RupitCatalunya's capital, Barcelona, is the place most people start their visit. A zesty seaside city, Barcelona is full of life. Visit the Picasso museum or the Contemporary Art Museum, walk the narrow streets of the gothic quarter, and shop along the stylish avenues of L'Eixample district.
Read our mini guide to Catalunya
Near the capital is the sacred mountain of Montserrat, a mountain topped with odd bulbous peaks that's home to the Montserrat Monastery and the Virgin of Montserrat, Catalunya's patroness. The monastery itself makes for an interesting visit, but even better are the trails around it. For a special treat, ride the scenic cable car up the mountain.
Just off Montserrat begins the wine region of Penedès, where nearly all Spain's cava (sparkling wine) is made. Many wineries and cavas offer tours and tastings.
From Barcelona, it's an easy one-hour drive or train ride north to Girona and La Costa Brava. The rugged coast here is one of Catalunya's most scenic and most popular areas. Visit picture-perfect towns like Cadaquès and Tossa de Mar, or head inland to check out the Salvador Dalí museum in Figueres or the medieval core of Girona.
An hour or so south of Barcelona is La Costa Daurada, home to some of the longest and loveliest stretches of beach in Spain. Chill out in the small resorts or head to the provincial capital, Tarragona, for a fascinating visit to the Roman ruins.
Head further inland to explore the rugged Pyrenees. The town of Vielha, near the French border, is known as a ski centre, while areas like the Vall de Nuria are quiet spots for a mountain escape.
This large bright airy flat of 90m2, which sleeps 4-5 people, is situated on the edge of Gracia, with its narrow streets and interesting shops and bars. It is 3 minutes from Joanic metro on the yellow line which goes to the beach and the old town.
It has a private 30 sq m south-facing terrace more info...
This is a four-bedroom 18th century stone house with a roof terrace providing comfortable accommodation for up to 8 guests. 4 km from beach. Good for seaside, walking, bird watching, cycling, culture, sports. Swimming pool in village. Local facilities for water skiing, sea kayaking, kite surfing, diving, boat rental... more info...
A 4th floor (with lift)1 bedroom well equipped luxury apartment with fantastic views of the old seaport and marina of Barcelona, only 100 m from Columbus monument and Ramblas Boulevard. more info...
This is an exclusive 4 bedroom new apartment, surrounded by an enormous park and right beside the city beach. All rooms overlooking the park and sea views more info...
Huge apartment, 120 m2, furnished for real living, homely, bright, comfortable and quiet. 3 bedrooms, fully equipped brand new kitchen, luxurious bath, toilet. Air-conditioned and heating. There is a very special children’s room. Internet friendly. Family friendly. more info...
RupitCatalunya's Mediterranean climate means that any season is a good time to visit. Beach weather starts in May and lasts through September, with July and August being the hottest and most-crowded months. Winters are mild along the coasts, and this is a good time to come if you want to avoid crowds. November through March, there is good snow skiing in the Pyrenees mountains near the French border.
RupitMost direct flights from the UK head to the busy Barcelona airport (flying time from London 2 hours), but low-budget airlines like Easy Jet and Ryan Air often head to the secondary airports of Girona, one hour north of Barcelona, or Reus, one hour south.
Once in the region, train travel is a good option, especially of you're heading for the larger towns and cities. To explore the coastal fishing villages, the interior wine regions or the slate-roofed towns of the Pyrenees, it's almost essential to have your own wheels.
In Barcelona, you can get around by metro or bus. Taxis are abundant and relatively affordable here.
RupitSun and sand lovers will want to head straight for the beaches, and they've got plenty to choose from. In southern Catalunya the long, golden beaches of the Costa Daurada are great options for families, while the beaches of resort towns like Sitges offer both sandy shores and a great atmosphere at night. Along La Costa Brava, picturesque resorts like Cadaqués are ideal for those who like to stroll by the sea. Nearly all beach resorts, including Barcelona, rent sailboats, windsurfers and jet skis.
Catalunya is excellent walking country, and from the shore to the mountains it's criss-crossed with paths. Serious hikers will want to head to Aïguestortes National Park in the Pyrenees, while those who prefer a stroll can meander around the ultra-flat Delta de l'Ebra in the far south. The mountain of Montserrat, just 50 minutes outside Barcelona, is another great walking destination.
Wineries are scattered throughout the Penedès and Priorat regions. Many wineries accept visitors, and going out for a tour and tasting is a popular activity.
In winter, the Pyrenees make for a good ski destination. Resorts like Baquería-Beret, some four hours from Barcelona, offer a wide variety of skiing conditions and fair prices. The mountain towns nearby are loaded with restaurants and excursion outfitters.
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