Fincas in Barcelona

Holiday rentals in Barcelona

Finding your perfect country house in Barcelona

Barcelona's country houses offer a unique blend of traditional Catalan architecture and modern comfort, nestled in the quieter neighbourhoods surrounding the bustling city centre. The best fincas can be found in the elevated areas of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi and the hillside districts, where peaceful residential streets provide easy access to the city's cultural treasures whilst maintaining a tranquil atmosphere.

For those seeking authenticity, the areas around Gràcia and Horta-Guinardó feature charming country-style properties with traditional Catalan elements. These neighbourhoods offer the perfect balance between urban convenience and residential calm, ideal for families and groups wanting to experience Barcelona like locals rather than tourists.

What makes Barcelona's country houses special

Country houses in Barcelona typically showcase distinctive Catalan architectural features including terracotta roof tiles, exposed stone walls, and wrought-iron balconies. Many properties have been thoughtfully renovated to combine historic character with contemporary amenities, offering spacious interiors perfect for families and larger groups travelling together.

These fincas often feature generous outdoor spaces including private gardens, terraces with panoramic city views, and swimming pools—luxuries that are rare in Barcelona's apartment-heavy city centre. The properties accommodate groups comfortably, with many featuring four or more bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and well-equipped kitchens ideal for preparing traditional Catalan meals with fresh market ingredients.

Booking a country house provides independence and privacy whilst staying within easy reach of Barcelona's attractions. The spacious layouts and home-like atmosphere make them particularly suitable for multi-generational families, groups celebrating special occasions, and travellers who value having their own peaceful retreat after exploring the vibrant city.

Travellers and activities

Country houses in Barcelona for architecture enthusiasts

Barcelona is synonymous with Antoni Gaudí, whose revolutionary architectural vision transformed the city into an open-air museum of modernist wonders. The iconic Sagrada Família dominates the skyline with its elaborate facades and towering spires, whilst Casa Milà (La Pedrera) on Passeig de Gràcia showcases Gaudí's organic, nature-inspired approach to residential design. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites represent artistic licence at its finest, with every curve and detail challenging conventional architectural thinking.

Park Güell offers another dimension to Gaudí's genius, where colourful mosaics, whimsical structures, and landscaped gardens create a fairy-tale atmosphere. Originally conceived as a housing estate by Count Güell, the park now houses a museum in Gaudí's former residence, providing insight into the architect's creative process and personal life.

Barcelona holiday rentals for culture lovers

The Gothic Quarter transports visitors through 2,000 years of history, with its labyrinth of narrow medieval streets revealing Roman ruins, Gothic churches, and hidden squares at every turn. This atmospheric neighbourhood embodies Barcelona's layered past, where ancient stones tell stories of everyone from Roman soldiers to Christopher Columbus, who walked these very streets upon returning from discovering the New World.

Art enthusiasts can explore the Museu Picasso, housing nearly 4,000 works documenting the artist's evolution from his formative years in Barcelona. The Fundació Joan Miró, set within one of the world's most acclaimed museum buildings in Parc de Montjuïc, displays the Catalan artist's signature primary colours and abstract shapes. For a comprehensive overview of Catalan artistic heritage, the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya showcases everything from rescued 10th-century Romanesque murals to Gothic masterpieces and modernist works.

I've booked a country house in Barcelona... What's next?

What are the top things to do in Barcelona?

1. Explore the Gothic Quarter's medieval streets
2. Visit La Boqueria market for authentic flavours
3. Stroll down Las Ramblas
4. Discover Gaudí's architectural masterpieces
5. Experience the Magic Fountain show

1. Explore the Gothic Quarter's medieval streets

The Barri Gòtic represents the beating heart of Barcelona's history, where Roman foundations support Gothic churches and medieval palaces. Lose yourself in the maze of narrow alleys away from the main tourist routes, where local artisans, intimate cafés, and centuries-old bakeries maintain traditions unchanged for generations. The worn cobblestones beneath your feet have witnessed conquests, celebrations, and the daily lives of countless generations of Catalans.

2. Visit La Boqueria market for authentic flavours

Mercat de la Boqueria, declared the world's best market by the 2005 World Markets Congress, offers an assault on the senses with its colourful displays of fresh produce, seafood, cured meats, and local delicacies. Located near the Liceu opera house, this covered market has evolved from its medieval open-air origins into a culinary institution. Sample traditional Catalan specialities, from butifarra sausages to crema catalana, whilst soaking in the vibrant atmosphere where locals and chefs shop for the freshest ingredients.

3. Stroll down Las Ramblas

This famous 1.2-kilometre tree-lined pedestrian boulevard connects Plaça de Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus monument at Port Vell, serving as Barcelona's most iconic thoroughfare. Along the way, discover street performers in elaborate costumes, flower stalls, historic cafés like Boadas (the city's first cocktail bar), and Casa Batlló, one of Gaudí's residential masterpieces featuring undulating facades and fantastical balconies.

4. Discover Gaudí's architectural masterpieces

Beyond the Sagrada Família, explore Gaudí's other revolutionary creations scattered throughout the city. Casa Milà's rooftop offers spectacular views and houses exhibitions about the architect's work. Park Güell's mosaic-covered dragon fountain and serpentine bench demonstrate Gaudí's mastery of colour and organic forms. Each site reveals different facets of his nature-inspired vision that helped define Catalan modernism.

5. Experience the Magic Fountain show

The Font Màgica de Montjuïc, created for the 1929 International Exposition, presents a spectacular evening display combining 4,760 lights with music ranging from rock to opera. Water jets reach heights of 52 metres, choreographed to create a mesmerising dance of colour, light, and sound. This free attraction provides the perfect way to relax after a day of sightseeing, set against the backdrop of Barcelona's illuminated skyline.