Cataluna, is
located in the Northeast end of Spain and has the second biggest city of the
country, Barcelona, that competes in many aspects with the Spanish capital and
sometimes it surpasses it. Stretching from the Pyrenees at the French border southward along the
Mediterranean Sea. In fact in 17th century Cataluna revolted against Spain and placed itself under the
protection of France. It was the first industrial region of the country and
still continues maintaining the primacy. It’s also the richest region.
The region has its own language Catalan, and is fiercely independent.
The landscape is varied with white beaches, flat plains and the
rugged towering peaks of the Pyrenees. Along the coast the climate is mild but
further inland the summers can be very hot and the winters freezing. The region
has many vineyards, olive-groves and cork-oak forests. Barcelona, one of the
largest ports on Mediterranean is this region’s capital. It is beautiful city
with booming cultural life and many reminders of its rich history.
The climate in Cataluna is less dry than southern Spain,
which gives the countryside a richness and greenness often surprising to visitor
here. The region boasts the biggest wine producing houses in Spain, with such
famous names as Freixenet and Torres. The wines of the Penedés region are
considered a close competitor for the more famous Riojas, and at such fantastic
prices are well worth sampling.
The beaches of the coast are as varied as the scenery in
general. The Costa Brava in the north is surely one of the most engaging and
inspiring coastlines in Europe if not the world. This is the place where the
great mountains of the Pyrenees seem to run out of space and tumble into the
sea. There are steep rocky coves and craggy inlets, with enchanting little
beaches hidden away in them. There are pebble beaches and sandy beaches and
larger beaches too, such as the wide sandy expanses in Playa de Pals and Roses.
The Costa Brava, called thus by the rustic coastline, begins 65 km to the
Northwest of Barcelona. The most interesting places are Tossa del Mar
-relatively little exploded-, and Lloret del Mar, a first level tourist destiny.
The city of Gerona has a medieval city, and still conserves a Jewish District.
Other interesting sites to visit are Figueres - where it is the Dalí Museum-;
Cadaques, a fishing town that was in addition the Dali home during many years;
and Empuries, that has very impressive Greco-Roman ruins.
Barcelona is the main industrial and commercial city of Spain, in addition to be
one of the most important Mediterranean ports. One of the prettiest zones of the
city is the Gothic District. It’s unforgivable to lose a walk by the Ramblas,
the main artery of all the walkers that ends at the sea, and also is worth the
trouble to approach the District of Grace. Among the most visited monuments of
the city are the Episcopal Palace, the Palace of the Generalitat, the Seat of
the King and the Seat of Cataluna. But there is something absolutely exclusive
of Barcelona, the architectonic works of Antonio Gaudí: the Holy Family Church,
the Battlló House, the Milá House and Park Güell.
Much sandier and wider though are the great flat spaces further south in the
Costa Dorada. Visitors flock here to soak up the sun, play volleyball, water-ski
and relax. The immensely popular resort of Sitges for example, with its
delightful winding streets and old buildings, shows that Cataluna can be both
fascinating and a beach haven at the same time. It also plays host to some of
the most lively nightlife in Spain, as both tourists and locals flock to its
flamboyant bars and clubs.
If your inclination is more for the great outdoors, what better area to head
for than the Catalan Pyrenees. These impressive mountains lie right across the
top of Spain, and in Cataluna include the skiing resorts of Baqueira-Beret
(frequented by the Spanish Royal family) and Nuria, home to the Sanctuary of
Nuria but also to wonderful trekking, breathtaking views and a man made lake for
boating and relaxing by.
Impressive mountains include the stunning rock formations of Montserrat and
the twin horns of Pedraforca. Both of these offer great walks for different
levels of enthusiasts, and great views for those happy to visit without such
exertion.
Air Tickets Online -
