Visit Catalonia, Spain: highlights and attractions in Catalonia

GIRONA PROVINCE - NORTH EASTERN CATALONIA

The beautiful coast of the Girona province is known as the Costa Brava and is home to some great beaches and beautiful coastal towns and villages. Inland are some historic medieval villages and the charming city of Girona.

The Costa Brava, 'wild coast',  is a beautiful, rugged, strech of coast and this area has a rich medieval history, beautiful scenery and a great artistic heritage. It has been voted one of the "Best of the World Destinations 2012" by National Geographic Traveler Magazine and deservedly so.

With pretty fishing villages like Calella de Palafrugell and attractive larger resorts like the lovely Tossa de Mar the coastal area has something to delight everyone.

Inland The city of Girona makes for a wonderful excursion of even a pleasant weekend-break taking advantage of cheap flights to Girona, and the medieval town of Besalu is a real treat. Also the lovely village of Peratallada is considered one of the most beautiful villages of Spain.

Whether you are an art lover or not the the Salvador Dali museum at Figueres is definitely not to be missed. His seaside home at Portlligat near Cadaques is also delightful and Dali fans will also want to see his former home in Pubol castle.

The countryside in the Gironde province is also a treat and a trip to Olot, Hostalets-de-Bas and Santa Pau will allow you to enjoy the volcanic countryside in the area. This area is known as the La Garrotxa volcanic area and is a nature reserve.

There is also a nature reserve, the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Emporda which is worth a visit especially for fans of bird-watching.

Skiing is possible in the Catalan pyrenees in the north of this area.

BARCELONA PROVINCE - EASTERN CATALONIA

The vibrant city of Barcelona is one of Spain's top destinations and this along with the miles of sandy beaches along the Costa Dorada make the province of Barcelona a great holiday destination.

South of the Costa Brava you get to the extraordinary coastal city of Barcelona with its medieval, Modernista and modern architecture and many architectural treasures including the many buildings by Anton Gaudi.  An easy trip from Barcelona is the beautiful Montserrat Monastery. There is another beautiful monastery at Saint Cugat del Valles, a little inland from Barcelona.

However whilst Barcelona is a must, the region as a whole is diverse and beautiful. With a beautiful coastline, mountains, plains and forests there is something for everyone.

North of Barcelona are the coastal towns of Calella, Santa Susanna and Mataro. Canet de Mar has great beaches coupled with some great Modernista buildings.

South of Barcelona on the Costa del Garraf is the coastal town of Castelldefels overlooked by the castle of Fels.  Sitges is another popular and attractive resort.

Inland in the province is the historic town of Vic with its impressive cathedral. Also be sure to visit Cardona with its wonderful castle - now a luxury parador.

TARRAGONA PROVINCE - SOUTHERN CATALONIA

The Roman ruins at Tarragona, the 'Gold Coast' and Europe's biggest theme park are just some of the attractions for visitors to Tarragona Province.

Called the Gold Coast for its long sandy beaches the Costa Dorada (Costa Daurada) runs south of Barcelona to the Delta de L'Ebre, a large nature reserve. Salou is the largest of the resorts on the Costa Dorada. This is next to Port Aventura - one of the biggest theme parks in Europe. Visit also the coastal towns of El Vendrell, El Perello, Alcanar and L'Ametlla de Mar.

Tarragona is the provincial capital and home to some Roman ruins with UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The fabulous El Poblet monastery also has UNESCO status.

Inland of Tarragona is the historic town of Santa Coloma de Queralt with many attractive buildings to admire. Also the walled town of Montblanc.

LLEIDA PROVINCE - WESTERN CATALONIA

Beautiful mountain scenery, a National park and two nature reserves makes this department a favourite with skiers and walkers.

The Pyrenees, the Aigüestortes y Estany de Sant Maurici National Park and the nature reserves in this area are the main interest with various sports and birdwatching being popular activities.

Whilst here be sure to visit the splendid medieval walled village of Montfalco Murallat.  Balaguer is a lovely small town in a stunning location and has some great buildings to explore. Espot is both a beautiful town and an excellent ski-resort.

Tremp, with its attractive historic centre, makes an excellent base for walkers and climbers.

The city of Lleida (Lerida) has an attractive historic centre and a lovely cathedral.