Catalonia: a Country Within a Country?

The autonomous region of Catalonia boasts more thandance of Catalonia, originated,. More must-visits are the
a thousand years of history, its own language andcastle fortress of Sant Ferran, the parish church of
unique traditions and culture.Sant Pere, the Museum of l'Emporda and the Toy
It covers an area of nearly 32,000km2 and is locatedMuseum.
in the Northeast corner of Spain. It has its ownL'Escala
government known as the Generalitat, over 6 millionA small holiday resort at the southern end of the Gulf
inhabitants, and is divided into four sub-regions: Girona,of Roses. It is a delightful fishing village well known for
Barcelona, Lleida and Tarragona.its delicious sardines. The resort offers much for the
Catalonia features almost 600km of stunningwater sport enthusiast, two yacht clubs and a number
Mediterranean coastline, stretching from Portbou at theof marinas. This is also the point of entry to the
French border to the Delta of the River Ebro. ItRoman colony of Empúries, the most visited
encompasses the Costa Brava in the north, followedarchaeological site in Catalonia.
by the Costa del Maresme and then the CostaBarcelona
Dorada, where you'll find the well-known resort ofCapital of Catalonia, Barcelona is also known as the
Salou, home to the largest theme park in Spain.cosmopolitan capital of Spain and is known throughout
Catalonia is also blessed with a remarkable variety ofthe world for its amazing architecture as much as for
landscapes. To the north, the jagged peaks of theit's people and way of life. There is much to see, here
Pyrenees offer skiers, walkers and bikers aare some of the highlights:
year-round haven.La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Sacred Family)
The snowy peaks, reaching heights of 3,000km, tumbleAntoni Gaudi's world-renowned, still to be finished,
down through valleys of thriving pine and fir trees,masterpiece of modernist architecture.
clearing to reveal shimmering lakes. There are oddlyParc Guell (Guell Park) Another of Antoni Gaudi's
formed mountain ranges like the extinct volcanicworks, this park is characterised by sculptures and
parklands around Olot, and the unique mountain rangemosaics by the designer, as well as pretty winding
at Montserrat - so unique it has been declared apaths and tranquil greens.
UNESCO conservation area.Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum) Dedicated to the
Inland Catalonia is as diverse as its coastline: there arework of art legend Pablo Picasso, this park is a
undulating hillsides, draped with rich vineyards in someshowcase for over three 3,600 paintings, sculptures
parts, and in others, dry, flat land. The intenseand drawings.
dedication of the land workers and the irrigation fromBarcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art
the River Ebro favours the region with exceptionalContemporani de Barcelona) A striking white building
olive oil, wine and fruit.designed by architect Richard Meier is home to a
The interior of Catalonia is also graced with amazingcollection of Spanish, Catalonian and European modern
historic buildings, fortified villages, superb cities andand contemporary art.
stunning architecture.Las Ramblas Pedestrianised historical street lined with
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is also known asflower stalls, restaurants and bars.
the cosmopolitan capital of Spain. It really is one of theLa Boqueria A popular and well known food market
most amazing and lively cities in Spain and offersselling some of the freshest fruit, vegetables and
enough sights to fill guidebook upon guidebook withseafood in Barcelona.
pages and pages of information.Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) Historic walking area with
Sport plays an important role in Catalonia's tourismbuildings dating back to Roman and medieval times.
infrastructure. Here is a summary of what is on offer:This is where you'll find the Cathedral de la Seu, a
- 40 marinas for sailingfantastic Gothic cathedral right in the heart of the area.
- 29 golf coursesCiutat Vella (Old City) A fascinating area, steeped in
- 3 flying clubshistory, with narrow streets and squares, Gothic
- 15 ski resortsmansions, museums, historic churches, bars and
- A wide range of adventure and water sportsrestaurants.
Don't go home without visiting: Tossa de MarL'Eixample This district dates from the 19th-century
A charming coastal resort steeped in history, andand shows off works by famous architects such as
overlooked by the turrets of a 12th century walledGaudí and Ildefons Cerdà.
town, the Vila Vella (old town), which blendsPort Vell Barcelona's vivacious harbour, full of yachts
seamlessly into the Vila Nova (new town) - a maze ofand cruise ships, with a popular entertainment complex,
narrow winding streets dotted with boutique stylefeaturing a mall, several restaurants, a cinema and an
shops, cosy bars and quality restaurants.aquarium.
Tossa's strict no high-rise policy means your scenicTibidabo Mountain A get-away from the main city, this
walk provides uninterrupted views from mountain tomountain has a small amusement park and is a
coast. The Mediterranean Lighthouse Interpretationfavourite walking route for hikers and those looking for
Centre, opened in September 2005, is something nota peaceful stroll.
to be missed. Located at the summit of the Vila Vella,Parc Zoologic de Barcelona (Barcelona Zoo) Zoo
the observation platforms offer spectacular viewsfamous throughout the world for being home to
along this amazingly wild stretch of coastline and theSnowflake, the only captive albino gorilla in the world.
centre itself offers an excellent guided tour and virtualBarcelona Aquarium The largest aquarium in Europe,
demonstration on the history of the lighthouse.this is one of Barcelona's main attractions.
GironaNou Camp Stadium This gigantic football stadium,
Historical city Girona, lying inland, is split into two by Thehome to FC Barcelona, is the largest in Europe, with a
River Onyar.seating capacity of 100,000.
Its Cathedral, a fusion of many different historicalDon't miss:
periods and styles, highlights the old quarter. Take aCrema cremada / Crema Catalana (caramelized
stroll down the winding streets, shaded by tall, stonecustard cream) No visit to Catalonia is complete
walls, offering an abundance of shops and quaint littlewithout trying this dessert. Catalan cream can be
riverside cafes - there's one in C/Ballesteries that'sdescribed as crème brullee - creamy custard
worth a look, its interior tiled with a hotchpotch ofwith a crisp caramel topping. Catalan creams are
Spanish, Moroccan and Turkish influences and seatingflavoured with lemon zest and are traditionally served
strewn with luxurious cushions.in an earthenware dish.
The Twelfth Century Arab Baths, the old City Walls,The Sardana The Sardana is a very old Catalan
and the museums of archaeology and history are ofdance. It is an open dance that can be joined and left
notable interest whilst the churches of Sant Nicolau,again at any time. It is danced in a circle, holding hands
Sant Feliu and Sant Pere de Galligants highlight theup in the air and coordinating the steps in accordance
religious background of the region.with a complex set of rules. The Sardana is
Don't miss the Saturday market, a parade ground forperformed to the tune of a typical band of ten
the local farmers: savour the aroma of their fruit andmusicians playing traditional wind instruments. The band
vegetables, olive oils, herbs, hams, and cheeses. Andis called la Cobla and their sound is very distinctive, and
don't forget to stop off for some scrumptious freshlyquite addictive. Throughout the year there are many
made Churros!occasions when you will have the chance to see - or
Montserratjoin in - this dance, from local to national fiestas.
The Monastery of Montserrat is perched on top of aA trip by boat along the amazing Costa Brava
1,200-metre mountain amidst breathtaking scenery.coastline Whether you take a ferry, a glass-bottom
Here you'll find a blend of nature, culture and holiness.boat, a Catamaran cruise complete with barbeque and
This pilgrimage site is as popular as Santiago dechampagne, a submarine type boat or a thrilling power
Compostela, and travellers are greeted at theirboat ride, you'll be amazed by the bays and coves
journey's summit by the 12th century Madonna - thestudding the craggy, pine-carpeted coastline. Some of
Romanesque statue of a black Virgin Mary, known asthe bays are only accessible by boat or on foot,
La Moreneta (the dark virgin).making them wonderfully secluded, with tranquil
If you are daring enough to take the cable car to theturquoise waters, clear as glass but for the stirring of
tiny chapel at Santa Cova (the site of the discovery ofthe breeze! Those daring enough to swim through the
La Moreneta), you will be amazed by the spectacularlabyrinthine tunnels that sprout off some of the caves
views - on a clear day it is possible to see Mallorca!could even find themselves on a hidden beach, and
Montserrat is easily reached from Barcelona withyou may even find some age old forgotten treasure
trains leaving every hour.left by pirates many centuries ago! See the yachts of
Sant Feliu de Guixolsthe rich, moored discreetly in hidden bays and coves
This town is at the heart of the Costa Brava,with their smartly-dressed professional crew tending to
surrounded by pine and oak-filled woods. Of particulara smoking barbeque, pouring pink champagne for
notability here is the hermitage of Sant Grau and theelegant sunbathers, who will momentarily stir and look
Gothic church with its celebrated iron gate, the Portaout from under their lolloping straw hats and designer
Ferrada. Water sports lovers are well catered forshades to see who may be passing by.
here, particularly in the nearby cove of Cala SalionsHuman Towers Castellers: One of the most
and fish and seafood lovers will be well catered forspectacular sights observed during a Catalan festival
with an abundance of beachside restaurants.sees teams of enthusiasts form human towers -
Mar i Murtra Jardí Botanic, Blanescastells - which can be up to ten people high. This
The Mar i Murtra Botanical Gardens in Blanescomplex task of organisation and perfect timing starts
showcases over 4,000 species of plants from fivewith a square of strong men linking arms to form a
continents, some of them threatened with extinction.base, so that lighter men and women can climb onto
The gardens also have a valuable research and studytheir shoulders. Concentration is etched in their faces,
centre.as more lighter and smaller people climb up, increasing
Once you are in Blanes, take the special Jardíthe storeys. Finally, the anxeneta, a young boy or girl,
Botanic Bus from the port, up the hair-raising bends toclambers bravely to the top, some 10 metres above
the gardens, which are perched way above the sea,the ground, and lifts one arm to show that the castell is
offering amazing views.complete.
Les Illes Medes (The Medes Islands), Toroella deImmediately after this, the castell begins to unravel -
Montgriand sometimes the tower will collapse - to gasps from
The largest marine nature reserve in Catalonia andthe surrounding crowd who all immediately strengthen
one of the most important in the whole of thetheir arms in readiness to break the Castellers' falls.
Mediterranean area. The Medes Islands are a smallSant Jordi - a day for lovers in Barcelona The
archipelago made up of seven islets and several reefsequivalent of Valentines Day falls on the day of St
just a mile off the Catalan coast from Emporda andGeorge, patron saint of Catalonia, 23 April. This is the
the Montgri Massif. The area is one of exceptionalmost romantic day of the year in Barcelona and for
biological and ecological worth. The varying depths ofthose in love, the ideal place to be. There is an air of
the sea water around the islands, and the contrast ofhappiness and affection everywhere. Tradition says
the rocky and sandy areas of the seabed, combinedthat on this day, men should give the woman in their
with the rock-type which lends itself to the formationlife a rose, and in return, the woman gives her man a
of tunnels and caves, all work together to attract abook as a sign of love and friendship. So you'll see Las
wide variety of species - as many as 1,345 have beenRamblas lined with stall upon stall of roses and books,
recorded.and lovers everywhere exchanging gifts - and kisses.
FigueresCatalonia: a country within a country? With a language,
In the heart of Catalonia you'll find Figueres,culture, gastronomy, traditions and even dot.domain of
best-known as the birthplace of surrealist artistits own, how can Catalonia be just another region of
Salvador Dali and home to the famous Dali Museum.Spain?
Figueres is also the where the Sardana, the traditional