Last updated on June 2, 2017
With its sweeping sea views, pine-scented trees, live music and irresistible BBQ food, it’s no surprise that La Caseta del Migdia is where the locals go to escape the crowds of the city below.
It’s a bit of a secret, so don’t tell them it was me that told you…
I rode my bike down Las Ramblas before taking on the fragrant slopes of Montjuïc.
It was such a liberating sense of freedom to whiz through the streets and take off whimsically wherever I wanted. Inevitably I found myself lost, but I revelled in the sense of adventure.
And after bouncing my way down a dusty dirt track, I happened upon a plateau where about twenty people sat in the shade.
Children ran free, playing with puppies and throwing pinecones. Their parents watched on contently, sipping cerveza and drinking in the sweeping views of the ships cruising out into the turquoise horizon below.
I thought perhaps I’d crashed someone’s private garden party, but it turned out it was La Caseta del Migdia, “Barcelona’s most famous secret spot”.
Go at twilight to watch the sunset and stay for a BBQ bonanza.
Although there’s normally a DJ pumping out funk and soul tracks – I always find it strange as I arrive and hear the beat pounding through the trees – sometimes, if you’re lucky, you’ll find a live band playing. (Watch the video below!)
Make it Happen
How to get to La Caseta del Migdia in Montjuic, Barcelona: I cycle up here about twice a week, but I wouldn’t exactly call it an “easy” ride. Instead, take the cablecar from Paral·lel metro station (L2 and L3) up to Montjuic Castle.
You can get discounted tickets for the cable car/funicular here.
Once you get to the castle, just follow the footpath that winds around the castle for about 10 to 15 minutes – you can take the path to the left of the castle or the one to the right and you should still end up at La Caseta del Migdia.
Just follow the music and the smell of BBQ!
What to take: There’s a little sort of outdoor bar where you can drink beers and eat BBQ food – the lamb and rosemary always tempts me!
But there are also picnic benches where the locals go en masse with food and drink that they take with them. There are no shops, so be sure to at least take a bottle of water!
I’m very proud to say that I wrote this for The HUNT Guides’ Barcelona edition – buy it now at Amazon.co.uk orAmazon.com and get even more of my exclusive insider recommendations!
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