Tourism in Catalonia

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Catalonia

Catalonia is such an interesting region of Spain, and is home to such an amazing variety of scenery and landscapes, that whether you are looking for dramatic mountain peaks to scale or beautiful isolated coves to sun yourself in, there really is something here for everyone.

The climate in Catalonia is less dry than southern Spain, which gives the countryside a richness and greeness 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.

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, waterski and relax. The immensely popular resort of Sitges for example, with its delightful winding streets and old buildings, shows that Catalonia 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 Catalonia 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.

Other sports available in the mountain regions of Catalonia include rafting, paragliding, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, quad-biking, mountain biking, climbing, skiing, and much more.

But perhaps for many the main attraction is still the gorgeous little villages with their original buildings and rural charms, such as the hamlet of Besalú, just outside Figueres, with its Roman bridge and walls or Castellfolit de la Roca. Just strolling around these charming places of forgotten Spain is a delight in itself.

For more insight into the various regions, click on the following links:

• The Coastal Regions – the Costa Brava to the Costa Dorada
• The Mountains - Pyrenees' Valleys, Pedraforca and Montserrat
• Barcelona (from bcninternet.com)

To see our quality self-catering accommodation offers available, click on the relevant links below:

• Mountain Villas – beautiful villas and chalets in the rural Pyrenees
• Beach Villas – stunning places to stay on or near the coast.