per day or portion of stay.
• For advance bookings, the rate applicable is the one in effect at the time of full payment.

At Viajes Tauro Calella, we encourage all travelers and partners to stay informed about the new rates to properly plan their stays and travel budgets.

If you have any questions or need personalized assistance for your trip to Catalonia, contact us. We will be happy to help.

La entrada Official Tourist Tax Rates in Catalonia from May 1, 2025 se publicó primero en Viajes Tauro.

Progressive increase based on accommodation type

Under the new framework, five-star hotels will be allowed to charge up to €7 per night, while vacation rentals could impose a tax of up to €4.50 per night. Additionally, local municipalities such as Barcelona City Council may apply a municipal surcharge, which could raise the total tourist tax to as much as €15 per night in luxury establishments.

Mixed reactions from the tourism sector

The announcement has not gone unnoticed by the hospitality industry. Joan Gaspart, representative of the Barcelona Hotels Guild, called the measure an “aberration” and warned that it could negatively impact workers’ salaries and hotel profitability.

In coastal destinations such as Salou, Cambrils, and Sitges, there have already been booking cancellations following the announcement, raising concerns among tourism professionals.

Goal: Funding housing policies

Meanwhile, the political group Comuns, which supported the agreement with the Government, argues that the measure aims to generate additional funding for housing access policies, particularly in a context of record tourist numbers and industry revenue.

Impact on destinations like Calella

Although most of the debate has focused on Barcelona, destinations like Calella—which welcomes large numbers of both domestic and international visitors—are also monitoring the effects of this policy. There is concern about the potential deterrent effect for certain traveler profiles and the challenge of remaining competitive against other Mediterranean destinations.

At Viajes Tauro Calella, we will continue to share updates on key developments affecting the tourism sector and offer guidance to travelers and industry partners.

✉️ If you have questions about how this change may affect your trip or need help planning your vacation, contact us. We’re here to help.

La entrada Catalonia Approves Tourist Tax Increase in 2025: Implications and Industry Reactions se publicó primero en Viajes Tauro.

1. Natural Parks and Outdoor Trails

Spring is the ideal time to reconnect with nature. Catalonia offers unique natural spaces such as:

• The Montseny Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, perfect for hiking and picnicking among beech and oak forests.
• The Ebro Delta, a paradise for birdwatchers and lovers of aquatic landscapes.
• La Garrotxa, known for its volcanic terrain, medieval villages, and lush green forests that bloom in spring.

2. Charming Towns and Vibrant Culture

Spring getaways in Catalonia also invite you to explore its historic cities and villages:

• Girona, with its old town, Jewish Quarter, and the famous “Temps de Flors” flower festival in May.
• Tarragona, where the Roman heritage comes alive by the sea in the spring light.
• Vic and Besalú, inland gems with traditional markets and well-preserved medieval architecture.

3. Seaside Relaxation: The Barcelona Coast

For those who prefer the sea breeze without the summer crowds, spring is the perfect time to escape to the Barcelona Coast:

• Calella, a welcoming seaside town that attracts both local and international visitors. With scenic promenades, quiet beaches, a family-friendly atmosphere, and excellent gastronomy, it’s the perfect base for a spring break.
• Sitges, a blend of art, culture, and relaxation, with whitewashed streets and a bohemian vibe.
• Arenys de Mar and Sant Pol de Mar, ideal for a quick getaway and enjoying traditional seafood cuisine.

4. Wine Tourism and Local Experiences

Spring is also flower and vineyard season. The wine routes of Penedès and Empordà offer winery visits, outdoor tastings, and spectacular views of blooming vines.

Complete the experience with local markets, traditional festivals, and rural accommodations that let you truly feel the spirit of each destination.

Catalonia is full of places to rediscover this spring. At Viajes Tauro Calella, we help travelers from Spain and around the world plan their perfect getaway with personalized suggestions and memorable experiences for the whole year.

Contact us and start planning your next adventure in Catalonia today!

La entrada Spring Getaways in Catalonia 2025 – Nature, Culture & Relax se publicó primero en Viajes Tauro.

Sustainable Tourism in Catalonia 2025

Sustainability is at the core of Catalonia’s 2025 tourism strategy. The region has introduced more eco-certified accommodations, expanded cycling and hiking routes, and improved public transportation to reduce environmental impact.

According to the Catalan Tourist Board, the goal is to attract responsible travelers who want to explore Catalonia without harming its natural beauty. Whether it’s staying in an eco-friendly hotel, choosing train travel over flights, or engaging in local conservation projects, visitors can now make more responsible choices.

Barcelona Coast & Calella: Top Seaside Destinations

For travelers looking to combine cultural exploration with a relaxing beachside escape, Barcelona Coast and Calella remain among the top choices.

• Calella, known for its stunning coastline and vibrant atmosphere, is a favorite for both families and adventure seekers. The town offers a blend of historical sites, outdoor sports, and Blue Flag beaches.
• Costa Brava and the Barcelona Coast feature some of Spain’s most scenic coastal routes, perfect for road trips or boat excursions.

Wine & Gastronomy: A Key Attraction

Catalonia’s wine tourism and gastronomy continue to thrive in 2025, attracting food and wine lovers from all over the world. Key highlights include:

• The Penedès and Empordà wine regions, offering tastings of organic wines and vineyard tours.
• The Grand Tour of Catalonia, an initiative that connects travelers to the best culinary and cultural experiences across the region.
• Barcelona’s Michelin-starred restaurants and authentic local markets, where visitors can explore Catalan flavors.

Major Events in Catalonia 2025

Catalonia is set to host numerous cultural and sporting events that will attract thousands of visitors. Some key highlights include:

• Sing for Gold & Canta al Mar Festivals (Calella, October 2025) – International choral events bringing together musical groups from around the world.
• Barcelona Marathon 2025 – A top event for sports enthusiasts looking to experience the city while running through its iconic landmarks.
• Girona Flower Festival (May 2025) – A stunning event where the city’s streets transform into a floral masterpiece.

Easier & Greener Travel Options

Catalonia has improved its transport connectivity to support sustainable tourism. With new high-speed train routes, visitors can now explore the region more efficiently while reducing their carbon footprint.

Moreover, airlines are expanding direct flights to Barcelona, making it easier for international travelers to visit this Mediterranean gem.

Plan Your Trip to Catalonia in 2025!

With its mix of sustainable travel, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Catalonia is an unmissable destination in 2025. Whether you’re looking for a beach retreat, cultural immersion, or eco-friendly adventure, this region has it all.

📍 Need help planning your trip? Contact Viajes Tauro Calella and discover the best travel experiences today!

La entrada Best Travel Destinations in Catalonia 2025 – Sustainable & Cultural Experiences se publicó primero en Viajes Tauro.

The Rías Baixas are full of navigable spaces that invite visitors to enjoy many water activities. A region full of history and architectural spaces ideal for everyone.

Nature is very important in this place, because it is full of sea for being a coastal city. This allows you to enjoy the great outdoors. Besides being able to enjoy the wonderful gastronomy together with a good wine, that’s why visiting the vineyards of this city is something you can’t miss. Among the reasons to visit Rías Baixas is that it is a very familiar place, you can enjoy the trip among families, friends or as a couple, which allows it to be a destination for many people.

Paradise islands, turquoise beaches, jumping dolphins, millenary castros, impressive monuments, hórreos and a lot of heritage.

The marvellous beaches of the Cíes Islands, the dunes of Corrubedo and A Lanzada, the picturesque historical site of Combarro, the Santa Tecla castro, the seafood of O Grove, the wines of Cambados and Ribadavia, the Viking pilgrimage of Catoira… These are just some of the reasons to enter this magical universe of Galicia.

Everyone knows that the province of Pontevedra has been a gastronomic reference for centuries. For example, the Romans who settled in the Rías Baixas managed to transport lamprey to Italy so that the locals would enjoy this curious delicacy. It is well known that Galicia is a land for tasting. The quality of its raw materials together with the most traditional recipes produce some of the tastiest dishes in Spanish gastronomy. The Rías Baixas are a clear example of this cuisine with an irresistible flavour. The offer is immense, with the obligatory presence of seafood, fish and meat and, of course, a good Albariño wine on the table.

Some oysters or natural clams? Some steamed cockles? Maybe some razor clams with rice or a cuttlefish empanada in its ink. And then, who knows, maybe an octopus á feira, a ray caldeirada or a fish dish in some of the best contemporary restaurants in Galicia. All tastes will find something here to suit them.
The products offered by its sea and river waters are excellent, its fish and seafood have an incredible flavour that makes you enjoy every bite.

Don’t hesitate and visit Las Rías Baixas, a paradise that will surprise you and make you live unforgettable experiences.

La entrada Visit Las Rías Baixas se publicó primero en Viajes Tauro.

The 39-year-old Catalan is hanging up his sled and helmet after fourteen seasons in the sport, in which he has participated in four Winter Olympic Games (Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014, Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022) and eleven World Championships.

As announced by his press agency, Ander Mirambell’s new professional challenge will be to manage Belgian rider Kim Meylemans and to accompany future skeleton talents in Spain as sports director of the Royal Spanish Ice Sports Federation.

Considered the pioneer of skeleton in Spain, Mirambell began his journey in 2005 in the ranks of the Club Atletismo Calella (Barcelona) with the dream of participating in the Winter Olympic Games, recalls Efe.

His perseverance was rewarded and, after creating a structure completely from scratch, he was able to compete against teams with more tradition and budget in skeleton.

Many thanks

Ander Mirambell made the announcement of his farewell on Tuesday at an event on the Barceloneta beach in Barcelona.

“I feel this moment not as a farewell, but as an opportunity to thank everyone for their efforts to achieve these results. I feel like the runner who crosses the finish line and embraces his family, who are waiting for him. I would have loved to say goodbye at the World Cup in Saint Moritz, my favourite circuit, but my personal future and that of skeleton in Spain ask me to leave the luge behind”, said Mirambell, according to the statement sent to the media.

“I would like to thank, in particular, Bernat Buscà, my long-time physical trainer and much more than a friend; the professionals of the CAR of Sant Cugat; my coaches, Ueli, Mickey, Martin Rettl and Richard Bromley; all my rivals and teammates of all these years, who have been my family for many months each season; the different professionals of the IBS, who have been my family for many months each season; to the different professionals of the IBSF; to the institutions that have allowed skeleton to be where it is (REFDH, CSD and COE); and to my friends and communication managers, Alberto Montenegro and Cristian Mestres. But, above all, to my family, without whom none of this would have been possible”, concluded the former skeleton pilot.

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MARESME SPORTS Magazine March 2022, interview with Spanish athlete Ander Mirambell who has been competing in skeleton since 2005. He participated in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, Sochi 2014, and the 2018 Pieonchang Olympic Games, thus becoming the first Spanish Olympian in this sport.
Thank you very much for your kind words.
“Also Joan Hernández, from the travel agency Tauro, who from the first day organizes my trips wherever I am and since 2005 who holds me to look for a flight one euro up or down, as we have very tight budgets “In fact, when you meet good people, there are a lot of them in Calella, because it’s best to keep trusting and maintaining the bond. I feel very attached to Calella and its people.”

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Coinciding with the celebration of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), Grupo Hotusa convened, once again, the “Loyalty Awards”, conceived to thank and value the collaboration and trust of the companies and entities that accompany its activity and that support and facilitate the service that the organization offers its clients.

Thus, in the XII delivery of this initiative, a total of 10 awards were given during a dinner that took place on the night of Thursday 20 at the Eurostars Madrid Tower 5* facilities.

Part of our team was invited and was present at the event for another year.

Some of the award-winning industry partners on this occasion have been Avoris Corporación Empresarial, Omnibees, ACAVE, CEAV, Amadeus, VECI, AEGVE, Juniper Consulting, Imagine and Central de Reservas.

La entrada Viajes Tauro at the HOTUSA 2022 loyalty awards se publicó primero en Viajes Tauro.

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