Get ready to discover the best film locations, where you’ll be able to feel like a real film star.

Autumn is the favourite season of many people when it comes to travelling. If you’re lucky enough to be able to take a few days off, why not take a look at some of the destinations our travel expert has selected? They are especially beautiful this time of year.

By David Moreu

During the Civil War (1936 – 1939), the city of Barcelona was systematically bombed by the pro-Franco air force. As a result, the citizens were obliged to build air raid shelters to protect themselves from the attacks and bombs that were causing daily chaos. One of the biggest and the best conserved can be foundunderneath the Plaça del Diamant (in the emblematic Gràcia neighbourhood). It is a network of tunnels and small rooms some twelve metres below street level where around 200 residents could take refuge when the alarms started to ring out.

This shelter was rediscovered in 1992 as a result of some construction works and, today, it has become one of Barcelona’s historical features . In addition, once a week guided visits are organised so you can see how a civilian population defended itself in a city besieged by the bombs.

Picture by 1997

So how about a visit to the Plaça del Diamant air raid shelter? Book your flights here!

At this stage of the proceedings, there is little to add about one of the world’s major mobile technology congresses. Indeed, each year sees the Mobile World Congress brimming with the latest in mobile communication, like some journey into the future. The event draws over 2,000 firms eager to showcase the latest trends in the sector and attracts more than 101,000 attendees. Among the highlights of this edition is Reed Hastings, CEO of theNetflix streaming platform, and John Hanke, the CEO of Niantic, the company that created the popular augmented reality game, Pokémon Go. Other prominent speakers scheduled to appear from 27 February to 2 March at the Gran Vía de L’Hospitalet exhibition centre, where the Mobile World Congress is held, will be representing Nokia, Turner, Vivendi, Huawei, Kaspersky, NEC, Telefónica, Orange, AT&T and Tele2.That’s nothing at this trade fair!

Beyond the Mobile World Congress

Apart from being the perfect opportunity to get up to speed with the latest in mobile technology and engage in networking, theMobile World Congressprovides the perfect excuse for visiting the host city. So, for those of you wishing to extend your stay by a few days, or who need to take a breather amid so many innovations, “gadgets” and concepts “coming from the future”, we have chosen a number of outings enabling you to discover the main tourist draws in Barcelona and its environs.

Gaudí’s Barcelona

We have to admit it – Modernism and, specifically, the work of one of its leading exponents, Antoni Gaudí, is one of Barcelona paramount honeypots. Make a point of seeing some of his major works on your forays through the city. His standout monuments include the Sagrada Familia, a veritable icon of Barcelona which, despite still being under construction, draws a huge number of tourists. On the Passeig de Gràcia you can also visit two of the architect’s gems, the Casa Milà, better known as La Pedrera, with its rooftop crowned by some peculiar chimney stacks, and the Casa Batlló. Güell Park, another of Gaudí’s must-see essentials, is located in the upper part of the city. There you can admire architectural forms blending with nature, and soak up the splendid views of Barcelona.

Tracking Dalí

For those bold enough to venture outside Barcelona, you could always take a two-hour train ride to Figueras, home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum. Dedicated solely to the work of this exceptional artist, a key figure in Surrealism, this is a must-visit venue for Dalí devotees, as well anyone likely to appreciate a unique experience. More than just a run-of-the-mill museum, this building, designed by Dalí himself, is the perfect setting for venturing into his surreal world. Each area features a combination of paintings, sculptures, furniture and objects that belonged to the artist, making for a result which is equally harmonious, surprising and dream-like.

Discovering Montserrat

If you’re the type that likes to get away from the rat race in search of a place that breathes a certain spiritual tranquility, then Montserrat is your destination. Located some 50 kilometres north-west of Barcelona, you can take a comfortable train ride there. The unique morphology of this massif, as expressed in its name –mont means mountain and serrat means serrated – will treat you to the sight of myriad evocative mountain forms, giving free rein to one’s imagination.

Apart from enjoying nature in the raw, the spot carries a spiritual charge as it is the site of the Monastery of Santa María de Montserrat. The church houses the effigy of the Virgin of Montserrat, patroness of Catalonia, popularly known as “La Moreneta” on account of the black colour of the carved wooden statue.

Book your Vueling to Barcelona and delight in both the novelties to be showcased at this year’s Mobile World Congress and the marvels to be discovered in the city and its environs.

Text by Los Viajes de ISABELYLUIS

Images by GSMA,  José Luis Filpo Cabana, Delatorre, Los Viajes de ISABELYLUIS