Carles Virgili: the world through the lens, from the bottom of the sea to the sky of Catalonia

Photographer, videographer, naturalist, and explorer of the planet. Carles Virgili Ribé, born in Barcelona in 1957, is one of the leading figures in nature photography and videography in Spain.

His passion for photography became his profession in 1992, and since then he has dedicated his life to the oceans, the mountains, and all those places where nature has something to say. He has been the Spanish Champion of Underwater Photography, the Spanish Champion of Underwater Videography, and even the World Champion of Underwater Videography, accumulating more than 150 international awards.

His work has appeared in 9 books and in more than 325 media outlets worldwide. He specializes in nature and adventure sports photography, but not from the sidelines; he's always at the heart of the action, and as a drone pilot, he has flown more than 5,000 km.

At femturisme.cat, we wanted to find out what Catalonia is like for someone who knows the world so well, what places inspire him and what experiences he considers essential.

A Catalonia seen from the depths, from the road... and from the sky

What is your favorite spot in Catalonia?

Red Island beach in Begur. After visiting all the coves of the Costa Brava for my book, Secret Costa Brava, I can say that this is the most spectacular. It's a nudist beach "in theory," but ideal to visit in winter, when the light and tranquility transform it into a little paradise.

Is there any place in Catalonia that brings back childhood memories?

Yes, the small beach of Torre Valentina, in Calonge. We used to spend our summers there when we were children, until the urbanization of the area completely transformed the landscape. In fact, I made a documentary to denounce that change.

What Catalan experience or tradition do you think everyone should experience at least once?

A correfoc. Of course, dress appropriately, because you know those devils don't mess around! It's a unique experience that connects you with the popular energy and festive fire of this country.

The correfoc is a dance of fire and gunpowder, a collective explosion that combines rhythm, tradition and adrenaline.

If you had to recommend just one thing to someone visiting Catalonia for the first time, what would it be?

The coastal paths of the Costa Brava. Some are more spectacular than others, but practically all are worth a visit. They offer a journey through the most intimate geography of the coastline: rocks, pine trees, sea, and Mediterranean light.

What corner of Catalonia have you yet to discover?

The Mont-rebei Gorge. Despite working on a new book about the Ter Valley, this unfinished corner is a thorn in my side that I hope to remove soon.

As a photographer, underwater videographer, and drone pilot, what place has impressed you the most?

The Medes Islands are undoubtedly an unparalleled underwater paradise. And, as a drone pilot, I made an unexpected discovery: the dirt track, almost goat-like, that runs from the Susqueda reservoir to the Sau reservoir.

One day, with low fog and radiant sun, the flights through the fog between mountains and trees tinged with autumn was one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever recorded.

Carles Virgili has seen Catalonia from every possible angle, immersed in its deep blue waters, walking on stone, and soaring above the forests. His projects, memories, and discoveries form a portrait of a rich and boundless land, which he continues to explore with the same passion that once led him to plunge into the Mediterranean.

And when he looks through the viewfinder, the world, and Catalonia, become a continuous adventure.

Instagram Carles Virgili