Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a Mediterranean and cosmopolitan city with Roman remains, medieval quarters and the most beautiful examples of 20th century Modernism and avant-garde. It is no surprise that emblematic constructions by the Catalan architects Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Doménech i Montaner have been declared World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO.

The city’s origins are Roman, and its long history and economic dynamism have made Barcelona a cultural city, which can be seen in the historic-artistic heritage and the promotion of the most innovative artistic trends. A wide cultural programme will take visitors to museums, exhibitions, open-air sculptures… and many concerts, plays and dances.

Popular culture also has its manifestations in this city, which still conserves its most cherished traditions, like the fiestas of La Mercè or the festivities in the neighbourhoods of Gràcia, Sants and Poblenou. These are all exceptional opportunities for getting to know the city’s more festive side.
Tradition and modernity can also be seen in its innovative and imaginative gastronomy, based on fresh garden produce, fresh fish, a wide variety of sausages and olive oil. Traditional handmade cakes and pastries and sparkling wines are some of the other highlights in this brief overview of Barcelona’s gastronomic culture.

Strolling around the streets of Barcelona will bring surprises at every turn. Pedestrian streets in the old quarter, green spaces, and a splendid seafront with a range of modern facilities are a reflection of its multi-faceted character. Barcelona has cleverly succeeded in embracing its past without forgetting its commitment to the future. The city is endowed with some exceptional infrastructures which are in demand as venues for seminars, symposia and international events. Its exceptional transport connections, the Mediterranean climate and the multitude of attractions for visitors make Barcelona one of the world’s leading business cities. Business parks and exhibition and conference centres host a wide range of initiatives.
Visitors coming to Barcelona can also enjoy the city’s Mediterranean character, which can so clearly be seen on the Barcelona coast. The city also has lovely urban beaches, marine resorts, and golf courses on the seashore. Nature lovers will not have to go far to explore the mountains in the Cordillera Litoral range and the Catalan Pyrenees.

Located in the northeast of the region of Catalonia, in northern Spain. Its outstanding beaches are part of what is known as the Costa Brava and are located in such internationally famous resorts as Tossa de Mar, Cadaqués and Portlligat. The coastal landscapes alternate with the nature reserves of Aigüamolls de L’Empordà, Cap de Creus and the La Garrotxa volcanic area. Its northern borders are in the Catalan Pyrenees, whose ski resorts are perfect for snow tourism. This province is famous for being the home of the three most representative museums of the work of the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí: the Portlligat House-Museum, the Púbol castle and the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres. The historic and architectural treasures of the region’s capital, Girona, are also well worth a visit. Highlights of the local gastronomy include the produce from the fertile farmlands in the Empordá region and seafood from towns such as Palamós, as well as the area’s internationally famous restaurants such as El Bulli.

It is located in northeast Spain in the interior of the region of Catalonia. The province has some extremely valuable Catalan Romanesque churches in the Vall de Boi, awarded the World Heritage designation by the UNESCO.Its natural surroundings are perfect for adventure sports. Areas of particular interest include the Aigüestortes y Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, its two nature reserves, and its Pyrenean and pre-Pyrenean landscapes. These last two areas are very popular with fans of snow sports. The province offers multiple opportunities for birdwatching and rural tourism. The local gastronomic specialties feature a number of products bearing the Designation of Origin label, such as olive oil, cheese and pears.

On the shores of the Mediterranean, right on the Costa Daurada, former Roman Tarraco offers us an important legacy of monuments amid extensive beaches. Its archaeological remains, forming a World Heritage Site, are one of the points of interest of this Catalan city. From here you can make countless trips, like the one that brings visitors to get to know one of the best preserved Cistercian monasteries, which is also a World Heritage Site: the monastery of Poblet. This is a cultural option added to those offered by a coastline on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea: seaside towns, tasty fish and seafood and any number of water sports.

Tarragona, capital of Hispania Citerior during the Roman Empire, preserves many buildings from this period. The walls surrounding the historic centre were built in the 3^rd century BC., although they were altered in the medieval period. Beside the sea stand the terraces of the Roman amphitheatre which, in its day, (2^nd C.), had capacity for more than 12,000 people. Here they attended combats between gladiators and wild animals.

The historic centre of the city unfolds between the Mediterranean Sea and the old walls. In this area is the Cathedral of Santa María, a building constructed on the site of a Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter and a Muslim mosque. Romanesque doorways, Gothic roof arches and cloisters of Romanesque origin show the transition from one style to another. Also belonging to the Middle Ages are the arcades of the Calle Mercería, although the Calle de Çavallers is considered the main street of medieval Tarragona.

Among the Modernist buildings of the former Tarraco, you can visit the tower and gallery of the Casa Ripoll, the iron building of the Central Market or the chapel of the Colegio Jesús i Maria, in whose construction Antoni Gaudí, the greatest representative of Spanish Modernism took part.

The province’s extensive vineyards give rise to five interesting denominations of origin: Tarragona, Conca de Barberá, Penedés, Priorato and Terra Alta.

Tarragona’s position, right on the Costa Daurada, invites you to tour a coast of calm, shallow waters, ideal for enjoying with small children, and with some excellent golden-hued beaches. Places like Calafell, Torredembarra and Altafulla combine historic buildings with a large number of holiday offers on the shores of the Mediterranean. Towns like Salou and Cambrils and the Delta del Ebro Natural Park, beside clear waters, also offer the Port Aventura theme park.