Barcelona, located at the Mediterranean Sea in the very north of the Spanish coast, is the self-confident and progressive capital of Catalunya. Barcelona has the reputation of being the avant-garde capital of Spain, especially in design and architecture. Some people say that Barcelona is Spain's most European city because it is always open to new ideas and trends. The city has an old history, and there are monuments of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods or still before, but most characteristic is what has been built during the last 100 years. Barcelona has been a centre of modernist architecture and is distinguished especially by the works of the genial artist Antoní Gaudí. Many of his most extraordinary works are to be found in Barcelona. Come to visit and enjoy them!
 

The landscape of Barcelona

In the Catalan frontier area between Spain and France lie the Pyrenees Mountains. As they approach the Mediterranean Sea, they progressively decrease in height to create the Cap de Creus, a small peninsula. From the end of the last century, the landscape was gradually ordered by the cultivation of vines. Vineyards extend across the terrain, from the top of the mountains down to the edges of the sea creating an exceptional landscape.

Large cities in Barcelona

Away from the sea, you should catch the cable car or mountain railway up the soaring cliff face to visit the Romanesque Montserrat Monastery that has drawn pilgrims for a thousand years. In the region of the Vallés lies the Cugat Monastery of 11th century. Visit the beautiful Sitges, with freshly whitewashed houses and wide beach, one of the most traditional and beloved holiday places along the coast and the vineyards of Penedés home of the "Cava", the famous Spanish sparkling wine Sant Sadurní d'Anoia.

Tourist attractions in Barcelona

You shouldn’t miss the city's historical Gothic Quarter with the Gothic Cathedral and las Ramblas, a boulevard of a length of about 2 km, which is the best place to watch people go by, to stroll or relax.

Don’t forget the port dominated by the tower of Colón, the mountain of Montjuic with the “pueblo español” and the amusement park of Tibidabo. But the most unforgettable monuments of Barcelona are those art-nouveau style monuments of Antoni Gaudí as the great cathedral Sagrada Familia, the Park Güell and the Palacio Güell.

Sports activities in Barcelona

Barcelona has always been a city that lives and breathes sports. Today, and thanks in large part to the legacy of the 1992 Olympic Games there is an outstanding set of cultural and sports facilities on the hill of Montjuïc together with the revitalized Old Port area and the beachside Port Olímpic development. There are among others Tennis (Conde de Godó International Trophi tournament), Formula 1 Racing at Montmeló, Sailing and Water sports (several regattas are held every year) and Skiing in the Pyrenees.

Gastronomic characteristics of Barcelona

Among the best-known recipes of Barcelona there are stews, as La escudella i carn d'olla, made of vegetables, rice, noodles and potatoes, Faves a la catalana and Arroz a la cazuela similar to Paella.

Fish specialities are "Zarzuela", made of cuttlefish, mussels and prawn, and its more luxurious version, "La Opera", additionally with lobster. A Typical dessert is Crema Catalana.

Especially remarkable among the wines of Catalonia are the red wines from Peralda, Alella, Priorat and Tarragona, white wines from Penedés and of course the famous Cava (sparkling wine).

The climate of Barcelona

Barcelona’s climate is very hot and humid in summer time with temperatures averaging 28º but in late spring and early autumn the weather is still comfortably warm around 21-25.