Catalonia and Costa Brava

The beautiful region of Catalonia is made up of four provinces: Barcelona, Tarragona, Lérida and Girona and its history goes back to ancient Roman times. Spanish is not the only idiom spoken here - the other official language is Catalan.
A highly developed region in all senses, its economic and cultural patrimony is evident everywhere with a wealth of walled cities, churches and monasteries, and all sorts of museums worth a visit. Sports-wise, there are magnificent ski tracks, ports in Costa Brava and in the Costa Dourada, and golf courses practically everywhere.

Also in this Destination

Catalonia - boutique hotels

Choose from our unique selection of boutique hotels in Catalonia and the Costa Brava by clicking on the folder HOTELS & HOLIDAY HOMES or the map on the left. These will highlight a wide selection of hotels, including luxury hotels, bed & breakfasts, amongst others. Whatever your taste, we’ll help you find that perfect getaway in Catalonia.

Activities

An excursion along the Catalonia coast enables the traveller to discover, amongst other things, the rugged beauty of El Cabo de Creus and the local colour of Cadaqués, as well as the small town of Roses.
There is also the impressive Romanesque Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes and, above all, Empúries, which has the most important archaeological site in Spain. The coastline is beautiful, with small villages and woods running right down to the sea.
The coast is perfect for water sports. Several regattas are held every year in the region. The mountains are ideal for rambling and skiing. Those who enjoy hiking are recommended to take the path from Núria to Ull de Fer, (Girona) taking in the ascent of El Puigmal (2,913m).
This section of mountains almost reaches 3,000m, and there is an abundance of mountain huts and excellent places to camp. Barcelona also boasts the Formula 1 grand prix, which takes place every May at Montmeló.

Gastronomy

Catalan cuisine is one of the most sophisticated in Spain. Its main dishes rely on four basic sauces: sofrito, samfaina, picada and ali-oli. Of these Samfaina is strictly Catalan and used with a wide variety of dishes. It is a half-cooked mixture of tomato, pepper and aubergine. Catalonia has a variety of rice as well as meat dishes, particularly poultry, and the famous Girona veal, not to mention rockfish.
The visitor will also find a rich collection of sausages, including butifarra, which is roasted or fried with mongetes - white beans. The wines in the area are magnificent. Worthy of note is El Priorato - very special thick and mild reds not easily found outside Catalonia. El porrón, or glass jug, is also very popular in Catalonia: the wine is poured from the glass jug with the spout held high. More common is the leather wineskin, which is equally appropriate for the liquid, but drinking from the porrón seems to give the wine a different taste.

NEED ADVICE?

NEED ADVICE?

Lets us help you find the perfect
place for your holiday
Ask our advice

Travel inspirations, itineraries and best places to stay

Child friendly hotels and self-catering holiday homes great for children and parents alike. Let your kids enjoy nature and local traditions in the company of others with lots of unique things to do …
Traditional dishes prepared with fresh local produce, lovingly prepared comfort food in a rustic setting or fine dining in an elegant environment, everyone has his preferences …
Take part of the laid back village life, stroll along cobblestone streets, dine in small traditional restaurants and smile at the locals on the main square.
There are so many beautiful wine regions that it is hard to make a choice. Besides the Chianti in Italy, Burgundy in France, the Douro in Portugal or La Rioja in Spain there are endless more …
Feel like going out somewhere different and exciting, dining in that hip new restaurant or just to enjoy a different culture? Then it´s time for a city break. Here are some great places to start.
Are you looking for the best places to de-stress, relax and to escape your hectic daily life? Our handpicked collection of accommodations and hotels will definitely let you recharge and revitalize.
Tie the knot in one of our secret places and make your special day one to remember. A cosy castle, manor house, or overlooking the Mediterranean sea, we have a small sample of venues here.
Some accommodations go the extra mile, they are not only offering a place to stay, they offer a whole social experience - a space with soul, shaped by uniqueness, creativity and a special vibe, where people are able to connect with like-minded traveller.