Beyond Barcelona
While Barcelona’s vibrant streets and iconic landmarks draw visitors from around the world, Catalonia’s true magic extends far beyond the city. From sun-kissed coastlines to rugged mountain peaks, this diverse region offers an array of breathtaking destinations waiting to be explored.
Discover Catalonia’s stunning contrasts, from the rugged Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees to the golden shores of the Costa Daurada, the wild beauty of the Terres de’bre, and the majestic Pyrenees and Lands of Lleida.
Costa Brava & Girona Pyrenees
Meaning ‘wild coast’, Costa Brava lives up to its name with rugged cliffs, hidden coves and crystal clear turquoise waters. Located in the northeastern region of Catalonia, Costa Brava is also known for its stunning landscapes, pretty fishing villages and picturesque beaches.
One of the region’s highlights is the historical gem of Girona, with its well-preserved medieval old town with narrow cobblestone streets, ancient walls and cathedral – best known for having the widest Gothic nave in the world. The city’s vibrant atmosphere is complemented by its lively cafes, boutiques and a rich gastronomic scene.
Girona also serves as a gateway to explore stunning destinations like Cadaques, a coastal town renowned for its whitewashed houses and azure Mediterranean waters – inspiration for famed surrealist artist Salvador Dali.
Electric bike tours provide a unique way to explore medieval villages that dot the countryside surrounding Girona. You’ll discover hidden gems like Besalu, with its iconic Romanesque bridge, Monells, with its well-preserved medieval square, the beautiful Peratallada, Dali’s birthplace of Figueres and the Gala Dali Castle Museum in Pubol.
Beyond the coast, the Girona Pyrenees provide an idyllic mountainous backdrop and a paradise for adventure lovers, offering hiking, skiing, mountain biking and rock climbing. The Pyrenees are also home mountain villages, thermal spas and natural parks such as the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, one of the best preserved volcanic landscapes in Europe containing 40 inactive volcanoes.
Costa Daurada & Terres d'Ebre
On the Costa Daurada and Terres d'Ebre history and landscape have forged a unique way of life shown through the rich Roman ruins of Tarragona, the modernist buildings of Gaudí's birthplace and the medieval legacy of its towns and cities.
The elegant port city of Tarragona was the oldest Roman settlement on the Iberian peninsula. The Amfiteatre Roma is a second century arena facing the Mediterranean, the Necropolis contains Roman tombs and traces of the UNESCO-listed Forum stand among alleys of the walled, medieval old town. A walkway along the ramparts, the Passeig Arqueologic, offers sweeping views of the city.
The ‘Golden Coast’ or Costa Daurada boasts more than 200 kilometres of coastline and is renowned for its golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and vibrant resort towns, such as Salou and Cambrils. With its buzzing atmosphere, Salou is known for its nightlife and family-friendly attractions such as theme park PortAventura World. Cambrils meanwhile is an attractive fishing village that offers a more relaxed and authentic Mediterranean experience, with its picturesque harbour and delicious seafood.
Inland you’ll find the Terres d’Ebre, a region characterised by its stunning natural landscapes. The Ebro River, one of the most important rivers in Spain, meanders through the area, creating fertile valleys and wetlands that are a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The picturesque town of Tortosa, with its imposing castle and Gothic cathedral, serves as the gateway to the Terres d’Ebre.
The Terres d’Ebre is also home to the enchanting Ebro Delta Natural Park, a biodiverse wetland area where the river meets the sea. This unique ecosystem is a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts and offers opportunities for kayaking, cycling and exploring.
Pyrenees & Lands of Lleida
The majestic mountain range of the Pyrenees that borders Spain and France is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers. Within this landscape lies the enchanting Lands of Leida – a region that captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty and cultural heritage.
Steeped in history, Solsona is a charming old town in the heart of Lands of Lleida, with narrow streets and ancient buildings. The town’s main square, Paca Major, is a lively hub where locals and tourists gather to enjoy the atmosphere against the backdrop of the Gothic-style cathedral.
For nature enthusiasts, the Aiguestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park – the only one in Catalonia - is a protected area with an awe-inspiring landscape of soaring peaks, lush valleys and glacial lakes. Hiking trails wind their way through the park, offering glimpses of rare species including the Pyrenean chamois and the golden eagle.
In the Val d’Aran visitors are treated to a true mountain experience. This secluded valley boasts pristine alpine scenery, making it a popular destination for ski enthusiasts in winter and a hiker’s paradise in summer, with trails leading to hidden lakes, waterfalls and panoramas.
Foodies will love the mix of traditional Catalan cuisine meets local delicacies, from hearty stews and cured meats to locally grown wines and artisanal cheeses. Olive oil reigns supreme here, earning the title of ‘liquid gold’. The region’s meticulous cultivation methods and centuries-old olive groves yield an oil of unparalleled quality, with visitors able to enjoy ‘oleotourism’ tours of olive groves from the farmers and tastings hosted by house sommeliers.
“The majestic mountain range of the Pyrenees that borders Spain and France is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers. Within this landscape lies the enchanting Lands of Leida – a region that captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty and cultural heritage.”
Words by Louise Longman
Connections Luxury Europe will once again return to Catalunya from 6-9 April 2025 for leading travel companies who are seeking to attract luxury travellers from Europe. We will also welcome luxury travel designers from Europe - and a small contingent internationally - who wish to expand their product portfolios to offer their HNW clients the chance to discover new, exciting destinations beyond their borders.