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Barcelona is still the number one destination in Spain, no matter how trendy lesser-known places like Galicia or the Basque Country are.
It seems that the average citizen doesn’t care that La Rambla is busier than ever, that prices are at an all-time high, or even that they are not even welcome.
We will not judge them. Barcelona is truly one of the most beautiful and lively cities in Europe and definitely worth visiting at least once.
However commaif you don’t exactly feel like spending more than $30 every time you sit at a tapas bar for some sangria and patatas bravasand you’re tired of walking around European streets with ‘Tourist Go Home’ graffiti on the walls, you might want to give it a miss for now.
Instead, try Reus, this beautiful historic town a short 1h22 train ride from Barcelona, where the crowds are much less intense, if not minimal, and prices are still within the normal range:
Did we sleep on Reus the whole time?
Located approximately 16 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean coast, Reus is one of those hidden gems of Catalonia all of which are about slowing down, sunbathing and admiring stunning architecture without the added hustle and bustle of the cruise hordes.
It’s not exactly on the beach, so all those beach lovers who flock to Barceloneta skip it altogether.
It is also much smaller than the sprawling Barcelona, which includes more than 5 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area. About 100,000 people call Reus home, and in terms of land area the municipality is about 15x smaller than the Catalan capital.
What makes it special, you might ask?
Giant does the birthplace of none other than Antoni Gaudías in, the same man who envisioned all of Barcelona’s iconic sights, from the towering La Sagrada Família to the lush Park Güell.
Unfortunately, Gaudí left none of his innovative modernist wonders in Reus, while most of his work was concentrated in Barcelona. Still, there’s plenty of historical material to look at in the city’s compact, charming, all-same-same historic center:
A beautiful old town
The whole area is full of beautiful facadesof Casa Navàs, with its striking Art Nouveau exterior and ornate interior.
It really doesn’t feel like a normal mansion. The simplest way we can describe it is a jeweled palace with a theater set, with stained glass work everywhere. all at 11.
Not far away, the Prioral Church of Sant Pere is the most important medieval building in Reus:
A towering church, built mainly in the 14th century in the Gothic style, it has a tall bell tower that dominates the skyline. You can climb it for panoramic views over the old town’s rooftops and grid-like streets, and guess what: none of the winding lines of the Sagrada Família.
On the edge of Barri Vell, the medieval core of Reus, lies Plaça de Mercadal, the lively central square surrounded by cafes, where local life buzzes. Great place to have your morning coffee and people watch before heading out for a full day of sightseeing.
Another thing you should know about Reus is that it is the unofficial capital of vermouth in Spain.
A fortified wine flavored with herbs and spices, and even botanicals, if you know where to look for it. He may have come from Turin, the elegant, Parisian Italian metropolis, but he has truly made his home in Reus, where ‘vermut’ time practically became a social ritual.
Late morning or early afternoon, it’s an inherent part of the aperitif culture here, and I can tell you it’s diminishing soft with some Spanish jamon.
Vermuts Rofes is your address.
Giant Is That Much cheaper too
There’s another reason why you should swap Barcelona for Reus during your holiday in Catalonia this summer.
Accommodation is here ridiculous cheaper than in BCN, sometimes 2x cheaperand its proximity to the Catalan coast make it a great base for exploring.
Budget hotels range from $50 to $90 per night, while mid-range deals cost around $90 – $140. In Barcelona you can get the same for around $100-$180, or in the 3-star level, more than $180/night.
As for food?
- Menu del dias: $14–$17
- Coffee: $3–$4
- Cheap restaurant meal: $16
You also save a lot on transport.
Reus is very pedestrian-friendlyand it’s not this huge urban sprawl. You can save the Uber budget and treat yourself to a nice dinner at L’Alkimista, one of the best restaurants in town.
Oh, and since you’re so close to the Catalan coast, don’t miss the beaches of Salou, just 11km away, or the Roman ruins in Tarragona. It’s one of Spain’s oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage coastal treasure, a short 18-minute bus ride from Reus.
