Catalunya, on the North East side of Spain, covers an area of 32,000 square meters and incorporates the provinces of Girona, Lleida, Barcelona & Tarragona. It stretches from the French border through the Catalan Pyrenees, along 580km of Mediterranean coastline down to the Ebro River Delta and sweeps inland. Many fine cities steeped in character with magnificent historic buildings can be found here, among them Barcelona, Lleida, Girona, Tortosa, Vic and others.

Below is a brief guide of some towns and villages worth visiting which are relatively close to our accommodation. We start in the north just over the French border beside the Mediterranean Sea with Port de la Selva then travel south to Escala and inland towards the mountains, touching on the main cities of Barcelona & Girona.

Port de la Selva – is set amongst fairly steep hills, whitewashed and a little windswept; it has a fishing port on its eastern side. A friendly town, relaxed atmosphere with some good bars and seafood restaurants next to the port.

Llançà – next to Port de la Selva, has a nice beach, popular with windsurfers as well as a marina and promenade. The main town is set 1km back from the shore, originally to escape the attention of pirates. There are a few nice restaurants near the harbour.

Port Lligat – In the 30s the superstars of the avant guard - Picasso, Buñuel, Lorca Man Ray, Eluard, Duchamp, Magritte, Breton, Albéniz - and their entourages came to visit Salvador Dalí's eccentric house in Portlligat. Located just around the corner from Cadaques.

Cadaqués – a picturesque fishing port with a definite atmosphere of its own. It's an arty resort more suitable for adults than families. There's a lively café society at night with jazz bars, and some great if pricey restaurants.

Roses – Is the largest town on the gulf of Roses – founded in the 8th century BC by Greek mariners from Rhodes, who named it after their home. La Ciutadela was constructed in the 16th century as a bastion against the Turks. It has a fishing port but is mainly a tourist attraction for its 4km of golden sandy beach. A special feature of Roses is that as the town faces west, the sun sets over the Gulf of Roses. You can sit on the esplanade lined with cafes, watch the sunset and the world go by. One of the prettiest coves is the Platja de Almadraba. The world famous restaurant El Bulli where you can enjoy a laboratory of taste, is located a few kms east of Roses in the Cala of Montjoy.

Castello d'Empuries – has a magnificent medieval bridge and superb Gothic Cathedral. The town was once the trading centre for the area.
Nearby is the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l´Empordà. This popular bird zone is overlooked high up on the hillside. These marshy flatlands are home to rare species.

Palau Saverdera a pretty village with an interesting Romanesque church, one of the first in the area with Lombard-influenced apsidal decorations. It also has a couple of excellent restaurants, including a converted medieval monastery with a lovely garden. Superb views of the Gulf of Roses are also available from bars and restaurants in Pau, the village next door to Palau. Both villages are just 5 minutes by car from the superb beaches of Roses and Empuriabrava.

The Monastery de St Pere de Rhodes looms high up on the mountainside above Palau & Pau, accessed from the village of Villajuiga, (with its thermal baths of lithium). This Monastery dates back to 879AD, perched on a hillside overlooking the Gulf of Leon. The setting is as impressive as the ruined walls and towers themselves.

Empuriabrava – said to be the largest boating marina in Europe, a modern day Venice, villas built on a system of canal waterways where you can park your boat at the bottom of the garden. Very popular resort for all water sports – jet ski, water ski, windsurf, sail or even sky dive! A lively resort catering for all. Popular with German, French, Belgian, Dutch, Swiss and English nationalities.

L'Escala – a fishing town with little cobbled back streets boasting boutiques and restaurants, mostly located around the coves and port areas. The famous Greek & Roman Ruins of Empuries are here too and the pretty village of St Marti where the torch came in for the 1992 Olympics. Various beaches and coves can be found to soak up the sun such as the turquoise cove of Cala Montgo. L' Escala attracts nationalities such as French, Dutch and English and has retained its quaint village atmosphere.

Banyoles – a large protected lake with the Pyrenees backdrop, surrounded by shaded paths and mini piers for swimmers.

Besalu – this is a beautiful 11th century town with original Romanesque churches and bridge.

Santa Pau – in the heart of Garrotxa Volcanic Park, Europe's largest region of extinct volcanoes. Fortified medieval precinct with a defensive perimeter of tall and almost windowless houses. You can walk in to the volcanic crater of Santa Margarida and visit the petrified forest just outside Santa Pau.

Olot – capital of the Garrotxa area, 3 small volcanoes can be seen just to the north. The town is surrounded by destructive geological forces. Most buildings are 18th & 19th century, very elegant with fashionable shops and squares.

Figueres – the main market town for the area, capital of L'Alt Emporda. It has an attractive Rambla running through the centre. Well worth a visit are the open air markets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and a walk around the Salvador Dali Museum. Europe's largest castle Castell de Sant Ferran is also located on the outskirts of Figueres, the grounds are open to the public.

Girona – is the provincial capital and is dominated by a Romanesque Cathedral – it's an attractive medieval city set on the river Onyar. Certainly worth a full day visit – Jewish quarter, Arab baths, Medieval Wall, elegant bridges, shops and pavement cafes.

Barcelona, Catalonia's cosmopolitan capital is one of the most fascinating cities on the Mediterranean, offering a lively cultural life, good shopping, and many sporting events and facilities. The easiest way to see this big city is to hop on a tour bus which can take you to see the highlights – Gaudi Cathedral, Sagrada Familia, Gothic quarter, Barcelona Football Stadium etc.

Come and enjoy the dramatic scenery of snow-capped mountains, lakes and fir tree valleys. Visit unspoilt towns, villages and vineyards.Watch the rippling blue sea on sun baked sandy shores.

All these factors, together with an established tradition for fine eating make Catalunya one of Europe's leading tourist regions.