Catalonia, Spain
Boasting arguably Spain's most beautiful stretch of coastline, the 'wild' coast, and having as its capital, the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Barcelona, Catalonia has long been a magnet for travellers wishing to avoid the large, more commercial resorts which have become the norm along many of Spain’s other, mass market coasts. To the south lies the ancient Roman city of Tarragona; to the north lies France and the towering, snow-capped Pyrenees whilst to the east are the lakes, valleys and mountains of Girona and Lerida, two of Catalonia’s four provinces. All along the coast, especially the northern stretch from Barcelona to the French border, you will find rugged cliffs, sandy coves and bustling, picturesque resorts such as Tamariu, Rosas and Llafranch.
Throughout Catalonia people are extremely proud of their history, their traditions and, above all, their language, Catalan. They enjoy a huge number of local fiestas, most of which take place during the summer months, and they maintain, with justification, that their cuisine ranks amongst the finest in Europe. The heat in this part of Spain is less intense than in southern parts of the Mediterranean and is especially agreeable in early and late summer, ideal times to explore this beautiful and very welcoming corner of the Iberian Peninsula.
