Barcelona-Penedès: Chocolate Experience at Espai Xocolata Simón Coll

Taking a trip to Catalonia isn’t complete without indulging in its famous chocolates, and the Espai Xocolata Simón Coll offers a charming, interactive way to do just that. This 50-minute guided tour combines a step-by-step look at how chocolate is made, from cocoa bean to bar, with sensory tastings that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Hosted by Chocolate Amatller, a brand with roots dating back to 1840, this experience is packed with audiovisual displays, antique machinery, and plenty of tasty surprises.

What we really love about this experience is how it manages to be both educational and fun—perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to learn about chocolate’s history and production. The immersive audiovisual spaces and guided tastings stand out as highlights, bringing the entire journey vividly to life. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that for safety reasons, you won’t get to enter the actual production line — but the viewing windows and detailed explanations more than make up for it.

This experience is ideal for anyone interested in food culture, craftsmanship, or simply a good reason to indulge in some delicious chocolate. If you’re in Barcelona or nearby, it offers a sweet escape that’s informative yet playful, and perfect for those who love tasting, learning, and discovering new flavors.

Key Points

• Educational and Interactive: Combines audiovisual storytelling with chocolate tastings.
• Historic Charm: Features antique machinery from the original factory.
• Sensory Experience: Guided tasting of chocolates and cocoa beans.
• Visual Highlights: 180º audiovisual space transports you to cocoa plantations.
• Hygiene & Safety: Viewing windows to see the production line, but no entry.
• Accessibility & Flexibility: Wheelchair friendly, with flexible cancellation options.

A Closer Look at the Chocolate Experience

Walking into the Espai Xocolata Simón Coll visitor center feels like stepping into a chocolate lover’s dream. The first thing you’ll notice is the modern yet nostalgic setting, designed to showcase the brand’s historic roots while embracing cutting-edge audiovisual technology. The experience kicks off with a stunning 180º audiovisual presentation—think panoramic screens that whisk you away to cocoa plantations, showing you what a cacao tree looks like, how the pods grow, and what happens after harvesting.

The Audiovisual Space: Visualizing Cocoa’s Journey

The panoramic screens are a highlight. Through bright visuals and engaging narration, you’ll learn how cocoa beans transform from humble pods into the rich chocolate we love. Reviewers mention that this part of the tour “made you feel like you were right there on the plantation,” which is a testament to how well the audiovisuals capture the journey. It’s a fun, educational segment that suits all ages, making complex processes easy to understand.

The Old Workshop: A Live History Lesson

Next, you’ll visit the historic workshop, where authentic antique machinery has been brought back to life through visual displays and digital interactions. Expect to see vintage equipment that once powered the factory over 100 years ago, with master chocolatiers explaining how these tools operated. While you won’t get hands-on access, the visual reconstructions and expert commentary make it clear how much craftsmanship has evolved. Visitors appreciate the chance to see “the machines in action without the noise,” which adds an authentic flavor to the experience.

The Production Line: Watching Chocolate in Action

One of the most exciting parts is viewing the current production line. Large windows reveal part of the factory where chocolates are being crafted daily—though, for safety and hygiene reasons, you can’t step inside. Still, this offers a fascinating glimpse into contemporary chocolate manufacturing, with explanations about how Bonbons and other treats are formed, flavored, and packaged.

Guided Tasting: A Sensory Journey

The highlight for many visitors is the guided tasting session, where you’ll sample freshly made chocolates straight off the production line. The guides teach you how to “taste with all five senses,” which is surprisingly educational and fun. You’ll learn about flavor profiles, textures, and the differences between various chocolates and cocoa beans. Several reviews mention how “tasting the chocolate in the factory” created a memorable sensory connection that you can’t replicate elsewhere.

The Gift Shop: Chocolate Paradise

After the tour, you’ll end up in the chocolate shop, a sprawling 100 m² space offering all the products from Simón Coll and Chocolates Amatller. It’s a fantastic place to pick up souvenirs, explore new releases, or indulge in a box of premium chocolates. Many visitors find that this shop is where the experience truly pays off, as the quality and variety of chocolates are impressive.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration: 50 minutes, which is enough time to explore without feeling rushed, especially since the audiovisual and tasting segments are well-paced.

Start & End Location: The tour begins at the reception of the Espai Xocolata Simón Coll and ends back at the same spot, making it easy to plan your visit.

Languages: Provided in English, Catalan, and Spanish—great for international visitors.

Accessibility: The experience is wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy the journey.

Availability & Flexibility: With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reservations that allow you to reserve now and pay later, visiting is flexible even if your plans change.

Cost & Value: While the exact price isn’t provided here, the tour’s inclusion of audiovisual displays, expert guides, tastings, and a gift shop makes it a worthwhile investment for chocolate lovers or curious travelers seeking a taste of local craftsmanship.

Why This Tour Works for Different Travelers

• Families: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the visual storytelling and tastings.
• Food lovers: It’s a deep dive into the world of chocolate, from bean to bar.
• History enthusiasts: The antique machinery and historical workshop add a nostalgic touch.
• Casual visitors: Those wanting a relaxing, engaging activity close to Barcelona.

Final Thoughts

The Chocolate Experience at Espai Xocolata Simón Coll offers a balanced look at the art, science, and flavor of chocolate. A perfect outing for curious travelers, it combines entertainment with education in a way that appeals across ages. While you don’t get to physically enter the production line, the audiovisual presentations, antique machinery, and guided tastings more than compensate. The shop at the end makes this a full sensory experience—perfect for indulging your sweet tooth and taking home a piece of Catalonia’s chocolate legacy.

This tour is especially recommended for chocolate aficionados or anyone who appreciates craftsmanship and history wrapped into a delightful, bite-sized adventure. It’s a thoughtful, tasty way to learn about local industry and culture, all while satisfying your sweet cravings.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 50 minutes, which allows enough time to enjoy each segment without rushing.

What languages are available for the tour?
The guided experience is offered in English, Catalan, and Spanish, accommodating most visitors comfortably.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the audiovisual presentation and tasting elements make it engaging for all ages, though parents should supervise younger children around the machinery viewing windows.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is there a shop at the end of the tour?
Absolutely, there’s a 100 m² shop with all the latest products from Simón Coll and Chocolates Amatller, ideal for picking up souvenirs.

Can I see the actual production line?
You will view part of the current factory through windows, but for safety and hygiene reasons, you cannot enter or handle the machinery.

Are there any age restrictions?
There are no specific age restrictions, but the tour is designed to be family-friendly and engaging for children.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair friendly, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably.

What makes this experience unique?
The combination of audiovisual storytelling, antique machinery, and guided tastings offers an authentic, multi-sensory look at chocolate making.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
No special preparation is needed; just bring your curiosity and love for chocolate.

Taking all these elements into account, the Espai Xocolata Simón Coll provides a charming, well-rounded look at the world of chocolate in Catalonia—perfect for both casual visitors and dedicated connoisseurs alike.