What not to Miss When Visiting Catalonia

The autonomous region of Catalonia boasts more thancastle fortress of Sant Ferran, the parish church of
a thousand years of history, its own language andSant Pere, the Museum of l’Emporda and the Toy
unique traditions and culture. Museum.
Its 600km of stunning Mediterranean coastlineL'Escala
stretches from Portbou at the French border to theA small holiday resort at the southern end of the Gulf
Delta of the River Ebro. It encompasses the Costaof Roses. It is a delightful fishing village well known for
Brava in the north, followed by the Costa del Maresmeits delicious sardines. The resort offers much for the
and then the Costa Dorada, where you’ll find thewater sport enthusiast, two yacht clubs and a number
well-known resort of Salou, home to the largest themeof marinas. This is also the point of entry to the
park in Spain.Roman colony of Empúries, the most visited
Catalonia is blessed with a remarkable variety ofarchaeological site in Catalonia.
landscapes. To the north, the jagged peaks of theBarcelona
Pyrenees offer skiers, walkers and bikers aCapital of Catalonia, Barcelona is also known as the
year-round haven.cosmopolitan capital of Spain and is known throughout
The snowy peaks, reaching heights of 3,000km, tumblethe world for its amazing architecture as much as for
down through valleys of thriving pine and fir trees,it’s people and way of life.
clearing to reveal shimmering lakes. There are oddlyThere is much to see, here are some of the highlights:
formed mountain ranges like the extinct volcanicLa Sagrada Familia (Church of the Sacred Family)
parklands around Olot, and the unique mountain rangeAntoni Gaudi’s world-renowned, still to be finished,
at Montserrat - so unique it has been declared amasterpiece of modernist architecture.
UNESCO conservation area.Parc Guell (Guell Park)
Inland Catalonia is as diverse as its coastline: there areAnother of Antoni Gaudi’s works, this park is
undulating hillsides, draped with rich vineyards in somecharacterised by sculptures and mosaics by the
parts, and in others, dry, flat land. The intensedesigner, as well as pretty winding paths and tranquil
dedication of the land workers and the irrigation fromgreens.
the River Ebro favours the region with exceptionalMuseu Picasso (Picasso Museum)
olive oil, wine and fruit.Dedicated to the work of art legend Pablo Picasso,
The interior of Catalonia is also graced with amazingthis park is a showcase for over three 3,600 paintings,
historic buildings, fortified villages, superb cities andsculptures and drawings.
stunning architecture.Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is also known asContemporani de Barcelona)
the cosmopolitan capital of Spain. It really is one of theA striking white building designed by architect Richard
most amazing and lively cities in Spain and offersMeier is home to a collection of Spanish, Catalonian
enough sights to fill guidebook upon guidebook withand European modern and contemporary art.
pages and pages of information.Las Ramblas
Fact FilePedestrianised historical street lined with flower stalls,
Language: Catalánrestaurants and bars.
Location: Northeast SpainLa Boqueria
Population: 6 millionA popular and well known food market selling some of
Area: 32,000km2the freshest fruit, vegetables and seafood in
Provinces: Girona, Barcelona, Lleida, TarragonaBarcelona.
Region capital: BarcelonaBarri Gotic (Gothic Quarter)
Costas: Costa Brava, Costa del Maresme, CostaHistoric walking area with buildings dating back to
DoradaRoman and medieval times. This is where you’ll find
Currency: Euro (€)the Cathedral de la Seu, a fantastic Gothic cathedral
National Day: 11 Septemberright in the heart of the area.
Patron saint: Sant Jordi / San Jorge (Saint George)Ciutat Vella (Old City)
Patron saints day: 23 AprilA fascinating area, steeped in history, with narrow
Government: The Generalitatstreets and squares, Gothic mansions, museums,
Major Football Clubs: FC Barcelona, Espanyolhistoric churches, bars and restaurants.
Catalan Tourist office: 00 34 934 849 900L'Eixample
Sport plays an important role in Catalonia’s tourismThis district dates from the 19th-century and shows
infrastructure. Here is a summary of what is on offer:off works by famous architects such as Gaudí and
- 40 marinas for sailingIldefons Cerdà.
- 29 golf coursesPort Vell
- 3 flying clubsBarcelona’s vivacious harbour, full of yachts and
- 15 ski resortscruise ships, with a popular entertainment complex,
- A wide range of adventure and water sportsfeaturing a mall, several restaurants, a cinema and an
Don’t go home without visiting:aquarium.
Tossa de MarTibidabo Mountain
A charming coastal resort steeped in history, andA get-away from the main city, this mountain has a
overlooked by the turrets of a 12th century walledsmall amusement park and is a favourite walking route
town, the Vila Vella (old town), which blendsfor hikers and those looking for a peaceful stroll.
seamlessly into the Vila Nova (new town) - a maze ofParc Zoologic de Barcelona (Barcelona Zoo)
narrow winding streets dotted with boutique styleZoo famous throughout the world for being home to
shops, cosy bars and quality restaurants. Tossa’sSnowflake, the only captive albino gorilla in the world.
strict ‘no high-rise’ policy means your scenicBarcelona Aquarium
walk provides uninterrupted views from mountain toThe largest aquarium in Europe, this is one of
coast. The Mediterranean Lighthouse InterpretationBarcelona’s main attractions.
Centre, opened in September 2005, is something notNou Camp Stadium
to be missed. Located at the summit of the Vila Vella,This gigantic football stadium, home to FC Barcelona, is
the observation platforms offer spectacular viewsthe largest in Europe, with a seating capacity of
along this amazingly wild stretch of coastline and the100,000.
centre itself offers an excellent guided tour and virtualDon’t go home without:
demonstration on the history of the lighthouse.Sampling Crema cremada / Crema Catalana
Girona(caramelized custard cream)
Historical city Girona, lying inland, is split into two by TheNo visit to Catalonia is complete without trying this
River Onyar. Its Cathedral, a fusion of many differentdessert. Catalan cream can be described as crème
historical periods and styles, highlights the old quarter.brullee - creamy custard with a crisp caramel topping.
Take a stroll down the winding streets, shaded by tall,Catalan creams are flavoured with lemon zest and
stone walls, offering an abundance of shops andare traditionally served in an earthenware dish.
quaint little riverside cafes – there’s one in CWatching and Joining in The Sardana
Ballesteries that’s worth a look, its interior tiled withThe Sardana is a very old Catalan dance. It is an open
a hotchpotch of Spanish, Moroccan and Turkishdance that can be joined and left again at any time. It
influences and seating strewn with luxuriousis danced in a circle, holding hands up in the air and
cushions. The Twelfth Century Arab Baths, the oldcoordinating the steps in accordance with a complex
City Walls, and the museums of archaeology andset of rules. The Sardana is performed to the tune of
history are of notable interest whilst the churches ofa typical band of ten musicians playing traditional wind
Sant Nicolau, Sant Feliu and Sant Pere de Galligantsinstruments. The band is called la Cobla and their sound
highlight the religious background of the region.is very distinctive, and quite addictive.
Don’t miss the Saturday market, a parade groundThroughout the year there are many occasions when
for the local farmers: savour the aroma of their fruityou will have the chance to see - or join in - this dance,
and vegetables, olive oils, herbs, hams, and cheeses.from local to national fiestas.
And don’t forget to stop off for some scrumptiousTaking a trip by boat along the amazing Costa Brava
freshly made Churros!coastline
MontserratWhether you take a ferry, a glass-bottom boat, a
The Monastery of Montserrat is perched on top of aCatamaran cruise complete with barbeque and
1,200-metre mountain amidst breathtaking scenery.champagne, a submarine type boat or a thrilling power
Here you’ll find a blend of nature, culture andboat ride, you’ll be amazed by the bays and coves
holiness. This pilgrimage site is as popular as Santiagostudding the craggy, pine-carpeted coastline. Some of
de Compostela, and travellers are greeted at theirthe bays are only accessible by boat or on foot,
journey’s summit by the 12th century Madonna –making them wonderfully secluded, with tranquil
the Romanesque statue of a black Virgin Mary, knownturquoise waters, clear as glass but for the stirring of
as La Moreneta (the dark virgin). If you are daringthe breeze! Those daring enough to swim through the
enough to take the cable car to the tiny chapel atlabyrinthine tunnels that sprout off some of the caves
Santa Cova (the site of the discovery of Lacould even find themselves on a hidden beach, and
Moreneta), you will be amazed by the spectacularyou may even find some age old forgotten treasure
views - on a clear day it is possible to see Mallorca!left by pirates many centuries ago!
Montserrat is easily reached from Barcelona withWatching People make human towers – Castellers
trains leaving every hour.One of the most spectacular sights observed during a
Sant Feliu de GuixolsCatalan festival sees teams of enthusiasts form
This town is at the heart of the Costa Brava,human towers – castells - which can be up to ten
surrounded by pine and oak-filled woods. Of particularpeople high.
notability here is the hermitage of Sant Grau and theThis complex task of organisation and perfect timing
Gothic church with its celebrated iron gate, the Portastarts with a square of strong men linking arms to
Ferrada. Water sports lovers are well catered forform a base, so that lighter men and women can climb
here, particularly in the nearby cove of Cala Salionsonto their shoulders. Concentration is etched in their
and fish and seafood lovers will be well catered forfaces, as more lighter and smaller people climb up,
with an abundance of beachside restaurants.increasing the storeys. Finally, the ‘anxeneta’, a
Mar i Murtra Jardí Botanic, Blanesyoung boy or girl, clambers bravely to the top, some 10
The Mar i Murtra Botanical Gardens in Blanesmetres above the ground, and lifts one arm to show
showcases over 4,000 species of plants from fivethat the castell is complete.
continents, some of them threatened with extinction.Immediately after this, the castell begins to unravel -
The gardens also have a valuable research and studyand sometimes the tower will collapse – to gasps
centre. Once you are in Blanes, take the specialfrom the surrounding crowd who all immediately
Jardí Botanic Bus from the port, up the hair-raisingstrengthen their arms in readiness to break the
bends to the gardens, which are perched way aboveCastellers’ falls.
the sea, offering amazing views.Experiencing Sant Jordi – a day for lovers in
Les Illes Medes (The Medes Islands), Toroella deBarcelona
MontgriThe largest marine nature reserve in CataloniaThe equivalent of Valentines Day falls on the day of
and one of the most important in the whole of theSt George, patron saint of Catalonia, 23 April. This is
Mediterranean area. The Medes Islands are a smallthe most romantic day of the year in Barcelona and
archipelago made up of seven islets and several reefsfor those in love, the ideal place to be. There is an air
just a mile off the Catalan coast from Emporda andof happiness and affection everywhere. Tradition says
the Montgri Massif. The area is one of exceptionalthat on this day, men should give the woman in their
biological and ecological worth. The varying depths oflife a rose, and in return, the woman gives her man a
the sea water around the islands, and the contrast ofbook as a sign of love and friendship. So you’ll see
the rocky and sandy areas of the seabed, combinedLas Ramblas lined with stall upon stall of roses and
with the rock-type which lends itself to the formationbooks, and lovers everywhere exchanging gifts –
of tunnels and caves, all work together to attract aand kisses.
wide variety of species – as many as 1,345 haveCatalonia offers a diverse range of experiences for
been recorded.the visitor. Whether you opt for one of its more
Figueresanimated resorts or prefer to spend your time in one
In the heart of Catalonia you’ll find Figueres,of its charming coastal or inland gems; you will find
best-known as the birthplace of surrealist artistplenty to do and see. Factor in a trip to the bustling city
Salvador Dali and home to the famous Dali Museum.of Barcelona or the more tranquil yet equally inspiring
Figueres is also the where the Sardana, the traditionalGirona, and your holiday will be complete.
dance of Catalonia, originated,. More must-visits are the