While the Cataluña region includes one of the world’s most fashionable cities, Barcelona, it also offers a natural and cultural paradise, encompassing internationally acclaimed beaches, powdered ski slopes and hiking trails, the “Dali town” of Figueras, and large farmhouse properties converted into idyllic private hotels and lodging.
Barcelona and Surroundings
“I wrote every day… I stopped because I went to Barcelona, where life was too exciting to write.” – Colm Toibin
Experience Cataluña through special entry to an intricate private home designed by a legendary Art Nouveau architect, or escape the city life with guided excursions into Spain’s National Parks…
BARCELONA
AMPURDÁ REGION
SITGES
CATALAN PYRENEES
PENEDÉS
PRIORAT
TARRAGONA
BARCELONA
Barcelona has earned its reputation as the most cosmopolitan, modern, and avant-garde city in Spain through an exciting nightlife scene, a flourishing fashion and design tradition, simply breathtaking beaches and architecture, and a populace embodying the spirit of Spain. During its modern awakening, Barcelona never lost sight of its ancient and rich history, as Barcelona is still famed for its preserved Roman ruins and medieval quarters. This balance of modernity and tradition can be found in Barcelona’s innovative and imaginative culinary arts, incorporating fresh caught fish, varieties of sausages, handmade cakes and pastries, local garden produce, and sparkling wines. Strolling the streets of Barcelona brings surprises at every turn. Cherished traditions juxtapose popular culture and modern pleasures; ancient pedestrian streets lead to exceptional modern infrastructures. Barcelona embraces its rich past, while forever pushing toward the future.
Ampurdá Region: Gerona, Besalu, Figueras, Cadaqués y Costa Brava
Alternating between coastal valleys and snowy mountain ranges, the Empordá region stretches through nature reserves and volcanic terrain alike. These fantastic landscapes served as inspiration for many of history’s greatest artists, whose works are displayed in local galleries. Three museums alone are dedicated to the work of surrealist painter Salvador Dali, who lived and died in Figueras. Any regional calendar bursts with festivals and cultural events, and hosting towns abound with architectural and historic treasures.
There’s a certain magic in the air in the whitewashed coastal town of Sitges. For decades Sitges has been a meeting place for the young and old, gay and straight, families and friends. There is something for everybody in this dynamic beach town: artists will find inspiration from the bohemian atmosphere and the stunning views, bon viveurs will love the French restaurants and architecture, party animals can make the most of the bars and clubs on ‘The Street of Sin’. Families can enjoy the ice cream parlors and tranquil beaches, with sunshine 300 days a year, and couples will find romance in cozy bars, winding streets and blue seas.
Looming gracefully over northern Catalunya, the snow-tipped Pyrenees form a mighty barrier between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe. You can ski and hike throughout these mountains, making use of a range of ski centres and vast stretches of natural parkland. Imposing peaks reach more than 3400m, while fierce rivers cleave the green valleys; tucked away in the valleys and clinging to the mountains are centuries-old alpine villages, each with its own Romanesque church, collectively forming an open-air rural museum of early medieval architecture, particularly in the beautiful Vall de Boí. The Pyrenees are easy to reach from Barcelona.
30 minutes from Barcelona and Tarragona, fringed by magnificent beaches and cloaked by the mountains inland, Penedés offers a unique and singular countryside setting characterized by its never-ending vineyards, scattered masia farmhouses, and numerous wineries that have brought international recognition to this area. Stay here among the vineyards, sampling the local cuisine and tasting wines and cavas.
Located approximately three hours south from Barcelona, Priorat is a land of steep vineyards, harsh cliffs, hidden valleys and cool ravines; its small but resilient villages have survived plagues, frosts, conquests and floods. Shelter in a rustic farmhouse at the foot of the mountains, sipping the area’s exquisite designer wines and nibbling on traditional foods, listening to crystal clear streams babble by your side.
Peaceful beaches with crystal clear waters, mountain views framing exquisite villages, and vineyards and farmland define Tarragona’s several nature reserves. The perfect backdrop to partake in gastronomic festivals, treating you to a range of spectacular wines, sweet honeys and oils, and specialties such as calçotada (grilled spring onions) and xató (cod and escarole salad).
