Most visitors to Catalonia head straight to Barcelona when they visit the region, and with good reason, as it is the best destination in Spain. But that does not mean that there is more to do in Catalonia.
Cities and towns in Catalonia
Main cities and towns of Catalonia, in order of ‘importance’ for tourists:
- Barcelona
- Figueres
- Tarragona
- Girona
- Sitges
Catalonia in a week
You could easily spend a week in Barcelona, but if you want to see more of the region, try this itinerary:
Start in Figueres: spend half a day at the Dalí museum and the rest of the day in Girona, where you must spend the night. Then head to Barcelona and spend five days there. End with a day in Tarragona.
The highlights of Catalonia
- Barcelona, of course. Gaudí’s architecture, vibrant nightlife, Las Ramblas. When you are bored of Barcelona, you are bored of traveling.
- Hike the ridges of the impressive Montserrat mountain.
- The Salvador Dalí Museum in Figueres.
- The beaches of Sitges.
- The Roman ruins of Tarragona.
How to get to Catalonia
Catalonia is on the border with France, making it an excellent first stop when visiting Spain by land. Barcelona is also well connected to the rest of Spain by train and high-speed bus. Alternatively, if you want to fly, there are three international airports in Catalonia.
Guided Tours of Catalonia
Barcelona is such a popular city that many people only visit Barcelona when they are in the Catalonia region of Spain. There is definitely enough to do in Barcelona to keep you entertained for a few days or weeks (read more in this Barcelona Tourist Guide), but it would be a shame to neglect some of the other interesting places in the region. For those in a hurry or those who don’t have access to a car and don’t want to try to negotiate the public transportation system, an organized tour is a great way to see the area.
Guided tour of Dalí’s Figueres and the Jewish Quarter of Girona
Combine a trip to Figueres, the birthplace of Spanish artist Salvador Dalí, with a trip to Girona, which has one of the best-preserved Jewish neighborhoods in Europe.
The Dalí Museum in Figueres is a work of art in itself and has to be seen to be believed, the most surreal sight you will see on your trip to Catalonia, besides the paintings of Dalí inside the museum!
After seeing Dalí’s masterpieces, you will visit Girona and its well-preserved Jewish quarter. You will be able to explore Girona largely alone.
Guided tour of the city of Girona and the Costa Brava
Girona has a long history, it is believed that it was founded around 76 BC. The river Onyar carefully divides the city in two, separating the old town from the new. The tour will then go to the Santuari dels Angels, this place offers panoramic views of the entire Girona region. From here, you will go to Pals, a small town that grew from a fortress. From Pals head to the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, passing Begur on the way. The clean lines of the whitewashed houses will be evident here and you will have time to explore the rocky shoreline or perhaps even take a dip in the inviting waters.
Guided tour of Roman Tarragona and the beaches of Sitges
After Mérida in Extremadura, Tarragona has the best Roman ruins in Spain. The capital of Roman Iberia (the Roman name for Spain), Tarragona has a magnificent aqueduct and the remains of a Roman amphitheater for you to explore, before your tour continues to Roc de Sant Gaieta, a small Mediterranean-style town with its mix. of Ibizan fishermen’s houses, Sevillian style patios and Greco-Roman influence.
Finally, a visit to the sandy beaches of Sitges, where you will have some free time to sunbathe.
