Catalonia & Barcelona

One of the easiest ways to arrive in Spain from outside Europe is to fly into Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. As a result many of our guests use this route. Many stay a few days in Barcelona, and then have breakfast on the fast “Ave” train from Barcelona to Zaragoza, and continue with a hiking journey in the Central Pyrenees or a more cultural orientated journey further west in the Basque region.

Barcelona is one of the most vibrant and attractive cities in Europe, featuring beach, mountains, culture, a good public transport system, and a centre for the arts (Pablo Picasso and Juan Miró spent time here). Barcelona is perhaps most known for its architecture, with many examples or structures designed by Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, including the enormous Sagrada Familia Cathedral.

North from Barcelona is the spectacular “Costa Brava” or rugged coast. The eastern Pyrenees form its boundary with France, and the range includes the picturesque Cerdanya and Aran Valleys. The Principality of Andorra is situated between the two.