Amazing little-known routes in the outback of Catalonia. Where can you go while relaxing on the Costa Brava? catalonia autonomous community attractions

Catalonia is autonomous community occupying the northeast Iberian Peninsula. The Catalans themselves call their homeland Catalunya. All other peoples that make up the population of Spain call this region the Castilian word Cataluña.

Catalonia is part of the Spanish kingdom, which does not interfere local residents dream of their own independent state. Once it was a strong and powerful monarchy, occupying the territory of the modern autonomous community and the French department of the Eastern Pyrenees (the so-called Catalunya del Nord).

Catalonia maybe the best part Spain

The current Catalonia consists of four provinces:

• Barcelona
• Girona
• Lleida
• Tarragona

The provinces, in turn, are divided into 41 districts.

Borders

In the north, Catalonia borders France and Andorra. The western neighbor of the autonomy is friendly Aragon. In the southwestern direction, the no less friendly Valencian community is spread. It is known from history that both of these regions once formed a single kingdom, dominated by Barcelona.

In the east and southeast, Catalonia is washed by the gentle mediterranean sea. No wonder the province was once one of the leading maritime powers in this part of Europe.

The coast covers 580 kilometers. As a rule, all of it is strewn with beaches.

Main cities

The largest, most important cities are:

• Barcelona
• Girona
• Igualada
• Manresa
• Lleida
• Tarragona
• Sabadell

These cities are of great economic and tourist importance.

Capital

The capital of Catalonia Barcelona. In Spain, it is the second largest city in terms of population. And in terms of beauty and originality, probably the first.

The capital of Catalonia Barcelona

The capital of the region is a major Mediterranean port. It is also an important trade and industrial centre the whole kingdom. And the most attractive object in terms of tourism.

Barcelona in numbers:

• city ​​area 100 sq. kilometers
• height above sea level 12 meters
• population 1.6 million (2011 census)
• telephone code + 34 93
• postal codes 08001-08080
• official website www.bcn.cat

Population

The population of Catalonia is over 7 million people. True, only a third of them are true Catalans. The rest are from less wealthy Spanish regions (Andalusia, Murcia, Galicia). Economically developed autonomy in last years attracts more and more Spaniards.

Catalonia: a complete guide to autonomy

The proportion of foreigners permanently residing in Catalonia is also large. According to the latest data, there are 14%.

By the way, the population density of the autonomy is one of the highest in the Pyrenees. The indicator is 225 people per 1 sq. km. kilometer. In the capital, the figure is an order of magnitude higher.

Holidays

The most colorful holiday in Catalonia festa major. This is a kind of City Day, more precisely, the Day of the Saint, who patronizes this or that city. It turns out that everyone locality has its own festa major, which takes place at the same time.

The holiday continues for several days. Various competitions are held, craft fairs, attractions and folk festivals are organized. Both children and adults have fun.

A typical Catalan holiday fun is to build living towers. People climb on each other's shoulders, forming a multi-tiered castle. Participate in such construction only after special training.

Main holiday National Day of Catalonia(Diada Nacional de Catalunya) is celebrated on September 11th. On this day in 1714, the region lost its independence.

And now a video in which the notorious TV traveler Dmitry Krylov talks about Catalonia:

Cities
The autonomous community of Catalonia (Cataluna, Catalunya, Catalonha) lies in the northeast of the country, between Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenees. Historically, Catalonia occupied almost all northeast coast the Iberian Peninsula, but now part of its territory lies in France. Catalonia has its own government (Generalitat) and president, Catalan, Spanish and Aranese are used here. This is one of the most industrialized regions of the country, which, nevertheless, retains its historical and natural identity - there are many ancient cities, castles and protected areas.
Attractions
capital and most beautiful city Catalonia - Barcelona is considered the second largest city in Spain, the main economic center of the country and a major Mediterranean port.
Then we start excursion program. Buy all tickets for future excursions and trips at Bas Plana (these are sightseeing buses), everything is very organized and much cheaper than the tour guides offered. At every stop public transport an employee of "Bas Plana" will show you in Russian where to go and give you a prospectus with a map of the area for free. Tip: buy cards in a store owned by Bas Plana for 10 trips or more, when using this card, the cost of one trip to nearby cities will cost about 1 euro.
Port Aventura Park
On the second or third day, go to the park of spain catalonia attractions "PortAventura". This is where you will have the opportunity to get a huge portion of adrenaline and mass positive emotions in addition. With over 3 million visitors annually, Port Aventura is the most visited amusement park in Spain and the second largest in Europe after Disneyland Paris. The park has a huge territory (117 hectares), divided into several thematic zones: Polynesia, the Mediterranean, the Wild West, Mexico, China. This park will appeal to both adults and children.
I advise you to take tickets with a double visit to the park (a single visit for two is 44 euros, a double visit is only 54 euros), because it is impossible to get around and ride all the slides in one day, given the number of people visiting the park. For example, one of the slides had to wait in line for about 2 hours. If you visit the park in the evening, the waiting time will be many times less. Be sure to take a ride high hill in Europe - "Shambhala". A slide that breaks all speed and height records. This new attraction, the opening of which took place on May 12, 2012. Needless to say, emotions go wild! Experience an effect known as "air time" by losing contact with the seat. After the flight on Shambhala, they could not stop the trembling in their legs. Your unforgettable flight will be captured by cameras, and there is an opportunity to buy a CD or a photo as a keepsake (which we did not fail to do).
Shambhala I would also like to mention the attraction "Hurakan condor" (height - 100 m, free fall 86 m). When the flight up reaches end point, breathtaking from the height, and then they throw you down! Ride - you won't regret it!
Hurakan condor In the part of the park called "Mediterranean", a large number of restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops are concentrated. In this part of the park there is an attraction "Furius Baco", accelerating up to 135 km / h ( maximum speed) in 3.5 seconds. The acceleration experience is simply unforgettable, especially for those who will sit on the left side of the center, and even in the front seats. On the first day of our visit, we could not ride Furius Baco, we had to go again (you can’t miss such emotions!). Talk about it amazing park you can do a lot. But it's better to see everything for yourself.
Spaniards are very bright and cheerful. The nightlife here is in full swing until the morning. Fans of night clubs and discos will find worthy places that will appeal to even the most demanding regulars of night parties. For example, "Pacha", which is located in La Pineda, 10 minutes from the city of Salou.
The disco is famous for its foam and theme parties and the coolest DJs.

Regions of Spain: Catalonia

Well-known European musicians like the French Bob Sinclair, David Guetta, DJ Tiesto often perform here. DJ Axwell. The club is designed for 3000 people.
Barcelona
For several days now you have been in this wonderful country, and it's time to visit the second largest city in Spain - Barcelona. It is also cheaper to travel to Barcelona from the aforementioned Bas Plana. If you are a football fan, take the sights of spain catalonia with the location of the famous Camp Nou stadium.
Camp Nou is the largest stadium in terms of capacity not only in Spain, but throughout Europe. We are lovers of fountains, and therefore our tour of Barcelona consisted of sightseeing tour And evening show singing fountains. This wonderful city has a huge number of famous architectural monuments, and during our trip we stopped briefly in each of them. Since the tour is only a sightseeing tour, there is not as much time devoted to sightseeing as we would like. Visit Park Güell, Las Ramblas and more.
Photos of Park Güell But let's take a closer look at the famous project of Antonio Gaudi Sagrada Familia (Sagrada Famí-lia), built on private donations since 1882. This is one of the most famous long-term construction projects in the world. Very beautiful and unusual appearance The temple impresses with its power and splendor.
Barcelona, ​​the capital of Catalonia, is a dynamic city known for contemporary art, innovative architecture, high fashion, exciting nightlife, interesting restaurants and shops. The Costa Brava is formed by many small towns and small fishing ports, such as L'Escala, Palamos or Sant Feliu de Guixols. In the Costa Brava you can enjoy magnificent beaches.
Catalonia has many historical monuments, museums and artistic treasures. Artists such as Dali, Miro and Picasso were inspired by this region. Here you can enjoy a fascinating medieval village. Museums and artistic treasures of Catalonia are among the most important attractions of world importance - in particular, the Dalí Museum in Figueres.
Catalonia has an abundance of restaurants for all tastes, from the simplest, home cooking, to amazing low prices to the most expensive. You will enjoy Catalan cuisine. Catalonia has many wine cooperatives that produce reds, whites, refreshing Rosés and excellent sparkling Cavas to accompany any meal.
Sights of Catalonia
Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres

Catalonia has been making too much headlines in the last couple of months. I propose to forget a little about political tensions and take a walk through the sights of this amazing region. Despite the fears of travelers and the decline in tourist traffic, Barcelona is still one of the most popular places For international tourists. This region has a lot to offer you and in this article we will visit together the most beautiful places in Catalonia.

Besalu

Crossing the lead in historical Center Besalu a stone bridge you can be sure that you will go back to medieval times. Declared a National Historic and Artistic Landmark and located in the La Garrocha region of Girona, this marvelous city stands out for its Jewish baths, the monastery church of Sant Pere and Sant Giulia, the Romanesque house of Cornell and the Gothic room of the Palacio Royal Curia.

Cadaqués

Most eastern city peninsula located on the Costa Brava in Girona, which combines fishing traditions with beautiful and crowded beaches, being one of the most popular places to visit in Catalonia. The place has been popular with artists such as Picasso, Marcel Duchamp and Dali (visitors can explore its House Museum). You enjoy being lost among narrow streets and whitewashed houses, enjoy local cuisine, visit archaeological sites and take a tour of the Cap de Creus Natural Park.

Xtelfulit de la Roca

On a basalt rock 50 meters high and about a kilometer long, there is a small town of Xtelfulit de la Roca with medieval atmosphere. Among its buildings stand out the church of Sant Salvador (13th century), the bell tower of St. Francis and the Plaza Mirador, which offer stunning views.

Castle of Cardona

The province of Barcelona's Cardone is home to the most important medieval fortress in the area. With over 12 years of history, this fairytale castle today it is a tourist magnet, allowing you to enjoy the majesty of its thousand-year-old walls, towers, Romanesque church, monastery and even ghost stories.

Montserrat

If apart from hiking if you want to climb the rocky peaks, then it is worth making a stop in Montserrat and visiting its Natural mountain park where you can also see many exotic plants. At the very top is the famous Romanesque abbey of the 12th century. This place, a few kilometers from Barcelona, ​​is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Catalonia. A tour here can be combined with the study of the sights of Barcelona.

Sitges

In this fishing village at the foot of the Garraf massif, 38 kilometers from the capital of Catalonia, modernity and tradition meet. Its rich architectural and cultural heritage is in harmony with a fantastic film festival, marinas, beautiful beaches and excellent tourist infrastructure.

Boi Valley

A tour of the Boi Valley and its rich nature in the Catalan Pyrenees is bound to be included in the list of the most beautiful places to visit in Catalonia. Get ready for medieval villages, Romanesque churches, ski slopes and hot springs 1500 meters above the sea. The valley is home to the Aigues Tortes National Park and Lake San Maurizio with magnificent high mountain scenery, rivers, waterfalls and forests, where flora and fauna retain their wild state.

List of amazing places near Barcelona.

Near Barcelona there are many amazing places that may interest you. curious tourists. All these mysterious places are located just an hour's drive from the capital, therefore, having had enough of the sights of the metropolis, tourists can always admire something new:

1. Vintage spanish city Vic. This medieval city deserves special attention. Vic is known for his delicious sausages! You can get to this place by train. In addition, the remains of an ancient Roman settlement from the 2nd century have been preserved here, and the ancient Roman market still exists today! On main square In the city, you can buy everything - from all kinds of small things to gourmet delicacies - a gourmet's dream.

2. Factories of sparkling wines of Spain Freixenet and Codorniu. These two factories are real paradise for champagne lovers! Freixenet is the most popular quality sparkling wine brand in the world! You can organize a factory tour and see for yourself how the famous Spanish cava is born. The Gaudí-style Codorniu sparkling wine factory is nearby. If you wish, you can visit both factories on the same day, go to the shops at the leading factories for the production of sparkling wines and buy a few bottles for yourself and friends.

3. Sitges is a seaside town located southwest of Barcelona. Sitges is known as the city of art. Carnivals are regularly held here and you can get acquainted with the diversity of Spanish culture. The headquarters of the International Film Festival in Catalonia is also located here.

4. Sau reservoir - a place of concentration a large number water and magnificent red mountains. In this place, in the 60s, during the construction of the dam, San Roma was flooded along with the valley. Barcelona needed water and it was then simply necessary. Along with the settlement, the local church was flooded. For 40 years, tourists could only see its bell tower. In 2010, there was a drought in Spain and a 20-meter building ended up on dry land. While the reservoir was empty, people from all over the world came to see the church. Now the church is under water again.

5. The city of Carcassonne is a medieval city located 300 km from Barcelona. Once it was one of the most powerful and reliable defensive structures Europe, who defended local population from foreign raids. Today the city is a concentration of monuments of history, culture and architecture.

6. Girona is an ancient Spanish city, stunning with exquisite architecture, as if woven from the finest lace. Here you can get acquainted with the Jewish quarter, located in the historical center of the city, with many churches made in the Gothic and Romanesque styles, monuments of the Middle Ages.

7. Spanish Venice (Empuriabrava) is a unique place located on the Costa Brava. This crowded place was chosen by admirers sailing, yachtsmen and just lovers of nature and boat trips on the water. Branched network canals of Empuriabrava is listed today in the Guinness Book of Records.

8. The pearl of Catalonia is the city of Cadaqués. This city was once one of the favorite places of the famous artist - Salvador Dali. Cadaques is a coastal city that attracts tourists with its magnificent mountain scenery and natural beauty. In 1920, S. Dali said: “I spent a delightful summer in the beautiful and dreamy city of Cadaqués. In this place, on the seashore, I was literally overwhelmed by the light and the saturation of the colors.” Cadaques is perfect for those who want to relax in peace and quiet, in solitude with nature.

9. Secret place in the Pyrenees - Val de Nuria. This amazing corner is located in the Eastern Pyrenees. It is from here that a magnificent panoramic view of 300 mountain peaks surrounding a true natural oasis.

10. mountain lagoons El Torrent de la Gabana. These protected exotic lagoons are located just 100 km from Barcelona in the Pyrenees. They are famous for their pools with emerald water, cascades of waterfalls and mountain streams with fish swimming in them. All this splendor resembles more unreal reality or fairy world, which can only be observed in Thailand!

If this is not the first time you are relaxing on the Costa Brava and have managed to visit such famous places like the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, Barcelona, ​​Girona, Rupit and Besalu and you want something "non-pop", this article might be helpful for you. The starting point will be considered one of the most popular resorts Costa Brava - Lloret de Mar.

We note right away that buses with guides do not go to these places in an organized manner, you can get there by private car, take private transfer with a driver or rent a car. There are many car rental companies in Lloret: Europcar, Fauria, Rent-a-car and Olimpia (they have Russian-speaking employees). The price will depend on the season, brand and size of the car.

So, let's talk about a few places where the tourist flow is small and where you can comfortably dine in a real Catalan family cafe, as well as enjoy fantastic views of the Pyrenees, lakes, hills and valleys.

City of Banyoles

• Travel time from Lloret de Mar to Banyoles takes about 40 minutes (60 km) on the AP-7 highway.

The wonderful town of Banyoles is primarily known for its lake of incredible beauty - this is the largest freshwater reservoir in Catalonia. Everything here is conducive to family walks: maple alleys create a pleasant coolness, geese and swans swim on the lake, and at certain times of the year you can see very small ducklings. Due to the presence of the lake, it is considered the world center of sports water rowing, here athletes train all year round, and international competitions are also held.

Recreation and entertainment

• Boat rental. You can rent a boat and enjoy a boat trip on the lake.

• Picnic area. If you take food with you, you can sit comfortably and completely free of charge at the tables in the picnic area.

• Tourist train in the city. If you want to take a train ride and see Banyoles, you can take a train near the lake. It is called "Tren Pinxo de Banyoles" and has a capacity of 60 seats. He travels to the most important sights: the monastery of Sant Esteve, the Dardo Museum and the Museum of Archeology, the main square of the city and along the lake. Ticket price - 4.50 euros, for children 3-12 years old - 2.50, children under 3 years old - free of charge.

• Museum "Neolitic Draga" - you can immerse yourself in the life of primitive society, here you can see ancient huts and the life of people. Entrance ticket costs 6.5 euros, group visits with a guide - 4 euros. Children under 6 years free. The museum is open from June to October, guided visits take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 11.30.

Monastery of San Miguel del Fay

• Travel time from Lloret de Mar to San Miguel del Faya takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes (96 km) on the AP-7 highway.

This place is located approximately in the middle between Lloret and Barcelona. The protected area of ​​San Miguel del Fay is located right next to the town of Sant Feliu De Codines. The space is steeped in history, yet beautifully equipped and well maintained. Here you can walk all day with your family and even with small children, the road is convenient enough for strollers. Often on weekends there are master classes and events for children, you can follow the information on the website of the reserve. The most amazing sights are waterfalls and caves.

The history of the reserve began in 997, when the monk Ramon Borrell founded the monastery, which was active until 1567.

Recreation and entertainment

• Market of local products, here you can buy honey, cheeses, sausages, pastries from organic products.
• Restaurant serving great food.
• Caves of Sant Miguel and Les Tosques, which were discovered in 1847. A rather steep descent leads to the last cave along the way, pregnant women and small children are not allowed there, and everyone else is given protective helmets.

• The Romanesque chapel of San Marti, built in the 9th century, is at the end of protected area.
• 15th century church and museum.
• You can walk in the shade of maple alleys and feed the ducks and swans on the lake near the museum. Reserve workers carefully leave special food for this.
• At the end of the protected area there is a picnic area and cafe, as well as two playgrounds. You can visit the reserve from 10.00 to 16.00, the price of the entrance ticket: adult - 8 euros, children 4-12 years old - 4 euros, for children under 3 years old admission is free.

Vilanova de Sau

• Travel time from Lloret de Mar to Vilanova de Sau takes about 1 hour (83 km), AP-7, C-25 highways.

Absolutely amazing place, where you can enjoy complete harmony with nature: lakes, mountains of a bizarre square shape, forest - all this is conducive to romantic walks. One of the "highlights" of this place can be considered a church flooded in the lake. Depending on the season, you can only see its dome; in the summer, in the absence of rain, it is shown halfway. The sight is unusual and bewitching, the place attracts the attention of photographers and diving enthusiasts.

Recreation and entertainment

• Horse rides. On the way to the lake you will find a pointer to the equestrian club, you can also take a brochure with contacts.
• Camping and hotel La Riba. Spend the night away from the city noise in nature - what could be better!? There is also a wonderful restaurant where you can have a delicious lunch.
• ancient monastery. Entrance costs about 3 euros. The cells of the monks and elements of the life of the clergy have been preserved in their original form in the monastery - a fascinating and interesting place. The monastery is located on the top of the mountain, and from the lake to it you will have to drive about 30 minutes by car along a winding road.

• Dam on the lake. Walking along it, you can admire the view of the waterfall.
• Picnic area. It is located on the shore of the lake, just overlooking the flooded chapel.

City of Olot - the valley of volcanoes

• Travel time from Lloret de Mar to Olot takes about 1 hour 5 minutes (91 km) on the AP-7 highway.

The road to this city runs through mountains and serpentines, past dormant volcanoes and picturesque fields. Olot is located in the province of Girona, in the municipality of La Garrocha. There are about 70 dormant volcanoes near Olot, and frozen lava is visible everywhere along the road, which gives the landscapes an unusual charm. The town itself has preserved the spirit of the Middle Ages, filled with architectural monuments and natural parks.

Recreation and entertainment

• Dormant volcanoes. Volcano San Francesc is one of the largest; you can see its crater, overgrown with grass, and from there opens great view to the city. In the 17th century, the chapel of San Francesc was erected right in the crater; in the 19th century, two towers were built nearby, which have now become viewing platforms. Nearby is the volcano La Garrinada. It has three craters; until recently, vegetable gardens and gardens of the townspeople were located in them. Bisarokes volcano has two craters. The volcanoes Montascopa and Santa Margherita are also within the city and can be visited with a guide. The tour lasts about 2 hours, for the ascent it is necessary to dress in sportswear and comfortable shoes. The city administration offers various excursions to volcanoes and city parks.

• Sanctuary of the Virgin del Tour in the center of Olot. This temple appeared in the XVIII-XX centuries.
• Church of San Esteve XVIII century. She can surprise with an unusual altar made by the famous Catalan sculptor Pau Costa. This church houses the parish museum, which contains a liturgical collection of the 15th-19th centuries with rare paintings.
• Natural Park El Jardi Botanic de Vegetacio Natural, Botanical Garden operating since 1986. Beautiful place for walks and gorgeous photos. You can visit it from 8.00 to 20.00.

• Museo de la Garrotxa (10.00–13.00 and 15.00–18.00), Museo de los volcanes de Olot (10.00–14.00 and 15.00–18.00).

Empuriabrava

• Travel time from Lloret de Mar to Empuriabrava is about 1 hour 5 minutes (92 km), AP-7 highway.

If you are a lover water transport or have always dreamed of visiting Venice - this town is for you! The city was built on the territory nature reserve, just 20 kilometers from France. Empuriabrava is called the "Venice of Spain" and for good reason. The main idea during the construction of the city in the 60s of the XX century was this: every inhabitant should have access to the sea. Indeed, the city consists of canals that lead to the main water square, and from it to the Mediterranean Sea. Empuriabrava is filled with romance and the spirit of antiquity.

In addition to the water part, the city also has a regular land area where you can travel by car or on foot. Empuriabrava has a 3 km long sandy beach, from which you can enjoy scenic views on Pyrenees mountains. The city has preserved historical sights erected in the 11th century: the ancient castle of Empurias and the church of Santa Maria de Empurias. Every year on September 11, the city holds a holiday dedicated to history and the Middle Ages.

Recreation and entertainment

• river walk on a rented boat. You will need a passport, the rental price is 30-50 euros per hour (usually there are 4 or 5 seats in the boat).
• Butterfly park. On an area of ​​1000 sq. m presents unique species of butterflies and tropical animals. Usually children are completely delighted with visiting this place, and for adults this is a great opportunity to be closer to nature. The park is open from 10 am, the price of an entrance ticket for adults is 9.50 euros, for children from 4 to 11 years old - 4.50.
• You can walk along the beach or visit the Church of Santa Maria de Empurias.

• lovers extreme sports it will be interesting to know that in Empuriabrava is the main European center on skydiving. The jump can be made in tandem with an instructor from a height of 4 kilometers. They also practice formation flying, freefly, wingsuit, aerobatics courses, and skysurfing.

Castelfulit de la Roca

• Travel time from Lloret de Mar to Castelfulit de la Roca takes about 1 hour (86 km) via the AP-7 highway.

This is perhaps one of the most unusual towns, it consists of only one street, and its population is 970 people. The area of ​​the settlement is 0.67 sq. km. But the most amazing thing is its location: on the top of the mountain, the windows of the houses go straight to the cliff. Unforgettable views and colorful photos are guaranteed. Standing at the top, you involuntarily think - how could this town be built here at all ?!

Recreation and entertainment

• Church of San Salvador, founded in the 13th century.
• You can walk and dine at local restaurants.

It is convenient to combine a trip to Castelfulit de la Roca with a visit to Olot.

Barcelona is the brightest and most famous attraction in Catalonia. However, the region is famous not only for this city. Let's get acquainted with the iconic cultural and historical objects of the autonomy.

Montserrat

The Catalans are not as fanatically committed to Catholicism as, for example, the inhabitants of Andalusia. However, Christian traditions are honored here, and one of the most revered religious shrines is mountain monastery Montserrat, located at a distance of 40 kilometers from the Catalan capital. This " spiritual center» autonomy.

Attractions of Catalonia - Montserrat Monastery

The monastery belongs to the Benedictine order. Its oldest building, the basilica, dates back to the 16th century. The most important shrine is the image of the Madonna of La Moreneta. According to legend, the Evangelist Luke himself wrote it, but scientific research shows that the 12th century should be considered the date of creation of the masterpiece.

The Madonna of La Moreneta is the patron saint of Catalonia, every inhabitant of the region reveres her, every true believer dreams of touching her image.

It is for this reason that the folk trail will never grow into Montserrat. However, there is also an amazing monastery choir of boys.

Cities of Catalonia

Girona and Figueres are two amazing Catalan cities: each with its own history, architecture, and character. They can be recommended to visit those who believe that ends with the outskirts of Barcelona.

Girona

Ancient Girona arose on the site of the Roman settlement of Gerunda, designed to defend the Via Augusta, the most important Iberian road connecting Seville with Rome.

Attractions of Catalonia - the city of Girona

Unfortunately, only memories and a narrow street have remained from this road to our times.

The current Girona is a quiet, cozy city, although it is the capital of the province of the same name. The Onyar River divides Girona into two parts. On the left, hilly bank, there is a historical center recommended for visiting, on the right - an ordinary modern Catalan city.

Figueres

Figueros is interesting to others. In this city is the most famous theater-museum of Salvador Dali. Once upon a time, an agreement was reached between the artist and the municipality that the museum would open in the building of the old theater, which happened in 1974. Since then, admirers of genius have literally besieged this attraction.

As for Figueros itself, it is a city of cosmopolitans and gourmets. One of its brightest traditions - the weekly market on the main square - has been held every Thursday since the distant 1267.

Lleida

According to many, this is the most beautiful province autonomy. By the way, she is also called Lleyda.

Get attention here natural objects: mountain rivers, lakes with the purest water, waterfalls, orange cliffs, and mysterious cliffs. It is no coincidence that experienced travelers compare Lleida with the Grand Canyon.

The province has a well-developed sports and tourist infrastructure: hotels, campsites, bases with rental equipment for fishing. It hosts water rodeo and freestyle competitions.

The provincial capital is the city of Lleida. The main attraction is the Seu Vella Cathedral. Its walls are executed in the Romanesque style, and the vaults were built according to the Gothic canons. The cathedral stands on a hill, occupying a dominant position in relation to the rest of the city.

Castles of Catalonia

There are also such sights in Catalonia.

Attractions of Catalonia - Perelada Castle

The most popular castles dating back to the 13th-14th centuries:

• Fortarde
• Pubol (was bought by Dali for his Gala)
• Peralada (famous for his music festival and production of local champagne)

Fans of antiquities will also find it useful to look at the ruins of Ampourias, the remains of an ancient ancient settlement. According to scientists, they belong to the VI century BC.

parks

Catalonia is famous for its natural parks. The most famous among them is San Llorenc de Munt, located in Montsen. UNESCO awarded him honorary title biosphere reserve.

Seurat d'Aubac Park is also popular. It is located in a mountainous, rugged area, famous for its steep, precipitous cliffs.

And there are many parks and reserves with typical Mediterranean flora and fauna. They won't take long to find. Most likely, they will be at your side, because Catalonia is a “green” region.