Region barcelona: Barcelona | province, Spain | Britannica

Barcelona (province) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage

The Province of Barcelona is one of the four provinces of Catalonia,, centred around the Catalan capital Barcelona. Dominated by its capital, it features both an extensive Mediterranean coast with many popular beach resorts, as well as a mountain range rising far over 1,000 m in the immediate vicinity of the coast. Owing to Barcelona again, this is one of the most visited regions of Europe, with a wide network of connections both within the continent and beyond.

Besides being a major tourist destination, the Province of Barcelona is also very successful economically and quite affluent, less affected by the crises that plagued the rest of Spain. Much of the Province’s area, especially close to the coastline, is heavily urbanised and industrialised, with factories (including the headquarters and main plant of the Spanish car brand SEAT) sitting side by side with tourist resorts, and the Port of Barcelona being a major commercial port.

Map of Barcelona (province)

  • 41.38252.1769441 Barcelona – capital of both the region and the entire Catalonia, Spain’s second-largest city and one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations

Eastern Coast[edit]

Extends east of Barcelona and forms a continuity with the Costa Brava in the province of Girona

  • 41.5333332.452 Mataró
  • 41.6366672.7080563 Santa Susanna
  • 41.6033332.6244444 Sant Pol de Mar

Western Coast[edit]

Extends west of Barcelona and the airport of El Prat

  • 41.2338891.8041675 Sitges – a coastal town that became Europe’s no. 1 resort for the gay community
  • 41.3158332.0194446 Viladecans
  • 41.2242771.7259057 Vilanova y la Geltrú
  • 41.281.9798 Castelldefels a town famous for its beach of more than 5 km, an affluent area with many famous sportsmen as residents

Along the river Llobregat[edit]

The river Llobregat is the largest river in the region, regulated and with its banks heavily urbanized and industrialized

  • 41. 3246332.0952579 El Prat de Llobregat – mostly known for lending the name to the Barcelona airport
  • 41.3588892.09916710 Hospitalet de Llobregat – buffer zone between Barcelona and the airport
  • 41.3458332.04166711 Sant Boi de Llobregat
  • 41.3687012.01745112 Santa Coloma de Cervelló

Further inland[edit]

Situated in the mountain ranges rising immediately behind the coast are many towns and villages very different from the coastal resorts

  • 41.3319071.92277913 Begues
  • 41.9141431.68098614 Cardona
  • 41.4741671.53416715 La Llacuna — beautiful Mediterranean outback village, with typical gastronomy and landscapes
  • 41.4129721.96868316 La Palma de Cervelló
  • 42.0248142.46496417 Rupit — small medieval town

Other destinations[edit]

  • 41. 6052781.8091671 Montserrat — an unusual rock mountain with the Santa Maria de Montserrat monastery on top, very popular among Catalans

Understand[edit]

By plane[edit]

The province is served by the Barcelona El Prat Airport, close to the Mediterranean coast east of the city of Barcelona between the municipalities of El Prat de Llobregat and Viladecans. It is Spain’s second-busiest and Europe’s tenth-busiest airport, with connections all across the continent, as well as sizeable intercontinental traffic.

Low-fare and charter airlines of Europe also serve the airports in Girona and Reus in the neighbouring provinces, from where you can get to Barcelona directly by regular bus connections.

By train[edit]

If you get in by train, take the railway of RENFE or the Metro.The Railway of RENFE there are all ways to get in.The R1, R2, R3 and R4 to Sants is reality or take the R5 and R6 to Plaza de Espana.The Metro for TMB can also get you to Sants. On the L3 and L5 you can get to Sants real easily. Also the Suburban FGC trains can get you to Plaza de Espana. There is also an FGC Metro.
It gets you to Plaza de Espana and Plaza de Catalunya. The L6, L7, S1, S2, S5, and S55 trains get you to Plaza de Catalunya. The L8, S33, S4, and S8 to Plaza de Espana. The TRAM trains go in the T1, T2, and T3 in the Llobregat area and the T4, T5, and T6 in the Besos area.

By car[edit]

By bus[edit]

By boat[edit]

Get around[edit]

Connect[edit]

Stay safe[edit]

Go next[edit]

This region travel guide to Barcelona is an outline and may need more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. If there are Cities and Other destinations listed, they may not all be at usable status or there may not be a valid regional structure and a “Get in” section describing all of the typical ways to get here. Please plunge forward and help it grow!

Zone map | Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona

The municipalities that make up the integrated fare system are the following:

  • Abrera: fare zone 3, sector B
  • Aguilar de Segarra: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Aiguafreda: fare zone 4, sector F
  • Alella: fare zone 2, sector E
  • Alpens: fare zone 6, sector H
  • L’Ametlla del Vallès: fare zone 4, sector F
  • L’Arboç: fare zone 5, sector B
  • Arenys de Mar: fare zone 4, sector H
  • Arenys de Munt: fare zone 4, sector H
  • Argençola: fare zone 6, sector C
  • Argentona: fare zone 3, sector E
  • Artés: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Avinyó: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Avinyonet del Penedès: fare zone 3, sector B
  • Badalona: fare zone 1
  • Badia del Vallès: fare zone 2, sector C
  • Balenyà: fare zone 5, sector F
  • Balsareny: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Barberà del Vallès: fare zone 2, sector C
  • Barcelona: fare zone 1
  • Begues: fare zone 2, sector A
  • Bellprat: fare zone 5, sector C
  • Bellvei: fare zone 5, sector B
  • Bigues i Riells: fare zone 4, sector F
  • Blanes: fare zone 5, sector H
  • Breda: fare zone 4, sector G
  • El Bruc: fare zone 5, sector D
  • El Brull: fare zone 5, sector F
  • Les Cabanyes: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Cabrera d’Anoia: fare zone 4, sector C
  • Cabrera de Mar: fare zone 3, sector E
  • Cabrils: fare zone 2, sector E
  • Calaf: fare zone 6, sector C
  • Calafell: fare zone 5, sector A
  • Calders: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Caldes d’Estrac: fare zone 3, sector E
  • Caldes de Montbui: fare zone 3, sector D
  • Calella: fare zone 4, sector H
  • Calldetenes: fare zone 6, sector F
  • Callús: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Calonge de Segarra: fare zone 6, sector C
  • Campins: fare zone 4, sector G
  • Canet de Mar: fare zone 4, sector H
  • Canovelles: fare zone 3, sector D
  • Cànoves i Samalús: fare zone 4, sector F
  • Canyelles: fare zone 4, sector A
  • Capellades: fare zone 5, sector C
  • Cardedeu: fare zone 3, sector D
  • Cardona: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Carme: fare zone 5, sector C
  • Castellar del Vallès: fare zone 3, sector C
  • Castellbell i el Vilar: fare zone 5, sector E
  • Castellbisbal: fare zone 2, sector B
  • Castellcir: fare zone 4, sector F
  • Castelldefels: fare zone 1
  • Castellet i la Gornal: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Castellfollit del Boix: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Castellfollit de Riubregós: fare zone 6, sector C
  • Castellgalí: fare zone 5, sector E
  • Castellnou de Bages: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Castellolí: fare zone 5, sector D
  • Castellterçol: fare zone 4, sector F
  • Castellví de la Marca: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Castellví de Rosanes: fare zone 3, sector B
  • Centelles: fare zone 5, sector F
  • Cerdanyola del Vallès: fare zone 2, sector C
  • Cervelló: fare zone 2, sector B
  • Collbató: fare zone 4, sector D
  • Collsuspina: fare zone 5, sector F
  • Copons: fare zone 6, sector C
  • Corbera de Llobregat: fare zone 2, sector B
  • Cornellà de Llobregat: fare zone 1
  • Cubelles: fare zone 4, sector A
  • Cunit: fare zone 5, sector A
  • Dosrius: fare zone 3, sector E
  • Esparreguera: fare zone 3, sector B
  • Espinelves: fare zone 5, sector F
  • Esplugues de Llobregat: fare zone 1
  • L’Esquirol: fare zone 6, sector H
  • L’Estany: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Figaró-Montmany: fare zone 4, sector F
  • Fogars de Montclús: fare zone 4, sector G
  • Fogars de la Selva: fare zone 5, sector H
  • Folgueroles: fare zone 6, sector F
  • Fonollosa: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Font-rubí: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Les Franqueses del Vallès: fare zone 3, sector D
  • Gaià: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Gallifa: fare zone 4, sector F
  • Garraf (Sitges): fare zone 2, sector A
  • La Garriga: fare zone 4, sector F
  • Gavà: fare zone 1
  • Gelida: fare zone 3, sector B
  • Gurb: fare zone 6, sector F
  • La Granada: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Granera: fare zone 4, sector F
  • Granollers: fare zone 3, sector D
  • Gualba: fare zone 4, sector G
  • L’Hospitalet de Llobregat: fare zone 1
  • Els Hostalets de Pierola: fare zone 4, sector C
  • Hostalric: fare zone 5, sector G
  • Igualada: fare zone 6, sector B
  • Jorba: fare zone 6, sector B
  • La Llacuna: fare zone 5, sector C
  • La Llagosta: fare zone 2, sector D
  • Lliçà d’Amunt: fare zone 3, sector D
  • Lliçà de Vall: fare zone 3, sector D
  • Llinars del Vallès: fare zone 3, sector D
  • Lluçà: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Maçanet de la Selva: fare zone 6, sector G
  • Malgrat de Mar: fare zone 5, sector H
  • Malla: fare zone 5, sector F
  • Manlleu: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Manresa: fare zone 6, sector D
  • Marganell: fare zone 5, sector E
  • Martorell: fare zone 3, sector B
  • Martorelles: fare zone 2, sector D
  • Les Masies de Roda: fare zone 6, sector F
  • Les Masies de Voltregà: fare zone 6, sector H
  • El Masnou: fare zone 2, sector E
  • Masquefa: fare zone 4, sector C
  • Massanes: fare zone 6, sector G
  • Matadepera: fare zone 3, sector C
  • Mataró: fare zone 3, sector E
  • Mediona: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Moià: fare zone 5, sector F
  • Molins de Rei: fare zone 2, sector B
  • Mollet del Vallès: fare zone 2, sector D
  • Monistrol de Calders: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Monistrol de Montserrat: fare zone 4, sector Z
  • Montcada i Reixac: fare zone 1
  • Montesquiu: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Montgat: fare zone 1
  • Montmaneu: fare zone 6, sector C
  • Montmeló: fare zone 2, sector D
  • Montornès del Vallès: fare zone 2, sector D
  • Montseny: fare zone 4, sector G
  • Muntanyola: fare zone 5, sector F
  • Mura: fare zone 5, sector E
  • Navarcles: fare zone 6, sector D
  • Navàs: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Òdena: fare zone 6, sector B
  • Olèrdola: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Olesa de Bonesvalls: fare zone 3, sector B
  • Olesa de Montserrat: fare zone 3, sector B
  • Olivella: fare zone 3, sector A
  • Olost: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Orís: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Oristà: fare zone 6, sector F
  • Orpí: fare zone 5, sector C
  • Òrrius: fare zone 3, sector E
  • Pacs del Penedès: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Palafolls: fare zone 5, sector H
  • Palau-solità i Plegamans: fare zone 2, sector D
  • Pallejà: fare zone 2, sector B
  • La Palma de Cervelló: fare zone 2, sector B
  • El Papiol: fare zone 2, sector B
  • Parets del Vallès: fare zone 2, sector D
  • Perafita: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Piera: fare zone 4, sector C
  • Pineda de Mar: fare zone 4, sector H
  • El Pla del Penedès: fare zone 4, sector B
  • La Pobla de Claramunt: fare zone 5, sector C
  • Polinyà: fare zone 2, sector D
  • El Pont de Vilomara i Rocafort: fare zone 5, sector E
  • Pontons: fare zone 4, sector B
  • El Prat de Llobregat: fare zone 1
  • Prats de Lluçanès: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Els Prats de Rei: fare zone 6, sector C
  • Premià de Dalt: fare zone 2, sector E
  • Premià de Mar: fare zone 2, sector E
  • Puigdàlber: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Pujalt: fare zone 6, sector C
  • Rajadell: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Rellinars: fare zone 4, sector E
  • Riells i Viabrea: fare zone 4, sector G
  • Ripollet: fare zone 2, sector C
  • La Roca del Vallès: fare zone 3, sector D
  • Roda de Ter: fare zone 6, sector F
  • Rubí: fare zone 2, sector C
  • Rubió: fare zone 6, sector B
  • Rupit i Pruit: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Sabadell: fare zone 2, sector C
  • Sallent: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Sant Adrià de Besòs: fare zone 1
  • Sant Agustí de Lluçanès: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Sant Andreu de la Barca: fare zone 2, sector B
  • Sant Andreu de Llavaneres: fare zone 3, sector E
  • Sant Antoni de Vilamajor: fare zone 3, sector D
  • Sant Bartomeu del Grau: fare zone 6, sector F
  • Sant Boi de Llobregat: fare zone 1
  • Sant Boi de Lluçanès: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Sant Cebrià de Vallalta: fare zone 4, sector H
  • Sant Antoni: fare zone 4, sector G
  • Sant Climent de Llobregat: fare zone 2, sector B
  • Sant Cugat del Vallès: fare zone 2, sector C
  • Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Sant Esteve de Palautordera: fare zone 4, sector G
  • Sant Esteve Sesrovires: fare zone 3, sector B
  • Sant Feliu de Codines: fare zone 4, sector F
  • Sant Feliu de Llobregat: fare zone 1
  • Sant Feliu Sasserra: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Sant Fost de Campsentelles: fare zone 2, sector D
  • Sant Fruitós de Bages: fare zone 6, sector D
  • Sant Hipòlit de Voltregà: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Sant Iscle de Vallalta: fare zone 4, sector H
  • Sant Joan de Vilatorrada: fare zone 6, sector D
  • Sant Joan Despí: fare zone 1
  • Sant Julià de Vilatorta: fare zone 6, sector F
  • Sant Just Desvern: fare zone 1
  • Sant Llorenç d’Hortons: fare zone 3, sector B
  • Sant Llorenç Savall: fare zone 3, sector C
  • Sant Martí d’Albars: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Sant Martí de Centelles: fare zone 4, sector F
  • Sant Martí de Tous: fare zone 6, sector B
  • Sant Martí Sarroca: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Sant Martí Sesgueioles: fare zone 6, sector C
  • Sant Mateu de Bages: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Sant Pere de Ribes: fare zone 3, sector A
  • Sant Pere de Riudebitlles: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Sant Pere de Torelló: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Sant Pere Sallavinera: fare zone 6, sector C
  • Sant Pere de Vilamajor: fare zone 4, sector G
  • Sant Pol de Mar: fare zone 4, sector H
  • Sant Quintí de Mediona: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Sant Quirze de Besora: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Sant Quirze del Vallès: fare zone 2, sector C
  • Sant Quirze Safaja: fare zone 4, sector F
  • Sant Sadurní d’Anoia: fare zone 3, sector B
  • Sant Sadurní d’Osormort: fare zone 6, sector F
  • Sant Salvador de Guardiola: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Sant Vicenç de Castellet: fare zone 5, sector E
  • Sant Vicenç de Montalt: fare zone 3, sector E
  • Sant Vicenç de Torelló: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Sant Vicenç dels Horts: fare zone 2, sector B
  • Santa Coloma de Cervelló: fare zone 2, sector B
  • Santa Coloma de Gramenet: fare zone 1
  • Santa Cecilia de Voltregà: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Santa Eugènia de Berga: fare zone 6, sector F
  • Santa Eulàlia de Riuprimer: fare zone 6, sector F
  • Santa Eulàlia de Ronçana: fare zone 3, sector D
  • Santa Fe del Penedès: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Santa Margarida de Montbui: fare zone 6, sector B
  • Santa Margarida i els Monjos: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Santa Maria de Besora: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Santa Maria de Martorelles: fare zone 2, sector D
  • Santa Maria de Miralles: fare zone 5, sector C
  • Santa Maria d’Oló: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Santa Maria de Palautordera: fare zone 4, sector G
  • Santa Oliva: fare zone 5 sector B
  • Santa Perpètua de Mogoda: fare zone 2, sector D
  • Santa Susanna: fare zone 5, sector H
  • Santpedor: fare zone 6, sector D
  • Sentmenat: fare zone 3, sector D
  • Seva: fare zone 5, sector F
  • Sitges: fare zone 3, sector A
  • Sobremunt: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Sora: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Subirats: fare zone 3, sector B
  • Súria: fare zone 6, sector E
  • Tagamanent: fare zone 4, sector F
  • Talamanca: fare zone 5, sector E
  • Taradell: fare zone 5, sector F
  • Tavèrnoles: fare zone 6, sector F
  • Tavertet: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Teià: fare zone 2, sector E
  • Terrassa: fare zone 3, sector C
  • Tiana: fare zone 1
  • Tona: fare zone 5, sector F
  • Tordera: fare zone 5, sector H
  • Torelló: fare zone 6, sector H
  • La Torre de Claramunt: fare zone 5, sector C
  • Torrelavit: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Torrelles de Foix: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Torrelles de Llobregat: fare zone 2, sector B
  • Ullastrell: fare zone 3, sector C
  • Vacarisses: fare zone 4, sector E
  • Vallbona d’Anoia: fare zone 5, sector C
  • Vallgorguina: fare zone 4, sector G
  • Vallirana: fare zone 2, sector B
  • Vallromanes: fare zone 2, sector D
  • Veciana: fare zone 6, sector C
  • El Vendrell: fare zone 6, sector A
  • Vic: fare zone 6, sector F
  • Vidrà: fare zone 6, sector H
  • Viladecans: fare zone 1
  • Viladecavalls: fare zone 3, sector C
  • Viladrau: fare zone 5, sector F
  • Vilafranca del Penedès: fare zone 4, sector B
  • Vilalba Sasserra: fare zone 4, sector G
  • Vilanova de Sau: fare zone 6, sector F
  • Vilanova del Camí: fare zone 6, sector B
  • Vilanova del Vallès: fare zone 3, sector D
  • Vilanova i la Geltrú: fare zone 4, sector A
  • Vilassar de Dalt: fare zone 2, sector E
  • Vilassar de Mar: fare zone 2, sector E
  • Vilobí del Penedès: fare zone 4, sector B

    Top 10 Places to Live near Barcelona – Barcelona Realty Group

    Blog
    / Cities and regions of Spain

    To paraphrase Tolstoy, we can say that all happy tourists are similar in their preferences. Give them a warm sea, exciting excursions, good parties and delicious food – and the vacation will definitely go off with a bang. It’s a different matter when it comes to choosing a place to live: completely different values ​​come to the fore, based on our age, experience and needs.

    If youth gravitates towards the noise and lights of the metropolis, maturity has other priorities: silence, good ecology and remoteness from the hustle and bustle. At the same time, no one wants to give up the proximity or, at least, the accessibility of large cities, with all their advantages. Catalonia from this point of view is an ideal choice. Thanks to the well-established transport links between coastal cities and their developed infrastructure, “sharpened” not only for tourism, but also for the comfort of permanent residents, there are many options for vacationers and for those who want to enjoy peace, clean air and comfort in close proximity from Barcelona all year round. If you are looking for an economical alternative to capital housing, we suggest starting your search with the next “ten” cities that are considered the best places to live in the region.

    Mataro – comfort and business opportunities

    Among the cities of the Costa Maresme, its capital Mataro stands out. The history of Mataro goes back to the ancient Roman era, as evidenced by numerous ancient monuments, including the ruins of the city with baths and wonderful mosaics, ramparts, ancient baroque basilicas, Capuchin monasteries and modernist villas. But don’t be put off by the city’s “excursion orientation”: today it is an important industrial, commercial and tourist center with a population of 120,000 inhabitants and the most developed infrastructure for life and business. In addition to being close to Barcelona (30 km), it has everything you need for a full-fledged stay, including wide deserted beaches, the largest yacht port on the coast with more pleasant prices than in the capital, and a mild Mediterranean climate, which brought the coast the name “Coast of Fruits”.

    Masnou – modernist pearls and fruit plantations

    Another point of the Maresme, located half an hour from the center of Barcelona and known for its large port with the most important second-hand boat market. Long favored by the Catalan aristocracy, Masnou is home to beautiful modernist villas, taverns and parks and is ideal for a carefree, relaxing life by the sea. There are also good business opportunities: in the vicinity of the town there are many factories for the production of medicines and textiles, as well as wonderful flower and strawberry plantations. The city itself, mentioned in the Roman chronicles, hides many architectural treasures, among which are the ruins of the Iberian settlement of Ildur or the church of St. Siza, popular with pilgrims.

    Aleia – a wine paradise in the mountains

    Listed as one of the highest per capita income communities in Spain, Aleia is the center of a wine region with its own world famous DO. Especially favored by the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí, this pretty mountain town is the perfect choice for those seeking peace, fresh air and panoramic sea views. The old part keeps the remains of ancient chapels and estates, and the new areas are densely built up with luxurious villas of wealthy Barcelona residents, who are gradually moving here for permanent residence. Aleya is small, almost 10,000 inhabitants, but it has all the necessary infrastructure – there are schools, shops, banks, restaurants, a number of large industrial enterprises. The beaches and Masnou train station are just 3 km away, providing easy access to Barcelona.

    Sant Cugat de Vallès – luxury business center

    Sant Cugat del Vallès is the nearest suburb of Barcelona, ​​located 20 minutes from its center. One of the most respectable residential areas in the region is characterized by a large number of high-profile housing, green areas and elite international educational institutions, including Japan College and ESADE Business School, which makes it a great place for families with children. Sant Cugat, which has an ancient history today, is an exemplary business center with the largest concentration of headquarters of Spanish and foreign corporations in Catalonia, including Television of Spain, Hewlett-Packard, Adidas, Nespresso, Boehringer Ingelheim and thousands more companies included in the Innovation Triangle of Catalonia ( Catalonia Innovation Triangle). A practical choice for businessmen with families who want to live in a spacious house with a garden and a swimming pool 10 km from the capital.

    La Garriga – the land of thermal waters

    La Garriga is another “point of attraction” for wealthy residents of the capital, located in the heart of the picturesque region of Vallès Oriental, 40 minutes from Barcelona. Famous for its healing thermal waters, this is a rather large tourist center, which, at the same time, has not lost its provincial tranquility and comfort. In addition to the important modernist heritage, there is all the infrastructure necessary for life – schools, a university, clinics, shopping malls, restaurants and health resorts, widely known throughout the world. An excellent choice for those who wish to live in close proximity to the metropolis, enjoying the peace, thermal waters and clean air of the dense pine forests of Montseny Park.

    Castelldefels – fish delicacies for Messi

    The resting place of the elite, royalty and celebrities from all over the world Castelldefels is considered the most prestigious and comfortable suburb of Barcelona. Located just 20 minutes from its center, the town has everything you need for a relaxing life all year round: clean sandy beaches, the largest sports port in Spain, developed infrastructure, excellent restaurants and a record number of reputable international educational institutions and sports schools. Castelldefels is an unspoken “recreation center” for the players of the legendary FC Barcelona – they say that Leo Messi has managed to buy several houses here. Prices for local real estate are not cheap, and yet, this is a good alternative to capital housing. The resort is conveniently connected to Barcelona by rail, bus lines and the road network.

    Gava Mar – the fashionable residence of Garraf

    Those who dream of relaxation in their own house by the sea, not far from the “sea capital”, should take a closer look at the quiet old town of Gava Mar, immersed in the greenery of the Garraf pine trees. This is one of the most fashionable resorts on the Costa Garraf, with excellent transport links to Barcelona (25 km) and El Prat International Airport (6 km). Sheltered from the winds by a mountain range, the city has a special microclimate, so water sports can be practiced here almost all year round. Real estate in Gava Mar, almost entirely composed of elite residential areas, is in high demand among the “stars” of politics, sports and art, looking for a break from the tourist bustle of the capital. The main advantages of the resort are excellent ecology, high-quality housing and magnificent sandy beaches with a gentle slope and a small number of tourists.

    Sitges – Spanish Saint-Tropez

    Located 20 minutes from Barcelona, ​​Sitges is once a quiet fishing village, but now the most fashionable resort of the Costa Garraf and its unspoken “gay capital”. The tourist boom of the 60s turned it into the Spanish St. Tropez, with endless parties, festivals and carnivals. In addition, as one of the oldest ports on the coast, Sitges has a special architectural character and excellent beaches, recognized as the best in Europe, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families with young children. Elite villas and houses are concentrated in urbanizations on the surrounding hills – as a rule, these are author’s housing with panoramic views of the sea, gardens and pools, where world celebrities of all stripes like to settle in the summer.

    Sant Pere de Ribes – mountain charm

    Quieter than its party neighbor Sitges, Sant Pere is another place for lovers of solitude and harmony with nature. This white town captivates at first sight with its shady old streets with towers and charming houses. But this modesty is twofold: the area is widely known for its exclusive equestrian clubs, tennis, golf and prestigious wineries. In addition, this area of ​​the Garraf coast occupies one of the leading places in terms of living standards, thanks to the environment, the quality of housing and well-developed infrastructure. The surroundings of the town almost entirely consist of status residential complexes and urbanizations with panoramic sea views, whose residents enjoy incomparable peace, and if they wish, they go to Sitges and Barcelona for sunbathing and entertainment.

    Esplugues, a green satellite city

    Barcelona’s satellite Esplugues de Llobregat is a vivid example of how a typical industrial center can turn into a status and business center with exclusive housing. In addition to the infrastructure of an elite residential area, it has a well-preserved core of the Old Town, immersed in the greenery of parks, which gives the place originality and a special charm. It is here that one of the best children’s medical hospitals in Europe, Sant Joan de Deu, is located, known for its innovations, as well as elite sports clubs and prestigious shopping malls. Connected to Barcelona by a convenient transport network, Esplugues is becoming increasingly popular with foreign investors looking for quality of life and good ecology.

    Instead of imprisonment

    Despite the numerous “pluses”, living in a metropolis is sometimes a dubious pleasure. In addition, it is expensive: for many years, the average cost per square meter in Barcelona has been 2-3 times higher than the national average. It is not surprising, therefore, that many Catalans are gradually moving out of the city, where, in addition to fresh air and clean sea, they receive quality housing at a much more adequate price. However, most of Barcelona’s satellite towns are colorful, charming places with ancient history, well-developed infrastructure and precise transport links, making them an ideal base for Catalans working or doing business in the capital. Each has its own “pros” and “cons”, but the general advantages of country life are obvious, among them:

    • Fresh air and clean deserted beaches, due to the remoteness from tourist centers and the absence of industrial facilities in the city.
    • High-quality spacious housing, better equipped and with features that are practically unavailable in the city – swimming pool, large garden, proximity to the sea, eco-garden, etc.
    • Low real estate prices – the difference in cost with the capital’s square meters is better spent on design or home improvement.
    • Warm neighborly relations, inaccessible in the frantic pace of life in the metropolis.
    • More economical accommodation – democratic prices and better quality of products, seafood and some services, as well as the opportunity to harvest your own crops.
    • The high status of the owner of his own house on the Mediterranean coast.

    The peace and well-being of the whole family depends on the right choice of a place to live. A house in the suburbs is a worthy alternative to real estate in the capital of Catalonia itself and an excellent solution for those who strive to live in harmony with nature, enjoying silence, clean beaches, quality housing in exclusive urbanizations and the measured way of life of the Spaniards, and at the same time do not give up the charms of the capital region.

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    Catalonia Spain: sights of the region, resorts and beaches

    March 26, 2021

    Catalonia in Spain – you must have heard about this region at least once, even if you do not follow closely the life of the sunny Kingdom. It is located on the Mediterranean Sea and is world famous for its picturesque beaches of Costa Brava, Daurada, Maresme and Garraf. But for lovers of skiing, the region is also interesting, because in its provinces of Lleida and Girona are the formidable Pyrenees.

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    Cities and regions of Spain


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    Sitges in Spain: resort attractions, beaches and weather

    February 19, 2021

    Sitges is a city that only pretends to be a rustic fishing village, but is actually one of the most fashionable resorts in Spain, where life is in full swing all year round. Since the tourist boom of the 60s of the last century, it has rightfully enjoyed the glory of the second Saint-Tropez, where champagne never tires of foaming at endless parties, festivals, carnivals, including for the public of non-traditional sexual orientation. Among other things, this is one of the oldest ports of the Costa Garraf, with sandy beaches, recognized by many experts as the best in Europe. It is not surprising, therefore, that world celebrities of all stripes choose the place for recreation and life: the hills surrounding the city are strewn with elite designer villas with flowering gardens and sea views.

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    Costa Brava region on the map of Spain: a list of attractions and cities on the coast

    March 30, 2020

    The Costa Brava in northern Spain is a picturesque stretch of coastline between Blanes and the French border. “Coral Coast”, “Selva Marina”, “Greek Catalonia” – as soon as this land of high cliffs crashing into the sea and cozy bays overgrown with pine trees was called before, until the name “Wild Coast” took root with the light hand of the poet Ferran Agullo.

    Just half a century ago, the region was just a series of fishing villages, whose inhabitants knew the sea like the back of their hand and cultivated grapes and olives. With the development of tourism, they have become world-renowned resorts, retaining their originality and charm. All the towns are connected by a dotted line along the Camino de Ronda trail, which runs along the very coastline, formerly used to transport goods by sea, and today restored for everyone who knows how to appreciate the true beauty of the Costa de Bravo, as some call it.

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    Catalonia on the map of Spain: cities around Barcelona

    Those who are fond of fine arts often associate this region with the great surrealist Salvador Dali, who was born, lived and founded his unique Museum-Theater in Figueres. In architectural reference books, the region is necessarily mentioned in connection with the style of “Catalan modernism” and the name of Antoni Gaudí. And in the region, countless medieval buildings have been preserved, which never cease to inspire new stories for modern writers and directors. If you haven’t read Falcones’ Cathedral by the Sea yet and missed Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona, ​​we highly recommend them!

    By the way, it will be interesting here not only for lovers of history and antiquities. The major cities of Catalonia keep up with the times and invite contemporary architects and artists, creating such unique projects as, for example, the futuristic @22 quarter of Barcelona, ​​whose skyscrapers resemble New York Manhattan, or the grandiose GarGar graffiti festival in the municipality of Penelles in the province of Lleida. The region hosts the most important exhibition of innovative technologies – the Mobile World Congress, as well as many major contemporary music festivals: Primavera Sound, Sonar, Voll-Damm Jazz Festival.

    If you are ready to take a virtual tour of this curious region with us, then read the article below, in which we will tell you more about all the local features and give some ideas for cultural activities.

    Major major cities

    In Spain, Catalonia has the status of an autonomous region. Its four largest settlements – Barcelona, ​​Girona, Lleida and Tarragona – are the capitals of the provinces of the same name in this region.

    The capital of the region, Barcelona, ​​is often referred to by the locals as the “Count’s City” (La Ciudad Condal). People like to contrast its cosmopolitan and slightly alternative atmosphere with the more pompous Madrid, which is very reminiscent of the eternal confrontation between the native St. Petersburg and Moscow.

    The city is so elegant and steeped in history that it rivals metropolises such as London, Paris and Rome for world tourism leadership. And its main trump card, of course, is access to the sea. Although it itself is quite compact in size – just over 100 km2 – and about 1,700,000 people live in it, there are countless sights here.

    What makes the city of Barcelona so special in Catalonia and Spain? First of all, a huge concentration of architectural buildings in the Art Nouveau style (late XIX – early XX century). They can be seen by walking around the Eixample and El Born districts. These are, for example, the Palace of Music and the hospital of Sant Pau Domenech i Muntaner, the buildings of Puig i Cadafalca, as well as the creations of the great Antonio Gaudi: the houses of Batllo, Mila and Sagrada Familia.

    Also in the Catalan capital there are many interesting parks and protected areas where it is nice to hide from the heat in the summer months, have a picnic, go for a run with friends. These are Ciutadella, Guell, Orta Labyrinth, Montjuic, Guinardo.

    It is also where the 1992 Olympic Games were held. Then the provincial town was significantly modernized: the beaches were cleared and put in order and architects and artists of world renown were invited to work. For example, the famous pop art master American Roy Lichtenstein became the author of the sculpture “The Face of Barcelona” in the old port!

    From that moment to this day, the Catalan capital keeps up with the times, constantly transforms and never ceases to amaze. Now expanse for architectural experiments is the area @22 in Poblenou. Due to the concentration of skyscrapers made of glass and concrete of phantasmagoric forms, it is more reminiscent of New York or the City of London. And the whimsical Media-TIC building, designed with sustainable materials in 2007 by local studio Cloud-9, won the Grand Prix of the International Architectural Festival-2011!

    Another significant city for Catalonia and the whole of Spain in terms of historical sights and resorts is Tarragona. It is located one and a half hours drive from Barcelona, ​​washed by the Mediterranean Sea and is the largest center on the Costa Daurada. During the era of the Roman Empire, it was Tarragona that was elected the capital of the province of Tarraco. Ancient sights that have survived to this day and are recognized as a UNESCO heritage are reminiscent of this time: a huge amphitheater and a circus, part of the grandiose Les Ferreres aqueduct and city walls.

    In Spain, the Catalan province of Tarragona and its sandy beaches are often associated with summer holidays for families with children who come here with pleasure to spend a few days by the sea and visit the huge amusement park Port Aventura located in these parts.

    The city of Girona is often referred to as “Florence in miniature”. First of all, because its panorama of colored houses along the Onyar River seems very consonant, opening from a bright bridge, which was designed by Gustav Eiffel himself. And also because Girona has more than two thousand years of history. Its main attraction is the luxurious Cathedral of the fourteenth century. Its beauty really boggles the imagination – after all, it was not for nothing that it was chosen as the location for filming some episodes of the sensational American TV series “Game of Thrones”!

    The province of Lleida is the only one in the Autonomous Community that has no access to the sea. But it is here that one of the highest points in the Pyrenees, the “Peak of the States”, or in Catalan La Pica d´Estats (3142 meters) is located! The area is home to the amazing natural reserves of Cadi Moxero and Aiguastortas and the medieval castles of Florejax, Balaguer and Verdu.

    In the capital of the province of the same name, the city of Lleida, you can see one of the main attractions of the region of Catalonia and all of Spain – Seu Velha Cathedral, founded in the ninth century during the Arab rule. In the twelfth century it was consecrated and turned into the first Christian church in the region. The monumental complex was erected on a hill, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surroundings. By the way, it was this historical monument that was recognized as the most beloved among the Catalans in the popular television program “Battle of the Monuments” on the LaSexta channel, the final of which took place in February 2021.

    Geographical position

    Catalonia is truly strategically located on the map of Spain. In the north it borders with Andorra and France, in the west with the region of Aragon, and in the southwest with the Valencian Community.

    From Russia there is a direct flight connection with the Barcelona airport Josep Tarradellas – El Prat. From many European cities, this autonomous community is easily accessible by regular bus or train. The railway connection with southern France is especially well established. So, in just forty minutes from the “Count’s city” you can get to Perpignan, and trains run at least four times a day. To the legendary Lyon, a direct train route will take five hours.

    Weather in Catalonia

    The region has a Mediterranean climate with moderate winter and summer temperatures. Nevertheless, in the mountainous regions, especially near the Pyrenees (Lerida zone and part of the province of Girona), winters are much colder, the wind is more severe, and summers, on the contrary, are drier and much hotter.

    The rainiest months in the region are in spring and autumn. At the end of winter, local forecasters often warn of severe storms and almost hurricane-force winds, the speed of which can reach 50-80 km/h. An example of this is the Gloria whirlwind, pretty shabby beach areas of the Costa Maresme and Costa Brava in early January 2020.

    In general, compared to central and southern Spain, the weather in Catalonia is much more comfortable and the climate is milder. So, in the hottest month, August, in Barcelona the thermometer mark, as a rule, does not exceed twenty-eight degrees, while in the Spanish capital it is plus thirty-three Celsius. January temperatures in the “count’s city” rarely fall below +5°C, while in Madrid they can easily reach zero and -1°C.

    Transport

    The transport network in the region is well developed, if we talk about large settlements. Barcelona, ​​Tarragona, Girona are major bus and rail hubs.

    However, to get from the capital to many small picturesque towns, as well as to most of the legendary beaches of Catalonia in the Costa Brava region, you will have to make many inconvenient transfers. Therefore, it is most convenient to travel around the region by car. The roads here are good, and there is always a choice between a toll autobahn and a slightly longer regional highway.

    Airports

    There are four international airports in the region. The largest, El Prat named after Josep Tarradellas, is located fifteen kilometers from Barcelona.

    The city of Reus in Tarragona has its own airport, which is served by many European airlines. It is convenient for tourists traveling to the resorts of Catalonia on the Costa Daurada. The airport next to Girona is a great option for traveling around the Costa Brava. Lleida’s small airport is in high demand during the ski season.

    Seaports

    Yacht owners and watersports enthusiasts will find harbors equipped for small boats in almost all of the region’s iconic resort towns. On the Costa Brava, belonging to the province of Girona, these are, for example, Empuriabrava, Estartit, La Escala, Blanes. On the Costa Maresme – Sitges, Mataro and Masnou. On the coasts of Costa Daurada – Torredembara and Cambrils.

    And the metropolitan Barcelona and Tarragona are two cities of Catalonia, which on the map of Spain from time immemorial to this day are very important ports of international importance, where large cruise liners and cargo ships arrive.

    Road network

    Traveling by car in the region is in most cases convenient and pleasant. More than twelve thousand kilometers of roads have been built here. However, one should not underestimate the specifics of the natural landscape of some areas and distances. Near the cities of Portbou and Cadaqués, driving a car can seem tedious and incredibly difficult because of the breathtaking mountain serpentines. Well, if you plan to cross Catalonia from north to south, then it will take at least three and a half to four hours.

    Trains

    Barcelona Sants Station is the departure point for the AVE high-speed long-distance trains to other parts of Spain (Madrid, Valencia, Pamplona), as well as to France (Marseille, Paris, Toulouse, Lyon). In 2024, it is planned to open a direct night train line from the “county city” to Zurich.

    It is convenient to move around the region with the help of electric trains Rodalies. It is especially pleasant to ride them along the lines laid along the picturesque coasts of Catalonia, the Costa Maresme and the Costa Garraf.

    Culture

    Local people like to emphasize their identity and the difference between their native land and other regions of Spain. So, they are very proud of their official language, Catalan, which is compulsory in all schools. It is spoken on local television and radio, taught at universities, written in newspapers, and staged drama performances in theaters.

    The region also has its own unique official holidays, different from the general Spanish calendar of days off. For example, September 24 is the day of the patroness of Barcelona, ​​Saint La Merce, on which a grand pyrotechnic show and a lot of street concerts are held. Catalans have a little more Christmas holidays than other residents of Spain, because they celebrate not only the 25th, but also the 26th of December – St. Stephen’s Day.

    Fine Arts

    You probably know that many world famous artists come from Catalonia! We list the most famous of them:

    • The genius of surrealism, Salvador Dali, whose works can be viewed at the theater-museum in Figueres.

    • A native of the “Count’s City” Joan Miro, who worked in a unique abstract manner at the intersection of surrealism and primitivism. The museum of his works is located on Mount Montjuic.

    • Anthony Tapies, who created many paintings and sculptures in the genre of abstract expressionism. His museum is located at the intersection of Aragon and Rambla de Cataluña in Barcelona.

    • Alfonso Alzamora is one of the most successful contemporary artists on the world market, working in an abstract style. His sculptures and canvases are exhibited in the Can Framis Museum.

    By the way, there are a lot of quality museums in the capital of the region, which will appeal to lovers of fine art, both classical and modern. Take note of the Museu Nacional d´Art de Cataluña, the Caixa Forum, the MACBA Museum of Contemporary Art and the Picasso Museum. Yes, the master of cubism lived for several years in Barcelona and left a considerable legacy of his early works to the city.

    Popular culture

    Almost every city in Catalonia has its own festive week, during which the main streets are decorated, handicraft fairs are held, musicians are invited, typical local dishes are prepared. One of the popular and obligatory points of the program is the performance of the sardane dancers, as well as the battle of the castellers.

    Carnival celebrations in the middle of February are also very popular in the region. It is especially bright in Barcelona and Sitges.

    The region also celebrates its own “Valentine’s Day” on April 23rd. By tradition, countless roses are sold on the streets and book markets and presentations of literary novelties are arranged.

    What cities to see in Catalonia

    Sights are everywhere, and not only in the previously mentioned capitals of the four provinces. Local leisure magazines and travel websites keep publishing more and more tips on where to get out on the weekends.

    Peratallhaada, Besalú and Castelfolit de la Roca lead the list of the most beautiful medieval towns. Fans of fauna and flora should definitely visit the Delta del Ebro Nature Reserve or the Butterfly Park in Castello de Empurias.

    Hiking near Barcelona can be found in the Montseny mountain reserve or Montserrat rock. And if you’re interested in art, head to Cadaqués to visit the residence of Salvador Dalí, or Montreutx, where Joan Miro’s workshop is located.

    As you can see, the choice of places to travel in this area is not a problem and depends solely on your interests, time and mood.

    Other things to do

    Another great idea for your leisure time in this region is a beach holiday. In Spain, the resorts of Catalonia are leading in popularity among tourists of absolutely different ages and categories due to the well-established infrastructure and natural diversity.

    So, the coast of the region is usually divided into four zones:

    • Costa Garraf (Castelldefels, Sitges, Gava, Vilanova i la Geltru). Located near El Prat Airport, and only half an hour by car from the capital of the region.

    • Costa Daurada (Tamarit, Calafell, Salou, Cambrils, La Pineda) is located in the south of the autonomous region and is part of the province of Tarragona.

    • Costa Maresme (Masnou, Mataro, Arenys de Mar, Sant Pol de Mar) is located north of Barcelona. According to the statistics of our company Barcelona Realty Group, a third of the requests from clients looking for housing on the sea in Catalonia falls on this region. Thanks to the excellent climate and good transport links with the capital, investment in real estate here pays off in full.

    • Costa Brava (Blanes. Lloret de Mar, Tamariu, Calella de Palafrugell, La Escala, Estartit, Tossa del Mar, Cadaqués) is the northernmost coast of the region, which is part of the province of Girona and borders on France. Famous for its rocky bays, it has always been a favorite vacation spot for European bohemians and aristocracy.

    Shops and markets

    Shopping lovers will not be bored. For trendy designer clothes, head to Barcelona. It also hosts the 080 Barcelona Fashion Week twice a year. In search of European brands, we advise you to take a walk along the streets of Diagonal, Passeig de Gracia and Portal del Angel. The Born metropolitan area will surprise you with boutiques with original clothes and colorful accessories created by local fashion designers.

    In many cities, the culture of flea markets is very developed – books, antiques, vintage clothes. As a rule, they are held on weekends in the main squares to the accompaniment of a DJ. This is a popular place for friendly meetings and an occasion to skip a glass of aperitif.

    Cafes and restaurants

    The region is proud of its culinary traditions. For 2021, there are as many as 55 Michelin-starred restaurants in the region. The cities of Girona, Barcelona and Tarragona are leading in terms of the number of stars. If you love Mediterranean cuisine, the choice of quality restaurants will be huge almost anywhere in this region.

    And if you are not yet tempted by molecular cuisine, it’s time to do it in Catalonia. After all, this is the birthplace of the legendary chefs Roca (El Celler de Can Roca restaurant) and Ferran Adria (El Bulli), who plans to open the first exhibition center dedicated to experimental cooking in the province of Girona in 2022.