SPANISH TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
HOTEL LODGING IN CATALUÑA / CATALONIA, SPAIN

Cataluña/Catalonia Travel Guide:
Barcelona Travel Guide
The Best Beaches In Costa Brava
Catalonia - Holidays in Barcelona, Tarragona and Girona
Catalonia's Costa Daurada: The Family Friendly Destination
Costa Brava Holiday Ideas
Sitges - Resort for Alternative Lifestyles
Tossa de Mar, pearl of Costa Brava
Travel Spain: Girona and the Dali Triangle

Catalonia - Holidays in Barcelona, Tarragona and Girona   by Steve Greenwood

The autonomous community of Catalonia can be found to the north of Spain bordering the Pyrenees Mountains, and the Spanish provinces of Huesca, Teruel, Zaragoza and Valencia. During its history, Catalonia has gained and lost varying degrees of autonomy, and none more so than during the Franco years (1939 - 1075) when its independence was squashed. After Franco's death, Catalonia regained its cultural independence and is now a dynamic and vibrant region with its capital city Barcelona second only to Madrid.

The Mediterranean coastline of Catalonia is known as the Costa Brava. There are plenty of wonderful beaches to be found the whole length of the Costa and with such a mild climate; Catalonia has been a favourite tourist destination for many years. The coastline is of great natural beauty being characterised by many small coves, bays and beaches. Inland, picturesque wooded cliffs; lush vegetation and varied wildlife make it ideal for both walkers and hikers alike.

Travelling around Catalonia should be fairly easy as the region has an excellent road network, with the main coastal highway stretching from the Pyrenees Mountains, all the way down to Almeria. Main roads are good throughout the region and reach all of the main regional towns. Catalonia's main airport is found at Barcelona but charter flights can also be obtained to Girona and Reus.
 

Catalonia has a deep-rooted appreciation of culture, cuisine, sport and art. Even though the region is fiercely proud of its independence and history, it is openhearted and open-minded to new ideas and people from the international world. Catalan cuisine is considered healthy and tasty similar to a Mediterranean diet, with beef and seafood forming the main part of many dishes. What with great olive oils and fine wines, Catalan cuisine is imaginative and creative. Barcelona Holiday Attractions Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain after Madrid. The population of Barcelona is around 3 million, and there is plenty to see and do throughout the entire city. The Metro system is excellent, and allows easy access to the many attractions found throughout the city. For those wishing to spend a few days touring the city, the 'Barcelona Card' offers unlimited public transport and discounted access to the many museums, restaurants and holiday attractions.

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Las Ramblas is Barcelona's most famous street and runs from Plaza de Catalunya to the Harbour. This tree-lined boulevard runs for over 1km and offers a myriad of colours, sounds and sights along its length. During your travels expect to see flower kiosks, market stalls, impromptu shows, street artists and performers the whole length. There are also many open-air bars and restaurants from which to take in this special atmosphere.

Tarragona Holiday Attractions 

100km south of Barcelona can be found the ancient Roman town of Tarragona. Once the capital of Rome's western Mediterranean empire, Tarragona is a wonderful city and an excellent place to experience some of the finest Roman remains to have survived in Spain. It is a beautiful old town, full of character, and offers some wonderful museums including the National Archaeological Museum, featuring ancient Roman artefacts and impressive mosaics. Another big attraction is Port Aventura, the biggest theme park in Spain. Operated by Universal Studios, it features the largest roller coaster in Europe along with plenty of other rides for all ages and a good selection of bars and eateries for refreshments.

Girona Holiday Attractions 

Girona dates back to Roman times and has been an important town throughout the ages with many civilisations leaving their mark, especially in the old town where some of the city's wonderful medieval and baroque architecture can be seen. Much effort has gone into restoring the buildings and medieval ramparts, and these are best appreciated on foot wandering the narrow, winding streets armed with a map.

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Girona and the "Dali Triangle" are destinations known to the lucky few who travel Spain. This area in Catalonia is one of the undiscovered gems of Spain. Girona is about 100 km from Barcelona, but no one who chooses to travel Spain should miss this lovely area. Easily accessible by train, bus or even automobile from Barcelona, this destination recalls some of spain's most interesting history and one of its greatest artistic minds. Girona is an beautiful, quaint town with an long history. The town was inhabited by Romans, Jews and Moors at different times in Spain's history, and traces of each group can be seen in this lovely city. The local dialect is Catalan, not Spanish, but the language of the lovely sights will speak to all visitors. The Old Quarter is the center of the town's historic district, filled with medieval arches and dark, winding passageways that recall a different era. Filled with churches, lovely old houses and cobblestone drives, this picturesque section of town has homes dating from the middle ages and several lovely cathedrals.

The old Jewish neighborhood, called El Call is particularly interesting to explore. An old roman tower and the Jewish History Museum are of interest to many, as is the town's art museum featuring over 1000 years of artworks.

A promenade similar to the one in Barcelona, "La Rambla" will bring to mind a simpler time. This lovely street with overhanging trees, shops, little cafes and great restaurants has changed a little since medieval times, but it's charm hasn't lessened.
 

Nearby, visitors can explore "Dali's Triangle," a region just north of Girona and continuing to several destinations important in the life of this controversial artist. In Figueres, visitors can tour the third most visited museum, the Dali designed Museum-Theater. Fancifully designed by the artist himself, this building features large white eggs on the roof, a bright red color and loaves of bread made of glazed ceramics on the outside walls. Inside, visitors can view several of Dali's most famous works, including "Rainy Taxi." Dali is buried on site. In the fishing village of Port Lligat visitors can view Dali's home. In this isolated hamlet, Dali built several homes together for himself and his wife, Gala. Some of the original décor is intact, including one of his famous "lip sofas." Of course, the nearby Club Med was not built in Dali's time, but it could make for an enjoyable stopover. After visiting the home and Museum that Dali built, visitors touring the Dali triangle will want to stop by the castle in Pubol. Dali purchased the 11th century structure in the 1960's for his wife, although she banned him from the residence for almost a decade in the 1970's.

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The golden throne that he installed for Gala is still there, and several unusual statues including elephants and other animals are in the gardens. A stuffed hourse guards the door, and several stuffed swans are installed inside.

If you are planning a visit to Spain, travel to Girona and the Dali Triangle for some truly beautiful and inspirational sights. This little-known area of Spain offers its tourists some of the most unique and controversial experiences that the region has to offer.

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