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What not to miss when visiting Catalonia
The Autonomous Community of Catalonia has more than a thousand years of history, its own language and traditions and culture.
Its 600 km from the stunning Mediterranean coast extends from Port Bou on the French border to the Ebro Delta covers the Costa Brava in the north, followed by the Costa del Maresme and then the Gold Coast, where the famous resort of Salou, where the theme park grandee of Spain.
Catalonia has been blessed with a remarkable variety of landscapes. To the north, the jagged peaks of the Pyrenees offer skiers, the hikers and bikers paradise all year round.
The snow peaks, reaching heights of 3,000 km, drum through valleys of pine and fir prosperous compensation to reveal shimmering lakes. There are oddly shaped mountain as extinct volcanic parks around Olot, and the only one with range Montserrat – so unique that it has been declared a conservation area by UNESCO.
Inland Catalonia is as diverse as the coast: there are rolling hills, covered with vineyards rich in parts, and other dry, flat land. The intense dedication of workers of the land and the irrigation of Ebro region favors exceptional olive oil, wine and fruit.
The interior of Catalonia is also blessed with incredible historical buildings, fortified villages, cities magnificent and stunning architecture.
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, also known as the cosmopolitan capital of Spain. It really is one of the cities more full of life in Spain offers enough sights to fill guide guide with pages and pages of information.
Fact File
Language: Catalan
Location: Northeast Spain
Population: 6 million
Area: 32,000 km2
Provinces: Girona, Barcelona, Lleida, Tarragona
Capital: Barcelona
Costas: Costa Brava, Costa del Maresme, Costa Dorada
Currency: Euro (€)
National Day: September 11
Patron Saint: Sant Jordi / San Jorge (Saint George)
Pattern date: April 23
Government: The Government
Big football clubs: FC Barcelona Espanyol
Catalan Tourist Office: 00 34 934 849 900
Sport plays an important role of tourism infrastructure in Catalonia. Here a summary of what is offered:
- 40 marinas for sailing
- 29 golf courses
- Three flying clubs
- 15 ski resorts
- A wide range of adventure and water sports
Not go home without visiting:
Tossa de Mar www.tossacostabrava.com
A charming coastal town steeped in history, dominated by the towers of a 12th century walled town, Vila Vella (old town), which blends seamlessly into the Vila Nova (New town) – a maze of narrow streets with boutique shops, cozy bars and restaurants. Tossa strict 'policy of no great height "Means that the scenic ride offers panoramic views of the mountains to the coast. The Mediterranean Lighthouse Interpretation Centre, opened in September 2005 is something not to be missed. Located on top of the Vila Vella, observation platforms with spectacular views along this stretch of coast surprisingly wild and himself center offers a guided tour and an excellent virtual demonstration on the history of the lighthouse.
Girona
Historic city of Girona, located inland, is divided in two by the Onyar. Its cathedral, a fusion of different historical periods and styles, highlights the old town. Take a stroll through the streets, the shadow of high stone walls, offering a wealth of quaint shops and cafes along the river bit – there's one in C / Ballesteries that is worthwhile, inside the tiles with a mixture of Spanish, Moroccan and Turkish influences and be covered with cushions of luxury. XII century, Arab Baths, the ancient wall of the city, and the museums of archeology and history are of great interest, while the churches of Sant Nicolau, Sant Feliu and Sant Pere de Galligants highlight the religious background in the region.
Do not miss the Saturday market, a parade ground for local farmers: savor the aroma of fruit and vegetables, olive oils, herbs, ham and cheese. And do not forget to stop off for some fresh churros!
Montserrat
The Monastery of Montserrat is perched on top of a mountain 1200 meters, surrounded by amazing scenery. Here is a mix of nature, culture and holiness. This place is so popular pilgrimage and Santiago de Compostela, and visitors are greeted at the summit of his journey through 12th century Madonna – Romanesque statue of a black Virgin Mary known as La Moreneta (the Virgen Morena). If you dare to take the cable car to the Santa Cova small chapel (the site of the discovery of the Moreneta), you will be amazed by the spectacular views – on a clear day you can see in Mallorca!
Montserrat is easily reached from Barcelona, with trains departing every hour.
Sant Feliu de Guixols
This city is at the heart of the Costa Brava, surrounded by pine and oak forests filled. Of particular salience is the hermitage of Sant Grau and the Gothic church, with its iron gate welcomes the Porta Ferrada. lovers can enjoy water sports here, especially near the creek Cala Salions and fish and seafood lovers are well catered for with an abundance of restaurants on the beach.
Jardi Botanic Mar i Murtra Blanes http://www.jbotanicmarimurtra.org/
The Botanical Garden Mar i Murtra Blanes showcases more than 4,000 species of plants on five continents, some of them endangered. The gardens also have a valuable research center Study. Once you are in Blanes, take the special bus Jardi Botanic port, until the hair-raising bends to the gardens, which are perched well above the sea, offering spectacular views.
Les Illes Medes (Medes Islands) Toroella of Montgri
The largest natural marina in Catalonia and one of the most important in the entire Mediterranean area. The Medes Islands are a small archipelago of seven islands and several reefs to only a mile from the coast and the Catalan Empordà Montgrí massif. The area is an exceptional biological diversity and ecological value. The different depths seawater around the islands, and the contrast of rocky and sandy areas of the seafloor, combined with the rock category that lends itself to the formation of tunnels and caves, we all work together to attract a wide variety of species – up to 1345 have been recorded.
Figueres
In the best center in Catalonia find Figueres, known as the birthplace of surrealist artist Salvador Dali and home to the famous Dalí Museum. Figueres is also the Sardana, a traditional dance Catalonia, originated. More must visit are the fortress of Sant Ferran castle, the parish church of Sant Pere, the Museum of l'Empordà and the Toy Museum.
L'Escala
A small tourist town on the southern tip of the Gulf of Roses. It is a charming fishing village well known for its delicious sardines. The resort offers much for lovers of water sports, two yacht clubs and a number of marinas. This is also the entry point to the Empúries Roman colony, the most visited archaeological site in Catalonia.
Barcelona
Capital of Catalonia Barcelona is also known as the cosmopolitan capital of Spain and is known worldwide for its incredible architecture as well as for people and their way of life.
There is much to do, here are some highlights:
La Sagrada Familia (Holy Family Church)
Antoni Gaudí world renowned, being finished, the masterpiece of modernist architecture.
Parc Güell (Güell Park)
Other works of Antoni Gaudí, this park features sculptures and mosaics by the author, and winding paths and greens very quiet.
Museu Picasso (Museum Picasso)
Dedicated to the work of art legend Pablo Picasso, this park is a sample of more than three 3600 paintings, sculptures and drawings.
Barcelona Art Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona)
A striking white building designed by architect Richard Meier is home a collection of Spanish, Catalonian and European modern and contemporary art.
Las Ramblas
historic pedestrian street full of posts flowers, restaurants and bars.
La Boqueria
A popular and well known food market for the sale of some of the freshest fruits, vegetables and seafood in Barcelona.
Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter)
Historic walking area with buildings dating from the Roman and medieval. Here is where the Cathedral de la Seu, a fantastic Gothic cathedral right in the heart of the area.
Ciutat Vella (Old Town)
A fascinating area, steeped in history with narrow streets and squares, Gothic palaces, museums, historic churches, bars and restaurants.
L'Eixample
This district of the date of the 19th century and displays works of famous architects such as Gaudí and Ildefons Cerdà.
Port Vell
Barcelona port lively full of yachts and cruise ships, with a popular entertainment complex with a mall, several restaurants, a cinema and an aquarium.
Tibidabo Mountain
A break from the main city, this mountain has a small amusement park and walk is a favorite route for hikers and those seeking a quiet stroll.
Zoo Parc de Barcelona (Barcelona Zoo)
Zoo famous worldwide for being home to Snowflake, the albino gorilla in captivity only in the world.
Barcelona Aquarium
The largest aquarium in Europe, this is one of the main attractions of Barcelona.
Nou Camp Stadium
This massive football stadium, home to FC Barcelona, is the largest in Europe with a capacity of 100,000.
Do not leave home without:
Sampling cream cream / Crema Catalana (caramel custard)
No visit to Catalonia is complete without tasting this dessert. Catalan cream can be described as brullee cream – cream cream with crunchy caramel topping. Catalan creams are prepared with lemon zest and are traditionally served in a clay pot.
Watching and enjoying the Sardana
The Sardana is a dance very old Catalan. It's a free dance that can be joined and left again at any time. It is danced in a circle, holding hands in the air and the coordination of measures according to a complex set of rules. The Sardana is performed to the rhythm of a typical band of ten musicians playing traditional wind instruments. The band is called the Coble and their sound is very distinctive, and very addictive.
Throughout the year there are many times when you will have the opportunity to see – or join – this dance, from the local national holidays.
Make a boat trip along the coastline of the Costa Brava incredible
Whether you take a ferry a glass bottom boat, a catamaran cruise complete with barbeque and champagne, a submarine or a ship type ride thrilling power boat, will surprise you bays and inlets stud the rugged coast of pine carpet. Some of the bays are only accessible by boat or on foot, making wonderfully isolated waters tranquil turquoise, crystal clear, but the stirring of the breeze! The dare to swim through the labyrinthine tunnels that sprout from some of the caves, You may even find a secluded beach, and you may even find some old forgotten treasure left by pirates centuries ago!
Seeing people to make human towers – Castellers
One of the most spectacular sights over a Catalan festival sees the amateur teams form human towers – Castells – which can be up to ten high.
This complex task of organization and the perfect moment begins with a square of the strong men linking arms to form a base for lighter men and women can get on the shoulders. Concentration is etched in their faces, as lighter and people smallest increase, rising floors. Finally, the 'anxeneta', a child who bravely climbs to the top, about 10 meters above soil, and lifts his arm to show that the castell is complete.
Immediately after this, the "castell begins to unravel – and sometimes the tower will fall – to gasps from the crowd immediately around all weapons to strengthen their willingness to break the Castellers' falls.
Experience Sant Jordi – a day for lovers in Barcelona
The equivalent of Valentine's Day falls on the day of St. George, patron Catalonia, 23 April. This is the most romantic day of the year in Barcelona and for lovers, the place to be. There is an air of happiness and love everywhere. Tradition says that on this day, men should give women a rose in his life, and instead, the woman gives her man a book as a sign of love and friendship. So you see Las Ramblas stopping at stop lined with roses and books, and gifts all around the exchange of lovers – and kisses.
Catalonia offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. Whether you opt for one of the liveliest resorts or prefer to spend their time in one of its jewels charming coastal or inland, you will find a lot to do and see. Factor in a trip to the vibrant city of Barcelona or the calmer, but equally inspiring Girona, and your vacation will be complete.
About the Author
Sarah McInerney – Words by Sarah Mac – is a creative copy writer with 15 years experience of writing compelling, quality words for business websites, brochures, advertising, press, sales literature, news letters and online material. She has travelled extensively through Spain and specialises in writing articles on popular tourist destinations. If you are looking to make an impact using the power of power of good wording, then visit www.wordsbysarahmac.co.uk
JASKI CHARGERS 2009 part II