Main attractions
Barcelona
With fine, sandy beaches bordered by the hills, the capital of Catalonia offers a pulsing city life throughout the Ramblas, parks, monuments and original authentic neighborhoods. Lined with large deciduous plane trees, the Ramblas is a favorite place for a stroll in Barcelona, offering picturesque vistas of bird merchants, lottery kiosks, and flower stalls.
In the heart of the Gothic Quarter stands Sainte-Eulalie cathedral surrounded by a maze of narrow medieval streets. The Boqueira market is the place for delicious tapas washed down with Moscatel. At the Sagrada Familia, the unfinished cathedral by architect Antoni Gaudi, you’ll be fascinated by the minute decorations and sculptures that adorn this monumental work. In the hills, Güell Park is a testament to the inexhaustible imagination of Gaudi, master of his craft.
Costa Brava
At the foot of the Pyrenees, the ‘wild coast’ twists along 200 km of coastline connecting villages and natural parks, fishing ports, coves and wide beaches. Figueres is home to a special museum designed and dedicated to the surrealist painter Salvador Dali, who was born there, and later lived in the charming little fishing port of Cadaques.
Sant Pere de Rodes, former Benedictine monastery, is a jewel of Romanesque art atop the Cap de Creus peninsula, offering exceptional views of the sea and the mountains dotted with olive trees.
In Girona, you’ll discover a city with a rich history, most notably a hotbed of Jewish spirituality from the ninth to fifteenth century. The Greco-Roman ruins of Empuries Escala rise among the scent of tall pines. And you’ll succumb to the heady scents of the botanical gardens of Blanes and Lloret de Mar.
The Costa Daurada
An ideal destination to discover with family or friends, the southern coast of Catalonia features beautiful sandy beaches, shallow clear waters, and many preserved natural coves.
The heart of the Costa Daurada, Salou is a charming seaside resort that boasts a rich, long history dating back to the Bronze Age. Eight great beaches stretch across 9 km of fine, golden sand. Bordered by delightful clear waters, the area offers a range of beach activities, along with water and land sports. Sunbathing or volleyball, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, quadding, golfing and tennis … along with windsurfing, regular surfing, scuba diving, catamaran …
Salou and Sitges are famous seaside resorts, Tarragona has important medieval heritage, and the mountain wilderness of Serra del Montsec is well worth a visit.
Did you know?
The Ebro Delta is one of the largest wetland areas in the Mediterranean region and a Natural Park helps protect an ecosystem of dense vegetation populated by thousands of birds, including storks and a large colony of flamingos.
Sant Ferran Castle
Located in Figueres, at 320,000 square meters, it’s the largest monument in Catalonia. The huge fortress was built of stone and brick by military engineers in the 18th century.
Favorites
The Sardana dance performed in a medieval village. Bird-watching in Aiguamolls de l’Emporda Natural Park. Port Aventura theme park. A cruise in the Medes Islands. A hike through Cap de Creus National Park.
Before you go
The best time to visit: year-round. Caution: beware of pickpockets and scam artists. Remember to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.