Follow The Costa Dauradas Genius Route

The Costa Daurada sits along the coast of the province of Tarragona in Catalonia, and is known as ‘the landscape of geniuses’, being the inspiration for four ‘geniuses’ from the world of arts and culture – the musician Pau Casals, the architect Antoni Gaudí, the painter Joan Miró and the artist Pablo Picasso.
The Costa Daurada’s ‘Genius Route’ connects the towns that inspired these artists and also provides visitors with a pass (€11) that includes admission to many museums and cultural centers along the way, as well as discounts on guided tours.

Pau Casals’ El Vendrell

Begin your route in El Vendrell, around 70 kilometers south of Barcelona. Here, travelers can explore the birthplace of Pau Casals, one of the most celebrated Spanish musicians, and composer of the UN anthem. Visit the Church of El Vendrell, where Pau Casals first played the organ at the age of nine, and his house on Sant Salvador beach, which is now a museum. Travel here in July and August and you’ll also be able to hear some of his pieces at the Pau Casals International Music Festival.

Antoni Gaudí’s Reus

Joan Miró’s Mont-roig del Camp

Next is the small village of Mont-roig del Camp, 20 kilometers south of Reus, where you’ll find Joan Miró’s Mas Miró estate. The artist first came here in 1911 to recover from an illness, and returned every summer for 65 years. The area is said to be the inspiration for much of his artwork, including a piece called The Farm. Explore Miró’s landscapes on a bike tour, visiting La Pixerota beach and the mountain of La Roca, then learn all about the artist and his relationship with Mont-roig at the Centro Miró.

Pablo Picasso’s Horta de Sant Joan

The ‘Genius Route’ finishes up in Horta de Sant Joan, just over an hour’s drive southwest of Mont-roig. Although Pablo Picasso only actually visited this village twice, it and its sights can be seen in many of his paintings, including the Reservoir at Horta and The Factory at Horta de Ebro. Guests can also visit the Centro Picasso museum and take a walking tour of the places Picasso visited during his time here. There is also a hiking route to the cave where Picasso stayed in Els Ports National Park.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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