There is much about the province of Catalonia that sets it apart from the rest of Spain. For one thing, it has its own language (Catalan), with its inhabitants using that as their first language and Castilian Spanish as their second. Then there is the remarkable diversity of its geography, from the towering Pyrenees in the north, dividing Spain from France and Andorra, to the wild and beautiful coastline of the Costa Brava; from the extinct volcanoes of Garrotxa to the vibrant urban landscapes of Barcelona.
The Costa Brava was perhaps the first part of Spain to attract Northern Europeans in huge numbers, but it is still possible to find bays and coves that are less crowded, not to mention the many small harbour towns where tourism is not the major industry, where the fishing fleets tie up alongside sleek modern yachts, where people continue the habit of the early evening stroll, and where restaurants specialize in fresh fish for lunch or dinner. Away from the busy resorts are many small villages where a quieter way of life still prevails, where daily markets and regular festivals still form the basis of community life.
Barcelona is the capital of the province, a huge city with so much to see and do, but the far smaller town of Girona, to the north, is very atmospheric and easy to explore on foot. Its narrow, steep and cobbled streets, for the most part pedestrianised, are filled with wonderful old buildings alternating with chic shops, bars and restaurants of character and a walk along its well-preserved walls is really worthwhile. Close to Girona is Figueres, where the Salvador Dali Museum is to be found.
Catalonia is the sum of many parts, not least of its complicated history, and evidence of Roman and medieval times is to be found throughout in the form of castles, bridges and excavations of Roman trading posts.
For most visitors, however, it is the climate and physical beauty of Catalonia that are the main attractions; the chance to enjoy the region’s robust cuisine and wine in idyllic surroundings; the pleasures of bathing, snorkelling, diving, surfing and sailing, in, on and under the blue Mediterranean Sea.
Images: Courtesy of the Costa Brava Girona Tourism Board.