Spanish Coastline

About Barcelona

This lively, exciting metropolis, set on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its exceptional architecture, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, stunning beaches, and fascinating history. It is said that a secret of Barcelona's charm lies in the fact that its tourist sites are an integral part of its residents’ daily life.

This lively, exciting metropolis, set on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its exceptional architecture, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, stunning beaches, and fascinating history. It is said that a secret of Barcelona's charm lies in the fact that its tourist sites are an integral part of its residents’ daily life.

Barcelona is not only the capital city of the autonomous community of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, but a leading international city, having major influence on global commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts. It is an important cultural center, blending modernity and tradition. The city’s most famous landmarks include the architectural works of Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech i Montaner, which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The center of the city and its heart is Placa de Catalunya, a charming square with statues and fountains, shops and boutiques, cafes and restaurants. La Rambla, a bustling boulevard that connects Placa de Catalunya to the ocean, extends from the square. Also extending from the square is one of the city’s most prestigious boulevards, the Passeig de Gracie, where two of Gaudi’s iconic houses are located, the Casa Batllo and the Casa Mila- also known as La Padrera. One of Barcelona’s main highlights is the Church of the Holy Family - La Sagrada Familia – which was designed by Antonio Gaudi and to which he devoted much of his life. The church, which began construction in 1882 and is still not finished, is one of the city's most exciting and awe-inspiring sites. Not far from the church, at the end of Gaudi Avenue, is the Sant Pau Hospital, one of Lluis Domenech I Montaner’s most important architectural works. It is a large complex in which the buildings fit together harmoniously and are surrounded by magnificent gardens. The city’s Gothic Quarter, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is considered the historic heart of the city, and there are numerous city landmarks located within its narrow streets. The Sinagoga Major de Barcelona, which was the main synagogue in the Jewish neighborhood until the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, still remains, as does the 14th-15th century Barcelona Cathedral, an impressive Gothic cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Catalonia. The historic palace, Palau de la Generalitat, is also found here and continues to function as the seat of the Government of Catalonia and the Presidency of the Generalitat. The 14th century Ajuntament City Hall building is another landmark in the Quarter. The Picasso Museum is housed in one of the Gothic Quarter’s elegant mansions, and the Palau de la Musica Catalana is a magnificent concert hall designed in Catalan modernista style by Lluis Domenech I Montaner in the early 20th century. There is a mountain overlooking the city known as Montjuic, the Jewish Mountain, a name derived from the medieval Jewish cemetery that is found there. Situated on the mountain is the National Palace, an enormous Italian-style building built in 1929, which today houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia as well as the Olympic Stadium and the Pueblo Espanyol tourist complex. Also located here is the Joan Miro Museum, a museum of modern art dedicated to the famous Catalan artist who initiated its establishment of the museum and donated many of her works. Just beneath Monjuic, you’ll find Placa de Espana, Barcelona’s largest square. The square had once been used as an entrance gate to the museum and today is a center for fairs and exhibits. The Font Magica provides fun entertainment in the evening as the illuminated fountain shoots jets of water, which change shape and color, 164 feet high – all accompanied by great music. Barcelona is also home to some outstanding parks. In the center of the city is the Parc De La Ciutadella, a green oasis with a large central fountain, statues, and an artificial lake with row boats. On the park’s grounds you’ll also find the zoo, the Catalan Parliament building which today houses the Modern Art Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences, and the Cascada, a large triumphal arch. Park Guell, located in the García district atop a hill, is one of the city's most intriguing sites and a unique example of creative environmental design. Originally intended as a private residential area with 60 single-family homes, the project was unsuccessful, and it became municipal property in 1923. Though not complete, it is one of Antonio Gaudi's best-known and most imaginative works. The buildings are coated with colorful ceramic fragments whose combination throughout the garden creates a mosaic of shapes. Along the beautiful stairway at the entrance gate, you’ll see one of the park’s most famous features: the huge, mythological dragon– or salamander. At the top of the stairs is La Placa, a square with a colorful, rolling bench covered with ceramic fragments and spectacular views of the city. Tibidabo is the highest hill in the Serra de Collserola, and, at its peak, is the Sagrat Cor Church. Adjacent to it is the Tibidabo Amusement Park, a historic theme park with modern attractions, events, shows, and panoramic views. Camp Nou is the largest soccer stadium in Europe and the home field of FC Barcelona. It includes a museum and a visitor’s center. Markets are another important feature of life in Barcelona and a great place to feel the city’s vibe. The 13th century Boqueria Market, located off the famous Rambla and a popular tourist destination, is filled with the sites, smells, and sounds of a bustling city market. In addition to fresh, delicious produce, you’ll find fresh fish, cheeses, juices, Catalan sausages, and other local delicacies – as well as numerous bars and restaurants. The San Antonio Market located in the Eixampla area is one of the largest in Barcelona, combining stalls, restaurants, and bars alongside clothes, books, and stamps for collectors. The Encants flea market is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 13th century, and a place to find diverse and unique art, crafts, gifts, fashion, and more. Not far from Catalonia Square is El Nacional, a charming restaurant complex where you’ll find many traditional dishes from the Iberian Peninsula. Established in 1870 as a theater, the building served other purposes before undergoing a massive renovation and opening in 2013 as a luxurious and well-designed entertainment complex in the heart of the city. And there’s more – Barcelona is also home to shopping centers, an extensive and delectable restaurant scene, and a vibrant night life. To sum up, Barcelona – an innovative, cosmopolitan city with a Mediterranean flair- shouldn’t be missed!

About Figueres

Figueres, the capital of the province of Girona in Catalonia, is best known as the birthplace and hometown of the famed surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The city boasts the artist’s theater museum, the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dali, which is a popular tourist attraction.

Figueres, the capital of the province of Girona in Catalonia, is best known as the birthplace and hometown of the famed surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The city boasts the artist’s theater museum, the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dali, which is a popular tourist attraction.

The museum is located in an old municipal theater that was built in 1850 and caught fire at the end of the Spanish Civil War. Dali planned and designed the museum on that site, and it opened to the public in 1974. The building has a huge glass dome under which the large patio and the artist’s grave are located, becoming a symbol of both the museum and the city. The 18th century Catalan Toy Museum, with its impressive collection of toys from different eras, and the Emporda Museum which tells about the history and art of the area, are other important cultural sites. Figueres has a rich heritage, as evidenced by its important historic monuments. Its old medieval walls are well-preserved, and the area around the Carrer Magre was home to the 13th century Jewish quarter. La Rambla, a bustling commercial street, is the heart of the city. There are examples of 19th and 20th century Modernist and Neoclassical architecture throughout the center of the city. The Church of Sant Pere is one of the city’s most important religious buildings. Though it has Romanesque origins, the church was rebuilt in the 14th century in Gothic style. Modern elements were added in subsequent centuries. Figueres is a town with deep Catalan influences, including being the home of the traditional Catalan dance, the Sardana, and cuisine that combines local ingredients from the mountains and the sea. The gastronomy includes fresh fish from the nearby coast and excellent wines, including the popular “novell” wine – a rose- and several sweet varieties.  Figueres is well-located between the beautiful Costa Brava and the eastern end of the Pyrenean Mountains, making it a great base for interesting day trips. Colera, a seaside village with beautiful beaches, is in close proximity, as is Llanca with its lively marina, and Port de la Selva which is home to the Romanesque monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. The nearby Gulf of Roses is the location of the Aiguamolls de l’Emporda Natural Park, a remarkable ecological reserve and sanctuary for water birds. Just outside the city is the enormous Castle of Sant Ferran, an 18th century fortress which overlooks the town from its hilltop position. Its perimeter is close to 2 miles, making it one of the largest castles in Europe.

About Girona

Girona, dubbed “the Venice of Spain,” is truly a beautiful city - rich in museums and history and home to charming boutiques and cafes. It is located in Catalonia, between Barcelona and Costa Brava, and features medieval walls, a maze of narrow streets and alleys, and one of Europe’s best preserved Jewish Quarters.

Girona, dubbed “the Venice of Spain,” is truly a beautiful city - rich in museums and history and home to charming boutiques and cafes. It is located in Catalonia, between Barcelona and Costa Brava, and features medieval walls, a maze of narrow streets and alleys, and one of Europe’s best preserved Jewish Quarters.

Built on the king's road from Rome to Cadiz, the city was named Gerunda by the Romans. It was conquered in the 8th century by the Muslims, and it became the capital of one of the most important districts in the Kingdom of Catalonia until it fell to Barcelona at the end of the 9th century. The Middle Ages brought wealth to the city as is evident by the beautiful Romanesque and Gothic buildings which still stand today. From the pedestrian bridges which cross the city’s Onyar River you can view the colorful houses along the river bank, as well as the cathedral tower and the spire of the San Feliu church. The Eiffel Bridge, also known as the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, is one of the most famous Girona bridges traversing the Onyar. A walk on Girona’s medieval walls, called the Passeig de la Muralla, is a must! The walls run along the eastern part of Girona’s old town, and the city views from the top of walls- as well as the towers - are spectacular. The Girona Cathedral, which is situated on top of a hill and dominates the city’s skyline, is another of the city’s highlights. A long, narrow staircase leads to the entrance of the cathedral where you’ll also find magnificent views. If you’ve watched the Games of Thrones, you may recognize the cathedral – part of Season 6 was filmed here! Girona’s Jewish Quarter was home to the city’s vibrant Jewish community from 982 until 1492 when the edict of expulsion was issued. It was known as El Call, and it is a maze of well-preserved, winding cobbled alleys. The Museum of Jewish History in the quarter relates the history of the Jewish community and highlights it contributions to the country’s cultural and scientific development. Other Girona highlights include the Museu D’Art, Girona’s art museum, which presents a comprehensive collection of art from the Romanesque period through contemporary times and the Colegiata de San Felipe church. The church is located outside the city walls and is said to have been built on the tombs of the city's patrons, Saint Narcissus, Bishop of Girona, and Saint Felix. Next to them are the Arab baths, Banyes Arabes, which are designed as hamams, inspired by ancient Roman baths. Enough history? Explore Girona’s streets beyond the tourist areas and stop to browse at the charming shops, enjoy a cup of local espresso, and take in the unique atmosphere!

About Badalona

An authentic Spanish destination visited by few tourists.

About Barcelona

This lively, exciting metropolis, set on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its exceptional architecture, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, stunning beaches, and fascinating history. It is said that a secret of Barcelona's charm lies in the fact that its tourist sites are an integral part of its residents’ daily life.

This lively, exciting metropolis, set on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its exceptional architecture, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, stunning beaches, and fascinating history. It is said that a secret of Barcelona's charm lies in the fact that its tourist sites are an integral part of its residents’ daily life.

Barcelona is not only the capital city of the autonomous community of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, but a leading international city, having major influence on global commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts. It is an important cultural center, blending modernity and tradition. The city’s most famous landmarks include the architectural works of Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech i Montaner, which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The center of the city and its heart is Placa de Catalunya, a charming square with statues and fountains, shops and boutiques, cafes and restaurants. La Rambla, a bustling boulevard that connects Placa de Catalunya to the ocean, extends from the square. Also extending from the square is one of the city’s most prestigious boulevards, the Passeig de Gracie, where two of Gaudi’s iconic houses are located, the Casa Batllo and the Casa Mila- also known as La Padrera. One of Barcelona’s main highlights is the Church of the Holy Family - La Sagrada Familia – which was designed by Antonio Gaudi and to which he devoted much of his life. The church, which began construction in 1882 and is still not finished, is one of the city's most exciting and awe-inspiring sites. Not far from the church, at the end of Gaudi Avenue, is the Sant Pau Hospital, one of Lluis Domenech I Montaner’s most important architectural works. It is a large complex in which the buildings fit together harmoniously and are surrounded by magnificent gardens. The city’s Gothic Quarter, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is considered the historic heart of the city, and there are numerous city landmarks located within its narrow streets. The Sinagoga Major de Barcelona, which was the main synagogue in the Jewish neighborhood until the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, still remains, as does the 14th-15th century Barcelona Cathedral, an impressive Gothic cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Catalonia. The historic palace, Palau de la Generalitat, is also found here and continues to function as the seat of the Government of Catalonia and the Presidency of the Generalitat. The 14th century Ajuntament City Hall building is another landmark in the Quarter. The Picasso Museum is housed in one of the Gothic Quarter’s elegant mansions, and the Palau de la Musica Catalana is a magnificent concert hall designed in Catalan modernista style by Lluis Domenech I Montaner in the early 20th century. There is a mountain overlooking the city known as Montjuic, the Jewish Mountain, a name derived from the medieval Jewish cemetery that is found there. Situated on the mountain is the National Palace, an enormous Italian-style building built in 1929, which today houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia as well as the Olympic Stadium and the Pueblo Espanyol tourist complex. Also located here is the Joan Miro Museum, a museum of modern art dedicated to the famous Catalan artist who initiated its establishment of the museum and donated many of her works. Just beneath Monjuic, you’ll find Placa de Espana, Barcelona’s largest square. The square had once been used as an entrance gate to the museum and today is a center for fairs and exhibits. The Font Magica provides fun entertainment in the evening as the illuminated fountain shoots jets of water, which change shape and color, 164 feet high – all accompanied by great music. Barcelona is also home to some outstanding parks. In the center of the city is the Parc De La Ciutadella, a green oasis with a large central fountain, statues, and an artificial lake with row boats. On the park’s grounds you’ll also find the zoo, the Catalan Parliament building which today houses the Modern Art Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences, and the Cascada, a large triumphal arch. Park Guell, located in the García district atop a hill, is one of the city's most intriguing sites and a unique example of creative environmental design. Originally intended as a private residential area with 60 single-family homes, the project was unsuccessful, and it became municipal property in 1923. Though not complete, it is one of Antonio Gaudi's best-known and most imaginative works. The buildings are coated with colorful ceramic fragments whose combination throughout the garden creates a mosaic of shapes. Along the beautiful stairway at the entrance gate, you’ll see one of the park’s most famous features: the huge, mythological dragon– or salamander. At the top of the stairs is La Placa, a square with a colorful, rolling bench covered with ceramic fragments and spectacular views of the city. Tibidabo is the highest hill in the Serra de Collserola, and, at its peak, is the Sagrat Cor Church. Adjacent to it is the Tibidabo Amusement Park, a historic theme park with modern attractions, events, shows, and panoramic views. Camp Nou is the largest soccer stadium in Europe and the home field of FC Barcelona. It includes a museum and a visitor’s center. Markets are another important feature of life in Barcelona and a great place to feel the city’s vibe. The 13th century Boqueria Market, located off the famous Rambla and a popular tourist destination, is filled with the sites, smells, and sounds of a bustling city market. In addition to fresh, delicious produce, you’ll find fresh fish, cheeses, juices, Catalan sausages, and other local delicacies – as well as numerous bars and restaurants. The San Antonio Market located in the Eixampla area is one of the largest in Barcelona, combining stalls, restaurants, and bars alongside clothes, books, and stamps for collectors. The Encants flea market is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 13th century, and a place to find diverse and unique art, crafts, gifts, fashion, and more. Not far from Catalonia Square is El Nacional, a charming restaurant complex where you’ll find many traditional dishes from the Iberian Peninsula. Established in 1870 as a theater, the building served other purposes before undergoing a massive renovation and opening in 2013 as a luxurious and well-designed entertainment complex in the heart of the city. And there’s more – Barcelona is also home to shopping centers, an extensive and delectable restaurant scene, and a vibrant night life. To sum up, Barcelona – an innovative, cosmopolitan city with a Mediterranean flair- shouldn’t be missed!