The second stage will take off from the city of Tarragona, travelling down the Rambla Nova from the river to the sea, along a major 2,000-metre avenue that crosses the modern-day city. Tarragona’s Rambla has several points of interest to discover, such as the Monument als Castellers sculpture in honour of the traditional human tower builders, and the beautiful modernista-style houses. The Rambla ends at the Balcó del Mediterrani, Tarragona’s most iconic viewpoint, where according to local tradition, “touching iron” brings good luck.

At the end of the Rambla, the route passes by two of the best-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Roman monuments in the West: the Tarraco amphitheatre and circus. This will be one of the most picturesque stretches of the Tour, where thousands of years of history will meet the present with the sea as a backdrop. The chariot races that once thundered through this impressive circus now give way to this large group of cyclists that will thrill us again. A picture-postcard location, steeped in history and emotions, that brings the grandeur of ancient Tarraco to life.

Some of Spain’s oldest locomotives can be found at this museum located in Vilanova i la Geltrú, a charming seaside city known as “Little Havana” in the 19th century. Every day, its port brings in fare such as red prawns, langoustines and purple dye murex, icons of local cuisine along with xató, a special Catalan sauce served with an escarole, tuna and cod salad. The best time to taste this food is during the city’s time-honoured local festivals, such as its Carnival, one of the most famous in Catalonia.

The steps of this church are one of the most frequently photographed sites in Sitges, a historic fishing village with 26 beaches and an old quarter where you can truly take in its commercial activity and seaside spirit. Art lovers will enjoy Cau Ferrat (painter Santiago Rusiñol’s house/workshop) and the Maricel Museum, while party animals won’t want to miss the world-famous carnival.  The busy wineries in the town centre always have a glass of malvasia on hand. This one-of-a-kind wine is made from grapes of the same name. 

The GR 92 is part of the E-10 European path (from the Baltic sea to the Mediterranea), which crosses Catalonia from north to south, staying as close to the sea as possible. Between Sitges and Garraf, this easy and well-marked route runs along paths, tracks and motorways with a 360-metre descent and views of the coastline. You can top it off with a visit to the picturesque town of Garraf. 

For more than a thousand years, it has defended the coast against pirates and attacks, bearing witness to crucial periods in history such as the Spanish Civil War. It features attractions such as an immersive pirate experience and gardens with spectacular views of the city, the sea and the Garraf Natural Park. It’s also the historic heart of the city of Castelldefels, where you can enjoy the beaches, water sports at the Canal Olímpic and the delicious local cuisine.

Lying beneath the surface in the city of Gavà we can find the oldest gallery mines in Europe, used to extract a mysterious green mineral, variscite, which was used by inhabitants of the area 6,000 years ago to make jewellery. Declared a cultural asset of national interest, this unique site is now a modern interpretation centre offering an accessible, enjoyable opportunity to learn more about this rich legacy.

Viladecans is home to a hidden gem of nature, with paths running from the Montbaig mountain to the sea, right by the Remolar-Filipines natural area, as well as unspoilt, family-friendly beaches. The Ca n’Amat museum and Sales chapel are an opportunity to travel back in time, while shopaholics can round off the day at Viladecans The Style Outlets. 

Just 20 minutes from Viladecans is the Güell Crypt, considered Gaudí’s best-kept secret. Here he tested out for the first time the architectural innovations we can now see at the Sagrada Família. A tour of this modernista company town, the largest in Catalonia, takes visitors back in time to the 19th century. The Crypt, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2005, includes some of the innovations Gaudí would later apply to his masterpiece, from the original architectural solutions to the ornamental furniture.

The Palau dels Requesens in Molins de Rei, which hosted famous figures such as Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand and Emperor Charles V, is home to Catalonia’s first museum focusing specifically on the Renaissance. Paintings, sculptures and objects from the period take us back to this artistic movement that brought about profound artistic and social transformations. One of the star pieces is Triomf del temps sobre la fama [The Triumph of Age Over Fame], an exceptionally large tapestry commissioned to decorate a room in the Palau de la Generalitat.