Bucket List: Barcelona Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

Once upon a time, I was asked by a client if I could fly to Barcelona to shoot a short film.

“Sure, why not? What’s the assignment?”

“We want you to go to Barcelona and do all the coolest and most luxurious things the city has to offer and film yourself doing it?  You’d be staying at the Ritz-Carlton Arts Hotel and you’d have your own driver and guide to the city. Oh, we’ll also get you a private helicopter, sailing boat, and you might need to go hot air ballooning over Montserrat.”

The running joke in my head whenever I get such a ridiculous assignment is, “how much do I have to pay you?”

And of course, the best part about it is that I was the one actually getting paid. I pinch myself and then I pack my gear.

You Always Fly At Dawn

Our day began with a 6:30 am start, which, considering our early morning call times the entire week, felt almost leisurely. The last time we did this, it was in Myanmar, where a 5 am pickup whisked us away for a flight over the serene Inle Lake. Compared to that, today’s wake-up call was a breeze.

The 45-minute drive to our departure point in Sallent offered the perfect opportunity to catch a few extra winks. With my face comfortably pressed against the window, I let the gentle hum of the car lull me into a mini nap.

We arrived in the pre-dawn darkness, greeted by the friendly team from Barcelona Balloon Flights. Their warm Spanish greetings were matched by an even warmer nod towards the coffee—a much-needed jolt to shake off any lingering sleepiness. The anticipation that had kept us up late the night before now bubbled over into pure excitement.

Standing there, coffee in hand, watching the balloon being prepped, I knew we were in for something special. The sky began to lighten, hinting at the spectacular views that awaited us. There’s a unique thrill to watching a new day unfold from thousands of feet above the ground, and I could hardly wait to take to the skies.

The Balloon Is Massive

If you’ve never been up close to a hot air balloon, prepare to be astonished by its sheer size. Seeing one up close for the first time is truly jaw-dropping. When laid out flat on the ground, the balloon stretches a whopping 80 feet (24 meters) from end to end. Trust me, it’s massive.

As we sipped our coffee, we watched the balloon slowly come to life. Inflating this giant marvel involves two large fans blowing hot air from the capsule burners into the balloon’s envelope. This takes about 15 minutes, during which the balloon gradually rises and takes shape.

The coolest part of the morning? I was given permission to walk inside the balloon as it was inflating. Standing inside this giant, gently billowing structure gave me an even greater appreciation for its size. Massive, I tell you. Being inside the balloon, surrounded by its vibrant colors and feeling its immense presence, was awe-inspiring.

This unique perspective heightened my anticipation for the flight and offered a rare, memorable prelude to the adventure ahead. As the balloon continued to inflate, I couldn’t help but feel a childlike sense of wonder and excitement. We were about to embark on a journey promising breathtaking views and unforgettable memories.

Up, Up and Away

Once the balloon fully inflated, we wasted no time. After a quick safety briefing, we jumped into the basket, and before I even realized it, we were off. The takeoff was so swift and gentle that I almost missed capturing it on camera.

And just like that, I’ve lost my breath.

As we ascended over the countryside, a morning haze bathed the landscape in the most perfect light. This was the kind of light I chase around the world, always searching for the perfect shot, and here it was, appearing as if by magic. It was warm and enveloping, a light that seemed to embrace you.

The balloon gracefully turned in the air, treating us to a stunning 360-degree view of the Montserrat area. The blue skies contrasted beautifully with the warm yellow glow of the rising sun. The scenery was breathtaking, with the rugged peaks of Montserrat standing majestically against the horizon.

Floating above the world in that serene, golden light, I felt a profound sense of peace and wonder. This was more than just a balloon ride; it was an experience that touched the soul, a moment where time seemed to stand still and the beauty of the world unfolded before our eyes.

Off in the distance, our pilot pointed out the distinctive sawtooth ridgeline of Montserrat. Partially obscured by the morning mist and haze, its jagged silhouette rose above it all, unmistakably the Montserrat I had only seen in photographs.

Take My Breath Away

Flying over the ruins of what looked like an old farmhouse below, I felt overwhelmed by the sense of time passing. Neither good nor bad; it just was, a quiet current flowing beneath us. I let the feeling wash over me, a moment of reflection amidst the serenity of our flight.

A little later, I spotted a paraglider gliding gracefully below us. Seizing the opportunity for a bit of fun, I filmed a sequence where I playfully “squashed” him with my fingers, enjoying a bit of perspective play. It was a lighthearted moment that added a touch of whimsy to the tranquil beauty around us.

And It Keeps Getting Better

As if to say, “you haven’t seen anything yet,” the light only got better. I turned my focus towards my assistant, a mesmerized look on her face, staring out over the world below. The golden light bathed her in a soft glow, perfectly encapsulating the awe and wonder we both felt in that moment.

And then, of course, we took some fun selfies. After all, it was only 8:30 in the morning, and we really shouldn’t be taking ourselves too seriously at this hour. The playful snapshots added lightheartedness to our extraordinary morning, capturing our joy and the magical experience.

Our flight lasted about an hour, which was plenty of time to take in the region without feeling rushed. The entire journey was as smooth as expected, and we touched down with a perfect landing. Waiting for us below was the customary cava celebration, a delightful end to our serene and breathtaking adventure.

Once we jumped out and caught our breaths, we helped the team deflate the balloon before retreating for cava and jamón. I love Spain for this combination, and it’s one of the reasons I plan to move there in the future. But that’s a different story.

Best Hot Air Balloon Company In Barcelona

1. Barcelona Balloon Flights

After much research, Barcelona Balloon Flights came out on top. We did their sunrise flight. The meet up point is in the town of Sallent. The flight ends with a cava (champagne) toast. They offer a roundtrip transfer option for €30/person.

2. Ballooning Barcelona

Alternatively, if you want a flight that includes a free pick-up in Barcelona, check out this sunrise flight over Montseny National Park. All flight end with a cava toast and a pastry breakfast.

3. World Experience

If you’re looking to combine a hot air balloon flight with a guided tour of the Montserrat Monastery, check out this combo flight package. Roundtrip transfer is included from Barcelona. Flights include water and snacks and a cava toast. This package comes highly recommended.

Looking for more travel inspirations? Scroll through some of the 450+ experiences on my bucket list. Maybe you’ll find your next adventure on there.

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Updated on June 3, 2024