Catalonia

by Marie-Ange Demory and Alberto Canagueral

Published 28 June 2001
One of the most popular coastal regions in Spain, a country which in turn is Britain's number one holiday destination, Catalonia has much to offer. Rich in natural resources and spectacular scenery - the beaches of the Costa Brava, mountains, lakes and forests, wildlife, National Park of Aiguestortes. Rich in culture - historic remains, churches, castles, monasteries, charming and picturesque villages - Calella de Palafrugell, Cadaques, historic Tarragona, Montserrat, Figueres, the home town of Dali. The fabulous city of Barcelona with its long artistic tradition - Miro, Tapies, Gaudi. A fierce pride in the Catalan regional heritage and culture - the Catalan language merits its own newspapers and editions of books. And of course, food and wine - local delicacies such as paella, tapas, anchovies, crema catalana, turron and of course wine.