Destinations > Spain > Catalunya

Catalunya

The area around Barcelona has a wealth of attractions including the laid-back resort towns of the Costa Brava north of Barcelona towards the French border. Many of Catalunya's attractions can be visited as day-trips from Barcelona including Sitges, a hip and happening beach resort, and the spectacular rock formations at Montserrat. Further down the coast is Tarragona, a large city dating from Roman times.

Catalunya has a unique identity within Spain and is home to the Catalan language; which, with 11 million native speakers, is the second most spoken language in Spain. Catalan is also spoken in Andorra, where it is the official language, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, Roussilllon in France and Alghero in Sardinia.

Figueres (Figueras)

Figueres (Figueras in Castillian Spanish) was Salvador Dalí's hometown and is home to the excellent Teatre-Museu Dalí which is one of the world's leading museums of surrealist art containing much of Salvador Dalí's work.

Figueres is situated on the train line between Barcelona and Girona and the French border and makes a convenient stopover between France and Barcelona.

Fans of surrealism should make a point of visiting, although others may find the town a little drab.

Practical Information

Figueres Tourist Information Centre

Plaça del Sol, Figueres

Tel (972) 50 31 55

American Express (Viajes Figueres)

Carrer de Peralada 28, Figueres

Tel (972) 50 91 00

Girona (Gerona)

Located north of Barcelona, enroute to Figueres and the French border, Girona (Gerona in Castillian Spanish) is the major city in northern Catalunya. The city's history dates back to Roman times and its attractions include an impressive old town featuring narrow streets and medieval and baroque architecture.

Practical Information

Girona Tourist Information Centre

Rambla de la Llibertat 1, Girona

Tel (972) 22 65 75

Accommodation

Alberg Cerverí de Girona

Carrer dels Ciutadans 9, 17004 Girona
Tel 972 21 80 03

Montserrat

This spectacular mountain is situated only 50km north-west of Barcelona and easily accessible via Barcelona's Rodalies suburban rail network.

Although the mountain boasts some unique scenery and hiking trails, the main attraction here is the Monestir de Montserrat which was founded in 1025. The monestary is home to an excellent museum ane a 16th century basilica where the Montserrat Boys' Choir performs every day (except during July).

Accommodation

Guilleumes Hostel

Carrer Guilleumes 3, 08691 Monistrol de Montserrat
Train (FGC) Monistrol de Montserrat
Tel 93 828 40 65

Sitges

Sitges is one of the hottest beach resorts on the Spanish mainland. During summer, Sitges is a happening town with a pumping nightlife and one of Europe's best gay scenes. However it reverts to a sleepy, yet stylish, town in the winter months. Sitges attracts a mostly local crowd in contrast to many of the more developed resort cities elsewhere in Spain.

Sitges is easily accesible from Barcelona on the Rodalies suburban rail network.

Practical Information

Sitges Tourist Information Centre

Carrer de Sínia Morera 1

Tel (93) 811 7630

Tarragona

With a history dating from Roman times, a beautiful old town and some excellent museums, Tarragona warrants a visit from anyone intent on discovering more of Catalunya than just Barcelona.

Tarragona's attractions include the excellent cathedral in the old town which was built between 1171 and 1331. The city's museums include the Museu d'Historia de Tarragona which encompasses four historic Roman sites (including an amphitheatre and forum) and the Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona.

The city's other big attraction is Spain's biggest theme park - Port Aventura (website www.portaventura.es). The park, operated by Universal Studios, features Europe's largest roller coaster, and is broken into five themed areas.

Practical Information

Tarragona Tourist Information Centre

Carrer Major 39, Tarragona

Tel (977) 24 50 64

Catalunya Regional Tourist Office

Carrer de Fortuny 4, Tarragona

Tel (977) 23 34 15

Accommodation

Alberg Sant Jordi

Rambla del President Lluís Companys 5, 43005 Tarragona
Tel 977 24 01 95