Barcelona is a city to experience with all five senses. And when the end of winter arrives, a distinctive aroma begins to fill the outdoor spaces: the smell of glowing embers preparing a traditional calçotada in Barcelona. If you want to enjoy this beloved Catalan tradition without worrying about transport, Hola Barcelona takes you there!
The calçot season is one of the most anticipated moments in Catalan gastronomy. In this article, you’ll discover what makes this unique onion so special, how to become a true expert at eating them, and the best places to organise a calçotada in Barcelona or nearby. Remember that with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card you can travel unlimited on metro and bus to reach all these spots.
What is a calçotada and what are calçots?
A calçotada is a traditional food celebration where family and friends gather to grill calçots over an open flame. A calçot is a tender, sweet onion grown using a special technique called calçar (to mound soil around the shoot). This process encourages the onion to grow long, white and delicate.
Although this tradition originates in the town of Valls, having a calçotada has become a must-do weekend plan in Barcelona during late winter and early spring.
The ritual: how do you eat a calçot?
Eating calçots is a fun, messy experience where you can forget about table manners:
- Peel it with your hands: Calçots are served charred on the outside. Hold the onion at both ends and gently pull off the burnt outer layer to “undress” it.
- The sauce is essential: Dip the calçot generously into romesco or salvitxada sauce.
- Wear a bib!: Traditionally, diners wear a large bib to avoid stains while lifting the calçot high above their heads before taking a bite.
3 great places for a calçotada in Barcelona and nearby
Now that you know what calçots are and how to eat them, the only thing left is deciding where to enjoy a calçotada safely. Here are three outdoor spots that are easy to reach by public transport.
1. Parc de la Trinitat
This is the most urban and convenient option if you don’t want to travel far. The park has a managed barbecue area, lawns and water channels, making it perfect for a group calçotada.
How to get there:
Metro: L1 - Trinitat Vella.
Bus: 11, 62, 76 i V31.
If you arrive by metro, the “Parc de la Trinitat” exit leaves you almost at the entrance. With the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, you can get there easily without even having to walk far.
2. Font de les Planes
A classic destination for locals since the early 20th century. Located in the Collserola Natural Park, it offers barbecues, a bar and restaurant, and a beautiful natural setting that locals love for weekend gatherings and calçotades.
How to get there:
Metro: L6 - Peu del Funicular
Bus: 128, 111
The best way to reach it is to take the Vallvidrera Funicular and then hop on bus 128.
3. Torrent de Can Coll
If you’re looking for a more rustic, forested setting, this is the place. Although technically located in Cerdanyola rather than Barcelona, it’s easy to reach by public transport and ideal for escaping the pace of the city.
How to get there:
Bus: 102
The easiest way to explore the city and its surroundings is with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, which lets you combine metro and bus as many times as you want with a single ticket.
Enjoy Catalan gastronomy without the hassle
Organising a calçotada in Barcelona is much easier if you travel by public transport. With the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, you can combine metro, bus and train unlimited times for 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours. Enjoy nature and gastronomy just a short distance from the city, Hola Barcelona takes you there!
