Catalonia

Catalonia is as diverse geographically as it is culturally.

The Autonomous Community, considered by many to be the economic driver of Spain, comprises four provinces each made up of several regions and each of them boasting their distinctive scenic and regional flavours.

The Pyrenees are the visiting card par excellence of Catalonia.

And this is with good reason because the mountain chain comprises over 230 kilometers of high mountains with some peaks that reach above 3,000 metres above sea-level.

They extend from the Vall d’Aran, limiting the border with Aragón and plunge down to the sea where they are lost in the depths with the last port of call being the Cabo de Creus.

The other main geographic boundary is, of course, the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline is one of the most beautiful and environmentally diverse in the world.

It is in these places that Catalonia puts its main energies in terms of the cultural offering for visitors as it’s here that the main historical, gastronomic and naturally spectacular scenery are located. Couple this offering with the world-rated ski stations of Baqueira-Beret, La Molina and others and the offer becomes irresistible.

More information: http://www.gencat.cat

Special Places Really Worth a Visit

Vall d’Aran in the extreme northwest of Catalonia is a cacophony of nature and a place in which hope for the future of the planet can be reassured. This is a place of endless forested valleys and tall mountains that is home to many healthy species of flora and fauna. Apart from the ancient towns and villages that house some of the earliest romanic buildings of the country, this is a paradise for skiers, walkers and mountaineers alike.

San Cristófol de Beget is a small village hidden in a valley deep in the heart of the province of Girona. Here the waters of the river Trull are the only thing to disturb the quiet and tranquility. The ancient streets, the romanic church and its treasures and the original wooden houses maintain the atmosphere of its medieval origins.

The Val de Boí typifies the rural heritage of Catalonia. Following the River Noguer de Tor upwards towards the mountains, the valley opens up and merges into majestic mountains that are home to green forests and beautiful meadows that are home to stone and slate villages that act as stepping stones along the way. During medieval times this was an isolated territory, a feature that has resulted in perhaps the largest local collection of romanic architecture anywhere in Europe.

Festivals and Important Dates

Vendrell, around 80 kms from Barcelona capital, is home to one of the most distinctive of Catalan festivals. This is where, at the end of July, the local festival starts with giants and dancers swirling down crowded summer streets. The famous Human Tower is constructed here every year, a tradition that stemmed from a Valencian 17th century dance.

Vilafranca, located in the wine making region of Penedes, is another town where human castles are built and demolished every year in a display of bravado and courage. The festival, which is held between the 29th August and the 2nd September, is also famous for its fireworks display organized by the Coll de Diables (the Devil Group).

Tarragona. Fiesta of Santa Tecla is held every year at the end of Septemver and culminates with the festival on the Saint’s Day of the 23rd September. Another human castle is formed after a huge procession involving bulls, dragons, devils and giants and the object is to see which team can get highest.