I’ve yet to say no to a trip to the city and I can’t see myself doing so anytime soon
ECHO reporter Paul McAuley at Barcelona’s Primavera Sound Festival in June 2025
I always say I prefer to visit a place once and never again. Not because I didn’t enjoy it but because the world has so much to offer and I’m a sucker for trying new things.
However, when it comes to Barcelona, I just can’t help but bend the rules a bit. I first visited the city back in 2022 for a last-minute weekend getaway, packing as much as I could into the 72 hours I had available.
I took plenty of Instagram pictures outside the fantastic Sagrada Familia church, gawked at Casa Batlló for longer than I should’ve, and was in awe of the sunrise as I paddleboarded on the crystal clear waters. Yet, when Sunday evening rolled around, and I was sitting in the Spanish airport with Sangria-filled pours, I realised the cosmopolitan capital had a lot more to offer.
From tapas and time on the beach to sunshine and sangria, what’s not to love? There are endless reasons why people choose this unique destination for a well-deserved break, but mine is probably a little more personal than others.
Barcelona cathedral was one of my favourite spots(Image: Megan Banner)
Since my inaugural trip, I have returned to Barcelona three times – twice just this summer, having made the journey in June to indulge in all things Primavera Sound. The eagerly awaited festival had a stellar line-up, with Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chapelle Roan taking the main stage for three consecutive days, respectively.
Given that the PowerPuff Girls-esque trio were the headliners, it was no surprise that 90% of those in attendance were somewhat queer or belonged to the LGBTQ+ community.
The event planners possess an exceptional talent for understanding precisely what their audience craves, and this year proved no different. It proved a brilliant time for pop music enthusiasts, with these female musicians and numerous others delivering banger after banger.
Barcelona’s Primavera Sound could easily rival the UK’s Glastonbury
More recently, over the weekend, I travelled with Spanish airline Vueling to take part in the city’s Pride festivities. Riding aboard the company’s float, soaking up all the vibrancy, cheering, and, naturally, sunshine, it became clear how vital Pride remains to any city.
Fortunately, Liverpool’s event is proceeding this weekend after facing initial cancellation. The Spanish counterpart drew in a 150,000-person crowd with thousands, like myself, ending the night at Passeig de Lluís Company.
Barcelona ranks among the most welcoming and inclusive cities I’ve ever visited. Not only does it embrace queer travellers, it virtually lays out the welcome mat for us.
Boasting a thriving gay quarter, countless brilliant venues, and superb festivals, the city pulses with energy just waiting to be explored.
ECHO reporter Paul McAuley at Barcelona’s Pride festival with Vueling in July 2025
Since you’ve journeyed that distance, it’s worthwhile making the additional hour-long train trip to Sitges. This coastal settlement in Spain’s Catalonia region serves as an inviting gay holiday destination, especially throughout the summer period.
It features a lively atmosphere with multiple beaches, pubs, and nightclubs. After just one visit, you’ll understand why it’s frequently called the “gay capital of Europe.”
The beauty of both destinations is that those who have the privilege of calling either home are quite eccentric by nature anyway. When it comes to either location, your queerness is almost the last thing they want to know about you in the best way possible. It becomes insignificant in comparison to other things that make you, you.
If you’ve not yet visited Barcelona, it should certainly be on your must-see list. With just a two-and-a-half-hour flight separating Liverpool and this Spanish gem, there’s really no excuse.
It genuinely offers something for everyone, regardless of age – and even sexuality, for that matter. Next up for me on the wish list is Barcelona’s Circuit Festival, so if you’ve ever attended, I’m eager to hear any tips and tricks to make the most of it.
I’m not the only one who is head over heels for the city, fellow ECHO reporter Meg Banner felt the same. You can read her extreme day trip here.