Catalonia is an autonomous region, a historical area in northeastern Spain. Its capital, Barcelona, is a major tourist destination. Catalonia is located in a picturesque setting – between the Pyrenees mountains and the Mediterranean coast. To the north, it borders Andorra and France, to the west, the region of Aragon, and to the southwest, Catalonia borders Valencia.
Geographical Location and Population
The population density of the territory is low; at the beginning of 2016, the number of residents was 7.2 million. Most of the Catalan region is located on the Mediterranean coast. Well-developed infrastructure, developed agriculture and industry, unique nature, beautiful beaches, rich history, culture, and architecture – all of this makes Catalonia one of the best places for tourism in Spain.
This paradise is also called the golden coast of Spain.
Beach Features and Climate
The beaches here are clean and beautiful, and coupled with the excellent climate, they are simply ideal for family vacations. Most of the beaches are marked with special EU blue flags for their high level of service and environmental cleanliness. Well-equipped recreation areas, hot sun, and refreshing Mediterranean breeze – what could be better?
Mountain ranges are located along the coastline, protecting the beaches from temperature fluctuations. So the climate here is truly unique.
Barcelona is famous for its unique atmosphere. There are many places here that tourists will find interesting to visit: museums, temples, singing fountains, architectural monuments, shopping centers.
Popular resorts: Costa Brava and Costa Dorada
Costa Brava and Costa Dorada are among the most popular holiday destinations not only in Spain, but throughout Europe. Costa Brava is the northern coast, and Costa Dorada is the southern coast. The northern coast is known for its unique landscape – here you can find beautiful bays and coves, grottoes, natural parks, ancient dolmens, and ruins of ancient castles. Many of these architectural monuments date back to the time of the Roman Empire.
What should a tourist visit in this area?
- Castelló d’Empúries,
- Playa de Aro,
- Tossa de Mar,
- Lloret de Mar,
- Mount Montserrat and the monastery located on it,
- and, of course, the gorgeous beaches.
Resort center Costa Brava – Girona
The center of the Costa Brava resort area is Girona, a small, beautiful town with medieval architecture, divided into two parts – the old and the new city. Every spring, in May, a beautiful flower festival takes place here, during which all the houses and buildings in the city are decorated with luxurious floral arrangements. In Girona, the Romanesque cathedral houses the ancient treasure of the Catalans – the Tapestry of Creation.
In small, cozy cafes, tourists are served the local, most popular dish – bread with tomatoes. The residents of the city have a whole story associated with this simple dish, relating to the moment of the city’s creation.
Features of Costa Dorada
Costa Dorada – the southern part of the coast – is located on an area of 240 km between the Ebro delta (the most full-flowing river in Spain) and the town of Cunit, which is located near Barcelona. The sand on the beaches of Costa Dorada has a golden color, thanks to which this region got its name “golden coast.”
Main cities of the southern coast
This place is ideal for family holidays. The golden, clean sands of Costa Dorada are protected from the northern winds by the surrounding mountain range, and pine and palm groves surround them. The main cities on the southern coast are Salou, Tarragona, Calafell, Torredembarra, La Pineda, Cambrils, Altafulla.
Ebro (the most full-flowing river in Spain) and the town of Cunit, which is located near Barcelona. The sand on the beaches of Costa Dorada has a golden color, thanks to which this region got its name “golden coast.”
This place is ideal for family holidays. The golden, clean sands of Costa Dorada are protected from the northern winds by the surrounding mountain range, and pine and palm groves surround them. The main cities on the southern coast are Salou, Tarragona, Calafell, Torredembarra, La Pineda, Cambrils, Altafulla.
