Of course, Barcelona is a wonderful city, with lots to see and do, but there’s a lot more to discover in this incredible region, called Catalonia!

And, believe us.. We can only name a few!!
GIRONA is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. This medieval walled city has a rich cultural heritage with diverse influences from the ancient Romans, Moorish-era Arabs, and Jews. The historic Medieval Quarter and Forca Vella, are filled with narrow pedestrian streets and impressive medieval buildings. Another interesting area to explore is the Jewish Quarter (El Call), one of the best-preserved in Spain.

An amazing fact is that the vaulted nave, of the “Catedral de Girona” is the second largest in the world, after Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Other important religious monuments are the monastery de Sant Pere de Galligants; the church of Sant Nicolau, and the medieval Gothic convent of Sant Doménech surrounded by beautiful gardens.

The Arab Baths, now housed in a Capuchin convent, feature a pavilion of Islamic-style columns topped with an octagonal cupola.

TARRAGONA is an attractive seaside city that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, and the spectacular Playa del Milagro beach is within walking distance from the historic center of town. You will also find an incredibly well-preserved Roman amphitheater and charming medieval streets. At the harbor, a large fleet of fishing boats brings in fresh catches, and delicious seafood meals can be enjoyed at the waterfront restaurants.

A short drive off into the hills, sits one of the regions most prized and yet much unexpected sights: a proper Roman aqueduct: Les Ferreres Aqueduct, also called the Devil’s Bridge (after a legend that it was built by the Devil himself).

 

The magnificent Benedictine monastery of MONTSERRAT sits atop a rocky crag, surrounded by fantastically eroded cliffs. A cable car transports visitors up the mountain to the monastery, and the views of the Catalonian countryside are breathtaking.

The 12th-century carving of Our Lady of Montserrat, known as "La Moreneta" ("The Black Madonna"), is still venerated here by the faithful, and the history goes back to 1025.

 

The UNESCO-listed Royal MONASTERY OF SANTA MARÍA DE POBLET, in the Parc Natural de Poblet nature preserve, is a majestic sight in a serene landscape of vine-covered rolling hills. Founded in the 12th century for Cistercian monks, is considered a treasure of Cistercian architecture, and is still a working monastery with a refectory and monks' dormitory quarters. Inside the monastery's church, the Basílica de Santa María de Poblet, are the tombs of the Kings of Aragon.

 

In Catalonia there are still many small villages that still exude a medieval air, of which BESALÚ, PALS, PERATALLADA or VIC are the most appealing ones. Each village has its own unique appearance with narrow streets, old bricks, castles, towers and old churches. The Castillo de Montcada or the Catedral de Sant Pere (the interior is adorned with exquisite murals by Josep María Sert), in VIC, or the Viejo Bridge built in the 11th century and renovated in the 14th century, in Besalu, are just some examples.

To have a nice picnic or just to relax, you can visit Banyoles beautiful lake, with pristine waters and six-kilometre perimeter. Take nature walks, cycle, or go boating.

 

On the other hand, stretching northeast from the coves and beaches of Blanes to Catalonia's border with France, the COSTA BRAVA is Spain's most scenic coastline. Towns such as Calella de Palafrugell or Tossa de Mar, have some amazing sandy beaches. Tucked into coves beneath the cliffs, you will find other towns, such as Santa Susanna or Cadaqués, that is considered as one of the more beautiful places on the Costa Brava.